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Committee backs tax‑return donation program to fund diaper grants for nonprofits
Summary
Representatives advanced a bill allowing voluntary contributions on state tax returns to fund nonprofit diaper distribution grants; committee recommended the bill 10–2 after supporters described growing need and usage figures.
SALT LAKE CITY — Lawmakers on the House Health and Human Services Committee voted to favorably recommend House Bill 5‑47, a measure that would create a voluntary tax‑return donation fund to finance grants for nonprofit diaper banks and other organizations that distribute diapers to families in need.
Representative Dominguez, the bill sponsor, said the program would not draw from general funds but would allow Utah taxpayers to donate on their state returns to a diaper and essentials fund administered by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. The department would award grants to qualified nonprofits to distribute diapers to vulnerable families. The sponsor said qualifying organizations must have been established at least five years to receive grants.
Speakers described growing need. Victor Valovis, founder of the Utah Diaper Bank, said his organization distributed about 1.9 million diapers last year and still faced shortages late in the month. Ted Chaofon of Little Lamb’s Foundation said his organization serves 90 agencies statewide. Mallory Wheat, a private citizen, told the committee that diapers are not covered by SNAP or WIC and that lack of access can cause health and childcare barriers.
Representative Clancy moved adoption of the substitute and later moved favorable recommendation; the committee voted 10–2 to advance the bill. Representative Gracious and Representative Abbott recorded nay votes in the roll call; other members voted to send the measure to the House floor.
The committee and supporters said the grant program is designed to help existing nonprofit partners expand distribution and to raise public awareness about the unmet need.
