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House approves one‑year extension to statute of limitations for environmental code violations
Summary
First Substitute SB 49 increases the statute of limitations on violations of the state's environmental code from one year to two years to provide regulators more time to pursue enforcement; the House passed the measure 63‑9.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House on Feb. 24 passed First Substitute Senate Bill 49, lengthening the statute of limitations on enforcement of the state's environmental code from one year to two years. Representative Chavez Houk, the House sponsor, said the change is a limited, tempered increase intended to give regulatory authorities adequate time to investigate and prosecute violations that affect public health and air quality.
"Again this merely increases the statute of limitations from 1 year to 2 years within which an action may be brought against violators of the code," the sponsor said, arguing the measure allows regulators to act in the public interest. Representative Chavez Houk added the bill protects conscientious operators while enabling regulators to address offenses more fairly and thoroughly.
The measure drew recorded opposition on the floor; the reading clerk announced the final tally as 63 aye, 9 nay. The bill will be returned to the Senate for further consideration.
Next steps: SB 49 will be transmitted back to the Senate with the House action recorded.
