SACRAMENTO- An assembly bill to promote transparency in decisions made by the state Board of Equalization (BOE) was approved in the California State Assembly Wednesday.

The BOE’s website currently lists formal opinions dating back to 1930. In the 1980’s the Board published a total of 1,615 formal opinions, but from 2000–2010 the Board only published 32 formal opinions.
“We need to shine a light on the decisions being made by the BOE,” Assemblymember Perea said. “The taxpayers have a right to know.”

AB 2323, Public Disclosure and Accountability of Tax Decisions, introduced by Assemblymember Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno) would require the BOE publish and make available written formal legal opinions or written memorandum opinions for cases in which the amount in controversy equals or exceeds $500,000 on its website.

Public Disclosure and Accountability of Tax Decisions moves to the Senate for further discussion.