The proposed bill, H.B. No. 151, aims to promote transparency in state taxation by establishing a new chapter in the Tax Code titled "Honesty in State Taxation." It includes legislative findings that state taxes have often been obscured by being labeled as "fees," "levies," "surcharges," "assessments," "fines," or "penalties." The bill defines "regulatory tax" and mandates that the legislature and state agencies must accurately identify state taxes in all new statutes, resolutions, and agency rules, ensuring that these charges are not misrepresented under different terminologies.

Additionally, the bill requires state agencies to amend any references to state charges that are not correctly identified as state taxes in their rules, materials, publications, and electronic media. It also establishes a review process for state agencies to ensure compliance with the new terminology requirements. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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