Senate creates advisory public-health-and-economic commission to recommend targeted COVID-19 risk levels; adds legislative intent to prioritize economic re-eng-

The Utah Senate on April 16 approved SB 3,004 (second substitute), establishing a Public Health and Economic Emergency Commission to advise the governor on COVID-19 risk levels and recommend geographically or demographically targeted steps for reopening.

Senator Hemmert said the commission would produce no fewer than three risk levels and deliver a plan within days to guide the state's movement from the current high-risk level toward reduced restrictions; the governor retains authority to adopt, modify or exempt local orders. "The commission itself has no power," Hemmert said, describing it as advisory; adoption by the governor would make the recommendations operative.

The second substitute added a seat appointed by the Utah Association of Counties, clarified that the governor may issue exemptions for local governments, and required that the commission communicate with local health departments. During debate some senators expressed concern that balancing economic outcomes with public health might deprioritize vulnerable communities. Senator Hemmert and others said the risk-level design is intended to be "rifle-shot" targeted and not one-size-fits-all.

After passage the Senate received and placed intent language on the Senate Journal declaring the legislature's expectation that economic recovery and expansion of economic activity must be given at least equal priority when the commission crafts recommendations. Sponsors said the intent language is for the journal and does not change statute. The second substitute passed 23 yeas to 6 nays and will be transmitted to the House.