Committee advances bill setting rural-county population threshold at 45,000 for grants and loans

Substitute Senate Bill 6149 was reported out of the Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee with a do-pass recommendation after members described the measure as important to preserve rural eligibility for state programs.

Vice Chair Clobba moved to report SB 6149 out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. Representative Penner, offering final passage comments, said the bill moves the definition of "rural county" to a threshold of 45,000 people and stressed that the threshold is important for grants and loans where eligibility depends on that designation; Penner recommended periodic review of the threshold as the state's population grows.

Members supported the bill; the committee conducted an oral/roll-call vote. Staff announced 10 ayes, 0 nays, and 3 excused. With that tally, SB 6149 was reported out of committee with a do-pass recommendation and will advance for further consideration by the full chamber.