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Utah House advances overhaul of state boards and commissions, setting uniform terms and pay
Summary
The House passed companion bills (HB 403 and HB 406) to standardize terms, per diems and reporting for state boards and commissions after a multi-year task force review; HB 403 passed 57-13 and HB 406 passed 59-10 and will be sent to the Senate.
The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 22 approved measures aimed at creating uniform rules for state boards and commissions, including four-year terms and standard per diem and expense reimbursement.
Supporters said the bills stem from a multi-year review by a legislative task force chaired by the lieutenant governor that aimed to inventory boards, clarify responsibilities and reduce duplication. "These are usually average citizens with a particular expertise who labor in obscurity, but contribute a great deal to state government at little cost," a sponsor said in floor remarks.
HB 403 contains a series of technical amendments to the current statutes governing boards and commissions. HB 406 establishes consistent provisions across boards: four-year terms for members, a standard per diem plus travel reimbursement for public members, and a provision allowing board members to decline per diem to save state funds. The bills also create a shared database in the Governor's office to track board membership, term expirations and application procedures, a measure supporters said will streamline appointments.
Debate on the floor was short. Members asked whether some boards had previously been paid above statutory levels; sponsors replied the proposed per diem will follow amounts set by the Division of Finance (noted in debate as $60 for a half day and $90 for a full day). Nancy Brown of the Governor's office was mentioned as leading the new database project.
Both bills received committee-level endorsements and passed the House by recorded votes: HB 403, 57-13; HB 406, 59-10. Both measures are headed to the Senate for further consideration.
What happens next: The bills will be transmitted to the Senate and, if enacted, will change appointment and compensation mechanics for many state advisory bodies and boards.
