House approves $90 million property-tax cut package and 45% residential exemption after late-night debate

The Utah House late Monday approved Senate Bill 254, a property‑tax reduction the record describes as a roughly $90,000,000 tax‑cut proposal, after adopting several sponsor amendments. The bill passed the House and was returned to the Senate. Representative Stevens, the bill’s floor sponsor, explained six amendments that clarify which taxing entities are excluded from levy mitigation, schedule gross‑receipts tax payments so 1995 rather than 1994 is taxed, remove a tie between the new gross‑receipts tax and a corporate franchise tax, and adjust notice and utility language intended to direct most rate reductions to residential customers.

The floor debate highlighted competing priorities. Representative Franson opposed the measure on principle, saying it “kind of like, hugging a cactus,” and arguing it makes…