Fiscal Highlights - June 2014

On May 21, 2014, during Extraordinary Session #6, the Senate confirmed Governor Herbert's appointment of Ivy Estabrooke as the new executive director of the Utah Science, Technology, and Research Initiative (USTAR).  As a new executive director begins operations and recently passed legislation takes effect at USTAR, a new era of governance and transparency of USTAR operations begins as well.  For an introduction to Ms. Estabrooke, please reference the Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Confirmation Committee hearing on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at the following link: USTAR Executive Director.   

The practice of Senate confirmation for executive director of USTAR is a new provision in statute, authorized in S.B. 62, Utah Science Technology and Research Governing Authority Amendments, 2014 General Session.  Key provisions of S.B. 62 are included below:

• Lease agreements are required prior to approval of research team occupancy of USTAR buildings;
  
• Performance standards and expectations and the reporting of those metrics are required for individual research teams and technology Outreach Centers;
  
• Submission of an annual report to the Legislature;
  
• Requirement of an annual audit of USTAR financial information and performance standards;
  
• Statutory nonlapsing authority repealed;
  
• Designation of an executive branch agency for purposes of procurement.