April 20, 2007


OLYMPIA – Small timber harvesters are about to get a bit of tax relief thanks to legislation signed by Governor Gregoire yesterday.  House Bill 1513, sponsored by Rep. Lynn Kessler (D – Hoquiam), exempts them from paying the Business & Occupation  (B&O) tax if their gross receipts are less than $100,000 per year.  Thereafter, they only pay the tax on the amount over $100,000.

“Until now, if a timber harvester went over $100,000 in sales – even by a single dollar – they had to pay taxes on the entire amount.  For a small company struggling to compete in today’s economy, that could be a real burden,” Kessler said.  “These companies provide family-wage jobs in my district, so I wanted to give them a little bit of help to ease that burden.”

HB 1513 also applies a reduced B&O tax rate to sales of standing timber, and exempts such sales from real estate excise taxes within a certain time frame.  Additionally, products made with pulp derived from reclaimed paper or paper products would also receive a preferential B&O tax rate.

Last year, the legislature passed a bill that gave the forest products industry the same tax rate that kept Boeing from leaving the state, and was intended to keep the industry competitive with international competition.

Also on Tuesday, the Governor signed legislation adding porphyria to the list of disabilities eligible for special parking privileges.

HB 1000, also sponsored by Rep. Kessler, allows people suffering from the porphyria to obtain special parking privileges from the Department of Licensing. 

Porphyria is a metabolic disorder that is exacerbated by exposure of skin to ultraviolet light.  Such exposure can cause burning, blistering, swelling and scarring of the skin.  The disease is life-threatening and has no cure. Those suffering from the disorder often wear special suits to protect themselves when outdoors.

“It goes without saying that people with porphyria shouldn’t expose their skin to sunlight, even on a cloudy day.  Just walking down the street can cause painful symptoms,” Kessler said.  “The ability to park as close to a building’s entrance as possible will be a big help to those who live with this disorder on a daily basis.”

Both bills become effective on July 1, 2007.

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For more information:

State Rep. Lynn Kessler (360) 786-7904

Website and print-quality image: housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/kessler/

Media staff contact: Jennifer Zahn Spieler (360) 786-7201

Bill information

HB 1000: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/Summary.aspx?bill=1000&year=2007

HB 1513: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/Summary.aspx?bill=1513&year=2007

Radio and TV News Directors: To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or 360.786.7208.