The Housing Committee on Jan. 16 voted 15‑1 to report substitute House Bill 1022 out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation after adopting Amendment SRA100, which adds paraeducators to the list of eligible professions and clarifies covered childcare providers.

Serena Dolly, staff to the committee, described the bill as one that “creates a Home for Heroes program that would provide down payment and closing cost assistance to people employed in certain professions.” Representative Connors offered Amendment SRA100 to add paraeducators and clarify childcare eligibility; the amendment was adopted by voice vote.

Connors, the bill sponsor, urged support and described the bill as a tool to help essential workers obtain homeownership: “I am super excited about the Homes for Heroes bill,” she said, noting prior bipartisan support for related proposals and expressing openness to expand eligibility further to include other school‑based staff. Representative Jacobson raised a substantive policy and fiscal question, asking whether the government should be “in the business with the taxpayers’ money of giving out home down payments” and urging metrics to demonstrate the program targets shortage occupations; Connors offered to provide further information so Jacobson could consider supporting the bill later in the process.

Committee members acknowledged budgetary concerns but said the committee is a policy committee and advanced the bill for further consideration. After roll call, the clerk announced the tally: 15 ayes, 1 nay and 1 excused. By that vote, substitute House Bill 1022 was reported out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation.