Delaware school districts could stand to gain as much as $32 million in back property taxes under legislation moving through the General Assembly.
A bill from House Minority Leader Danny Short (R-Seaford) would allow the districts to collect what they’re owed by intercepting state tax return money.
Short introduced the legislation in April last year, but it was never brought to the floor until last week, passing 38 to zero.
Refund checks can currently be diverted to pay for child support and debts to the state like court fees.
In interviews with Delaware Public Media, Short says that money could be used to fund education initiatives instead of increasing base funding.
The bill now needs approval from state senators and Gov. Jack Markell’s signature before becoming law.