Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Boards Commissions Database topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House passes bill to create database of state boards and commissions after amendment fights
Summary
The House approved HB33 to establish a searchable executive-branch boards-and-commissions database to improve accountability; members debated fiscal cost and whether to record party affiliation and gender before passing the bill 72–1.
The Utah House on Jan. 28 passed House Bill 33, directing the executive branch to create and maintain a database of boards and commissions appointed by state agencies so the legislature and public can track membership, mission and sunset dates. Representative Jordan Tanner, sponsor of the bill, said the measure addresses an accountability gap where some boards’ functions and costs were not readily explained to legislative analysts.
Tanner described the database as an FTE-supported system that would produce an annual report (due April 1) for the legislature and executive branch. He said the initial fiscal note had estimated $11,500 in costs but a revised estimate reduced that number to $9,000 after committee work.
Floor debate centered on proposed data fields. Representative Jensen moved to add “gender” to the list of data points so the legislature could monitor representation on panels; supporters argued it would provide useful demographic data, while opponents said it risked unnecessary categorization. The gender amendment failed on a recorded vote. Members also identified duplicate party-affiliation language; an amendment deleting the duplicate line passed.
Supporters framed HB33 as a good-government bill that would help legislators and the public understand the proliferation, cost and purpose of appointed boards. The House recorded final passage at 72 affirmative and 1 negative vote and sent the bill to the Senate for further consideration.
