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House circles revenue-bond package authorizing campus projects; lawmakers ask for clearer fiscal impact
Summary
Representative Stevens presented HB 112, a package of six higher-education revenue-bond authorizations funded primarily by auxiliary revenues and student fees. After questions about which projects might require state-funded operation and maintenance, the House voted to "circle" the bill for further amendment and review.
Representative Martin R. Stevens introduced House Bill 112 on Feb. 5 to authorize revenue bonds for six higher-education projects, including student housing and student-service buildings at Utah State University, Weber State University, Southern Utah University, Dixie College, Utah Valley Community College and Salt Lake Community College. Stevens emphasized these are revenue bonds to be paid by auxiliary revenues and, in most cases, student fees, with no direct state appropriations planned for debt service.
Members questioned whether some projects would later require state funds for operation and maintenance. Representative Bradshaw asked whether the projects had been vetted through higher-education appropriations and noted the state could be asked to provide maintenance funding for two projects (Weber State and Salt Lake Community College). Representative Glenn Brown raised a procedural challenge and argued the fiscal note appeared inconsistent; Brown moved to return the bill to Rules to resolve the fiscal questions.
Representative Stevens said the fiscal analyst's last line stated the bill "has no fiscal impact directly on state funds," but acknowledged the possibility that future maintenance requests could be made to the Legislature for two projects. After discussion, Stevens moved a substitute motion to circle HB 112 (set it aside) so sponsors and committees could reconcile the two projects that might request state funds; the House agreed and circled the bill for further work.
No final passage vote was taken during the session; the bill was set aside for amendment and additional review.
