HB 485a, expanding a tax deduction for energy-efficiency upgrades to existing Idaho residences, has passed the Senate on a 31-4 vote. The bill, which earlier passed the House unanimously, now heads to the governor's desk. Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, the bill's Senate sponsor, said the expanded deduction could cost the state up to $1 million in general tax funds in the future, but that cost would be offset by increased energy savings and the economic boost those savings create. The bill's lead sponsors are Reps. John Vander Woude, R-Nampa, and Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum.