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Senate repeals 1998 personal‑introduction services law, sponsor says industry changed
Summary
House Bill 164, repealing the Utah Personal Introduction Services Protection Act enacted in 1998, passed the Senate Feb. 9, 2005 on the floor with sponsor arguing the industry no longer relies on upfront payments that had motivated the original law.
The Utah Senate on Feb. 9 voted to repeal the Utah Personal Introduction Services Protection Act, enacted in 1998 to regulate dating or personal referral services that had taken large upfront payments from customers.
Sponsor Senator Eastman said the industry has shifted to internet and telephone services with recurring charges rather than large upfront payments, leaving only one service currently registered and bonded with the division. "Because of the changes in the industry...the situation seems to warrant a repeal of the act," he said. He added that consumer protections would remain under the Consumer Sales Practices Act.
Senator Allen said colleagues who work for the division assured him personal introduction services are not of interest, and he switched his vote in favor. The Senate passed House Bill 164 by roll call (26‑0) and the bill will be signed by the President in open session and returned to the Speaker for his signature.
The repeal removes registration, bonding and operational requirements specific to personal introduction services; the sponsor noted other consumer‑protection statutes remain available to address fraud or misuse.
