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House amends special service district bill to permit ambulance service only with fire protection
Summary
Lawmakers amended House Bill 80 to let special service districts provide ambulance and emergency medical services only where fire protection services are also provided, a change sponsors said avoids creating new standalone ambulance districts while solving specific local gaps such as in Provo Canyon.
The Utah House amended and approved language in House Bill 80 to allow multipurpose special service districts to provide ambulance and emergency medical services only when those services are provided together with fire protection.
Representative Anderson described the bill as narrowly drafted to address gaps in emergency coverage in areas such as the Sundance area of Provo Canyon, and representatives said the North Fork Special Service District could assume ambulance responsibilities under the bill. Representative Ewer offered a modification (pink-sheet amendment) clarifying that ambulance services would be included only where fire protection services are provided, an attempt to limit the creation of a new stand‑alone level of government.
Supporters with emergency-response experience urged the House to approve the change, saying it would help ensure advanced life support in remote or recreation areas without expanding government. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then advanced under the amended language.
Floor discussion included questions about contracting options and a legal opinion previously requested on the scope of special service districts. Sponsors said they would welcome follow-up amendments if unintended consequences emerged.
