I knew my bill was doomed.

House Bill 148 would reduce the interest rate on unpaid taxes from 13% to 3 points above the prime rate.

The problem: its cost.   As introduced, $41 million in the next fiscal year; under the amendment that I offered to phase in the change, $9 million.

Given the state’s fiscal problems and the legislature’s intent to restore funding for K-12 education, we are not going to pass a bill with either price tag.

But there’s always next year.

After the hearing ended, I turned to a business lobbyist who had testified alongside me.

I asked him to put this issue on his agenda for Hogan Administration bills next year.

He agreed to do so.

I will follow up with him this summer.