U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen from Nevada announced Friday the introduction of a new bipartisan bill that would provide a tax credit to businesses and nonprofit organizations that purchase or upgrade their air ventilation, filtration and purification systems.Â
The bill will provide businesses with a refundable payroll tax credit of up to $15,000 per location to cover 50% of qualified HVAC purchase, installation, or upgrade expenses incurred between February 1, 2020 and January 1, 2022. It will also cover half the cost of purchasing, installing, or upgrading certain HVAC systems or standalone air cleaners and purifiers.Â
Upgraded air ventilation systems can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne diseases.Â
Senator Rosen released a statement on the bill, saying she will continue working in Congress to provide Nevada businesses and entrepreneurs the support they need to succeed. “As a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, one of my top priorities is to help Nevada’s small businesses manage and overcome disruptions and dangers caused by COVID-19," Rosen said in part. "By making our indoor spaces safer for customers and workers, we can reduce the spread of COVID, help boost consumer confidence, and keep businesses afloat."
The bipartisan legislation is endorsed by many groups, including the National Restaurant Association and the Reno and Sparks Chamber of Commerce.Â
Ann Silver, CEO of the Reno and Sparks Chamber of Commerce, released a statement on the bill, calling the legislation "forward-thinking."Â
"With consumer confidence being at an all-time low due to concerns of indoor air quality, we must do everything in our power to help small businesses overcome the unprecedented obstacles caused by COVID-19," Silver said.Â
For more information on the legislation, click here.
