House approves bill letting Commerce keep bulk-record fees to fund technology and training

The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 11 adopted Second Substitute Senate Bill 84, creating a Department of Commerce Technology, Education and Training fund to receive fees from bulk business‑entity record requests and use them for technology and staff training.

Sponsor Representative Walter told colleagues the bill simply brings an existing outsourced service in‑house so fees charged for bulk record requests go to the Department rather than a third‑party vendor. "The intent is to continue to keep the cost as low as possible," Walter said, adding that individual business‑entity searches available online would remain free.

Representative McPherson pressed the sponsor on whether the change effectively allows the agency to set or increase fees and whether there are reporting or audit guardrails. Walter responded that "all the fees that are charged by an agency to the public have to be approved by this body," and that the bill does not change GRAMA or individual record accessibility.

The House first adopted a technical amendment, described by Walter as a clarification to ensure the new fund is set up properly. After debate and voting, the House passed SB84 61–7. The bill will be returned to the Senate for further consideration.

The debate focused on two tensions: ensuring government transparency and public access to records while deciding whether fee revenue should be retained by the agency to support operations. Supporters said bringing the service in‑house preserves access and redirects funds to improve customer service; critics warned it could be used to raise government revenue if not carefully overseen.

Next steps: SB84 will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.