Does a bill to continue to cut business taxes help just large businesses or all businesses? That was the question raised during a Senate Ways and Means Committee hearing on an omnibus tax and fee bill.

Senate Bill 13 would also increase exemptions on the interest and dividends tax, but the key focus was on continuing cutting the business profits tax and business enterprise tax rates, without regard to how much revenue comes in.

The rate-cutting language mirrors that in House Bill 10, which has been introduced by House Speaker Sherman Packard. It would decrease the rate of the BPT from the current 7.7% to 7.6% this year and 7.5% in 2022. It would also decrease the BET — a tax based on a company’s payroll, interest and dividends — from 0.6% to 0.55% this year and then 0.5% the next.

The bill also removes triggers included as a compromise during the last year budget. They would have allowed the rate cuts only if revenue had increased by more than 6% but would allow increases if revenue falls as much.

The proposal would cost the general fund $53.7 million over the next four years, according to the fiscal note filed with the bill, though supporters contend that the business it would attract and grow would offset that.

The show of leadership support indicates that lawmakers are likely to cut business taxes this year, but the exact rate will probably be set in the budget.