Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House approves mandatory dispatcher training funded by 5¢ rise in 9‑1‑1 surcharge
Summary
House members approved H.B. 362 to make dispatcher training mandatory and to increase the statewide 9‑1‑1 surcharge by 5¢ (from 53¢ to 58¢) to fund training and administration; the measure passed 40–33 with 2 absent and now goes to the Senate.
The Utah House on Feb. 20 approved H.B. 362, making dispatcher training mandatory for local agencies and providing a funding mechanism through a 5¢ increase to the statewide 9‑1‑1 surcharge.
The bill’s sponsor described turning the existing voluntary training program into a state-mandated certification overseen by Peace Officer Standards and Training and said the increase would fund administrative costs and the training program. The sponsor told members the surcharge would rise "from 53¢ to 58¢" to support those purposes.
Several members asked how existing 9‑1‑1 funds are currently allocated and whether the additional revenue would be accountable. The sponsor said the bill specifies permitted uses and provides oversight; the sponsor also noted an audit by the state auditor-general about accountability in 9‑1‑1 expenditures.
After floor questions and summation, the House recorded final passage at 40 yes, 33 no and 2 absent. H.B. 362 will be transmitted to the Utah Senate for further consideration.
What happens next: If the Senate approves the bill, the higher surcharge would be collected through the state tax system as specified in statute and allocated to dispatcher training and administrative costs described in H.B. 362.
