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House approves bill to recognize Applied Technology Centers for Wasatch Front South
Summary
The House passed House Bill 34 to formally recognize Applied Technology Centers (ATCs) serving secondary students in the Wasatch Front South region and to allocate assets between secondary ATCs and Salt Lake Community College. Sponsors and several members emphasized the bill addresses vocational training gaps and passed unanimously 69‑0.
The Utah House on Feb. 9 passed House Bill 34, which recognizes existing Applied Technology Centers (ATCs) and authorizes creation of an ATC for the Wasatch Front South region serving secondary students, while preserving Salt Lake Community College’s role for adult students.
Representative Tyler, sponsor, said the measure “establishes and encodes the existence of ATCs for the 4 that now exist and for 1 for the Wasatch Front South Region” and that the change is intended to expand vocational and technical opportunities for a populous region that he said has been underserved. Tyler told colleagues this is a first critical step and that school districts and private groups have pledged support.
Representatives from both rural and urban districts spoke in favor. Representative Snow noted that many graduates do not pursue four‑year degrees and applauded broader access to vocational training; Representative Bowman and others described successful local examples and pressed for expansion in rural areas. Representative Goodfellow urged continued study of location and funding logistics while supporting the bill’s intent to provide opportunities for secondary students.
Representative Rowan moved and later accepted committee amendments; summation was waived and the bill was approved by voice and recorded as receiving 69 yes votes and 0 no votes. The bill will be referred to the Senate for further action.
Next steps: Senate consideration. Supporters said subsequent work will be required on implementation details, locations, and funding pathways for the regional ATC network.
