Bill would allow municipalities to give taxpayer info to third parties

Legislation that would allow municipalities to share sensitive financial data with third parties in an effort to capture more tax revenue is again moving through the General Assembly.

Rep. Chris Welch, D-Hillside, the main sponsor of House Bill 2717, said it's needed now more than ever.

"I think first and foremost it's good because it allows local government more options at a time where everyone is looking for money, everyone is turning over pillow cushions for lost coins," Welch said. "This is good policy just for that reason. This bill would allow local governments to hire consultants to find money that they currently don't have."

Additionally, the local governments could enter into contracts where they wouldn't have to reimburse the private companies unless they found revenue that hasn't been collected.

Read more: http://www.sj-r.com/news/20170311/bill-would-allow-municipalities-to-give-taxpayer-info-to-third-parties