The first proposal has a head start, having received preliminary approval by the Utah Senate. But the latter is now on its way through the Legislature after being approved Monday in a 7-5 vote of the House Education Committee.
Republican committee members were split 5-5 on the tax increase, with Democratic members providing the necessary votes for advancement to the full House. House Bill 293 would freeze the rate of a statewide property tax, known as the basic levy, that currently adjusts downward as property values increase.
If approved, HB293 would generate about $36 million in its first year, distributing the money to school districts that have the least ability to generate revenue through local property taxes.