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House approves $129,200 appropriation to help rural liquor package agencies
Summary
Lawmakers passed HB172 to authorize a $129,200 appropriation from the Liquor Control Fund to provide a 14% cost-of-living adjustment for small liquor package agencies in rural Utah; House vote recorded with majority support and dissent over statutory vs. administrative approaches.
The Utah House on Jan. 19 approved House Bill 172, which authorizes an appropriation of $129,200 from the Liquor Control Fund intended to provide a 14% cost-of-living adjustment for small, contracted liquor package agencies operating in rural communities.
Sponsor Michael R. Steiner explained these agencies contract with the state in 33 small towns where the Liquor Control Board cannot feasibly own and operate a store. He said many agencies have fallen behind because annual increases missed budget priorities, and the appropriation is intended to make them fiscally viable without pressuring operators to increase sales. “This bill authorizes an appropriation from the Liquor Control Fund of $129,200… a 14% cost of living increase that basically retroactively catches them up for the past years when they've missed any cost of living increase,” Steiner said.
Members debated whether statutory language is the right venue or whether administrative rules and contract negotiation could achieve the same outcome. Representative Franson and others urged flexibility and administrative guidance; supporters said existing contracts and budget practices left agencies behind and statutory change would ensure equitable treatment.
The House approved the bill and recorded the vote (tallies reported on the floor as 52 yes, 20 no, 3 abstentions in final announcement). The bill will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.
