House approves amendment directing Board of Regents on distribution of $4 billion in one-time funds

The Utah House approved amendment 11 to House Bill 6,001, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, adding legislative guidance for how the Board of Regents should consider distributing $4,000,000,000 in one-time funds for the 2003 budget.

Representative Alexander introduced the amendment, saying it revisits prior discussions and “talks about the intent of the legislature to give the Board of Regents discretion in distributing the $4,000,000,000 that we're replacing today,” while adding qualifiers for distribution decisions. The amendment directs that, “in determining how much, if any, to distribute to an institution, the Board of Regents shall consider the mission of the institution, the impact of budget cuts on students, and the needs identified by the institution.”

Representative Daniels asked whether the concept had been run past legislative research to determine its constitutionality, calling it “a doubtful constitutionality.” Representative Alexander acknowledged concern but said the amendment was intended to provide legislative direction. Representative Dayton described the measure as a policy change limited to the 2003 budget and urged colleagues to consider whether they wanted to go on record supporting that policy change.

After discussion, Representative Alexander delivered a summation, urging support for what he described as a balanced budget that provides one-time funds to departments that faced cuts. The House registered widespread affirmative responses when the Speaker called the voice vote on the motion to amend.

The House then called the previous question to cut off further debate and opened voting on House Bill 6,001 as amended.