The Committee on Finance and Tax on an unspecified date reported Senate Bill 182 favorably after brief discussion. The bill, introduced by Senator Kalata Yu, would establish the "Take the Home Away From Home" tax credit program to encourage businesses to donate to charitable health hospitality homes that provide lodging for families of children undergoing long-term medical care.

Senator Kalata Yu, the bill's sponsor, told the committee the program "addresses a critical issue faced by families with sick children who require long term medical care from home." She said donations would go "directly towards expanding and maintaining facilities so more families have a safe, affordable place to stay during medical emergencies," and added, "Passing this bill, we're ensuring that no parent must choose between their children's medical care and a safe place to sleep." She described the proposal as modeled after Florida's program and shared a family anecdote about a sibling who underwent cancer treatment.

Under questions from the panel, Senator Kalata Yu said eligibility for the credit is tied to the corporate insurance premium tax and that the program would be capped at $2,500,000. Senator Gates (addressing budget effects) and other members discussed how tax-credit programs can grow over time and affect state revenue. Senator Gates contrasted the proposed $2.5 million cap with other credit programs that scaled from tens of millions of dollars, saying, "So, is 2.5 enough to get started? I'm for more. But, if you want to start with 2.5 you have my vote."

There were no public-appearance forms submitted for the bill and no extended debate. After closing remarks by the sponsor, committee staff called the roll. The recorded votes showed Chair Avila, Vice Chairman Gruters, Senator Bernard, Senator Gates, Senator Jones and Senator Pacidoma voting yes; the committee chair then announced Senate Bill 182 was "reported favorably." The meeting adjourned after brief additional remarks that the committee will continue reviewing other bills and their fiscal impacts.

Votes at a glance

- Senate Bill 182 — Reported favorably (roll-call: Avila — yes; Gruters — yes; Bernard — yes; Gates — yes; Jones — yes; Pacidoma — yes).