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Senate debates HB36 to boost tax credits and create fund for extremely low‑income housing; bill tabled for fiscal review
Summary
First substitute House Bill 36 would raise state low‑income housing tax credits, allow multi‑investor tax‑credit ownership, and create a market‑based fund focused on households at or below 30% of area median income; the Senate voted to read it for a third time but tabled it on third for a fiscal note.
Senators on the Utah State Senate debated First Substitute House Bill 36 on the second reading calendar, a package of changes intended to expand affordable housing targeted at extremely low‑income (EOI) households.
Senator Weiler, the floor sponsor, told the body the bill increases the state low‑income housing tax credit rate (from 12.5¢ per person to 34.5¢ per person by population), allows multiple investors to own tax credits issued to a single apartment project, and creates a market‑based fund designed to support developments that serve households at or below 30% of area median income. "A stable, decent, and affordable home is fundamental for any household to thrive in Utah," Senator Weiler said in opening remarks. He said the bill aims to add about 100 rental units annually affordable to extremely low‑income renters and noted the measure focuses on rural areas and landlord reimbursement for tenants using federal housing choice vouchers.
Senators pressed on transparency and oversight. Senator Henderson asked whether the fund would be governed by Utah Housing Corporation and whether statutory transparency requirements apply; the sponsor said the proposal adds money to an existing fund and that existing transparency requirements for that apparatus remain in force. "We're not changing the status quo," the sponsor said, explaining why no new transparency language was inserted into the bill text.
Supporters described extensive stakeholder engagement and a statewide needs assessment commissioned by the lieutenant governor's affordable housing task force. The sponsor summarized three main points: (1) the bill increases state housing tax credits; (2) it creates a sustainable, repayable fund (with payback over 30 years or upon sale/refinancing); and (3) it provides remedies for extra damages landlords may incur when renting to Section 8 voucher tenants.
The Senate voted to read the bill for a third time (the record shows the bill received votes in favor), but Senator Van Tassel moved to table HB36 on third reading for fiscal‑note purposes. The motion to table passed by voice vote; the bill is therefore set aside pending completion of the fiscal note and further consideration.
