House adopts substitute to give state employees a choice on benefits; SB 229 passes 57–17

The Utah House on March 5 adopted the fourth substitute for Senate Bill 229, a measure that creates a single paid‑time‑off system and modifies retirement benefits while explicitly allowing current state employees to keep their existing leave package if they prefer.

Representative Thurston, the sponsor for the House motion, told colleagues the substitute gives employees “the choice, keep what you currently have, or move to the new version of the benefits,” and said new hires would be automatically enrolled in the new plan. Representative Wilcox, who moved reconsideration to bring the bill back for final action, said the compromise respects incumbents and provides flexibility for the state to be competitive in recruiting.

Supporters said the changes would modernize leave and boost retirement deposits based on income, while opponents did not press extended floor debate. Voting was recorded at 57 yes and 17 no; the bill will be transmitted to the Senate.

The action was procedural and final on House passage; the substitute makes the choice permanent for an employee who opts to remain on the current package even if promoted. The House opened and closed debate without amendment and accepted the sponsor’s waiver of summation before the roll call.

Next steps: The bill will be sent to the Senate for its consideration and to reconcile any remaining differences before final enrollment.