House approves changes to Capitol Preservation Board, reduces board membership and shifts to preservation role

The Utah House approved revisions to the Capitol Preservation Board that change the board’s focus from short‑term restoration to longer‑term preservation and conservation, reduce its membership and formalize new roles.

Representative Wallace, sponsor of the changes, told colleagues the work to stabilize structures is largely complete and that the state should move into a preservation phase. Wallace described the Capitol stabilization effort and said, “The dome sits on the capitol only by gravity. It’s not glued down,” underscoring the building’s unique engineering and the need for ongoing oversight and conservation. The bill renames the campus area (to Capitol Hill facilities), reduces the board from 15 to 11 members, and sets membership including the governor or designee, legislative leaders’ designees, the State Treasurer, the Attorney General, two legislative appointees (one majority, one minority from each chamber), the chief justice or designee, and the State Historic Preservation Officer.

Wallace also said the bill centralizes maintenance under a director appointed by the board and establishes a subcommittee and training opportunities tied to preservation work. Sponsor remarks framed the change as an administrative and structural realignment intended to create “efficiencies, continuity, and coordination.” Voting closed with the House approving the bill, 65–0, and the measure was sent to the Senate for signature.

Representatives did not present a House fiscal note during floor discussion; the sponsor said the changes focus board composition and duties rather than creating a new funding program. The bill’s language and membership adjustments will be reviewed during Senate consideration.