WASHINGTON -- A bill that would re-establish bonus depreciation for equipment purchases has been introduced in the U.S. House.

The legislation offered by Rep. Patrick Tiberi, R-Ohio, and a bipartisan group of co-sponsors, would allow businesses to write off 100 percent of the price of equipment purchased this year, as they were allowed to do during 2011.

For motorcoach operators, the bonus depreciation could be used not only for buying new buses but also for purchases ranging from new computers to dispatcher equipment.

"Ive talked to small-business owners from across Ohio who have explained that the bonus depreciation is the single-largest factor for businesses considering expansion this year," said Rep. Tiberi.

Normally, businesses are required to spread depreciation write-offs over several years.

However, the bonus depreciation tax break was adopted in late 2010 and ran through 2011 in an effort to boost the manufacturing sector during the recession. (See March 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.)

"Allowing job creators to use these tools for capital reinvestment is a common-sense way to encourage job creation and promote business expansion," Tiberi said in a statement.

"Were working to build support for this measure and encourage those who believe its good for business to contact their congressmen."

The measure was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. Tiberi is chairman of its Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, which has jurisdiction over federal tax policy.

Tiberis bill is the second attempt this year by backers to get bonus depreciation passed.

Earlier in the year, a bill sponsored by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, R-Mich., was approved by the House and attached to legislation extending the payroll tax cut that went to conference with the Senate.

In conference, however, the bonus depreciation provision was dropped.

In the Senate, a bonus depreciation extension was part of an economic stimulus bill introduced by Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del.

Like Tiberis House proposal, the Coons bill has bipartisan support.

The U.S. Treasury estimates the tax break is so popular it will cost taxpayers about $55 billion in lost revenue for fiscal 2011.

Most of that money, officials say, will be recouped in later years because businesses taking the 100 percent depreciation write-off in one year will not have a write-off in subsequent years.