A state Senate bill that would exempt Arkansas residents from paying state income taxes on their unemployment benefits was passed in the House on Monday and is one step closer to Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s signature. SB236, co-sponsored in the House by State Rep. Joe Jett, R-Success, would save unemployed taxpayers $51 million this year, he said. It passed with 92 yes votes, two no votes and three present votes. The bill was passed with an emergency clause. The primary bill sponsor is Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Beebe. SB236 returns to the Senate to concur in an amendment to include more sponsors and then will head to Hutchinson for consideration. A spokesperson for the governor said he will sign the bill.