Utah Legislature: Seismic bill for school buildings back to rumble

SALT LAKE CITY — Rep. Larry Wiley, D-West Valley, just won't give up.

His bill, which would require school districts to perform a seismic evaluation on each school building, died last week after a debate on the House floor. However, it was such a close vote, 38-34, that he decided to try again.

Wiley garnered enough support from his colleagues to bring HB72 back for another round of debate in the House. He made a "motion to reconsider," which passed, followed by discussion.

Several lawmakers spoke in favor of the legislation.

Rep. Kraig Powell, R-Heber City, said he believes the bill is very prudent. "We've seen recent seismic activity around the world," he said.

Rep. Curtis Oda, R-Clearfield, said the legislation "gets us one step closer to having schools ready."

HB72 passed in the House on Friday, 50-18, and is now in the Senate for debate.

Wiley has high hopes for his bill to make it through before the legislative session ends at midnight Thursday.

He said putting off seismic upgrades is foolish.

State education leaders say conducting seismic studies costs money. Further, district officials say they support the idea of having safe school buildings but fear the legislation will result in the state requiring districts to proceed with upgrades, footing the bill themselves.

The Utah Education Association and the state PTA support the bill, as far as student safety needs.