Utah Senate advances range of bills; resolution on state retirement waivers passes to House

The Utah State Senate met Feb. 26 and advanced multiple bills and resolutions after floor debate and roll-call votes.

The chamber approved SCR 4, a resolution authorizing states to seek federal waivers that would allow creation of state‑level retirement plans modeled on proposals like Oregon’s. A sponsor said the resolution’s intent is to let states ‘‘develop their own plan’’ and emphasized protections for existing retirees while noting younger workers could be required to place the retirement portion of payroll into private investment accounts. Opponents warned encouraging opt‑outs could weaken Social Security and unsettle current and near‑retirees; Senator Wharton argued such encouragement ‘‘puts the system in jeopardy’’ for people who depend on guaranteed benefits. The chair announced SCR 4 passed and was sent to the House (announced tally: 16 ayes, 10 nays).

On transportation, the Senate considered a first substitute to SB 176 to broaden the authority and scope of a highway‑jurisdiction and funding task force. Sponsors said the substitute allows the committee to review an initial list of…