ST. PAUL — The Republican-controlled Minnesota House on Tuesday passed what its sponsor called a “smokin’ hot tax bill,” but the measure that would cost the state $52 million in lost taxes this year alone is likely to be vetoed by Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.

Republicans who control the House and Senate call the bill’s centerpiece, property tax relief for Minnesota businesses, their top priority of the 2012 session. They held up other major bills in recent days, including the finance plan for a new Vikings stadium, as they suggested Dayton should agree to a deal that included the tax cuts and the stadium. But as stadium negotiations bogged down, that looked less likely.

The House approved the bill 73-57. The Senate, also controlled by Republicans, held off Tuesday night on an expected vote.

The bill includes $52 million in tax relief this fiscal year and $139 million during the next two-year budget. The legislation, which House sponsor Rep. Greg Davids, R-Preston, described as “smokin’ hot,” includes a freeze on business property taxes that Republicans say will free up capital that business owners can use to create jobs.

It also includes tax credits for certain research and development projects, and an investor tax credit meant to foster investment in startup companies. It creates an upfront sales tax exemption for businesses buying equipment that now have to apply for a rebate to get money back.