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House backs UCAN bill, shifts 7¢ phone surcharge and funds Poison Control through U. of Utah
Summary
The House passed first substitute HB 155 to reconstitute emergency-communications governance (UCAN/Utah Communications Authority), redirect the 7¢ monthly telephone surcharge from Poison Control to 911 funding, and provide a $2.1 million appropriation to the University of Utah for poison control operations; the bill passed 61–10.
Representative Dee, sponsor of first substitute House Bill 1 55, described the bill as the product of 18 months of work to coordinate emergency-communications and 911 services statewide. "This bill... gives a vehicle for coordinating emergency services, especially in the area of 911," the sponsor said, and emphasized it "does not remove any local control" and "does not force any rural provider to switch public radio systems."
A key funding change discussed on the floor would transfer the 7¢-per-month telephone surcharge currently supporting the Utah Poison Control Center to the 911 board. Representative Dee said the bill includes a $2,100,000 appropriation through higher education to the University of Utah to continue funding poison control services on that campus. "This merely takes it to where it was at the end of 2012," Dee said, adding the appropriation places responsibility with the university that currently operates the center.
Several members sought detail. Representative Noel asked whether language in the bill would allow private-sector providers to compete and whether government would avoid competing with private industry; Dee replied the new Authority would "evaluate the benefits of public and private providers" and administrative rules and procurement processes would protect private participation. Representatives concerned about rural sheriffs' older VHF radio equipment sought assurances; Dee pointed to language that preserves the VHF high-band network and said the bill would fund interoperability and bridges between radio systems.
Representative Cosgrove disclosed prior service on the Poison Control Center board and asked about outreach; Representative Dee and others described the anticipated budget and noted the appropriation would flow through higher education to the University of Utah. After questions and a brief reserve-of-rights comment, members moved to final action. Voting was opened and the House approved the first substitute to HB 155 (61 yes, 10 no). The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.
