Senate OKs bill creating council to study consolidating agencies

SALT LAKE CITY — The Senate approved a bill Tuesday that would create an advisory council to study consolidating state agencies.

HB280, which could possibly limit the number of cabinet members who report directly to Gov. Gary Herbert, passed 21-0 and now moves to the governor for his action. 

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Wayne Harper, R-West Jordan, has said the advisory council would make recommendations on restructuring state agencies to make Utah's government more efficient.

"I think the outcome will be very valuable," he said. 

— Amanda Verzello