The Senate voted 18-11 in favor of SB48, which would seek to more equally distribute school building costs statewide.

The bill would reduce property taxes collected by districts statewide by $28.7 million and replace that with state school funds. That could mean lower property taxes in 25 districts and no change for 16 others.

But the bill would take a different tack in Salt Lake County, spreading the burden by pooling some property tax money, then redistributing it based on enrollment and enrollment growth. This would help pay for facilities in what remains of Jordan after the district's wealthier east side splits off.

Jordan would gain $12 million more than it would put into the pool. Granite, the new east-side district, Murray and Salt Lake districts, however, would put millions more into the pool than they would get back. Granite stands to lose $1.3 million; the new district $3.7 million, Murray nearly $975,000 and Salt Lake $6 million. Some lawmakers worry those districts would have to raise property taxes to make up the difference.

"One of our districts in Salt Lake County got a divorce and now the rest of us . . . are having to pay for it," Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake City, said, referring to Jordan.

Other lawmakers say those districts must share their wealth for the common good. Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, called the vote a "statesmanship I.Q. test."

"This is not a perfect bill . . . but it sure is a lot better than what we have now," he said.

The Senate must pass the bill one more time before it moves to the House.

SB48

Would change the way property taxes school districts levy are collected and distributed to better equalize school building funds statewide, specifically benefitting what will remain of the Jordan School District after it splits.