Panel hears first reading of employer tax credit aimed at hiring welfare recipients and others

Representative Stevens presented House Bill 519 to the committee as a state version of a federal work‑opportunity tax credit, saying the measure “does nothing more, nothing less than allow folks that, don't currently have a job and basically unemployable” to find work. Stevens told the panel the credit would target people on TANF and SNAP, ex‑felons and veterans and other groups that face hiring barriers.

Stevens described the core financial terms: “it would allow for a $500 tax credit for the employer for each employee that qualifies,” and the proposal sets a maximum cap “per year of $10,000,000 for the whole program.” He said the draft follows federal models and that the state program would “be ours either way” whether or not Congress renews its federal credits, although alignment with the federal program would make it more effective.

Representative Prince asked whether the bill is intended as a backstop if the federal program ends or as a concurrent state incentive. Prince asked: “Now this is just is it a just in case the federal government, decides to do away with it or this is hey… So let's put this in place.” Stevens replied that the state program exists independently but that its efficacy would be greater if paired with federal credits.

Committee members treated the appearance as an introductory presentation. The chair emphasized this was a first hearing only; no votes or committee actions were taken on HB 519 at this meeting. The committee scheduled at least one additional hearing before any vote.

Next steps: HB 519 was presented for a first hearing and will be placed on the agenda for further committee review; no timetable for a vote was set at this session.