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House approves $5 million matching program to help schools comply with asbestos rules
Summary
The House passed Substitute HB 161 to provide $5 million in matching funds for local school districts to implement EPA-required asbestos abatement and containment plans, citing federal fines and 700+ affected school buildings.
The Utah House on Feb. 15 approved Substitute House Bill 161, a measure to help local school districts meet Environmental Protection Agency asbestos guidelines.
Representative Bradford, sponsor of the substitute, told members that the state has identified more than 700 school buildings with asbestos issues that must be contained or removed. The bill provides $5,000,000 in matching funds to local districts to begin implementing already-adopted asbestos plans. Bradford said federal rules are strict, that fines have already been imposed in some cases and that districts failing to comply could face penalties as high as $5,000 per day.
Supporters framed the appropriation as necessary to avoid federal penalties and to protect students and staff. Bradford called it part of a broader education package and urged members to support immediate action so districts can proceed with remediation.
Substitute HB 161 was placed on the third-reading calendar and later passed the House by a vote of 65 to 7 and will be returned to the Senate for further action.
Provenance: Based on the sponsor's presentation and the recorded vote in SEG 1118—171 and the vote recorded in SEG 1169—71.
Speakers quoted in the article are taken from House floor remarks.
