Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 7 (2023GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Peterson, V.

Final action

Governor Signed 2/2/2023

Outcome

Became law — signed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• provides appropriations for the use and support of certain state agencies;
• provides appropriations for other purposes as described;
• provides intent language.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

NATIONAL GUARD, VETERANS AFFAIRS, 
AND LEGISLATURE BASE BUDGET
2023 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Val L. Peterson
Senate Sponsor: Jerry W. Stevenson
=====================================================================
LONG TITLE
General Description:
 This bill supplements or reduces appropriations otherwise provided for the support and operation of state government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023 and appropriates funds for the support and operation of state government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024.
Highlighted Provisions:
 This bill:
 ▸ provides appropriations for the use and support of certain state agencies;
 ▸ provides appropriations for other purposes as described;
 ▸ provides intent language.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
 This bill appropriates $6,781,300 in operating and capital budgets for fiscal year 2023, including:
 ▸ $835,900 from the General Fund; and
 ▸ $5,945,400 from various sources as detailed in this bill.
 This bill appropriates ($276,800) in expendable funds and accounts for fiscal year 2023.
 This bill appropriates $122,876,200 in operating and capital budgets for fiscal year 2024, including:
 ▸ $58,909,600 from the General Fund;
 ▸ $200,000 from the Income Tax Fund; and
 ▸ $63,766,600 from various sources as detailed in this bill.
 This bill appropriates $44,270,100 in expendable funds and accounts for fiscal year 2024.
 This bill appropriates $12,000,000 in restricted fund and account transfers for fiscal year 2024, including:
 ▸ $12,009,500 from the General Fund; and
 ▸ ($9,500) from various sources as detailed in this bill.
Other Special Clauses:
 Section 1 of this bill takes effect immediately. Section 2 and Section 3 of this bill take effect on July 1, 2023.
Utah Code Sections Affected:
 ENACTS UNCODIFIED MATERIAL
=====================================================================
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
 Section 1. 
FY 2023 Appropriations. 
The following sums of money are appropriated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023. These are additions to amounts otherwise appropriated for fiscal year 2023.
 Subsection 1(a). 
Operating and Capital Budgets. 
Under the terms and conditions of Title 63J, Chapter 1, Budgetary Procedures Act, the Legislature appropriates the following sums of money from the funds or accounts indicated for the use and support of the government of the state of Utah.
Capitol Preservation Board
Item 1
 To Capitol Preservation Board
 Under terms of Section 63J-1-603(3)(a) Utah Code Annotated, the Legislature intends that appropriations provided for the Capitol Preservation Board in item 14, Chapter 9, Laws of Utah 2022 not lapse at the close of Fiscal Year 2023. Use of any nonlapsing funds is limited to one-time operations costs.
Legislature
Item 2
 To Legislature - Senate
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
(148,100)
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
148,100
Item 3
 To Legislature - House of Representatives
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
(50,900)
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
(62,000)
Schedule of Programs:
Administration 
(112,900)
Item 4
 To Legislature - Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
1,591,500
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
(1,591,500)
Item 5
 To Legislature - Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
(55,600)
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
55,600
Item 6
 To Legislature - Office of the Legislative Auditor General
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
120,900
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
(120,900)
Item 7
 To Legislature - Legislative Services
From Dedicated Credits Revenue, One-Time 
(14,500)
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
614,600
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
(822,400)
Schedule of Programs:
Administration 
(222,300)
Item 8
 To Legislature - Legislative Services Digital Wellness Commission
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
997,600
Schedule of Programs:
Digital Wellness Commission 
997,600
Utah National Guard
Item 9
 To Utah National Guard
From General Fund, One-Time 
818,600
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
7,561,000
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
(3,554,900)
Schedule of Programs:
Administration 
36,600
Operations and Maintenance 
3,822,300
West Traverse Sentinel Landscape 
965,800
Department of Veterans and Military Affairs
Item 10
 To Department of Veterans and Military Affairs - Veterans and Military Affairs
From General Fund, One-Time 
17,300
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
1,276,900
Schedule of Programs:
Administration 
294,200
Cemetery 
650,000
Outreach Services 
350,000
 Under terms of Section 63J-1-603(3)(a) Utah Code Annotated, the Legislature intends that appropriations provided for the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs in Item 28, Chapter 9, Laws of Utah 2022 not lapse at the close of Fiscal Year 2023. Use of any nonlapsing funds is limited to one-time operations costs.
 Subsection 1(b). 
Expendable Funds and Accounts. 
The Legislature has reviewed the following expendable funds. The Legislature authorizes the State Division of Finance to transfer amounts between funds and accounts as indicated. Outlays and expenditures from the funds or accounts to which the money is transferred may be made without further legislative action, in accordance with statutory provisions relating to the funds or accounts.
Capitol Preservation Board
Item 11
 To Capitol Preservation Board - State Capitol Fund
From Dedicated Credits Revenue, One-Time 
(170,200)
From Beginning Fund Balance
296,000
From Closing Fund Balance
(402,600)
Schedule of Programs:
State Capitol Fund 
(276,800)
Utah National Guard
Item 12
 To Utah National Guard - National Guard MWR Fund
From Beginning Fund Balance
(94,600)
From Closing Fund Balance
94,600
Department of Veterans and Military Affairs
Item 13
 To Department of Veterans and Military Affairs - Utah Veterans Nursing Home Fund
From Beginning Fund Balance
6,185,300
From Closing Fund Balance
(6,185,300)
 Subsection 1(c). 
Restricted Fund and Account Transfers. 
The Legislature authorizes the State Division of Finance to transfer the following amounts between the following funds or accounts as indicated. Expenditures and outlays from the funds to which the money is transferred must be authorized by an appropriation.
Item 14
 To Firefighters Retirement Trust & Agency Fund
From Beginning Fund Balance
(101,800)
From Closing Fund Balance
101,800
 Section 2. 
FY 2024 Appropriations. 
The following sums of money are appropriated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024.
 Subsection 2(a). 
Operating and Capital Budgets. 
Under the terms and conditions of Title 63J, Chapter 1, Budgetary Procedures Act, the Legislature appropriates the following sums of money from the funds or accounts indicated for the use and support of the government of the state of Utah.
Legislature
Item 15
 To Legislature - Senate
From General Fund 
4,280,000
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
1,778,000
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
(1,778,000)
Schedule of Programs:
Administration 
4,280,000
Item 16
 To Legislature - House of Representatives
From General Fund 
6,955,900
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
3,503,700
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
(3,503,700)
Schedule of Programs:
Administration 
6,955,900
Item 17
 To Legislature - Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel
From General Fund 
11,441,000
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
7,088,700
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
(7,088,700)
Schedule of Programs:
Administration 
11,441,000
 The Legislature intends that the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (LRGC) report performance measures for the LRGC line item, which "is responsible for drafting and processing all legislation, performing policy research and analysis, providing legal counsel, and staffing legislative committees." The LRGC shall report to the Subcommittee on Oversight before October 31, 2023 the final status of performance measures established in FY 2023 appropriations bills. For FY 2024, LRGC shall report on the following performance measures: 1) Bills numbered within two business days after receiving approval from the sponsor (Target = 95%); 2) Bills numbered on the first day of the annual general session (Target = 200 bills); 3) Live priority bills completed or abandoned by the 5th Friday of the annual general session (Target = 80%); 4) Timely distribution of "Interim Highlights" to the Legislature (Target = Four business days after interim); 5) Review bills that have passed a chamber within 24 hours of the bill's passage (Target = 98%); 6) Comply with court-established deadlines when representing the Legislature, a legislator, or a legislative employee in litigation (Target = 100%); 7) Comply with time limits for submission of ballot titles and impartial analyses (Target = 100%); and 8) Comply with Open and Public Meeting notice requirements for legislative committees (Target = 100%).
Item 18
 To Legislature - Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
From General Fund 
4,588,100
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
1,430,200
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
(1,381,300)
Schedule of Programs:
Administration and Research 
4,637,000
 The Legislature intends that the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst (LFA) report performance measures for the LFA line item, whose mission is to "affect good government through objective, accurate, relevant budget advice." The LFA shall report to the Subcommittee on Oversight before October 31, 2023 the final status of performance measures established in FY 2023 appropriations bills. For FY 2024, LFA shall report on the following performance measures: 1) On-target revenue estimates (Target = 92% accurate for estimates 18 months out, 98% accurate for estimates four months out); 2) Correct appropriations bills (Target = 99%); 3) Unrevised fiscal notes (Target = 99.5%); and 4) Timely fiscal notes (Target = 95%).
Item 19
 To Legislature - Office of the Legislative Auditor General
From General Fund 
5,904,500
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
1,681,000
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
(1,681,000)
Schedule of Programs:
Administration 
5,904,500
 The Legislature intends that the Office of the Legislative Auditor General (LAG) report performance measures for the LAG line item, whose mission is "to serve the Utah Legislature and the citizens of Utah by providing objective and credible information, in-depth analysis, findings, and conclusions that help legislators and other decision-makers improve programs, reduce costs, and promote accountability." The LAG shall report to the Subcommittee on Oversight before October 31, 2023 the final status of performance measures established in FY 2023 appropriations bills. For FY 2024, LAG shall report on the following performance measures: 1) Total audits completed each year (Target = 20); 2) Number of agency recommendations and implementation status (implemented, in process, partial implementation, or not implemented); and 3) Number of legislative recommendations and implementation status (implemented, in process, partial implementation, or not implemented).
Item 20
 To Legislature - Legislative Services
From General Fund 
6,768,500
From Dedicated Credits Revenue 
200,000
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
4,205,300
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
(4,205,300)
Schedule of Programs:
Administration 
1,435,900
Pass-Through 
786,800
Information Technology 
4,745,800
 The Legislature intends that Legislative Services (LS) report performance measures for the LS line item, which provides centralized "back office" administrative functions for the legislative branch. The LS shall report to the Subcommittee on Oversight before October 31, 2023 the final status of performance measures established in FY 2023 appropriations bills. For FY 2024, LS shall report on the following performance measures: 1) File server up-time (Target = 95%); 2) Microsoft Secure score (Target = 85%); 3) Legislative committee rooms opened, tested, and ready for meetings no later than one hour before any scheduled meetings (Target = 100%); 4) Employee onboarding completed within three business days (Target = 100% and provide actual numbers).
Item 21
 To Legislature - Legislative Services Digital Wellness Commission
From General Fund 
300,000
Schedule of Programs:
Digital Wellness Commission 
300,000
Utah National Guard
Item 22
 To Utah National Guard
From General Fund 
8,274,300
From Federal Funds 
59,645,400
From Dedicated Credits Revenue 
46,500
From Beginning Nonlapsing Balances 
3,554,900
From Closing Nonlapsing Balances 
(782,000)
Schedule of Programs:
Administration 
1,526,400
Operations and Maintenance 
68,012,700
Tuition Assistance 
1,200,000
 The Legislature intends that the Utah National Guard be allowed to increase its vehicle fleet by up to three vehicles with funding from existing appropriations.
 In accordance with UCA 63J-1-201, the Legislature intends that the Utah National Guard (UNG) report performance measures for the UNG line item, whose mission is "to provide mission-ready military forces to assist both state and federal authorities in times of emergency or war." The UNG shall report to the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst and to the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget before October 1, 2023 the final status of performance measures established in FY 2023 appropriations bills. For FY 2024, UNG shall report on the following performance measures: 1) Personnel readiness (Target = 100% assigned strength); 2) Individual training completion (Target = 90% completion of qualifications); 3) National Guard Mission Fulfillment (Target = 100% fulfillment of every mission assigned by the Commander in Chief; 4) Installation readiness (Target = Installation Status Report of category 2 or better for each facility); 5) Facility project federal share (Target = 75%); 6) Facility maintenance cost per square foot (Target = $3.00); 7) Utility cost per square foot (Target = $2.00); 8) Tuition assistance applications fulfilled (Target = 700); and 9) Percentage of tuition assistance applications fulfilled (Target = 75%).
 In accordance with UCA 63J-1-201, the Legislature intends that the Utah National Guard (UNG) report performance measures for the West Traverse Sentinel Landscape Program, whose purpose is "to provide: matching funds for established federal funding programs concerning sentinel landscapes; matching funds for local and private funding programs that assist with sentinel landscape designations; and incentives for landowners who voluntarily participate in land management practices that are consistent with Camp Williams's military missions." The UNG shall report to the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst and to the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget before October 1, 2023 the final status of performance measures established in FY 2023 appropriations bills. For FY 2024, UNG shall report on the following performance measures: 1) Number of acres preserved; 2) Number of acres under agreement for preservation.
Department of Veterans and Military Affairs
Item 23
 To Department of Veterans and Military Affairs - Veterans and Military Affairs
From General Fund 
3,156,000
From Federal Funds 
702,200
From Dedicated Credits Revenue 
350,700
Schedule of Programs:
Administration 
682,300
Cemetery 
861,600
State Approving Agency 
271,000
Outreach Services 
2,243,700
Military Affairs 
150,300
 In accordance with UCA 63J-1-201, the Legislature intends that the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (DVMA) report performance measures for the DVMA line item, whose purpose is to "Advocate for and honor veterans for their unique contributions; Connect veterans, family members, community groups, service organizations, military installations, support groups, and other stakeholders to each other and external resources; and Grow military missions and associated military installation workloads, consistent with national security." The DVMA shall report to the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst and to the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget before October 1, 2023 the final status of performance measures established in FY 2023 appropriations bills. For FY 2024, DVMA shall report on the following performance measures: 1) Provide programs that assist veterans with filing and receiving compensation, pension, and educational benefits administered by the U.S. Veterans Administration (Target = 5% annual growth); 2) Veterans benefits received (Target = $600 million); 3) Assist in ensuring veterans are employed in the Utah workforce (Target = Veterans unemployment rate no greater than the statewide unemployment rate); 4) Increase the number of current conflict veterans who are connected to appropriate services (Target = 10% annual increase); and 5) Veterans cemetery customer satisfaction (Target = 4.75 out of 5).
Item 24
 To Department of Veterans and Military Affairs - DVMA Pass Through
From General Fund 
1,547,500
From Income Tax Fund 
200,000
Schedule of Programs:
DVMA Pass Through 
1,747,500
 Subsection 2(b). 
Expendable Funds and Accounts. 
The Legislature has reviewed the following expendable funds. The Legislature authorizes the State Division of Finance to transfer amounts between funds and accounts as indicated. Outlays and expenditures from the funds or accounts to which the money is transferred may be made without further legislative action, in accordance with statutory provisions relating to the funds or accounts.
Utah National Guard
Item 25
 To Utah National Guard - National Guard MWR Fund
From Dedicated Credits Revenue 
2,755,700
From Beginning Fund Balance
266,400
From Closing Fund Balance
(266,400)
Schedule of Programs:
National Guard MWR Fund 
2,755,700
 In accordance with UCA 63J-1-201, the Legislature intends that the Utah National Guard (UNG) report performance measures for the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Fund line item, which "is focused on enriching the lives of our fellow service members by offering a selection of military services and discounts." The UNG shall report to the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst and to the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget before October 1, 2023 the final status of performance measures established in FY 2023 appropriations bills. For FY 2024, UNG shall report on the following performance measures: 1) Financial sustainability (Target = Ratio of income to expenses at least 100%); and 2) Enhanced morale (Target = Average score of 70% or higher positive customer feedback).
Department of Veterans and Military Affairs
Item 26
 To Department of Veterans and Military Affairs - Utah Veterans Nursing Home Fund
From Federal Funds 
40,647,600
From Dedicated Credits Revenue 
232,800
From Beginning Fund Balance
15,554,400
From Closing Fund Balance
(15,554,400)
Schedule of Programs:
Veterans Nursing Home Fund 
40,880,400
 In accordance with UCA 63J-1-201, the Legislature intends that the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (DVMA) report performance measures for the Veterans Nursing Home line item, whose purpose is to accept donations and gifts, and receive funds from state and federal agencies, insurance reimbursements, or cash payments, for the benefit of each home and its residents. The DVMA shall report to the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst and to the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget before October 1, 2023 the final status of performance measures established in FY 2023 appropriations bills. For FY 2024, DVMA shall report on the following performance measures: 1) Occupancy rate (Target = 95% average); 2) Number of homes in top 30% of all veterans homes nationally (Target = 3); 3) Performance ratings (Target = 4.75 [out of 5]); and 4) Customer satisfaction (Target = 4.5 [out of 5]).
 Subsection 2(c). 
Restricted Fund and Account Transfers. 
The Legislature authorizes the State Division of Finance to transfer the following amounts between the following funds or accounts as indicated. Expenditures and outlays from the funds to which the money is transferred must be authorized by an appropriation.
Item 27
 To General Fund Restricted - National Guard Death Benefits Account
From General Fund 
9,500
From Beginning Fund Balance
366,500
From Closing Fund Balance
(376,000)
Item 28
 To Firefighters Retirement Trust & Agency Fund
From General Fund 
12,000,000
Schedule of Programs:
Firefighters Retirement Trust & Agency Fund 
12,000,000
 Section 3. 
FY 2024 Appropriations. 
The following sums of money are appropriated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024 for programs reviewed during the accountable budget process. These are additions to amounts otherwise appropriated for fiscal year 2024.
 Subsection 3(a). 
Operating and Capital Budgets. 
Under the terms and conditions of Title 63J, Chapter 1, Budgetary Procedures Act, the Legislature appropriates the following sums of money from the funds or accounts indicated for the use and support of the government of the state of Utah.
Capitol Preservation Board
Item 29
 To Capitol Preservation Board
From General Fund 
5,693,800
Schedule of Programs:
Capitol Preservation Board 
5,693,800
 In accordance with UCA 63J-1-903, the Legislature intends that the Capitol Preservation Board (CPB) report performance measures for the CPB line item, whose mission is "to be the stewards of the Capitol [to] maintain, improve, and oversee the buildings and grounds on the Capitol Hill Complex." The CPB shall report to the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst and to the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget before October 1, 2023 the final status of performance measures established in FY 2023 appropriations bills. For FY 2024, the CPB shall report the following performance measures: 1) Stewardship plan for a safe, sustainable environment through maintenance, facility operations, and improvements (Target = Report on number of major projects completed); 2) Provision of high quality tours, information, and education to the public (Target = 50,000 students and 200,000 visitors annually); 3) Provision of event and scheduling program for all government meetings, free speech activities, and public events (Target = 4,000 annually); and 4) Provision of exhibit and curatorial services on Capitol Hill to maintain the collections of artifacts for use and enjoyment of the general public (Target = 9,000 items).
 Subsection 3(b). 
Expendable Funds and Accounts. 
The Legislature has reviewed the following expendable funds. The Legislature authorizes the State Division of Finance to transfer amounts between funds and accounts as indicated. Outlays and expenditures from the funds or accounts to which the money is transferred may be made without further legislative action, in accordance with statutory provisions relating to the funds or accounts.
Capitol Preservation Board
Item 30
 To Capitol Preservation Board - State Capitol Fund
From Dedicated Credits Revenue 
280,000
From Beginning Fund Balance
1,508,800
From Closing Fund Balance
(1,154,800)
Schedule of Programs:
State Capitol Fund 
634,000
 Section 4. 
Effective Date.
 If approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, Section 1 of this bill takes effect upon approval by the Governor, or the day following the constitutional time limit of Utah Constitution Article VII, Section 8 without the Governor's signature, or in the case of a veto, the date of override. Section 2 and Section 3 of this bill take effect on July 1, 2023.