[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6355547,"mediaKeyId","2218203-a8c603dc7dcabfd7f20b4a39fc06c9e8","parentId",2218203,"title","SB 165 redraws municipal broadband rules; cities warn new requirements could raise costs and require voter approval for revenue bonds","audioSeconds",1125,"startMs",3484000,"endMs",4609000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218203-a8c603dc7dcabfd7f20b4a39fc06c9e8&start=3484&end=4609","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218203-a8c603dc7dcabfd7f20b4a39fc06c9e8/thumbnail_3484000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6355547/Utah/SB-165-redraws-municipal-broadband-rules-cities-warn-new-requirements-could-raise-costs-and-require-voter-approval-for-revenue-bonds","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355547-c3402a0b6a2a64076ff87aae3c70331a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166258&Signature=RL~K3YuM-VGhNUbCoJwAlwlAnM1KvXJeLu8QL-5sa6DzV0WolnKk1~ctr4qXDciSBkhbXgTx8YgBvVeoO3NT39ryyNjDKbOrs5PgzpdqxVMGiGWlnOCfCA10tgt6gVRA6WDPGAMN0LpfWf2Hjc8WAZpBQ72mxmU8wqtRh5JvP6ovBswH4I3YfRdXijiTIPAAkavCGb2J7lxm~Q9V3FDLLVUgWrHTBAQVs~D1rPd5hYI5iGm8akfbtnGR~As77h8mgZnzFwjn9xe1aXM~rtKBydnvrsAwBvBD-KIKvKGqAHBwg9qCg3PmuJtTLsws~PRT~Sf0ouHDXjK7L4Hg5MwPhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-04T18:20:44.76Z","article","Senate Bill 165 would change municipal broadband rules, according to League presenters and city delegates. Staff provided a brief legislative history: a prior decade of litigation and a patchwork of municipal wholesale models has led to the current situation in which roughly a dozen cities operate fiber wholesale networks or participate in shared systems (e.g., UTOPIA partners).

What the bill does: Staff and municipal leaders said SB 165 would (1) require municipal systems to provide non‑discriminatory access to incumbents and other service providers, (2) impose an annual, public utility‑style accounting and reporting requirement (including continuing‑disclosure‑style material currently provided to bondholders), (3) create a statutory separation between regulatory functions and service operations so the same staff, property or data cannot be shared without safeguards, and (4) for certain financing structures — notably sales tax revenue bonds — require voter approval for the bond issuance (a new statutory voter requirement for revenue bonds).

City officials’ concerns: Gary Hill (Bountiful) and other city speakers said the annual reporting and the firewall between regulatory and operational functions would increase costs and complexity for municipal providers. They also said the conduit/access provisions contain undefined terms (for example, “conduit” size and scope) that could create operational uncertainty. Bountiful staff emphasized the reporting duplicates disclosures already made to bondholders and that the statutory voter‑approval requirement for sales‑tax revenue bonds would be “a new thing” not currently in state law. Kate Bradshaw, also of Bountiful, urged caution: she described a multi‑year local review the city completed before building its network and said a voter‑approval requirement would limit municipal discretion and expose elected officials and cities to heavy public scrutiny by private interests.

Arguments in favor: Sean Guzman (St. George City) and other speakers argued municipal infrastructure has effectively addressed persistent service gaps in underserved neighborhoods where incumbent carriers would not invest. Guzman said local wholesale infrastructure can enable multiple retail providers to serve those areas and noted federal broadband funding rules can leave gaps if an area already meets minimum speeds.

Staff and sponsor engagement: Presenters said they had met with the sponsor and are seeking amendments; the sponsor signaled willingness to consider some adjustments but indicated the sales‑tax revenue bond provision was important.

Next steps: League staff and member cities plan further conversations with the sponsor and recommended tracking substitute language closely. No formal League position or committee vote was recorded at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","February 3, 2025 Legislative Policy Committee","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 165 would impose new reporting, access and governance requirements on municipal broadband utilities and would require voter approval for certain revenue bonds; municipal leaders warned in LPC discussion that the draft could raise costs and create operational uncertainty.","taxTitle","Utah League of Cities and Towns, Utah Lobbyist / NGO, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",76712,"location","Utah","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6355554,"League staff outline major housing and land‑use bills, propose amendments to protect local authority and planning timelines",2287,1039000,3326000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218203-a8c603dc7dcabfd7f20b4a39fc06c9e8&start=1039&end=3326","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218203-a8c603dc7dcabfd7f20b4a39fc06c9e8/thumbnail_1039000.jpg","/articles/6355554/Utah/League-staff-outline-major-housing-and-landuse-bills-propose-amendments-to-protect-local-authority-and-planning-timelines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355554-74fb7ba562061f4234593c51ef0ee6b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166258&Signature=KBU-W3jCi~1QYaP8zTCah99xyKVnU3KaOApbOKOvodlAktyjsDg1rIha0JlocPlOybdvv01O3IYX7w9owbBJ02YZDI-grGj6F1gUXAFJcSIR16-s1lyKaItMQlnkVQuSxcz-zTDy9hbCPHrlVXQss9Q3GNjovj9INIx9n--2xu~hVxdcAX8e~418q1qSBCq4unlegZyvlzphV5njufi~kLEfnKxzyvb5Y~KI3-8MBmxKu1gDRfAWwmwy4PvE196dSm06TcKeTYWhxdUMW1hMOHl2-qxFfku0d9a6g-mVGKyN7biz~MR3PfsV-amf-61rci4-Lpj2aOLOkfOPXAwM5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","League presenters summarized several interrelated housing and land‑use proposals that members said could affect annexation, parking requirements for affordable units, plan‑review timing, bonds and responsibilities for private maintenance of public infrastructure.

SB 181: League staff said a substitute is expected. The current draft includes a recodification of state housing boards that staff expect will be removed in a substitute; the provision on parking and garages remains central. Staff described proposed language to treat tandem garage spaces that are accessible as two spaces, to standardize garage sizes for single‑family and townhome units, and to allow garage reductions only for deed‑restricted affordable owner‑occupied units so the benefit accrues to those buyers.

HB 360: The bill would make it easier for state surplus land to be used for moderate‑income owner‑occupied housing by authorizing political subdivisions to grant state or local surplus land to developers with deed‑restriction conditions. Staff emphasized this is optional, not mandatory; it would also extend a closed‑meeting exemption under the Open and Public Meetings Act so political subdivisions may discuss development or financing of public land in closed session in specified circumstances.

Land‑use omnibus (large bill): Presenters described clarifications to annexation rules, transferable development rights between jurisdictions (with agreement), and a requirement that development standards be changed legislatively rather than administratively. The bill would standardize bond release and warranty timing, limit private maintenance of public infrastructure without a development agreement, and add expedited handling for substantially identical building plans. Staff said the package also sets a three‑day clock for completeness reviews and a 14‑day plan‑review period with limited tolling when applicants submit missing items.

HB 58 (building official qualifications): The bill would tighten qualifications for building officials (six years relevant experience, active combination inspector licensing or certification, 40 hours of management training or certification), create reporting requirements to the Utah Building Code Commission, and add grounds for disciplinary action. Staff reported a survey showing most responding cities meet at least some of the proposed criteria and that discussions with the sponsor are ongoing about ramp‑up timelines and definitions of “unprofessional conduct.”

Concerns from members included: potential impacts on smaller jurisdictions’ staffing capacity under plan‑review deadlines; how identical‑plan and geotechnical review exceptions would work; warranty timing and protections if cities accept infrastructure in poor condition; and whether disciplinary language for building officials is sufficiently defined. Jerry Thompson, West Valley City building official, clarified that even if a plan‑review time limit is missed and a permit issues by statute, inspections still must be completed.

Staff recommendation: support with amendments for several items and continued negotiations with the sponsor and stakeholder groups. League officers planned follow‑up workgroups to refine language on vesting, completion timelines, private maintenance of public infrastructure, and other technical items.

","Staff walked members through the Commission on Housing Affordability bills (including SB 181 and HB 360), a large land‑use omnibus, and building‑code changes (HB 58). Presenters described proposed substitutes, parking/garage provisions, plan‑review timelines and protections for local negotiation in development agreements.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6355558,"Lawmakers consider shifting state preference from Census to Utah Population Committee estimates",318,691000,1009000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218203-a8c603dc7dcabfd7f20b4a39fc06c9e8&start=691&end=1009","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218203-a8c603dc7dcabfd7f20b4a39fc06c9e8/thumbnail_691000.jpg","/articles/6355558/Utah/Lawmakers-consider-shifting-state-preference-from-Census-to-Utah-Population-Committee-estimates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355558-1695472d2ba466ce00ade4d8c4402a75/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166258&Signature=gYKMSz7N0281fiXctwNjH80bBkWtvoDTq-tch0uHuSSQzrk1Ree8ZvRWzs7smyqDjulQpDR51UWXCL93RgKR7QoltO-MJ6wtY5VPUSxJQFwT1DK07MmD7s~D5qfckwFwfHeLazQPgdLlj5m~k2gjiEca-qb9rix91APXmHzK7SGY1gy7BIC484R5OfvPUW-hy8pxgEUVJ914ISZK9XkzwNysOQyAH-yk0xS57CDPYn9e7iAzP7hqFvLksV1okIiB0gJ9gOnn7Y9UfzHdqMKsWZOxD0ggVGoKEreETTtgjWHZIkA95ucZVi3EkXB5GGLvALh69fu7rO7ZIEpNXzEcJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 379 would give the Utah Population Committee’s population estimates priority over U.S. Census Bureau figures for state and local calculations when federal law does not require Census numbers. League staff told members the change aims to give fast‑growth cities more accurate figures for formula allocations.

The plan matters because some distribution formulas — including certain sales tax and roadway distributions — use population as a baseline. League presenter Carson Kingham said UPC estimates would be preferred “except where federal requirements require Census numbers,” and that where UPC estimates are unavailable, the Census would continue to be used. He also said the UPC could work with local governments to obtain better data under agreements that respect protected records.

Why it matters: Several high‑growth cities told the committee they feel undercounted under current practice. Mark Christiansen of Saratoga Springs said his city had a multi‑thousand person difference with existing counts and that more accurate figures affect revenue and planning.

Questions and clarifications focused on mechanics. Mayor Dirk Burton of West Jordan asked how UPC develops subcounty counts; Kingham said the bill is not prescriptive but UPC may use building permits and local counts, and that UPC members include university demographers and the legislative fiscal analyst. Santa Clara City Manager Norm Beagley asked whether the change would be mandatory; staff said the bill would apply to state agencies determining funds and would not force local governments to change their own population bases for planning. Kingham said the bill “shall” require local governments to work with UPC where applicable but that unavailable data would not be mandatory to provide.

Where the League stands: Staff said they had no urgent objections but recommended continuing review; the League’s recommendation to officers was to “work toward support” because the organization prioritizes policy based on good data.

Next steps: Staff asked members to forward feedback to the bill sponsor through the League; no formal position change or legislative vote was recorded during the meeting.

","A League discussion of House Bill 379 would prefer Utah Population Committee (UPC) estimates over Census figures for most state and local funding formulas; sponsors and cities representing fast‑growth areas pressed for more accurate counts and clarified protections for federally required Census use.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6355539,"LPC approves Jan. 27 minutes and ratifies current bill‑tracker positions",5294,47000,5341000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218203-a8c603dc7dcabfd7f20b4a39fc06c9e8&start=47&end=5341","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218203-a8c603dc7dcabfd7f20b4a39fc06c9e8/thumbnail_47000.jpg","/articles/6355539/Utah/LPC-approves-Jan-27-minutes-and-ratifies-current-billtracker-positions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355539-bdb5f772ec02e4314ecd54dff4e2dfa6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166258&Signature=RobXWJ3tRVFZHvgq~9KPClw5D12GzQRPu1uLJIlEraI2od0LDdBC-QQqvHdeVTKAuZ9aIaLYcIfnGg1tVVyH7KXuV6Fst8PKGEl~jxXfLWxJZr2fAO~AWJ6YZ9v7RUwuFeumMwFdQOz-joEOBoQ9BmiVzabOHdGCfAZ5ME6YcxRLVoliEy~YJiKPDBeYo~EJBFGXl16I-FTgv1dxXuCioycgPx8wkzAPlqTWNzMoImPKU3lGc5z0YC~u97~Gaa2oldHJaRSwGUx6S28FrZwsyeJk-KgmZJNdv3KoRsnQIETQbc4Ad6fevMMrWvyNw4D9nbWk7IS3lW0-hhAxqbkJ6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Legislative Policy Committee approved two procedural items during the meeting.

First, Dan Dugan moved and Richard Higginson seconded a motion to approve the minutes from Jan. 27. The chair called for the ayes and the minutes were approved.

Later, after discussion of several bills and staff updates, members voted to approve the League’s current bill tracker positions as presented. Staff noted the position on the recently introduced gravel bill (House bill 355) remained \"position pending\" pending further officer review, and staff said they would update officers and could change the tracker recommendation between meetings if new information arrived.

Records: The transcript records the motions to approve the minutes (mover: Dan Dugan; seconder: Richard Higginson) and the motion to approve the bill tracker (mover/second not specified). The meeting did not record a roll‑call tally for either vote; both motions were announced as passing by voice vote.","The Legislative Policy Committee approved the minutes of Jan. 27 and voted to approve the League's bill tracker positions after staff updates; a separate vote on a newly introduced gravel bill (HB 355) remained position pending and staff said officers may update positions before the next meeting.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6355543,"Billboard relocation near state road projects draws League concern over compensation and local control",415,4645000,5060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218203-a8c603dc7dcabfd7f20b4a39fc06c9e8&start=4645&end=5060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218203-a8c603dc7dcabfd7f20b4a39fc06c9e8/thumbnail_4645000.jpg","/articles/6355543/Utah/Billboard-relocation-near-state-road-projects-draws-League-concern-over-compensation-and-local-control","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355543-00cac70b7e19be11b38340bcb34952cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166258&Signature=dPEDeIXNm8dmFf013aELRfAuHxazpvjB0cIk2hEUbWEVocunxG-y9OFFhiDa1krw3v-hFbWYxnvAHl2nO8F7VKmJJp7uheoOV7158M5RjUo8TREV25Ne5x7B5yXIVERxOfsDvMx5hL-QVXYJYQYfeMa-D4G3h5oVbeBdR1TWdBhIs~YksEOLByVL4KgJah5vH1QdVst-zuZZUvbmbr7b-W9mw-hIzaoxWJtkluAEsgNXUZhqT8iWeQJ4Dy~Xu63a83Gbrd3lYx4UP5SBgMpgo0ND1BtyGOkf3zL0NcWEaXoGHBp3rvUweFwZmzFPtUxgVX4aP4t3T8M3oPGlWfbPdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 198 would change rules governing relocation of outdoor advertising structures displaced by reconstruction of state roads, League staff told members. The bill as introduced would remove certain distance buffers that limit where a displaced billboard may relocate along the same roadway.

City concerns: League staff and a member work group said removing the buffer could shift compensation costs to cities when a state project leaves no practical relocation sites within a city’s jurisdiction. Presenters explained that federal and state rules already prohibit billboards within certain distances of interchanges, other billboards and residential zones; a major reconstruction that creates new interchanges can fragment otherwise continuous \"mile\" segments and make relocation difficult or impossible within the city. Staff warned that, when relocation options are unavailable, the financial burden could fall to the local government.

Work group alternatives: The League convened a work group that proposed several alternatives to the industry’s initial proposal to allow relocation “anywhere” on the same road. Options the group discussed include requiring relocation within the same city (or to a neighboring city only by agreement), allowing relocation to the opposite side of the road when appropriate, expanding the relocation radius where a mile is fragmented by interchanges, and requiring clearer UDOT coordination and compensation calculations in environmental review (EIS) exercises. Work group members said their goal was to preserve local zoning discretion while resolving practical fragmentation problems caused by major state highway projects.

Process: League staff said they will meet again with outdoor‑advertising representatives and seek member input from cities likely to be affected by I‑15 reconstruction in Davis and northern Salt Lake counties and other future projects. The bill had not yet been scheduled for committee at the time of the LPC briefing.

","House Bill 198 would alter relocation rules for billboards displaced by state road projects; League members worried removal of distance buffers could shift compensation costs to cities and limit local zoning authority in fragmented mile‑segments around interchanges.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

SB 165 redraws municipal broadband rules; cities warn new requirements could raise costs and require voter approval for revenue bonds

League staff outline major housing and land‑use bills, propose amendments to protect local authority and planning timelines

Lawmakers consider shifting state preference from Census to Utah Population Committee estimates

LPC approves Jan. 27 minutes and ratifies current bill‑tracker positions

Billboard relocation near state road projects draws League concern over compensation and local control