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House passes bill allowing employers to authorize off‑duty officers to use vehicles and uniforms
Summary
The Utah House passed First Substitute House Bill 241 to let authorizing agencies permit post‑certified peace officers to work off duty in uniform and use department vehicles with employer authorization; the measure passed the House 62–6 after an amendment requiring employer authorization was added.
An unnamed representative on the floor introduced and guided First Substitute House Bill 241, which would permit post‑certified peace officers working off duty for private security to wear uniforms and use department vehicles when authorized by their employing agency.
The sponsor said the change would increase visible peace‑officer presence while expanding options for private security arrangements and allowing agencies to set rules — including consideration of remuneration to the jurisdiction that permits vehicle or equipment use. “It simply makes sure that an officer cannot do it without the authorization of his employer,” the sponsor said on the floor.
During floor discussion Representative Tanner questioned the remuneration language. The sponsor clarified that remuneration was intended for the city or entity that allows officers to use government vehicles or equipment while working off duty.
Members amended the substitute on the House floor by inserting the phrase “and has the authorization of the person's employing agency” after the word “officer” on page 1, line 18; the amendment was adopted by voice vote. Following the sponsor’s summation and noting support from a legislative council group representing peace officers, the House voted to pass the first substitute for House Bill 241, 62 yes to 6 no. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Procedural note: a member later requested that an aye be recorded for a prior vote because of a voting‑button malfunction; the chair said that request would be entered under suspension of the rules.
