House approves information'gathering on retirement conversion; does not open conversion window

The Utah House passed House Bill 100 on a 39-31 vote after members debated whether the measure would create expectations that a retirement conversion window would open.

Representative Brad King, who introduced the measure, said the bill ‘‘does not open a window. It merely directs that the ... survey [application] be taken,’’ explaining the intent is to gather applications or expressions of interest so the fiscal analyst can prepare a more accurate estimate of any future cost of allowing conversions between the contributory and noncontributory retirement systems.

Representative Dave Clark said he supported the effort to get better cost data but warned of ‘‘heartburn’’ about relying on applications or surveys, asking rhetorically how many surveys members actually return and whether the results would be representative. Several members expressed concern that collecting applications could create an expectation among employees that the Legislature will later open a conversion window, potentially leading to organized advocacy.

Brad King clarified that the instrument in the bill is an application that would be kept on file for a 12'month period (six months before July 1 and six months after) and that any decision to open a conversion window would remain at the Legislature's discretion.

The House closed debate, voted, and referred HB 100 to the Senate.