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Utah House debates overhaul of state employees' unused sick-leave benefit; key amendments voted
Summary
Lawmakers spent hours debating House Bill 213, a package that would change how unused sick leave converts to retirement benefits, with members splitting over fiscal risk and fairness. Several amendments were voted on; the bill was placed for final consideration with floor voting opened but no final outcome recorded in this transcript.
Representative Steve Clark, sponsor of House Bill 213, told the House on Feb. 10 that the bill aims to "fence in" an uncapped liability tied to unused sick leave by creating a new Program 2 for leave earned after Jan. 1, 2006, while honoring existing entitlements for earlier accruals.
Clark described the mechanics: under the new plan 25% of the value of total unused sick leave at an employee's ending rate of pay would be deposited into a 401(k)-type account; an initial 480-hour deduction and a five-year phase-out would apply to eligibility and months of retiree health coverage. "I value our state employees and recognize the hard work that they do," Clark said in opening remarks, while arguing the measure is a fiscally responsible step to stop indefinite escalation of future costs.
Opponents, led by Representative Hansen, urged a delay and an actuarial study. Hansen…
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