Utah House passes batch of bills including procurement, road‑work and infertility coverage

The Utah House of Representatives met Feb. 7, 2024, conducted opening ceremonies and passed a package of bills on the consent and third‑reading calendars, sending them to the Senate for further consideration.

Among items approved, first substitute HB 125 (procurement code amendments), sponsored in the House by Representative Anthony E. Loubet, passed on the consent calendar 73–0. Representative Loubet said the bill makes the state procurement code the default for certain interlocal entities and eases procurement procedures for Medicaid waiver human‑services recipients so those clients can more easily access preferred providers.

First substitute SB 82 (public accommodation amendments), the House sponsor Representative Hawkins said, clarifies that business websites are not covered under the specified equal‑access regulations; the House passed the bill 74–0. The Rules Committee report then assigned a large set of bills to standing committees for consideration.

On the Senate third‑reading calendar, the House amended and passed second substitute SB 46 (health and human services recodification cleanup) after adopting Amendment No. 2 under Representative Eliason’s name; the measure passed 74–0. Representative Eliason described the bill as technical corrections following the 2023 recodification that merged the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services.

Representative Watkins led consideration of first substitute SB 51 (road construction bid limit amendments), saying the change modernizes bid thresholds for class B and C roads and ties them to a construction index so small rural municipalities can complete necessary maintenance; the House passed the measure 75–0.

Water‑related measures moved as well: SB 39 restored a 120‑day standard for water companies to act on change applications and passed 74–0; SB 77 (amendments to the water‑rights restricted account) passed 68–5 after back‑and‑forth discussion about spending restricted funds to support adjudication, legal support and additional gauges.

SB 35, which would make permanent infertility treatment coverage for PEHP policyholders after a five‑year pilot, was uncircled, debated briefly and passed 75–0. Sponsor Representative Shipp said the measure targets one‑egg in‑vitro procedures and carries a fiscal note of zero because supporters contend it yields healthier pregnancies and reduces downstream costs. Representative Thurston asked the sponsor to explain how the narrower benefit produces better outcomes; the sponsor and proponents described reduced complications and long‑term savings.

Representative Clancy’s SB 122, a study bill on youth apprenticeship governance intended to prepare a workforce‑ready generation, passed 72–0 and was sent to the Senate.

The House also adopted a ceremonial citation honoring Redmond Minerals and recognized visiting students and organizations before adjourning until Thursday, Feb. 8.

Votes at a glance: HB 125 (73–0, passed); SB 82 (74–0, passed); SB 46 (74–0, amended and passed); SB 51 (75–0, amended and passed); SB 39 (74–0, passed); SB 77 (68–5, passed); SB 35 (75–0, passed); SB 122 (72–0, passed).

The House adjourned with its next floor session set for Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.