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Senate approves privately funded $50M plan to expand EV charging on state highways
Summary
Senate approved Second Substitute House Bill 396 to facilitate a privately financed statewide electric vehicle charging network (up to $50 million), aiming to place chargers roughly every 50 miles along state highways and near national parks; the bill passed with broad support.
Salt Lake City — The Utah Senate on March 11 approved legislation to accelerate electric vehicle infrastructure through private investment, voting to pass Second Substitute House Bill 396.
Senator Fillmore told the Senate the bill would create a statewide EV charging network funded through private investment—he described a potential $50 million private investment to place chargers so drivers can encounter a charging station roughly every 50 miles on state highways, and to expand access near national parks. "This bill will build out that network. It will not use tax dollars to do so. It will not raise taxes. It will not raise energy rates," Fillmore said on the floor.
The sponsor said the bill aims to reduce range anxiety and make electric vehicles more practical for long-distance travel and tourism. He described the measure as enabling private capital to fund infrastructure while the state facilitates siting and permitting; the transcript records no substantive floor opposition. The Senate passed the bill under suspension of rules with 26 yeas and 3 absent.
What’s next: The bill will be enrolled and returned to the House for consideration; private partners and state agencies will coordinate siting and implementation if the law takes effect.
