Download Zipped Introduced WordPerfect HB0426.ZIP
[Status][Bill Documents][Fiscal Note][Bills Directory]

H.B. 426

             1     

CHANGE TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS'

             2     
AFFAIRS

             3     
2007 GENERAL SESSION

             4     
STATE OF UTAH

             5     
Chief Sponsor: Gregory H. Hughes

             6     
Senate Sponsor: Sheldon L. Killpack

             7     
             8      LONG TITLE
             9      General Description:
             10          This bill changes the Division of Veterans' Affairs to a department.
             11      Highlighted Provisions:
             12          This bill:
             13          .    converts the Division of Veterans' Affairs to a department; and
             14          .    makes conforming amendments throughout the code.
             15      Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
             16          None
             17      Other Special Clauses:
             18          This bill takes effect on July 1, 2007.
             19      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             20      AMENDS:
             21          39-1-12, as last amended by Chapter 134, Laws of Utah 2000
             22          41-1a-418, as last amended by Chapter 63, Laws of Utah 2005
             23          41-1a-421, as last amended by Chapter 63, Laws of Utah 2005
             24          41-1a-422, as last amended by Chapter 69, Laws of Utah 2004
             25          53-3-205, as last amended by Chapters 189, 201, 293 and 331, Laws of Utah 2006
             26          53-3-804, as last amended by Chapters 189 and 331, Laws of Utah 2006
             27          53-3-805, as last amended by Chapters 131 and 331, Laws of Utah 2006


             28          53B-8e-103, as enacted by Chapter 181, Laws of Utah 2004
             29          61-2c-105, as last amended by Chapter 297, Laws of Utah 2004
             30          63-13-5.6, as last amended by Chapters 231 and 355, Laws of Utah 2004
             31          71-7-3, as last amended by Chapter 352, Laws of Utah 2004
             32          71-7-4, as last amended by Chapter 134, Laws of Utah 2000
             33          71-8-1, as last amended by Chapter 134, Laws of Utah 2000
             34          71-8-2, as last amended by Chapter 134, Laws of Utah 2000
             35          71-8-3, as last amended by Chapter 331, Laws of Utah 2006
             36          71-8-4, as last amended by Chapter 1, Laws of Utah 2003
             37          71-9-1, as last amended by Chapter 134, Laws of Utah 2000
             38          71-9-2, as last amended by Chapter 134, Laws of Utah 2000
             39          71-11-2, as last amended by Chapter 7, Laws of Utah 2005, First Special Session
             40          71-11-3, as last amended by Chapter 7, Laws of Utah 2005, First Special Session
             41          71-11-4, as last amended by Chapter 7, Laws of Utah 2005, First Special Session
             42          71-11-5, as last amended by Chapter 7, Laws of Utah 2005, First Special Session
             43          71-11-7, as last amended by Chapter 7, Laws of Utah 2005, First Special Session
             44          71-11-8, as last amended by Chapter 7, Laws of Utah 2005, First Special Session
             45          71-11-10, as last amended by Chapter 7, Laws of Utah 2005, First Special Session
             46     
             47      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             48          Section 1. Section 39-1-12 is amended to read:
             49           39-1-12. Adjutant general -- Appointment -- Term -- Duties.
             50          (1) (a) There shall be one adjutant general appointed by the governor. The adjutant
             51      general is chief of staff and holds office for a term of six years, unless terminated by
             52      resignation, disability, or for cause as determined by a military court or court-martial.
             53          (b) The person appointed to the office shall be a citizen of Utah and meet the
             54      requirements provided in Title 32, United States Code. He shall be a federally recognized
             55      commissioned officer of the National Guard of the United States with no fewer than ten years
             56      commissioned service in the Utah National Guard. Active service in the armed forces of the
             57      United States may be included in this requirement, if the officer was a member of the Utah
             58      National Guard when he entered that service. An officer is no longer eligible to hold the office


             59      of adjutant general after becoming 64 years of age.
             60          (2) (a) He shall perform duties as are imposed by the laws of this state and the United
             61      States, and by the regulations of the Department of Defense of the United States. However, if
             62      any duties imposed by the statutes of this state at any later time conflict with those imposed by
             63      the laws of the United States, the duties imposed by the statutes of this state, as far as they
             64      conflict, are abrogated.
             65          (b) He shall keep rosters of all active, inactive, and retired officers and enlisted men of
             66      the National Guard and shall keep in his office all records, orders, regulations, and papers
             67      pertaining to the National Guard and the militia of this state. He shall, when he considers it
             68      necessary, at the expense of the state purchase or cause to be printed, and issue to members of
             69      the National Guard or other persons, copies of the military law, the various orders of the
             70      Department of Defense of the United States, and other literature he considers best for the
             71      interests of the service.
             72          (c) He shall cause to be prepared all blanks, books, forms, and reports necessary to
             73      carry out the provisions of this chapter. The blanks or forms shall be as identical as possible to
             74      those required by the Department of Defense of the United States for use by the regular army or
             75      National Guard.
             76          (d) He has, under the direction of the State Armory Board, supervision and charge of
             77      all the armories, warehouses, maintenance and repair shops, hangars, small-arms, artillery and
             78      aircraft ranges, campsites, concentration areas, lands, training facilities, and military
             79      reservations necessary to the military functions of this state. He is responsible for the
             80      protection and safety thereof and shall make rules for the maintenance of order, for the
             81      enforcement of rules as may be ordered for the operation and the repair, care, and preservation
             82      of the facilities and installations belonging to or leased by the state. He may make further
             83      improvement as the good of the service requires.
             84          [(e) He shall oversee the operations of the Division of Veterans' Affairs created in
             85      Section 71-8-2 .]
             86          [(f)] (e) He shall cause to be prepared all blanks, books, forms, notices, and reports to
             87      carry out the provisions of the military laws of this state. The blanks, books, forms, notices, and
             88      reports shall be as identical as possible to those required by the Department of Defense for use
             89      by the Armed Forces of the United States.


             90          [(g)] (f) He shall make and transmit to the federal government the returns required by
             91      the laws of the United States and submit to the governor a certified copy. He shall superintend
             92      the preparation of all returns and reports required by the United States from Utah on military
             93      matters.
             94          [(h)] (g) He shall act as agent for all active, inactive, or retired members of the National
             95      Guard having claims against the United States for pensions, bounty, back pay, or disability
             96      arising from any war, federal service, or training. He shall handle the claims without charge.
             97          [(i)] (h) He shall, on or before January 1 next preceding the general session of the
             98      Legislature, make a full and detailed report to the governor of all transactions of his office,
             99      including related expenses, for the preceding year and shall report at other times and on other
             100      matters as the governor requires or as he considers advisable.
             101          Section 2. Section 41-1a-418 is amended to read:
             102           41-1a-418. Authorized special group license plates.
             103          (1) The division shall only issue special group license plates in accordance with
             104      [Sections 41-1a-418 ] this section through Section 41-1a-422 to a person who is specified under
             105      this section within the categories listed as follows:
             106          (a) disability special group license plates issued in accordance with Section 41-1a-420 ;
             107          (b) honor special group license plates, as in a war hero, which plates are issued for a:
             108          (i) survivor of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor;
             109          (ii) former prisoner of war;
             110          (iii) recipient of a Purple Heart; or
             111          (iv) disabled veteran;
             112          (c) unique vehicle type special group license plates, as for historical, collectors value,
             113      or other unique vehicle type, which plates are issued for a:
             114          (i) special interest vehicle;
             115          (ii) vintage vehicle;
             116          (iii) farm truck; or
             117          (iv) vehicle powered by clean fuel and for which a current clean special fuel certificate
             118      is maintained as provided in Section 59-13-304 ;
             119          (d) recognition special group license plates, as in a public official or an emergency
             120      service giver, which plates are issued for a:


             121          (i) current member of the Legislature;
             122          (ii) current member of the United States Congress;
             123          (iii) current member of the National Guard;
             124          (iv) licensed amateur radio operator;
             125          (v) currently employed, volunteer, or retired firefighter;
             126          (vi) emergency medical technician;
             127          (vii) current member of a search and rescue team; or
             128          (viii) current honorary consulate designated by the United States Department of State;
             129      and
             130          (e) support special group license plates, as for a contributor to an institution or cause,
             131      which plates are issued for a contributor to:
             132          (i) an institution's scholastic scholarship fund;
             133          (ii) the Division of Wildlife Resources;
             134          (iii) the [Office] Department of Veterans' Affairs;
             135          (iv) the Division of Parks and Recreation;
             136          (v) the Department of Agriculture and Food;
             137          (vi) the Guardian Ad Litem Services Account and the Children's Museum of Utah;
             138          (vii) the Boy Scouts of America;
             139          (viii) spay and neuter programs through No More Homeless Pets in Utah;
             140          (ix) the Boys and Girls Clubs of America; or
             141          (x) Utah public education.
             142          (2) Beginning January 1, 2003, the division may not issue a new type of special group
             143      license plate unless the division receives:
             144          (a) a start-up fee established under Section 63-38-3.2 for production and administrative
             145      costs for providing the new special group license plates; or
             146          (b) a legislative appropriation for the start-up fee provided under Subsection (2)(a).
             147          (3) (a) A sponsoring organization that qualifies for tax-exempt status under Internal
             148      Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) may request the commission to authorize a new type of
             149      special group license plate for the sponsoring organization. The sponsoring organization shall:
             150          (i) collect a minimum of 200 applications; and
             151          (ii) pay a start-up fee established under Section 63-38-3.2 for production and


             152      administrative costs for providing the new type of special group license plates.
             153          (b) If the provisions of Subsection (3)(a) are met, the commission shall approve the
             154      request and the division shall:
             155          (i) design a license plate in accordance with Section 41-1a-419 ; and
             156          (ii) issue the new type of special group license plates.
             157          Section 3. Section 41-1a-421 is amended to read:
             158           41-1a-421. Honor special group license plates -- Personal identity requirements.
             159          (1) (a) The requirements of this Subsection (1) apply to a vehicle displaying a:
             160          (i) survivor of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor license plate;
             161          (ii) former prisoner of war license plate;
             162          (iii) Purple Heart license plate; or
             163          (iv) disabled veteran license plate.
             164          (b) The vehicle shall be titled in the name of the veteran or the veteran and spouse.
             165          (c) Upon the death of the veteran, the surviving spouse may, upon application to the
             166      division, retain the special group license plate decal so long as the surviving spouse remains
             167      unmarried.
             168          (d) The division shall require the surviving spouse to make a sworn statement that the
             169      surviving spouse is unmarried before renewing the registration under this section.
             170          (2) Proper evidence of a Purple Heart is either:
             171          (a) a membership card in the Military Order of the Purple Heart; or
             172          (b) an original or certificate in lieu of the applicant's military discharge form, DD-214,
             173      issued by the National Personnel Records Center.
             174          (3) The Purple Heart license plates shall bear:
             175          (a) the words "Purple Heart" at the bottom of the plate;
             176          (b) a logo substantially depicting a Purple Heart award; and
             177          (c) the letter and number combinations assigned by the division.
             178          (4) Proper evidence that a person is a disabled veteran is a written document issued by
             179      a military entity certifying that the person is disabled as a result of service in a branch of the
             180      United States Military.
             181          (5) A disabled veteran seeking a disabled veteran license plate shall request the
             182      [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs to provide the verification required under


             183      Subsection (4).
             184          Section 4. Section 41-1a-422 is amended to read:
             185           41-1a-422. Support special group license plates -- Contributor -- Voluntary
             186      contribution collection procedures.
             187          (1) As used in this section:
             188          (a) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(a)(ii), "contributor" means a person who
             189      has donated or in whose name at least $25 has been donated to:
             190          (A) a scholastic scholarship fund of a single named institution;
             191          (B) the [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs [in the Utah National Guard] for
             192      veterans' programs;
             193          (C) the Division of Wildlife Resources for the Wildlife Resources Account created in
             194      Section 23-14-13 , for conservation of wildlife and the enhancement, preservation, protection,
             195      access, and management of wildlife habitat;
             196          (D) the Department of Agriculture and Food for the benefit of soil conservation
             197      districts;
             198          (E) the Division of Parks and Recreation for the benefit of snowmobile programs;
             199          (F) the Guardian Ad Litem Services Account and the Children's Museum of Utah, with
             200      the donation evenly divided between the two;
             201          (G) the Boy Scouts of America for the benefit of a Utah Boy Scouts of America
             202      council as specified by the contributor;
             203          (H) No More Homeless Pets in Utah for distribution to organizations or individuals
             204      that provide spay and neuter programs that subsidize the sterilization of domestic animals;
             205          (I) the Utah Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs, Inc. to provide and enhance youth
             206      development programs; or
             207          (J) the Utah Association of Public School Foundations to support public education.
             208          (ii) For a veterans' special group license plate, "contributor" means a person who has
             209      donated or in whose name at least a $25 donation at the time of application and $10 annual
             210      donation thereafter has been made.
             211          (b) "Institution" means a state institution of higher education as defined under Section
             212      53B-3-102 or a private institution of higher education in the state accredited by a regional or
             213      national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.


             214          (2) (a) An applicant for original or renewal collegiate special group license plates under
             215      Subsection (1)(a)(i) must be a contributor to the institution named in the application and
             216      present the original contribution verification form under Subsection (2)(b) or make a
             217      contribution to the division at the time of application under Subsection (3).
             218          (b) An institution with a support special group license plate shall issue to a contributor
             219      a verification form designed by the commission containing:
             220          (i) the name of the contributor;
             221          (ii) the institution to which a donation was made;
             222          (iii) the date of the donation; and
             223          (iv) an attestation that the donation was for a scholastic scholarship.
             224          (c) The state auditor may audit each institution to verify that the moneys collected by
             225      the institutions from contributors are used for scholastic scholarships.
             226          (d) After an applicant has been issued collegiate license plates or renewal decals, the
             227      commission shall charge the institution whose plate was issued, a fee determined in accordance
             228      with Section 63-38-3.2 for management and administrative expenses incurred in issuing and
             229      renewing the collegiate license plates.
             230          (e) If the contribution is made at the time of application, the contribution shall be
             231      collected, treated, and deposited as provided under Subsection (3).
             232          (3) (a) An applicant for original or renewal support special group license plates under
             233      this section must be a contributor to the sponsoring organization associated with the license
             234      plate.
             235          (b) This contribution shall be:
             236          (i) unless collected by the named institution under Subsection (2), collected by the
             237      division;
             238          (ii) considered a voluntary contribution for the funding of the activities specified under
             239      this section and not a motor vehicle registration fee; and
             240          (iii) deposited into the appropriate account less actual administrative costs associated
             241      with issuing the license plates.
             242          (c) The donation described in Subsection (1)(a) must be made in the 12 months prior to
             243      registration or renewal of registration.
             244          (d) The donation described in Subsection (1)(a) shall be a one-time donation made to


             245      the division when issuing original:
             246          (i) snowmobile license plates; or
             247          (ii) soil conservation license plates.
             248          (4) Veterans' license plates shall display one of the symbols representing the Army,
             249      Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or American Legion.
             250          Section 5. Section 53-3-205 is amended to read:
             251           53-3-205. Application for license or endorsement -- Fee required -- Tests --
             252      Expiration dates of licenses and endorsements -- Information required -- Previous
             253      licenses surrendered -- Driving record transferred from other states -- Reinstatement --
             254      Fee required -- License agreement.
             255          (1) An application for any original license, provisional license, or endorsement shall
             256      be:
             257          (a) made upon a form furnished by the division; and
             258          (b) accompanied by a nonrefundable fee set under Section 53-3-105 .
             259          (2) An application and fee for an original provisional class D license or an original
             260      class D license entitle the applicant to:
             261          (a) not more than three attempts to pass both the knowledge and the skills tests for a
             262      class D license within six months of the date of the application;
             263          (b) a learner permit if needed pending completion of the application and testing
             264      process; and
             265          (c) an original class D license and license certificate after all tests are passed.
             266          (3) An application and fee for an original class M license entitle the applicant to:
             267          (a) not more than three attempts to pass both the knowledge and skills tests for a class
             268      M license within six months of the date of the application;
             269          (b) a motorcycle learner permit if needed after the knowledge test is passed; and
             270          (c) an original class M license and license certificate after all tests are passed.
             271          (4) An application and fee for a motorcycle or taxicab endorsement entitle the
             272      applicant to:
             273          (a) not more than three attempts to pass both the knowledge and skills tests within six
             274      months of the date of the application;
             275          (b) a motorcycle learner permit if needed after the motorcycle knowledge test is


             276      passed; and
             277          (c) a motorcycle or taxicab endorsement when all tests are passed.
             278          (5) An application and fees for a commercial class A, B, or C license entitle the
             279      applicant to:
             280          (a) not more than two attempts to pass a knowledge test and not more than two
             281      attempts to pass a skills test within six months of the date of the application;
             282          (b) a commercial driver instruction permit if needed after the knowledge test is passed;
             283      and
             284          (c) an original commercial class A, B, or C license and license certificate when all
             285      applicable tests are passed.
             286          (6) An application and fee for a CDL endorsement entitle the applicant to:
             287          (a) not more than two attempts to pass a knowledge test and not more than two
             288      attempts to pass a skills test within six months of the date of the application; and
             289          (b) a CDL endorsement when all tests are passed.
             290          (7) If a CDL applicant does not pass a knowledge test, skills test, or an endorsement
             291      test within the number of attempts provided in Subsection (5) or (6), each test may be taken
             292      two additional times within the six months for the fee provided in Section 53-3-105 .
             293          (8) (a) Except as provided under Subsections (8)(f), (g), and (h), an original license
             294      expires on the birth date of the applicant in the fifth year following the year the license
             295      certificate was issued.
             296          (b) Except as provided under Subsections (8)(f), (g), and (h), a renewal or an extension
             297      to a license expires on the birth date of the licensee in the fifth year following the expiration
             298      date of the license certificate renewed or extended.
             299          (c) Except as provided under Subsections (8)(f) and (g), a duplicate license expires on
             300      the same date as the last license certificate issued.
             301          (d) An endorsement to a license expires on the same date as the license certificate
             302      regardless of the date the endorsement was granted.
             303          (e) A license and any endorsement to the license held by a person ordered to active
             304      duty and stationed outside Utah in any of the armed forces of the United States, which expires
             305      during the time period the person is stationed outside of the state, is valid until 90 days after the
             306      person has been discharged or has left the service, unless:


             307          (i) the license is suspended, disqualified, denied, or has been cancelled or revoked by
             308      the division; or
             309          (ii) the licensee updates the information or photograph on the license certificate.
             310          (f) An original license or a renewal to an original license obtained using proof under
             311      Subsection (9)(a)(i)(E)(III) expires on the date of the expiration of the applicant's foreign visa,
             312      permit, or other document granting legal presence in the United States or on the date provided
             313      under this Subsection (8), whichever is sooner.
             314          (g) (i) An original license or a renewal or a duplicate to an original license expires on
             315      the next birth date of the applicant or licensee beginning on July 1, 2005 if:
             316          (A) the license was obtained without using a Social Security number as required under
             317      Subsection (9); and
             318          (B) the license certificate or driving privilege card is not clearly distinguished as
             319      required under Subsection 53-3-207 (6).
             320          (ii) A driving privilege card issued or renewed under Section 53-3-207 expires on the
             321      birth date of the applicant in the first year following the year that the driving privilege card was
             322      issued or renewed.
             323          (iii) The expiration dates provided under Subsections (8)(g)(i) and (ii) do not apply to
             324      an original license or driving privilege card or to the renewal of an original license or driving
             325      privilege card with an expiration date provided under Subsection (8)(f).
             326          (h) An original license or a renewal to an original license expires on the birth date of
             327      the applicant in the first year following the year that the license was issued if the applicant is
             328      required to register as a sex offender under Section 77-27-21.5 .
             329          (9) (a) In addition to the information required by Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative
             330      Procedures Act, for requests for agency action, each applicant shall:
             331          (i) provide the applicant's:
             332          (A) full legal name;
             333          (B) birth date;
             334          (C) gender;
             335          (D) between July 1, 2002 and July 1, 2007, race in accordance with the categories
             336      established by the United States Census Bureau;
             337          (E) (I) Social Security number;


             338          (II) temporary identification number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service for
             339      a person who does not qualify for a Social Security number; or
             340          (III) (Aa) proof that the applicant is a citizen of a country other than the United States;
             341          (Bb) proof that the applicant does not qualify for a Social Security number; and
             342          (Cc) proof of legal presence in the United States, as authorized under federal law; and
             343          (F) Utah residence address as documented by a form acceptable under rules made by
             344      the division under Section 53-3-104 , unless the application is for a temporary CDL issued
             345      under Subsection 53-3-407 (2)(b);
             346          (ii) provide a description of the applicant;
             347          (iii) state whether the applicant has previously been licensed to drive a motor vehicle
             348      and, if so, when and by what state or country;
             349          (iv) state whether the applicant has ever had any license suspended, cancelled, revoked,
             350      disqualified, or denied in the last six years, or whether the applicant has ever had any license
             351      application refused, and if so, the date of and reason for the suspension, cancellation,
             352      revocation, disqualification, denial, or refusal;
             353          (v) state whether the applicant intends to make an anatomical gift under Title 26,
             354      Chapter 28, Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, in compliance with Subsection (16);
             355          (vi) state whether the applicant is required to register as a sex offender under Section
             356      77-27-21.5 ;
             357          (vii) state whether the applicant is a military veteran and does or does not authorize
             358      sharing the information with the state [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs;
             359          (viii) provide all other information the division requires; and
             360          (ix) sign the application which signature may include an electronic signature as defined
             361      in Section 46-4-102 .
             362          (b) Each applicant shall have a Utah residence address, unless the application is for a
             363      temporary CDL issued under Subsection 53-3-407 (2)(b).
             364          (c) The division shall maintain on its computerized records an applicant's:
             365          (i) (A) Social Security number;
             366          (B) temporary identification number (ITIN); or
             367          (C) other number assigned by the division if Subsection (9)(a)(i)(E)(III) applies; and
             368          (ii) indication whether the applicant is required to register as a sex offender under


             369      Section 77-27-21.5 .
             370          (d) An applicant may not be denied a license for refusing to provide race information
             371      required under Subsection (9)(a)(i)(D).
             372          (10) The division shall require proof of every applicant's name, birthdate, and
             373      birthplace by at least one of the following means:
             374          (a) current license certificate;
             375          (b) birth certificate;
             376          (c) Selective Service registration; or
             377          (d) other proof, including church records, family Bible notations, school records, or
             378      other evidence considered acceptable by the division.
             379          (11) When an applicant receives a license in another class, all previous license
             380      certificates shall be surrendered and canceled. However, a disqualified commercial license may
             381      not be canceled unless it expires before the new license certificate is issued.
             382          (12) (a) When an application is received from a person previously licensed in another
             383      state to drive a motor vehicle, the division shall request a copy of the driver's record from the
             384      other state.
             385          (b) When received, the driver's record becomes part of the driver's record in this state
             386      with the same effect as though entered originally on the driver's record in this state.
             387          (13) An application for reinstatement of a license after the suspension, cancellation,
             388      disqualification, denial, or revocation of a previous license shall be accompanied by the
             389      additional fee or fees specified in Section 53-3-105 .
             390          (14) A person who has an appointment with the division for testing and fails to keep
             391      the appointment or to cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the appointment shall pay the fee
             392      under Section 53-3-105 .
             393          (15) A person who applies for an original license or renewal of a license agrees that the
             394      person's license is subject to any suspension or revocation authorized under this title or Title
             395      41, Motor Vehicles.
             396          (16) (a) The indication of intent under Subsection (9)(a)(v) shall be authenticated by
             397      the licensee in accordance with division rule.
             398          (b) (i) Notwithstanding Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and
             399      Management Act, the division may, upon request, release to an organ procurement


             400      organization, as defined in Section 26-28-2 , the names and addresses of all persons who under
             401      Subsection (9)(a)(v) indicate that they intend to make an anatomical gift.
             402          (ii) An organ procurement organization may use released information only to:
             403          (A) obtain additional information for an anatomical gift registry; and
             404          (B) inform licensees of anatomical gift options, procedures, and benefits.
             405          (17) Notwithstanding Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and
             406      Management Act, the division may release to the [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs
             407      the names and addresses of all persons who indicate their status as a veteran under Subsection
             408      (9)(a)(vii).
             409          (18) The division and its employees are not liable, as a result of false or inaccurate
             410      information provided under Subsection (9)(a)(v) or (vii), for direct or indirect:
             411          (a) loss;
             412          (b) detriment; or
             413          (c) injury.
             414          (19) A person who knowingly fails to provide the information required under
             415      Subsection (9)(a)(vi) is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
             416          Section 6. Section 53-3-804 is amended to read:
             417           53-3-804. Application for identification card -- Required information -- Release
             418      of anatomical gift information.
             419          (1) To apply for an identification card, the applicant shall:
             420          (a) be a Utah resident;
             421          (b) have a Utah residence address; and
             422          (c) appear in person at any license examining station.
             423          (2) The applicant shall provide the following information to the division:
             424          (a) true and full legal name and Utah residence address;
             425          (b) date of birth as set forth in a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate, or
             426      other satisfactory evidence of birth, which shall be attached to the application;
             427          (c) Social Security number;
             428          (d) place of birth;
             429          (e) height and weight;
             430          (f) color of eyes and hair;


             431          (g) between July 1, 2002 and July 1, 2007, race in accordance with the categories
             432      established by the United States Census Bureau;
             433          (h) signature;
             434          (i) photograph;
             435          (j) an indication whether the applicant intends to make an anatomical gift under Title
             436      26, Chapter 28, Uniform Anatomical Gift Act;
             437          (k) an indication whether the applicant is required to register as a sex offender under
             438      Section 77-27-21.5 ; and
             439          (l) an indication whether the applicant is a military veteran and does or does not
             440      authorize sharing the information with the state [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs.
             441          (3) The requirements of Section 53-3-234 apply to this section for each person, age 16
             442      and older, applying for an identification card. Refusal to consent to the release of information
             443      shall result in the denial of the identification card.
             444          (4) An applicant may not be denied an identification card for refusing to provide race
             445      information required under Subsection (2)(g).
             446          (5) A person who knowingly fails to provide the information required under Subsection
             447      (2)(k) is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
             448          Section 7. Section 53-3-805 is amended to read:
             449           53-3-805. Identification card -- Contents -- Specifications.
             450          (1) (a) The division shall issue an identification card that bears:
             451          (i) the distinguishing number assigned to the person by the division;
             452          (ii) the name, birth date, and Utah residence address of the person;
             453          (iii) a brief description of the person for the purpose of identification;
             454          (iv) a photograph of the person;
             455          (v) a photograph or other facsimile of the person's signature; and
             456          (vi) an indication whether the person intends to make an anatomical gift under Title 26,
             457      Chapter 28, Uniform Anatomical Gift Act.
             458          (b) An identification card issued by the division may not bear the person's Social
             459      Security number or place of birth.
             460          (2) (a) The card shall be of an impervious material, resistant to wear, damage, and
             461      alteration.


             462          (b) Except as provided under Section 53-3-806 , the size, form, and color of the card is
             463      prescribed by the commissioner.
             464          (3) At the applicant's request, the card may include a statement that the applicant has a
             465      special medical problem or allergies to certain drugs, for the purpose of medical treatment.
             466          (4) (a) The indication of intent under Subsection 53-3-804 (2)(j) shall be authenticated
             467      by the applicant in accordance with division rule.
             468          (b) (i) Notwithstanding Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and
             469      Management Act, the division may, upon request, release to an organ procurement
             470      organization, as defined in Section 26-28-2 , the names and addresses of all persons who under
             471      Subsection 53-3-804 (2)(j) indicate that they intend to make an anatomical gift.
             472          (ii) An organ procurement organization may use released information only to:
             473          (A) obtain additional information for an anatomical gift registry; and
             474          (B) inform applicants of anatomical gift options, procedures, and benefits.
             475          (5) Notwithstanding Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and
             476      Management Act, the division may release to the [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs
             477      the names and addresses of all persons who indicate their status as a veteran under Subsection
             478      53-3-804 (2)(l).
             479          (6) The division and its employees are not liable, as a result of false or inaccurate
             480      information provided under Subsection 53-3-804 (2)(j) or (l), for direct or indirect:
             481          (a) loss;
             482          (b) detriment; or
             483          (c) injury.
             484          Section 8. Section 53B-8e-103 is amended to read:
             485           53B-8e-103. Tuition waivers for Purple Heart recipients -- Qualifications --
             486      Limitations.
             487          (1) Beginning in the 2004-05 academic year, a state institution of higher education
             488      shall waive undergraduate tuition for each Purple Heart recipient who:
             489          (a) is admitted as a full-time, part-time, or summer school student in an undergraduate
             490      program of study leading to a degree or certificate;
             491          (b) is a resident student of the state as determined under Section 53B-8-102 ; and
             492          (c) submits verification as provided in Subsection (2) that the student is a Purple Heart


             493      recipient.
             494          (2) A Purple Heart recipient seeking a tuition waiver shall request the [Division]
             495      Department of Veterans Affairs to provide the verification required by Subsection (1)(c). The
             496      [Division] Department of Veterans Affairs shall provide the verification upon obtaining
             497      evidence satisfactory to the division that the student is a Purple Heart recipient.
             498          Section 9. Section 61-2c-105 is amended to read:
             499           61-2c-105. Scope of chapter.
             500          (1) (a) This chapter applies to a closed-end residential mortgage loan secured by a first
             501      lien or equivalent security interest on a one to four unit dwelling.
             502          (b) This chapter does not apply to a transaction covered by Title 70C, Utah Consumer
             503      Credit Code.
             504          (2) The following are exempt from this chapter:
             505          (a) the federal government;
             506          (b) a state;
             507          (c) a political subdivision of a state;
             508          (d) an agency of or entity created by a governmental entity described in Subsections
             509      (2)(a) through (c) including:
             510          (i) the Utah Housing Corporation created in Title 9, Chapter 4, Part 9, Utah Housing
             511      Corporation Act;
             512          (ii) the Federal National Mortgage Corporation;
             513          (iii) the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation;
             514          (iv) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;
             515          (v) the Resolution Trust Corporation;
             516          (vi) the Government National Mortgage Association;
             517          (vii) the Federal Housing Administration;
             518          (viii) the National Credit Union Administration;
             519          (ix) the Farmers Home Administration; and
             520          (x) the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;
             521          (e) a depository institution;
             522          (f) an affiliate of a depository institution;
             523          (g) an employee or agent of an entity described in Subsections (2)(a) through (f) when


             524      that person acts on behalf of the entity described in Subsections (2)(a) through (f);
             525          (h) an individual or entity:
             526          (i) that makes a loan:
             527          (A) secured by an interest in real property;
             528          (B) with the individual's or the entity's own money; and
             529          (C) for the individual's or entity's own investment; and
             530          (ii) that does not engage in the business of making loans secured by an interest in real
             531      property;
             532          (i) an individual or entity who receives a mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest on real
             533      property if the individual or entity:
             534          (i) is the seller of real property; and
             535          (ii) receives the mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest on real property as security for
             536      a separate money obligation;
             537          (j) an individual or entity who receives a mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest on real
             538      property if:
             539          (i) the individual or entity receives the mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest as
             540      security for an obligation payable on an installment or deferred payment basis;
             541          (ii) the obligation described in Subsection (2)(j)(i) arises from an individual or entity
             542      providing materials or services used in the improvement of the real property that is the subject
             543      of the mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest; and
             544          (iii) the mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest was created without the consent of the
             545      owner of the real property that is the subject of the mortgage, deed of trust, or lien interest;
             546          (k) a nonprofit corporation that:
             547          (i) is exempt from paying federal income taxes;
             548          (ii) is certified by the United States Small Business Administration as a small business
             549      investment company;
             550          (iii) is organized to promote economic development in this state; and
             551          (iv) has as its primary activity providing financing for business expansion;
             552          (l) a court appointed fiduciary; or
             553          (m) an attorney admitted to practice law in this state:
             554          (i) if the attorney is not principally engaged in the business of negotiating residential


             555      mortgage loans; and
             556          (ii) when the attorney renders services in the course of the attorney's practice as an
             557      attorney.
             558          (3) (a) Notwithstanding Subsection (2)(m), an attorney exempt from this chapter may
             559      not engage in conduct described in Section 61-2c-301 when transacting business of residential
             560      mortgage loans.
             561          (b) If an attorney exempt from this chapter violates Subsection (3)(a), the attorney:
             562          (i) is not subject to enforcement by the division under Part 4, Enforcement; and
             563          (ii) is subject to disciplinary action generally applicable to an attorney admitted to
             564      practice law in this state.
             565          (c) If the division receives a complaint alleging an attorney exempt from this chapter is
             566      in violation of Subsection (3)(a), the division shall forward the complaint to the Utah State Bar
             567      for disciplinary action.
             568          (4) (a) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act,
             569      the division shall, by rule, determine a date, on or after December 31, 2004, after which an
             570      individual who is exempt under Subsection (2) may voluntarily obtain a license pursuant to
             571      Subsection (4)(b).
             572          (b) (i) After the date described in Subsection (4)(a), an individual who is exempt under
             573      Subsection (2) may voluntarily obtain a license under this chapter by complying with Part 2,
             574      Licensure.
             575          (ii) An individual who voluntarily obtains a license pursuant to this Subsection (4)(b)
             576      shall comply with all the provisions of this chapter.
             577          Section 10. Section 63-13-5.6 is amended to read:
             578           63-13-5.6. Commemorative days.
             579          (1) The following days shall be commemorated yearly:
             580          (a) Bill of Rights Day, on December 15;
             581          (b) Constitution Day, on September 17;
             582          (c) Yellow Ribbon Day, on the third Monday in May, in honor of men and women who
             583      are serving or have served in the U.S. armed forces around the world in defense of freedom;
             584      [and]
             585          (d) POW/MIA Recognition Day, on the third Friday in September[.]; and


             586          (e) Indigenous People Day, the Monday immediately preceding Thanksgiving.
             587          (2) The [Division of Veterans] Department of Veterans' Affairs shall coordinate
             588      activities, special programs, and promotional information to heighten public awareness and
             589      involvement relating to Subsections (1)(c) and (d).
             590          (3) The month of November shall be commemorated yearly as American Indian
             591      Heritage Month.
             592          Section 11. Section 71-7-3 is amended to read:
             593           71-7-3. Development, operation, and maintenance of Utah Veterans' Cemetery
             594      and Memorial Park -- Responsibilities of Department of Veterans' Affairs -- Costs --
             595      Definition.
             596          (1) The [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs, in consultation with the Veterans'
             597      Memorial Park Board, shall develop, operate, and maintain a veterans' cemetery and memorial
             598      park.
             599          (2) To help pay the costs of developing, constructing, operating, and maintaining a
             600      veterans' cemetery and memorial park, the [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs may:
             601          (a) by following the procedures and requirements of Title 63, Chapter 38e, Federal
             602      Funds Procedures, receive federal funds, and may receive state funds, contributions from
             603      veterans' organizations, and other private donations; and
             604          (b) charge fees for at least the cost of the burial of veterans' spouses and other persons,
             605      whom the [division] department and the Veterans' Memorial Park Board determines are
             606      eligible to be buried in a veterans' cemetery established by the state.
             607          (3) As used in this chapter, "veteran" has the same meaning as in Section 71-8-1 .
             608          Section 12. Section 71-7-4 is amended to read:
             609           71-7-4. Veterans' Memorial Park Board -- Members -- Appointment -- Meetings
             610      -- Per diem.
             611          (1) There is created a Veterans' Memorial Park Board to serve as an advisory body to
             612      the [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs on matters relating to the establishment and
             613      operation of a veterans' cemetery and memorial park.
             614          (2) The board shall consist of the following five members:
             615          (a) one representative recommended by the state commander of the Veterans of
             616      Foreign Wars;


             617          (b) one representative recommended by the state commander of the American Legion;
             618          (c) one representative recommended by the state commander of the Disabled American
             619      Veterans;
             620          (d) the director of the [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs; and
             621          (e) one person not affiliated with any of the organizations referred to in this Subsection
             622      (2).
             623          (3) (a) Except as required by Subsection (3)(b), the governor shall appoint members in
             624      Subsections (2)(a), (b), (c), and (e) above for four-year terms. The governor shall make final
             625      appointments to the board by June 30 of any year in which appointments are to be made under
             626      this chapter.
             627          (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (3)(a), the governor shall, at the
             628      time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of
             629      board members are staggered so that approximately half of the board is appointed every two
             630      years.
             631          (c) All members shall serve until their successors are appointed.
             632          (d) Members may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
             633          (4) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be
             634      appointed for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
             635          (5) (a) The board shall select a chair annually from among its members at its first
             636      meeting after July 1.
             637          (b) Three members of the board constitute a quorum to transact business.
             638          (c) The board shall meet at least quarterly on a regular date fixed by the board.
             639          (d) The chair or three members of the board may call additional meetings.
             640          (6) The board shall provide copies of all minutes and an annual report of its activities
             641      by June 30 of each year to the Veterans' Advisory Council created in Section 71-8-4 .
             642          (7) (a) (i) Members who are not government employees shall receive no compensation
             643      or benefits for their services, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the
             644      performance of the member's official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance
             645      under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             646          (ii) Members may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their service.
             647          (b) (i) State government officer and employee members who do not receive salary, per


             648      diem, or expenses from their agency for their service may receive per diem and expenses
             649      incurred in the performance of their official duties from the board at the rates established by the
             650      Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             651          (ii) State government officer and employee members may decline to receive per diem
             652      and expenses for their service.
             653          Section 13. Section 71-8-1 is amended to read:
             654           71-8-1. Definitions.
             655          As used in this chapter:
             656          (1) "Council" means the Veterans' Advisory Council.
             657          (2) "Department" means the [Utah National Guard] Department of Veterans' Affairs.
             658          [(3) "Director" means the director of the Division of Veterans' Affairs.]
             659          [(4) "Division" means the Division of Veterans' Affairs.]
             660          [(5)] (3) "Executive director" means the [adjutant general of the Utah National Guard]
             661      executive director of the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
             662          [(6)] (4) "Government entity" means the state and any county, municipality, special
             663      district, and any other political subdivision or administrative unit of the state, including state
             664      institutions of education.
             665          [(7)] (5) "Veteran" means:
             666          (a) an individual who has served on active duty in the armed forces for at least 180
             667      consecutive days or was a member of a reserve component, and who has been separated or
             668      retired under honorable conditions; or
             669          (b) any individual incurring an actual service-related injury or disability in the line of
             670      duty whether or not that person completed 180 days of active duty.
             671          Section 14. Section 71-8-2 is amended to read:
             672           71-8-2. Department of Veterans' Affairs created -- Appointment of executive
             673      director -- Department responsibilities.
             674          (1) There is created [within the Utah National Guard] the [Division] Department of
             675      Veterans' Affairs.
             676          (2) The governor shall [select a] appoint an executive director for the [division]
             677      department, subject to Senate confirmation, from a list of qualified veterans provided by the
             678      Veterans' Advisory Council. Any veteran or veteran's group may submit names to the council


             679      for consideration.
             680          (3) The [division] department shall:
             681          (a) conduct and supervise all veteran activities as provided in this title; and
             682          (b) adopt rules in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative
             683      Rulemaking Act, to carry out the provisions of this title.
             684          Section 15. Section 71-8-3 is amended to read:
             685           71-8-3. Duties of executive director -- Services to veterans.
             686          The executive director shall:
             687          (1) be responsible for the administration and the operation or support of the following
             688      veteran-related operations:
             689          (a) [beginning July 1, 2002,] Utah State Veterans' Nursing [Home] Homes and
             690      Programs;
             691          (b) [beginning July 1, 2001,] Utah State Veterans' Cemetery and Memorial Park;
             692          (c) [Veterans'] Title 71, Chapter 10, Veteran's Preference [Law as defined in Section
             693      71-10-1 ];
             694          (d) any locally or federally funded programs for homeless veterans within the state; and
             695          (e) any federally funded education services for veterans within the state;
             696          (2) maintain liaison with local, state, and federal veterans' agencies and with Utah
             697      veterans' organizations;
             698          (3) provide current information so that veterans, their surviving spouses and family
             699      members, and Utah veterans' organizations will be aware of benefits to which they are, or may
             700      become, entitled;
             701          (4) reach out and assist veterans and their families in applying for benefits and
             702      services;
             703          (5) develop and maintain a system for determining how many veterans are employed
             704      by the various government entities within the state and keeping track of them; and
             705          (6) cooperate with other state entities in the receipt of information to create and
             706      maintain a record of veterans in Utah.
             707          Section 16. Section 71-8-4 is amended to read:
             708           71-8-4. Veterans' Advisory Council -- Membership -- Duties and responsibilities
             709      -- Per diem and expenses.


             710          (1) There is created a Veterans' Advisory Council whose purpose is to advise the
             711      executive director of the [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs on issues relating to
             712      veterans.
             713          (2) The council shall consist of eleven voting members and one nonvoting member,
             714      designated as follows:
             715          (a) five members appointed by the governor to serve four-year terms:
             716          (i) four veterans at large; and
             717          (ii) a representative from the Office of the Governor;
             718          (b) the director of the VA Health Care System or his designee;
             719          (c) the director of the VA Benefits Administration Regional Office in Salt Lake City,
             720      or his designee;
             721          (d) a representative from the Veterans' Memorial Park Board for the duration of his
             722      appointment to the board;
             723          (e) the commanders or their designees of the three largest veterans service
             724      organizations in the state. Their terms shall last as long as they hold the required office; and
             725          (f) the executive director shall be a nonvoting member of the council.
             726          (3) (a) Except as required by Subsection (3)(b), as terms of current council members
             727      expire, the governor shall appoint each new or reappointed member to a four-year term
             728      commencing on July 1.
             729          (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (3)(a), the governor shall, at the
             730      time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of
             731      council members are staggered so that approximately half of the members appointed by the
             732      governor are appointed every two years.
             733          (4) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the governor shall
             734      appoint a replacement for the unexpired term within 60 days of receiving notice.
             735          (5) Members appointed by the governor may not serve more than two consecutive
             736      terms.
             737          (6) (a) Any veterans' group or veteran may provide the director with a list of
             738      recommendations for members on the council.
             739          (b) The executive director shall provide the governor with the list of recommendations
             740      for members to be appointed to the council.


             741          (c) The governor shall make final appointments to the council by June 30 of any year in
             742      which appointments are to be made under this chapter.
             743          (7) The council shall elect a chair from among its members every two years. The chair
             744      shall be a veteran.
             745          (8) (a) The council shall meet at least once every quarter.
             746          (b) The executive director of the [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs may
             747      convene additional meetings, as necessary.
             748          (9) The [division] department shall provide staff to the council.
             749          (10) Six voting members are a quorum for the transaction of business.
             750          (11) The council shall:
             751          (a) solicit input concerning veterans issues from veterans' groups throughout the state;
             752          (b) report issues received to the executive director of the [Division] Department of
             753      Veterans' Affairs and make recommendations concerning them;
             754          (c) keep abreast of federal developments that affect veterans locally and advise the
             755      executive director of them; and
             756          (d) approve, by a majority vote, the use of monies generated from veterans' license
             757      plates under Section 41-1a-422 for veterans' programs.
             758          (12) (a) Members shall receive no compensation or benefits for their services, but may
             759      receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of the member's official duties at
             760      the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             761          (b) Members may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their service.
             762          Section 17. Section 71-9-1 is amended to read:
             763           71-9-1. Contract to provide assistance to veterans and their widows and children.
             764          The adjutant general of the National Guard through the [Division] Department of
             765      Veterans' Affairs is authorized to contract with the American Legion, the Disabled American
             766      Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, as organized in this state, to
             767      provide, especially in the outlying areas of the state, assistance to veterans, their widows, and
             768      children as follows:
             769          (1) to disseminate information regarding all laws applicable to veterans, their widows,
             770      and children in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims against the United
             771      States arising by reason of service in the military, naval, or air services;


             772          (2) to assist veterans, their widows, and children in the establishment of all rights and
             773      the procurement of all benefits which may accrue to them under the laws of this state or of the
             774      United States;
             775          (3) to cooperate with any and all agencies and instrumentalities of this state or of the
             776      United States having to do with the employment or reemployment of veterans;
             777          (4) to cooperate with any and all agencies and instrumentalities of this state or of the
             778      United States and make a representative and information available on a rotating basis in the
             779      outlying areas of the state;
             780          (5) to assist veterans in obtaining such preference for employment as may be
             781      authorized by the laws of this state or of the United States; and
             782          (6) to assist veterans, their widows, and children in obtaining emergency relief, and to
             783      that end cooperate with such agencies and instrumentalities of this state or of the United States
             784      as have been or may be established for the purpose of extending emergency relief.
             785          Section 18. Section 71-9-2 is amended to read:
             786           71-9-2. Contracts subject to appropriation of funds.
             787          Any contract entered into under Section 71-9-1 shall expressly state that it is subject to
             788      the appropriation of sufficient funds by the Legislature to carry out its terms and that the
             789      decision of the [adjutant general of the National Guard in conjunction with the] executive
             790      director of the [Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs as to whether an appropriation is
             791      sufficient to carry out the terms of the contract is conclusive.
             792          Section 19. Section 71-11-2 is amended to read:
             793           71-11-2. Definitions.
             794          As used in this chapter:
             795          (1) "Administrator" means a Veterans' Nursing Home Administrator selected in
             796      accordance with Section 71-11-5 .
             797          (2) "Board" means any Veterans' Nursing Home Advisory Board.
             798          (3) "Department" means the [Utah National Guard] Department of Veterans' Affairs
             799      created in Section 71-8-2 .
             800          [(4) "Division" means the Division of Veterans' Affairs created in Section 71-8-2 .]
             801          [(5)] (4) "Executive Director" means the [adjutant general of the National Guard]
             802      executive director of the Department of Veterans' Affairs.


             803          [(6)] (5) "Home" means any Utah Veterans' Nursing Home.
             804          [(7)] (6) "Veteran" shall have the same meaning as found in Subsection 71-10-1 (5).
             805          Section 20. Section 71-11-3 is amended to read:
             806           71-11-3. Establishment and construction -- Compliance with federal
             807      requirements.
             808          (1) The [division] department shall administer veterans' nursing homes established by
             809      the Legislature.
             810          (2) Each home shall:
             811          (a) have at least an 80-bed capacity;
             812          (b) be designed and constructed consistent with the requirements for federal funding
             813      under 38 U.S.C. Sec. 8131 et seq.; and
             814          (c) be operated consistent with the requirements for per diem payments from the
             815      United States Department of Veterans Affairs under 38 U.S.C. Sec. 1741 et seq.
             816          Section 21. Section 71-11-4 is amended to read:
             817           71-11-4. Administration by Department of Veterans' Affairs.
             818          The [division] department shall supervise and operate each veterans' nursing home.
             819          Section 22. Section 71-11-5 is amended to read:
             820           71-11-5. Operation of homes -- Rulemaking authority -- Selection of
             821      administrator.
             822          (1) The [division] department shall, subject to the approval of the executive director:
             823          (a) establish appropriate criteria for the admission and discharge of residents for each
             824      home, subject to the requirements in Section 71-11-6 and criteria set by the U.S. Department of
             825      Veterans' Affairs;
             826          (b) establish a schedule of charges for each home in cases where residents have
             827      available resources;
             828          (c) establish standards for the operation of the homes not inconsistent with standards
             829      set by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;
             830          (d) make rules to implement this chapter in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a,
             831      Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act; and
             832          (e) ensure that the homes are licensed in accordance with Title 26, Chapter 21, Health
             833      Care Facility Licensing and Inspection Act, and 38 U.S.C. Sec. 1742(a).


             834          (2) The [division] department shall, after reviewing recommendations of the board,
             835      appoint an administrator for each home.
             836          Section 23. Section 71-11-7 is amended to read:
             837           71-11-7. Veterans' Nursing Home Advisory Boards.
             838          (1) (a) Each home shall have a Veterans' Nursing Home Advisory Board to act as a
             839      liaison between the residents, members of the public, and the administration of the home.
             840          (b) The board shall interview candidates for the position of nursing home administrator
             841      and make a recommendation to the [division] department.
             842          (2) Each board shall consist of the following seven members:
             843          (a) one resident of the home appointed by the governor;
             844          (b) two members of the Veterans' Advisory Council, designated by the governor, one
             845      of which shall specifically be designated as the board's representative to the council;
             846          (c) one veteran from the area in which the home is located appointed by the governor;
             847          (d) one representative from the VA Health Care System, appointed by its director;
             848          (e) one representative from the Department of Health, appointed by its executive
             849      director; and
             850          (f) one representative from the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs regional
             851      office.
             852          (3) (a) (i) Members shall serve for four-year terms.
             853          (ii) Except as required by Subsection (3)(b), as terms of current board members expire,
             854      the governor shall appoint each new or reappointed member to a four-year term beginning on
             855      July 1.
             856          (b) The governor shall, at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length
             857      of terms to ensure that the terms of board members are staggered so that approximately half of
             858      the board is appointed every two years.
             859          (c) The governor shall make final appointments to the board by June 30 of any year in
             860      which appointments are to be made under this chapter.
             861          (4) Vacancies shall be filled by the governor within 60 days of receiving notice of a
             862      vacancy, but only for the unexpired term of the vacated member.
             863          (5) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (5)(b), members may not serve more than two
             864      consecutive terms.


             865          (b) Members appointed by the VA Health Care System and the United States
             866      Department of Veterans' Affairs are exempt from the term limit requirement.
             867          (6) Each board shall elect a chair annually from among its members at its first meeting
             868      after July 1.
             869          (7) Each board shall meet at least quarterly.
             870          (8) Four members of the board constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
             871          (9) Each board shall provide copies of all minutes and an annual report of its activities
             872      by June 30 of each year to the [adjutant general] executive director of the [National Guard, the
             873      Division] Department of Veterans' Affairs, and the Veterans' Advisory Council.
             874          (10) (a) (i) Members who are not government employees shall receive no
             875      compensation or benefits for their services, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in
             876      the performance of the member's official duties at the rates established by the Division of
             877      Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             878          (ii) Members may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their service.
             879          (b) State government officer and employee members who do not receive salary, per
             880      diem, or expenses from their agency for their service may receive per diem and expenses
             881      incurred in the performance of their official duties from the board at the rates established by the
             882      Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             883          Section 24. Section 71-11-8 is amended to read:
             884           71-11-8. Utah Veterans' Nursing Home Fund.
             885          (1) There is created a restricted special revenue fund entitled the "Utah Veterans'
             886      Nursing Home Fund" to be administered by the [division] department for the benefit of each
             887      home and its residents.
             888          (2) All cash donations, gifts, or bequests shall be deposited in the fund and used
             889      according to the wishes of the donor.
             890          (3) All funds received by the homes from federal or state agencies, individual
             891      insurance reimbursement, or cash payments shall be deposited in the fund.
             892          (4) Funds received that are designated for a specific home shall be accounted for
             893      separately within the fund.
             894          Section 25. Section 71-11-10 is amended to read:
             895           71-11-10. Hobby promotion -- Sales of articles manufactured by residents --


             896      Proceeds to residents.
             897          (1) Each home shall promote hobbies designed to improve the general welfare and
             898      mental condition of the residents.
             899          (2) The home may provide limited funds to initiate a hobby program, but shall limit the
             900      program to those hobbies that, in its judgment, will be [self-sustaining] self sustaining.
             901          (3) The [office] department may enter into contracts with federal or state agencies or
             902      private concerns for the receipt of articles manufactured by residents of the homes.
             903          (4) Proceeds generated by hobbies shall be used to pay for materials. Any excess
             904      proceeds shall be paid to the individual veterans who produced the articles.
             905          Section 26. Effective date.
             906          This bill takes effect on July 1, 2007.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 2-1-07 10:23 AM


Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


[Bill Documents][Bills Directory]