Utah House advances utility, poverty and National Guard measures and recognizes Medicaid ACO anniversary

The Utah House on Jan. 21, 2021 approved a slate of measures ranging from utilities oversight to National Guard land management and commemorated a decade of accountable care organizations in the state Medicaid program.

Representative Albrecht, sponsor of the first substitute to House Bill 32, said the measure responds to a Utah Supreme Court decision that limited the Public Service Commission’s interim‑rate authority. "In reversing the Public Service Commission and setting aside its orders, we take no position on a line of policy argument presented by the commission," Albrecht quoted of the court and said the bill establishes an energy balancing account to track customer costs so "if more is collected, the customers see a refund; if less is collected, customers will have a charge." The House passed the first substitute to HB 32 72-0 and the bill will be transmitted to the Senate.

The chamber also adopted House Joint Resolution 1, presented by Representative Thurston, which recognizes the 10th anniversary of Utah’s move to Medicaid accountable care organizations (ACOs). Thurston credited the ACOs with improved efficiencies, more predictable budgeting and added services; he said the program has produced a stabilization account "over $70,000,000" to buffer Medicaid spending swings. Representative Lisonbee and others spoke in support.

On policy changes, Representative Winter presented House Bill 56 to add a representative of the Office of Multicultural Affairs to the Intergenerational Poverty Commission—expanding the commission’s membership from seven to eight—and to ensure at least one advisory‑council seat is filled by someone from a minority community heavily affected by intergenerational poverty. The House passed HB 56 70-0.

Representative Val Peterson sponsored House Bill 51 to adjust provisions tied to the Sentinel buffer program around Camp Williams. Peterson said the bill gives "a little more flexibility" in using funds (for example, for surveys), removes a strict 75/25 match requirement where donations are available, and authorizes the Utah Armory Board to lease Guard‑acquired properties (he cited roughly 50 acres near Fillmore as an example) to offset operation and maintenance costs. The House approved HB 51 70-0.

Procedure on the floor included adopting multiple committee reports by voice vote, a successful motion by Representative Gibson to suspend the one‑day reading requirement so additional bills could be considered immediately, and committee assignments for several bills. Speaker instructions and member announcements closed the session; the House adjourned until Jan. 22 at 11:00 a.m.

Votes at a glance

- First substitute, House Bill 32 (energy balancing account amendments): Passed 72 yes, 0 no; transmitted to Senate. (Topic presented by Representative Albrecht.) - HJR 1 (recognizing Utah Medicaid ACO program): Passed 72 yes, 0 no; transmitted to Senate. (Presented by Representative Thurston.) - House Bill 56 (Intergenerational Poverty Mitigation Act Amendments): Passed 70 yes, 0 no; transmitted to Senate. (Presented by Representative Winter.) - House Bill 51 (National Guard Amendments): Passed 70 yes, 0 no; transmitted to Senate. (Presented by Representative Val Peterson.) - Motion to suspend one‑day reading requirement: Passed by voice vote (counts not specified on record).

The House also circled (tabled) House Bill 54 and House Bill 120 for later consideration and adopted the Rules Committee’s assignment report. The chamber will convene later the same day for the governor’s State of the State address.