ATLANTA --- The state could pay those who act quickly to buy their next home under legislation that passed the Senate on Thursday. Critics say the price tag for taxpayers is too high.

House Bill 261, sponsored by Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Savannah, would grant a $3,600 tax credit to people who buy a house in the next six months.

The Senate tacked two amendments onto the version approved by the House: one to include condos and documentation for the taxman, and a second to allow tax refunds to be donated to multiple sclerosis education.

The measure passed 42-4 in the Senate, with supporters calling it an aid to economic recovery.

With the Georgia housing industry suffering a 13 percent slump because of a growing inventory of unsold homes, other industries are being affected, said Sen. Chip Pearson, R-Dawsonville.

"The local hardware store, moving company, paint store, service business and others are all affected by housing, and this legislation has them in mind," he said.

Opponents pointed to projections that the program would reduce tax collections by $164.5 million while only sparking 1,100 home sales. That means it would cost taxpayers $150,000 for each extra home sold, according to the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, an Atlanta think tank geared toward increased government spending.

"Don't dig another hole in our tremendously challenged budget," said Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta.

Sen. Eric Johnson, R-Savannah, dismissed the cost projections, saying they are based on a fiscal-impact document prepared by Georgia State University that overestimates the number of homes likely to be sold.

"This has got to be one of the worst fiscal notes I have ever seen," Mr. Johnson said. "I am not sure that anyone questions that the economy of Georgia benefits from every home sold and that it's revenue would exceed $3,600."

Alan Essig, the executive director of the Budget and Policy Institute, argued that money used on an ineffective tax break could be better spent on education or providing health for the poor.