House adopts resolution creating study task force on electrical industry restructuring, amends timeline

The Utah House on Jan. 23 approved a resolution establishing a task force to examine restructuring of the electrical industry and lay groundwork for legislation.

Representative Beverly Ann Evans, sponsor of House Joint Resolution 7, told colleagues the measure directs an interim task force to study the complex issues of deregulation and invites interested groups to submit draft legislation to staff by April 30, 1998. Representative Evans said the resolution identifies the scope and issues the task force should address and aims to produce well-vetted legislation next session.

Representative Jordan Tanner moved an amendment to delete a fixed date for the task force to advance legislation and instead allow the group to determine whether to propose a bill in 1999, 2000 or a later session. Tanner said that change “gives the task force flexibility” and avoids predetermining its outcome. Representative Rufus Stephens and others supported the amendment, saying it prevented the resolution from foreclosing options the task force should evaluate.

Several members, including Representative Lambert, praised the task force’s work and participation, saying the group had invited extensive public input and briefings during the interim. Representative Evans said she appreciated the task force’s effort and urged colleagues to support the amended resolution.

The House adopted the amendment and passed HJR7 as amended; the resolution will be forwarded to the Senate for its consideration. The resolution requires interested parties to submit draft legislation to task force staff by 04/30/1998 and frames the work to inform future deregulation legislation.