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House approves requirement for DOT equipment changes to reduce debris from uncovered loads
Summary
As amended, H.B. 108 requires the Utah Department of Transportation to use existing equipment funds to modify equipment to help ensure gravel, coal and similar loads are covered to prevent debris from damaging vehicles; the measure passed 53–17.
The Utah House on Feb. 12 approved H.B. 108, a bill that requires measures to reduce material falling from trucks by directing the Department of Transportation to use existing equipment funds to modify its equipment and address load‑covering issues.
Representative Don LeBaron, sponsor of the floor amendment and a visible proponent on the floor, said the amendment obligates the Department of Transportation to prioritize equipment expenditures to handle load covering. LeBaron described daily sightings of gravel and rock blown from trucks onto state highways and recounted anecdotal accounts of paint damage, broken windshields and at least one death connected to debris from unsecured loads. He told colleagues DOT staff had encouraged the approach and did not oppose the amendment.
The House adopted the amendment on the pink sheet and then voted on the bill as amended. The amended H.B. 108 received 53 affirmative votes and 17 negative votes and passed the House; it will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.
The transcript records no separate appropriation attached to the amendment; Representative LeBaron said the Department would use existing equipment funds for modifications. The bill’s stated aim is to reduce roadside safety risks and vehicle damage by requiring better load‑securing practices and DOT equipment changes.
Next step: the House forwarded the amended bill to the Senate for its further consideration.
