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Senate adopts compromise amendments to telecom bill after US West signals conditional non‑opposition
Summary
Senators passed the fourth substitute of House Bill 115 after floor debate and an industry letter stating US West would not oppose passage if a wording change was adopted; the chamber approved the measure on final roll call.
The Utah Senate debated and approved a fourth substitute to House Bill 115, a telecommunications reform measure, after floor negotiations and a disclosure from an industry actor.
Senator Peter Peterson read a letter into the record from US West indicating that, while the company disagreed with some aspects of the bill, it "will not oppose the passage of substitute House Bill 115 in the senate or house so long as the word 'shall' on page 4, line 8, has changed to 'may' by amendment on the senate floor." The floor accepted that change and other technical amendments; sponsors noted that expedited hearings, penalties for noncooperation and compliance mechanisms were part of the negotiated substitute.
Senators debated whether the bill could raise constitutional concerns (equal‑protection or other claims) but reported that stakeholders and the Public Service Commission had indicated administrative capacity to implement expedited processes. On the final roll call after suspension of rules, the transcript records 27 aye votes, no nays and two absences; the bill will be returned to the House for its consideration.
The floor discussion shows the bill was advanced through compromise language to secure industry non‑opposition while preserving provisions supporters said will enhance competition and protect consumers. The transcript records the letter and the adopted amendment as the decisive floor‑level compromise.
Next steps: The Senate sent the fourth substitute of House Bill 115 to the House for further consideration and enrollment.
