House Bill 16, a revision to how an infrastructure loan program and an "infrastructure use fee" tax credit interact, advanced on second reading after the House rejected an amendment that would have preserved language allowing infrastructure loans to be considered when determining whether a project raises wages or business incomes.

Representative Brewster, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure removes the ability for a taxpayer to both claim the tax credit and deduct the infrastructure-use fee, saying the change "prohibits people from double dipping. They can either have the tax credit or have the deduction. So they have to choose between them. They can't have both." Brewster noted the bill’s fiscal note estimated roughly $18,000 in tax effects.

Representative Rivas offered an amendment (HB16.001.002) that would have retained the existing statutory language allowing the infrastructure loan board to consider whether projects raise wages or incomes when making loans. Rivas said the change would keep a tool in the toolbox to encourage not just job creation but higher-paying jobs, noting that some businesses were unaware the loans could serve that purpose and that the Department of Labor did not oppose keeping current law. She urged the House to "give our businesses a little more time to learn about these underutilized infrastructure loans. Please vote yes on the amendment."

Representative Brewster characterized the amendment as "unfriendly," saying the bill and its elements had been vetted through interim and tax committees and that changes of this scope should be introduced as separate bills for full committee consideration.

The House voted first on the amendment: 38 in favor, 62 opposed; the amendment failed. On the underlying motion to recommend HB 16 do pass, the House recorded 99 votes in favor and 1 opposed; the bill passed second reading.

The bill will be reported out of the committee of the whole as recommended and proceed through the chamber’s remaining steps.