House reconsiders and approves sales‑tax refund for emergency food agencies, 47‑22

The Utah House voted to pass first substitute House Bill 110 on Feb. 8, restoring a sales‑tax refund for qualified emergency food agencies and extending parity to rural food banks that lack nonprofit status.

Representative Johnson, who moved to reconsider the House’s earlier action, said he had previously voted against the measure because he did not understand its scope: “I voted against this bill, not understanding what it was,” he said on the floor and urged colleagues to bring it back for reconsideration so fairness could be reviewed. Supporters said the bill levels the field for food pantries in small communities and allows food assistance to reach areas without organized nonprofit structures.

Representative Buffmeier urged members to support the bill, describing the measure as an expansion of charitable efforts: “There’s a highly successful policy that is helping feed hungry people. And this just makes it fair across our state,” he said.

Opponents and some members questioned the fiscal implications; one member noted similar refund programs had cost the state about $500,000 in a prior fiscal year and cautioned the House to consider long‑term budget impacts.

Voting was by recorded tally; the clerk announced first substitute HB110 had received 47 yes votes and 22 no votes and that the bill passed the House. It was referred to the Senate for further consideration.

What happens next: The bill goes to the Senate for further consideration and any fiscal or technical adjustments; floor discussion signaled proponents will continue outreach to rural food banks to explain implementation.