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Senate debates forgiving flood loans to Washington County; bill tabled on fiscal grounds
Summary
Senators debated H.B. 176, which would forgive approximately $5.97 million the state advanced to Washington County after major flooding. Concerns about precedent and fiscal policy led to a motion to table the bill on third reading for fiscal review; the motion passed and the bill was tabled.
Senator Hickman introduced H.B. 176 seeking forgiveness of $5,974,148 of state funds advanced to Washington County after severe flooding, citing prudent local management and recovery. "We are asking that this $5,974,148 be forgiven," he said on the floor.
Senators Hilliard and Romero opposed the proposal on precedent and long‑term fiscal policy grounds, arguing forgiving state loans sets an expectation that future disaster loans would be grants rather than repayable assistance. Supporters, including Senator Butters, urged compassion and noted this is a discrete event that merited consideration.
After debate the Senate voted to read the bill for the third time, but a subsequent motion to table H.B. 176 on third reading due to fiscal impact was carried. The tabling means the Senate postponed final action pending fiscal review and additional consideration; no debt forgiveness was enacted in this session.
