Senate passes tax bill with sunsets

After agreeing to an amendment that gives Republicans the expiration date they wanted on tax hikes, the Senate has approved the $781 million package by a vote of 17-4.

Republicans Mark Amodei, Barbara Cegavske, Mike McGinness and Maurice Washington voted against the deal. All 12 Democrats and five Republicans voted in favor of it.

The increases in sales tax, payroll tax, motor vehicle registration tax and business license fees now go to the Assembly, where they also must receive a two-thirds supermajority. The Assembly has already held debate on the measure.

Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, gave Republicans the sunset clauses they wanted, which will make most of the taxes expire after two years. He also agreed to eliminate provisions creating an interim tax study.