Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Natural Resources topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House passes Brine Shrimp Royalty Act amendments, sets per‑pound royalty
Summary
The Utah House approved amendments to the Brine Shrimp Royalty Act that define industry terms and set a royalty formula — the lesser of $3.75 per pound or $550,000 for the 2004–2005 period, reverting to $3.75 per pound thereafter. Representative Gowans sponsored the measure, which passed 71‑0.
The Utah House on Feb. 15 approved Senate Bill 129, amendments to the Brine Shrimp Royalty Act, to change how the state assesses royalties on harvested brine shrimp eggs.
Representative Gowans, sponsor on the floor, said the bill "defines some terms for the brine shrimp industry" and replaces last year’s flat fee with a royalty tied to harvest volume. For tax years beginning Feb. 1, 2004, and ending Jan. 2006, the bill sets a royalty equal to the lesser of $3.75 per pound of unprocessed brine shrimp eggs harvested in the state or $550,000; beginning Feb. 2006 the royalty would be $3.75 per pound, Gowans said.
Gowans told the House the change responds to industry fluctuation and reinstates a per‑pound structure the chamber had modified the prior year. There were no questions from members and the sponsor waived final summation.
The House voted to approve Senate Bill 129 by a 71‑0 margin; the measure was announced as passed and will be signed by the Speaker.
Next steps: the passed bill proceeds toward enrollment/signature as appropriate.
