House approves package extending childcare tax credit and new ethanol credit
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Summary
Lawmakers approved a conference committee report that expands a childcare tax‑credit program and replaces a $5 million ethanol tax credit with a smaller, targeted $2.5 million credit to encourage higher ethanol blends; supporters said it helps families and farmers, opponents criticized late‑hour changes.
Representative Adam Smith moved adoption of the conference committee report on Senate Bill 82, which includes an expansion of an existing child‑care tax credit and a redesigned ethanol tax‑credit program.
Representative Sawyer said the childcare tax credit — described in debate as a $3 million program — is important and urged members to support the CCR. Supporters also defended a smaller, targeted ethanol credit (described as $2.5 million that sunsets after three years) to incentivize stations to carry higher ethanol blends and help farmers.
Representative Proctor noted last year’s $5 million ethanol credit underperformed because it favored equipment purchases and did not meaningfully increase market uptake. The CCR repeals the prior $5 million credit and replaces it with the smaller, targeted program.
Opponents expressed concern about the timing of the package and asked that separate pieces receive fuller consideration, but supporters said splitting the bill risked losing the childcare expansion. The House adopted the CCR on SB82 by recorded vote, 76 in favor and 45 opposed.
