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Senate approves bill to create Utah Office of Museum Services
Summary
The Utah Senate voted to create a state Office of Museum Services, a recommendation of a two‑year study, to support museum operations and consistent statewide policy; the bill passed 26–1 with two absences.
The Utah Senate approved House Bill 21 on March 3, 1993, creating a state Office of Museum Services intended to coordinate museum programming and policies across Utah.
Senator Peterson, who introduced the measure, said the proposal is the product of a two‑year study commissioned by the governor and backed by more than 60 statewide participants. "It allows us to establish some consistent policies and a consistent environment so that we can have a quality museum program," Peterson said. He described the office as a way to help smaller museums that now rely largely on local resources.
Lawmakers questioned the bill’s funding priority but were told the proposal had been prioritized by the House. After brief discussion about the fiscal note, the Senate moved under suspension of the rules and approved HB21 on final passage. The clerk announced the vote as 26 ayes, 1 nay and 2 absent; the bill will be returned to the House for further action.
Supporters said a centralized office will increase cross‑reference capabilities between institutions and improve overall museum quality. Opponents did not press sustained floor debate. The bill’s sponsors said they would work with the House and the governor’s office on implementation details and budget adjustments.
The immediate next step is transmittal back to the House and then the bill will be prepared for the governor’s signature and implementation planning by the newly created office.
