Disgruntled taxpayers in Pennsylvania would have a new option for disputing their tax bills under legislation approved last week by a state Senate panel. Republican Senator Tim Hutchinson’s bill would create an independent settlement process, potentially avoiding protracted court battles over tax bills. Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity voiced her support for the legislation in a statement. She says the proposal would resolve issues more quickly, which would free up the state to focus on more complex cases. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is opposed to the legislation. A similar bill is pending in the state House, sponsored by Representative Tim Briggs, a Montgomery County Democrat.