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House unanimously approves changes to Privatization Policy Board to increase oversight and private-sector membership
Summary
House Bill 49 expands the Privatization Policy Board, adjusts appointment of the chair to the governor, increases meeting frequency, and adds reporting duties; sponsor Representative Anne Stevens said the changes will make the board functional; the bill passed 73–0.
The Utah House unanimously approved House Bill 49 on Jan. 19, amending the state’s Privatization Policy Board to increase membership, change the appointment of the board chair to the governor, require quarterly meetings, and add reporting and communication duties. Representative Anne Stevens, who sponsored the bill, said she filed the amendments after finding the board “essentially nonfunctioning” during her service and after consulting with past board members.
Stevens told the chamber the bill increases board membership from 11 to 13, adds two private-business positions, shifts the power to appoint the chairman to the governor and clarifies duties including regular reporting to the governor, appropriations committees and the Legislature. She described a small fiscal note (per diem and minimal program costs) and said the bill had support from the Utah Public Employees Association.
Supporters argued the amendments add accountability and structure and could save state dollars by facilitating efficient privatization where appropriate. Stevens said the board will help identify areas where the private sector can deliver services at lower cost without diminishing service quality.
No substantive opposition was recorded on the floor. The House adopted the bill as amended by voice and recorded a final vote of 73–0; the measure was sent to the Senate for consideration.
