House votes 48-24 to concur with Senate changes to HB 38, dedicating Salt Lake County transient-room tax revenue to land and infrastructure tied to Real Salt (L

The Utah House of Representatives on the floor voted 48-24 to concur with Senate amendments to first substitute House Bill 38, a measure that dedicates a portion of Salt Lake Countytransient room tax (TRT) revenue to purchase land and build infrastructure in support of development tied to a proposed Real Salt Lake partnership.

Representative Newbold moved the concurrence and framed the choice to dedicate 15 percent of TRT for Salt Lake County to eligible projects in the county, saying the change "is not a new tax" and that, if not used for the Real Salt Lake-related project, the funds could be spent on other county-located convention, museum or recreation facilities. The amendment also extends the period during which the funds could be collected from 10 years to 20 years and allows the revenues to be pledged or spent for permitted purposes.

Supporters said the measure would spur redevelopment of underused land in Sandy and elsewhere and produce tax revenues for local schools and services. Representative Keiser, whose district includes the proposed site, urged colleagues to consider the return on investment, saying an estimated $110 million initial valuation could generate about $20 million in school property-tax revenue over 25 years and that Phase 2 development of hotels and restaurants could add $300 million to $500 million in valuation and another $55 million to $92 million in property taxes over 25 years.

Real Salt Lake commitments were read into the record by Representative Seely: the club would contribute $7,500,000 toward a youth sports complex in northwest Salt Lake City; work with partners to establish an elite soccer academy; provide 500 tickets per home game to charity; and had previously donated "upwards of 20,000 tickets," along with volunteer hours and donated equipment. "RSL remains committed," Representative Seely said.

Other backers stressed that the state would own the land purchased with TRT funds, not a private investor, and that no public dollars would directly pay for the stadium structure. "We are not building the stadium," Representative Clark said, adding that private investors would assume the stadiumconstruction risk while the state partners on land and infrastructure.

Opponents raised process and equity concerns. Representative Becker said the public had been "kept in the dark" and expressed constituent skepticism about decision-making transparency. Representative Hanson called the proposal "corporate welfare" and asked why private capital or banks were not underwriting the private portion. Representative Wiley said conflicting floor and Senate debate left him unable to fully explain the matter to constituents.

After debate and a summation from Representative Newbold, the House recorded 48 yes votes and 24 no votes; the Clerk announced the bill passes the chamber and will be referred to the Senate for the President's signature.