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Senate amends and advances bill imposing penalties for misuse of dyed diesel, extending exceptions to construction industry
Summary
Senate Bill 40, which creates penalties for illegal use of dyed diesel, was amended on the floor to include an exception for construction and heavy-equipment users and advanced to third reading unanimously among present senators.
The Utah Senate amended and advanced Senate Bill 40, a measure establishing penalties for improper use of dyed diesel fuel, on Jan. 18–19, 2001. Sponsor Senator Eastman told the Senate the bill aligns state law with neighboring states and includes committee amendments adding exceptions for agricultural users traveling between properties. On the floor he proposed an additional amendment to treat construction and heavy-equipment industries in the same manner as agriculture when moving equipment between sites.
Senator Eastman emphasized that the white-sheet amendment adding the construction industry mirrors existing agricultural exceptions and that the proposed statutory language includes an accounting change shifting penalty receipts to the transportation fund. After accepting the amendment, the Senate adopted it by voice vote and then advanced the amended bill for third reading. The chair announced the amended bill received 25 yay votes, no nays and 4 absences before passing to the third reading calendar.
Supporters framed the change as closing a loophole and ensuring consistent enforcement; senators also noted a fiscal note indicating the bill would not materially change state expenditures but would redirect penalty revenue flows. The bill now proceeds toward third reading and further action.
