Committee advances bill to offer 0% loans for local storm‑damaged infrastructure

House Bill 314, which would require the Local Government Division of the Department of Finance and Administration to make 0% interest loans for projects repairing or replacing public infrastructure damaged by the October 2024 storm event, received a due‑pass recommendation from the committee.

Sponsor testimony described the bill's purpose as accelerating repairs and facilitating projects to remove storm debris and address flooding damage. Members asked about the appropriation cited in bill materials; one member referenced a $150,000,000 figure and asked whether those funds were already in the budget. The sponsor said the funding was accounted for as presented. Committee debate was limited and focused on clarifying the appropriation and ensuring the program would aid local recovery.

With no recorded opposition in the hearing, the committee moved and seconded a due‑pass recommendation and the chair announced the bill had a due pass.

Next steps: HB314 will proceed from committee for further consideration.