House advances radiation-control amendments after audit-driven rewrite; HB 124 passes unanimously

The House on Feb. 27 passed first substitute HB 124, a package of radiation-control amendments described by the sponsor as a response to an audit of the state's radiation-control program.

Representative Dee said the bill routes mitigation fees to the radiation control program, instructs the radiation control board to create application categories to improve processing speed while preserving hearing rights, and requires facilities outside Utah that plan to send radioactive waste to provide access for Utah inspectors to verify waste radioactivity. "It clarifies that any organization located outside the state of Utah that plans on sending radioactive waste to Utah give access to their facility to Utah inspectors that can verify the radioactivity levels," Dee said. The bill also increases civil penalties in statute from $5,000 to $10,000 per instance.

Representative Seggers, from Tooele County, voiced support based on local experience and said self-reporting by Energy Solutions strengthens enforcement. Representative Dee said DEQ and the radiation control board supported the statutory changes and were prepared to implement them.

The House voted in favor of the first substitute HB 124, 70–0; the bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.

Why it matters: The bill responds to an audit and tightens oversight of radioactive materials entering the state, clarifying enforcement pathways and raising penalties. It affects state regulators, out-of-state waste generators that would ship material to Utah, and local communities near disposal or treatment facilities.

Next steps: HB 124 passed the House and will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.