[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6328433,"mediaKeyId","2320119-a5766bcecac2c4361779d5c5c4686ebc","parentId",2320119,"title","Committee holds HB324 after extended testimony on black license plate revenue and museum funding","audioSeconds",2437,"startMs",3643000,"endMs",6080000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2320119-a5766bcecac2c4361779d5c5c4686ebc&start=3643&end=6080","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2320119-a5766bcecac2c4361779d5c5c4686ebc/thumbnail_3643000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6328433/Utah/Committee-holds-HB324-after-extended-testimony-on-black-license-plate-revenue-and-museum-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328433-ff364ce73b8938eaeb982a0e936c68bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192832&Signature=ISNC06ZZHEkwyn--pGbaOMel6MNHcXErrszey~BNtB4RAQA6aysEqUOMRwUNokF9YWqrLJRBH-ky6hKS56KIu3MEvAdoctaQAps4vFNVd4wlAWECNgQaQ8kw3h-G9FCTowtWfzVF5nsg6I3MLZHmDk0R233AFTCzQ5BGK3SpMS0z6pKEsBtxBiiY26QZhBVd4MXSqzw3tFcG5tzjnXCRXls0ak2~cVK6V6zUCq-DZBLG~2Nj35zhDha2ALTx8BYsXu7YD88dwPqKxUhjODF5RxCwju5CaNLrWj-AzGuGk52LEI7FHnldTS3LLZEI9l0HhbG9lTnTZ25jMqu0VaVVuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Utah State Legislature","date","2025-02-14T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Peterson presented a substitute to House Bill 324 proposing changes to how revenue from certain specialty license plates — notably the black \"Utah\" plate reissued in 2023 — is distributed. The substitute raised the cap on recipient distributions to $500,000 (from $300,000 under prior discussion) and included a one-time transfer intended to seed an endowment for the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement. Sponsor Peterson said the measure was intended to preserve the legislature's appropriations authority while ensuring the department receives a stable recurring amount from the plate proceeds.

The hearing drew sustained public testimony. Donna Law, executive director of the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, described the Museum of Utah project and the department's role overseeing four galleries in the State Office Building. \"The proceeds from the plate that have been received so far ... has gone into an endowment fund,\" Law told the committee, and she said the endowment would support rotating exhibits and long-term collections care.

Museum professionals and preservation advocates urged the committee not to redirect funds originally marketed and sold with historical museum and Utah-history purposes in mind. Ruth White, representing the Utah Museum Association, said the funds support hundreds of small museums and educational outreach across the state. Brad Westwood, a former senior public historian for the state, asked the committee to respect the publicly advertised purpose of the plate and cautioned about redirecting voluntary donations.

Committee members discussed constitutional oversight and appropriations authority. Representative Thurston noted auditor guidance emphasizing three criteria for voluntary donations: transparency (donors should know the purpose), oversight (protections against waste), and accountability (funds used for intended purpose). Several members said they wanted more time to review the substitute text and the fiscal implications; Representative DeFe moved to hold the bill. The committee voted to hold the first substitute to HB324.

Outcome: the committee adopted the first substitute earlier in the meeting for drafting purposes but ultimately voted to hold the first substitute of HB324 for further work. Committee members and witnesses expressed willingness to continue negotiations on appropriate oversight and whether future plates or modifications might better match donor expectations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Transportation Committee - February 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Following extensive public testimony from historians, museum professionals and donors, the Transportation Interim Committee voted to hold the first substitute of HB324, which proposed changes to how proceeds from the popular black license plate would be distributed and invested.","taxTitle","2025 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",78171,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6328440,"Committee approves HB198 first substitute to ease billboard relocations tied to highway widening; passes favorably 10–1 after debate",2032,1186000,3218000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2320119-a5766bcecac2c4361779d5c5c4686ebc&start=1186&end=3218","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2320119-a5766bcecac2c4361779d5c5c4686ebc/thumbnail_1186000.jpg","/articles/6328440/Utah/Committee-approves-HB198-first-substitute-to-ease-billboard-relocations-tied-to-highway-widening-passes-favorably-101-after-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328440-344c977efcfe5b05998f1dab4b115b0d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192832&Signature=lZY9xVa026MsM5nbZ0XSjWEcCwSQN0Lr2q7a-KcNdITyI4X~5sN~13GOvuqgHD40J2Z0RpiSs4l~aQ63X~SUcYtr04OOZSpMMfQYucSq7fc8oZMcgh~JXkN0c5STJBcWJ52UfiYswn8YZuorORcbpj-FP6vpL2CFKI4hH8n9H4ygZHqJ9t~r~2dkvlsg4LfHy4Afr-INBIHNVxYa9HBfKb9J--vVjnxF4SNFfESMdaqoHLSYyAJiG3Ow-fae3dHYAaZ1mo~0EdLzxFsW0B-ywQbYiCfKKBfGv36-hk3mba5nsJmyXB-qUMxQ6FekmdS1Q2KdWMjyA0vHh1~1MlIkhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Peterson presented House Bill 198 (first substitute), which increases the linear relocation distance for billboards displaced by highway projects — from 1 mile to 4 miles on interstates and from ½ mile to 1 mile on state highways — and clarifies where relocated signs may be placed.

The sponsor said the bill does not allow signs to move off the same highway or into residential neighborhoods and that the change is intended to avoid expensive buyouts of sign property: \"Either we can help them find a location to put their sign or we're gonna have to buy them out,\" Peterson said. He also said the change was negotiated with the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

Industry representatives and the Utah League of Cities and Towns testified in support of a collaborative approach but identified remaining drafting concerns. Nate Seacrest of Reagan Outdoor Advertising told the committee, \"These signs can only stay on the same highway, so linear is the very best description of that.\" Carson Eilers, policy director for the Utah League of Cities and Towns, told members the League is still working to clarify three drafting points, chiefly ensuring relocations stay within the same municipality unless both jurisdictions agree, refining language around obstruction-based relocation, and clarifying provisions specific to state highways.

Several witnesses representing Scenic Utah and other preservation interests urged caution and asked for time to review a substitute document released the night before the hearing. Gary Uresk, a Scenic Utah volunteer with decades of local-government experience, told the committee the statutory scheme is inconsistent in places and cited the federal Highway Beautification Act and a Utah federal agreement dating from the 1960s as relevant to spacing requirements; he urged the committee to ensure federal compliance. Ralph Becker and other witnesses also asked for more time to review the substitute.

UTAH Department of Transportation was reported to be in a neutral position; industry and a transit representative noted the change would reduce delays and costs when UDOT-led projects displace signage.

Committee action: the committee adopted the first substitute, then voted to pass HB198 out of committee with a favorable recommendation. A roll-call vote recorded 10 in favor and 1 opposed (Representative Romero voted no).

What changed: the substitute increases the allowable linear relocation distance along the original highway for displaced billboards; it retains local zoning and municipal approval requirements and keeps the standard that relocated signs must remain on the same highway. Committee members emphasized municipal permitting still applies and that relocated signage must conform to local commercial/industrial zoning.","House Bill 198 (first substitute), which lengthens the distance billboard owners may relocate along the same highway when displaced by state highway projects, was adopted by the Transportation Interim Committee and passed out favorably 10–1.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6328446,"Transportation committee adopts third substitute to HB349, directs health department to convene stakeholders on state website links",1050,79000,1129000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2320119-a5766bcecac2c4361779d5c5c4686ebc&start=79&end=1129","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2320119-a5766bcecac2c4361779d5c5c4686ebc/thumbnail_79000.jpg","/articles/6328446/Utah/Transportation-committee-adopts-third-substitute-to-HB349-directs-health-department-to-convene-stakeholders-on-state-website-links","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328446-cdcc16cc373baa3966f27266a9e7446d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192832&Signature=bla0KUlU0mx3I3gQClm7OkFgr1oWMy5utnVhQ6TiX-Y6I3FpTP8B3HnLexUzAkGWmV5y46jskGoa42snUJtJJfp5BcrdX7hEouX~pSv-0llgSh9Uw6d2l7dhnU27xZBsuL22EkncVIwj6DPqGuvQF8~6zSioV2gCRsE2fY6bBIzKRPBTexxkG3GmYnSYUtUeYpi0gbtohBWF18qlE9wtzCnrmM4W6yq3Z8lYAmEr07CJGoZcgX6Pgk~GUYuV9m7R8gGLkUVZjfnJQxKDUkTbxfnm0VR02bnYaPmE-NGosRPXEUVcnmo2-PCjd7ozu3BSa7FwncdiXN1FmPPikXxmhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Doug Owens on Friday presented the third substitute to House Bill 349, an organ-donation bill, and the Transportation Interim Committee adopted it with a subsequent amendment to streamline plan ownership.

The measure removes an earlier education requirement and a provision asking state procuring agencies to encourage contractors to educate employees. Instead, the bill directs the Utah Department of Health to assemble stakeholders and develop a regularized process for deciding which third-party resources may be linked from state websites (for example, the tax website or hunting and fishing license pages). \"We took out the education piece entirely,\" Owens told the committee, and \"we took out a provision related to contractors\" that members had found clumsy.

The sponsor said the replacement approach requires the health department to convene a stakeholder group to compare competing worthy causes (organ donation, suicide prevention, cancer screening, etc.) and recommend a fair, repeatable method for prioritizing links. \"The health department assembles stakeholders and the proper people to consider how to preference these different groups,\" Owens said.

Representative Thurston asked for a small wording change to lines 58–61 so the document consistently names the department as the owner of the comprehensive plan; he moved to strike the word \"coalitions\" on line 61. The committee adopted that amendment before passing the bill out favorably. Representative Peterson, who helped negotiate the changes, praised the collaborative work: \"It's painful to bring your baby to the capital, and someone thinks that baby's ugly, and we gotta fix something,\" he said, later adding he appreciated the sponsor's willingness to work on the bill.

Committee action: the committee adopted the third substitute, approved the amendment deleting the word \"coalitions\" on line 61 to make plan ownership consistent, and voted to forward HB349 (third substitute as amended) with a favorable recommendation. The transcript records the committee's vote as unanimous.

No public testimony was recorded on the bill in the transcript. Committee members said the changes should reduce the bill's fiscal note and remove provisions that had raised concerns at prior hearings.

Looking ahead, staff were asked to check line references and to ensure final drafting consistency before the bill moves to the next step.","Representative Doug Owens presented the third substitute to House Bill 349, and the committee adopted the substitute and an amendment that clarifies plan ownership while replacing prior education and contractor provisions with a Health Department–led stakeholder process for state website link prioritization.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6328430,"Committee forwards HB471 to speed vehicle procurement for transit projects",353,6207000,6560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2320119-a5766bcecac2c4361779d5c5c4686ebc&start=6207&end=6560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2320119-a5766bcecac2c4361779d5c5c4686ebc/thumbnail_6207000.jpg","/articles/6328430/Utah/Committee-forwards-HB471-to-speed-vehicle-procurement-for-transit-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328430-bb10a8f020c6cc306336b0129fb201f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192832&Signature=XgI24RxQa8ZIXJCzC63g~R4AQ7fPEsjz7RziGiSoQeoViWdy8PXtDH8OkOOekIp6qz-kfnixL1NB3qYSZGxSoFEgWDe~gM3HNrirqeWHVTwuwbOXqlNZXuqyiFC~0Y8k7jllLN0H0GoIxgcpQfvwYGw8IybJ-VNujlu3O4eLz9anShQGiAMaaXDR2W1o8zyKp~9uj-kX3W6HrU89mIjszezCokX8RYBgXRY0CtZH2jhugIZKhaGvnEXKlaeyCzNjZwDRrCgoLp9N1plIlk5Ar1h6OYsbfDgN87z1JLtp6b-I7Z-VDfe76~r4Wq~ol7N8ydDR81X0o-L1TG34Hb~9Xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Cal Roberts presented House Bill 471 to let the Utah Department of Transportation use existing vehicle procurement contracts negotiated by other transit agencies (a common \"piggyback\" approach) to shorten purchase timelines for vehicles needed on expanding projects.

Roberts said the tool is intended to compress a procurement process that otherwise could take two to two-and-a-half years and to help UDOT deliver transit projects faster. \"This bill streamlines UDOT's vehicle procurement process by allowing UDOT to piggyback off of existing contracts that other transit or transportation agencies around the country might already have with vehicle manufacturers,\" Roberts said. He cited FrontRunner double-tracking as a near-term use case.

Leif Elder of UDOT testified in support and told the committee the approach is used nationally and supported by the Federal Transit Administration. \"This is a tool that is supported by the FTA. It's a tool that's also used across the country,\" Elder said. Procurement staff were reported to have technical suggestions about where the language should be placed in state procurement code; the sponsor and UDOT indicated they would work with the state's procurement office on technical drafting.

Action: the committee voted to pass HB471 favorably with the stated goal of increasing procurement efficiency for upcoming vehicle purchases linked to capacity projects. Sponsors will incorporate technical drafting suggestions from the state's procurement office before the bill moves forward.","The Transportation Interim Committee passed HB471, which allows UDOT to use existing procurement contracts from other agencies (\"piggybacking\") for vehicle purchases, to shorten procurement timelines for projects such as FrontRunner double-tracking; UDOT supported the bill but procurement office technical edits are expected.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee holds HB324 after extended testimony on black license plate revenue and museum funding

Committee approves HB198 first substitute to ease billboard relocations tied to highway widening; passes favorably 10–1 after debate

Transportation committee adopts third substitute to HB349, directs health department to convene stakeholders on state website links

Committee forwards HB471 to speed vehicle procurement for transit projects