The Legislative Assembly cleared the way for cities to declare a tax amnesty for those who owe property taxes. 42 of the 43 representatives present approved the plan, which is likely to pass in a second debate on Tuesday. Under the plan, cities may forgive penalties, interest and service charges for those who pay the actual taxes they owe. Local governments are owed 30 billion colones and the plan’s promoters expect that they can recover 12 billion under the plan.

The plan will become effective 2 months after it is published in La Gaceta, which would be as early as June. The cities can offer the amnesty for up to 1 year and cannot declare amnesties less than 12 months apart.