Companies that hire homeless people could get a tax credit for up to $1,000 for each person hired under legislation that passed the Utah House on Wednesday.

"I think the benefit is you make it likely for a stigmatized population and people who struggle to get back on their feet," said Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, the sponsor of HB101, first substitute.

The bill would offer a $500 credit for each part-time worker hired and $1,000 if the employee works full time for at least six months. The amounts double if they work a full year.

King said the goal is to help people who are in transitional housing and trying to get back to work.

The measure passed the House 42-28 and goes to the Senate for consideration.

Budget analysts project that about 287 individuals could be hired as a result of the bill. It would cost the state an estimated $431,000 to implement the tax credit program, which could be a tough sell in budget times that remain tight.

The bill has the backing of low-income advocates and the National Federation of Independent Business.