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House debates used-tire recycling bill after contentious substitute attempt; amendments change fees and enforcement
Summary
Lawmakers debated House Bill 213 at length after a failed substitute motion. The bill raises recycling subsidies per ton, adjusts proposed fee levels (discussion between $75 and $65), and adds amendments about enforcement procedures, investigation standards and a warning-notice alternative to fines.
The Utah House held extended debate on House Bill 213, a used-tire management bill that changes the state’s recycling subsidy and enforcement structure.
Sponsor Representative David Urie and co-sponsors described the bill as increasing the recycling payment per ton to encourage in‑state processing and reduce waste piles. Members disputed the appropriate subsidy level: floor discussion centered on raising support from roughly $20 per ton to $65 (with some earlier proposals of $75 cited), and speakers warned lowering the fee might undercut program success.
A substitute offered by Representative Hendrickson that would have replaced HB 213 was defeated after standing votes. Opponents warned the bill’s language — particularly exemptions and landfill prohibitions — could impose heavy penalties on large industrial generators, including mine operations, with one member citing possible fines applied per tire.
Several amendments were adopted on pink amendment sheets. Significant changes included authority language shifting investigatory requirements (adding investigatory steps before mandatory license revocation), inserting a 15-cent-per-tire fee for owners who generated waste piles in one amendment sheet, and allowing warning notices as an alternative to automatic $100 fines in some circumstances. The bill’s supporters argued amendments would protect small community groups doing tire projects while preserving enforcement options.
Lawmakers cited a limited audit of the state's prior waste-tire recycling effort that found weak program controls, the only in-state processor had closed, and the recycling fund balance was approximately $3,900,000. After the amendment votes, the bill as amended advanced on the calendar for further consideration.
What happens next: HB 213 proceeds with the adopted amendments for additional consideration and rulemaking direction set in the adopted language; agencies named in the bill are expected to prepare implementing rules by specified dates included in amendments.
Vote and procedure: the substitute motion to replace HB 213 failed; a sequence of amendments was adopted by voice/standing votes on the floor.
