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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — A Republican state lawmaker wants to levy property taxes on public colleges and universities for property they rent to commercial businesses or use for a "nonpublic purpose."
Rep. Micah Neal of Springdale told the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (http://bit.ly/1Qzgx53 ) his bill is in response to a state Supreme Court ruling that says the University of Arkansas doesn't have to pay property taxes to Washington County.
Neal said restaurants in UA's Arkansas Union and a dental office in UA's Garland Center should require UA to pay property taxes.
UA spokesman Mark Rushing said the university doesn't support the proposal and that it would give local assessors "unfettered discretion" to determine whether property is used for nonpublic purposes.
Neal said he hopes the bill will be included in a special legislative session in April.
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Information from: Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.nwaonline.com
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