House passes bill funding emerging-technology workforce programs

The Utah House of Representatives on March 9 passed Senate Bill 96, the Emerging Technology Talent Initiative, a program to fund multidisciplinary, "stackable" credential programs aimed at deep-technology workforce needs.

Republican Rep. Peterson, the House sponsor, told colleagues the bill "is really about the development of our workforce," citing sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and secure computing where industry needs "multidisciplinary" employees. He said the initiative will provide funding through the Utah System of Higher Education to support proposal-based programs and require annual reporting to the Legislature on progress and outcomes.

Rep. Roberts questioned the structure and asked whether the bill would create a "DeepTech Council" to advise higher education. Peterson replied that the council would work with industry and higher-education representatives to design proposals and run a grant program to fund certificate, associate and bachelor-level stackable programs.

Supporters said the bill will help recruit and train workers for high‑skill employers and give students internships and project-based experiences. After limited further discussion, the House voted to pass SB96, recorded in the chamber as 63 yes and 3 no votes. The bill will be signed by the Speaker and returned to the Senate for the President’s signature.

The bill requires an annual report to the Legislature tracking funded programs and outcomes; details on program criteria and council membership are defined in the bill text. No amendment or fiscal amendment was recorded on the floor during the third-reading action.