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Utah Senate passes broad Governmental Immunity Act after extended debate
Summary
After hours of floor debate about the scope of liability and municipal competition, the Utah Senate approved the first substitute to SB55, clarifying caps and claim procedures and adding legislative intent language about privatization.
The Utah State Senate on Feb. 25, 2004, approved the first substitute to Senate Bill 55, a major overhaul of the state's Governmental Immunity Act that broadens protections for government activities while clarifying claim timing and caps on damages.
Supporters, led by Senator Blackham, argued the bill balances citizens’ access to redress with protections for the public purse and provides consistent rules across jurisdictions. Senator Blackham said the measure clarifies filing procedures so technical errors no longer bar meritorious claims and that caps are necessary to ensure predictability for taxpayers.
Opponents, including Senator Stevenson and several other senators, warned the…
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