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House passes bill moving State Office of Rehabilitation Services to Workforce Services after lengthy debate
Summary
After extensive floor debate and stakeholder concerns, the Utah House approved a substitute to move the State Office of Rehabilitation Services (USOR) from the State Office of Education to the Department of Workforce Services, with the sponsor promising no program cuts and a transition plan; the bill passed 62–12 and will go to the Senate.
Representative Thurston presented second substitute HB 325 to move the State Office of Rehabilitation Services (USOR) out from under the State Office of Education and place it under the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). The change follows a legislative performance audit that, sponsors said, documented oversight and fiscal problems at the office.
Thurston told members the intent is to "move it lock, stock and barrel" with no changes to programs or services and to require a detailed transition plan from DWS that lists employee positions, titles and pay so staff transitions will be transparent. He said the substitute includes language protecting existing services and clarified appointment and advisory-council provisions that had prompted concern.
Supporters said oversight and financial management problems identified by the legislative audit made the move necessary; some members and advocates urged creating a standalone agency under the governor instead and asked for cost comparisons. Representative Ray emphasized the 3‑year review sunset in the bill to reassess the arrangement. After substantive debate and multiple floor remarks, the House adopted the substitute and passed HB 325 62–12; the measure will be transmitted to the Senate.
