KTKA

Topeka — A legislative committee on Tuesday advanced to the full House a bill that would raise taxes by $169 million by eliminating exemptions to the state sales tax.

Most of the new revenue would come from taxing residential water, electric and natural gas bills, which are now exempt from the 5.3 percent state sales tax rate. The bill would also remove the state sales tax exemption for religious organizations.

The House Taxation Committee on a voice vote sent the bill to the full House “without recommendation.”

That means the bill is available for debate in the House.

Committee Chair Richard Carlson, R-St. Marys, said he opposes the bill but believes it should be considered by the full House.

During discussion on the bill, amendments were made to restore exemptions for non-profit organizations and home repairs.

Legislators are searching for revenue to close a shortfall that has surpassed $400 million. The state has already implemented nearly $1 billion in cuts in what was once a $6.4 billion state budget.