Committee endorses bill to create private donation fund for senior nutrition

The House Health & Human Services Committee passed a favorable recommendation for Senate Bill 281, a proposal to create a private donation fund aimed at supplementing senior‑nutrition services across Utah.

Sponsor Senator Stratton said the fund is intended to be additive to existing state support for programs such as Meals on Wheels. "This is an additional tool... allowing contributions and distributions among the counties, with a formula that is equitable," the sponsor said, adding the state could appropriate money through the usual appropriations process but no appropriation is currently included in the fiscal note.

Committee members asked about parity and whether wealthier communities could receive disproportionate benefit. The sponsor said the bill language is negotiated to provide higher matching assistance to less affluent and rural counties (for example, raising a dollar could yield a larger match in areas with fewer local resources), and that funding would be controlled through appropriation or competitive award processes.

Representative Motteson moved the favorable recommendation for SB 281 (third substitute), spoke in support and the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

Next steps: SB 281 will move forward with a favorable recommendation; funding and appropriation details would be set through subsequent budget or grant processes.