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Utah House clears a slate of bills;HB66 substitute fails
Summary
On March 2 the House approved several bills (HB218 70–4; HB96 70–4; HB401 74–0; HB355 71–0; HB183 74–0) and recorded a failed final passage on the ninth substitute to HB66 (33–42).
SALT LAKE CITY — During its March 2 floor session the Utah House of Representatives approved a series of bills and logged one high‑profile defeat.
Key roll calls and outcomes:
- HB218 (Family Employment Program Amendments): The House concurred with a Senate amendment and approved final passage, 70 yes, 4 no; the bill will return to the Senate for the President’s signature.
- HB96 (State Retirement System participation for charter schools): The House approved the bill, 70 yes, 4 no. Representative Christine Watkins said the measure would give charter schools the option to join the Utah State Retirement System; participation is voluntary and, once in, a school cannot opt out.
- HB401 (Custody and parent‑time amendments for service members, first substitute): Passed 74 yes, 0 no. Representative Tim Cosgrove described the bill as protecting custody arrangements while a service member is deployed and clarified that adoption matters are handled under a separate federal provision.
- HB355 (Indigent Inmate Trust Fund amendments): Passed 71 yes, 0 no. The measure changes county contribution rules once a $1,000,000 fund cap is reached for the Sanpete County trust fund.
- HB183 (National Animal Identification System): Passed 74 yes, 0 no. The bill authorizes voluntary participation by the Department of Agriculture in a USDA animal identification program and requires an opt‑out if the program becomes mandatory.
Separately, the House considered House Bill 66, a major property‑tax equalization proposal, but final passage of the ninth substitute failed on a recorded vote, 33 yes to 42 no. That debate and defeat will likely prompt further interim discussion by committees and stakeholders.
The House adjourned after floor announcements and recognition of visitors and students.
