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House passes bill to create regional business resource centers
Summary
Lawmakers approved a bill to establish at least four regional Utah Business Resource Centers to coordinate economic development services; the measure passed 60–9 and now goes to the Senate.
Salt Lake City — The Utah House approved first substitute House Bill 37, the Utah Business Resource Centers Act, to establish a minimum of four regional business resource centers that would coordinate state, higher‑education and local economic development resources. The bill passed the House 60–9 and was referred to the Senate.
Sponsor Representative Dave Clark described the centers as a ‘‘quarterback’’ to connect existing programs and reduce duplication across state agencies and higher education. Clark said the centers would operate through a partnership between the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GoED) and institutions of higher education, and that higher education must participate financially for individual centers to proceed.
During floor debate representatives raised concerns about fiscal overlap with existing bodies and whether GoED was already charged with similar coordination. Representative Glenn Harper asked why the state should spend approximately $800,000 to create a new entity rather than rely on existing programs; Clark replied the centers would provide regional, on‑the‑ground coordination and measurement of return on investment.
Supporters said the centers would help entrepreneurs bridge the gap between startup and growth stages; one sponsor argued the legislation would help consolidate resources and improve outcomes for small businesses. The House adopted technical amendments and the bill passed.
The measure now moves to the Senate for committee consideration.
