UtahS.B. 2562025 General SessionSenateWALLET

General Government and Appropriations Amendments

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

More required coverage in Utah health plans

Beginning with plan years on or after January 1, 2027, Utah updates its list of required health benefits. The update applies only to health plans subject to the state's essential health benefits benchmark. It includes state-required benefits effective from January 1, 2012, through January 1, 2025, and benefits required by federal health law. The insurance commissioner can also add benefits newly required by that federal law.

New funding structure for rural health care

The law replaces the rural health restricted account with distributions funded through legislative appropriations. Counties and cities qualify only if they imposed the applicable local tax on January 1, 2007, and kept it. Shares use estimated fiscal 2005–06 tax collections, divided by 555,000 before fiscal 2018 and 218,809.33 afterward. Tax repeals trigger partial-year adjustments and reallocation, with some money going to the General Fund. Third- and fourth-class counties must fund rural county health facilities; fifth- and sixth-class counties fund specified clinics, facilities, urgent care, and emergency medical services. Cities must fund rural city hospitals using the prior calendar year's hospital allocation shares. The budget replaces restricted-account funding with $218,900 from the General Fund for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026, including a one-time 2025 appropriation; these are not household payments.

Funding and authority for workplace safety

The Labor Commission can use appropriated Workplace Safety Account money for an authorized safety representative's salary and benefits. The account receives an amount equal to 0.25% of the specified premium income remitted to the state treasurer. It also supports employer safety advice, safety advertising, and the Eddie P. Mayne occupational health program. That program's funding is capped at 20% of the prior year's specified premium deposits, with spending audits and reports required. The law assigns workplace inspection, investigation, witness, and citation powers to the safety division or its authorized representative. It retains employee inspection rights and employer duties, including notice within eight hours of specified serious workplace incidents. Citations require a correction deadline and posting, face a six-month issuance limit, and reporting violations can bring misdemeanor and civil penalties.

Agency charges can rise for payroll

Beginning May 7, 2025, internal service funds can charge agencies more to cover legislatively funded state employee compensation increases. They must submit higher rate schedules within 90 days after the annual legislative session ends. The rate committee must meet within 30 days of submission and approve the increase before it takes effect. All added revenue must fund an equivalent increase in the service fund's employee compensation.

State agency charges face stronger review

Government Operations can run a department-level internal service fund only for its shared accounting, payroll, vendor, and loan software. Eligible divisions and offices can continue operating their own service funds. Before charging agencies, the department must submit proposed charges and a cost analysis for committee review and obtain legislative approval. The seven-member committee serves two-year terms, excludes the department, and reviews rates in public meetings. It can raise or lower rates, including lowering a rate previously approved by the Legislature. Beginning May 7, 2025, legislative approval of all full-time positions—not just permanent positions—is required before service funds can bill agencies.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jen Plumb
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Norman K Thurston
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 174 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Senate/ concurs with House amendment

Yes: 25 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2025

House/ floor amendment

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2025

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 71 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2025

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2025

House Comm - Substitute Recommendation

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/25/2025

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 24 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/24/2025

Senate/ passed 2nd reading

Yes: 22 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/20/2025

Senate Comm - Amendment Recommendation

Yes: 5 • No: 0