Votes at a glance: committee advances several bills on rural hospitals, nonprofits, higher ed, charters

The Finance and Taxation Education Committee advanced a slate of bills involving tax policy, nonprofit exemptions, higher education finance planning and charter-school financing. The committee gave favorable reports or adopted amendments on each measure.

House Bill 245 (Rep. Collins) — rural hospital investment program technical fix: Sponsor said the bill shifts administrative duties from the treasurer to the Department of Revenue and corrects an omission to allow utilities to donate to eligible rural hospitals under the 2.2% utility license tax; no new state funds were required. Committee action: given a favorable report (11 ayes, 0 nays).

Senate Bill 16 (Sen. Weaver) — Sleep in Heavenly Peace tax exemption: The bill would provide a tax exemption to the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which provides beds to children; the committee adopted a sunset amendment and a local-option carve-out before giving the bill a favorable report (12 ayes, 0 nays).

Senate Bill 59 — higher education fiscal contingency planning: Sponsor described the bill as mirroring a general-fund requirement that agencies prepare plans if federal funds or revenues decline by a specified threshold; LRS staff explained a timing amendment to accommodate audited financial statements. Committee action: amendments adopted; bill given a favorable report (14 ayes, 0 nays).

Senate Bill 62 — charter schools and pledged appropriations: The bill allows charter schools to pledge expected appropriations for bond financing without creating state liability; members adopted a typical immunity/civil-liability amendment. Committee action: given a favorable report (15 ayes, 0 nays).

Procedure and next steps: Each bill received committee approval and will move to the next stage of the legislative process. Details on implementation, fiscal impact and any required rules or guidance were flagged by staff or members during committee discussion.