A bill that would allow county governments to raise taxes without a vote of the people stalled this week in the House of Representatives County and Municipal Government Committee. 

HB 131 by Rep. Jim Hill, R-Moody, would allow counties to levy and collect additional privilege taxes, excise taxes, alcoholic beverage taxes, and sales and use taxes with or without a referendum. The bill would give county commissions the sole discretion to raise taxes and determine whether to put the increase before the people for a vote.

The legislation drew strong opposition from conservative groups and those supporting greater accountability in government. Committee Chairman Reed Ingram, R-Montgomery, indicated the measure is dead for the session.