Download Zipped Introduced WordPerfect SB0123.ZIP
[Status][Bill Documents][Fiscal Note][Bills Directory]

S.B. 123

             1     

GOVERNMENTAL IMMUNITY ACT -

             2     
TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS

             3     
2005 GENERAL SESSION

             4     
STATE OF UTAH

             5     
Sponsor: Gregory S. Bell

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This bill corrects references to the Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             10      Highlighted Provisions:
             11          This bill:
             12          .    changes references from Chapter 30 to Chapter 30d; and
             13          .    amends references to sections of the Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             14      Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
             15          None
             16      Other Special Clauses:
             17          None
             18      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             19      AMENDS:
             20          9-2-1905, as last amended by Chapter 4, Laws of Utah 2003, Second Special Session
             21          9-4-917, as last amended by Chapter 319, Laws of Utah 2001
             22          10-8-58.5, as enacted by Chapter 229, Laws of Utah 1988
             23          11-13-222, as last amended by Chapter 38, Laws of Utah 2003
             24          17-53-311, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 133, Laws of Utah 2000
             25          17A-2-1056, as last amended by Chapter 254, Laws of Utah 2000
             26          19-6-321, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 112, Laws of Utah 1991
             27          19-6-427, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 112, Laws of Utah 1991


             28          30-2-11, as enacted by Chapter 163, Laws of Utah 1997
             29          31A-1-103, as last amended by Chapter 225, Laws of Utah 2004
             30          32A-1-118, as last amended by Chapter 1, Laws of Utah 2000
             31          40-10-21, as last amended by Chapter 219, Laws of Utah 1994
             32          41-12a-407, as last amended by Chapter 203, Laws of Utah 1991
             33          41-22-31, as last amended by Chapter 21, Laws of Utah 1989
             34          58-59-308, as last amended by Chapter 260, Laws of Utah 2003
             35          58-73-701, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 253, Laws of Utah 1996
             36          62A-4a-410, as last amended by Chapter 206, Laws of Utah 2002
             37          63-2-802, as last amended by Chapter 280, Laws of Utah 1992
             38          63-30b-3, as last amended by Chapter 20, Laws of Utah 1995
             39          63-46b-1, as last amended by Chapter 235, Laws of Utah 2004
             40          63A-4-204, as last amended by Chapter 266, Laws of Utah 2001
             41          63A-4-204.5, as last amended by Chapter 266, Laws of Utah 2001
             42          67-5b-107, as enacted by Chapter 192, Laws of Utah 1994
             43          72-5-306, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 270, Laws of Utah 1998
             44          73-18c-306, as enacted by Chapter 348, Laws of Utah 1997
             45          73-26-403, as enacted by Chapter 251, Laws of Utah 1991
             46          76-10-1311, as enacted by Chapter 179, Laws of Utah 1993
             47          78-2a-6, as last amended by Chapter 97, Laws of Utah 2002
             48          78-3a-912, as last amended by Chapter 356, Laws of Utah 2004
             49          78-27-37, as last amended by Chapter 131, Laws of Utah 2003
             50          78-27-43, as last amended by Chapter 131, Laws of Utah 2003
             51     
             52      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             53          Section 1. Section 9-2-1905 is amended to read:
             54           9-2-1905. Board members -- Meetings -- Expenses.
             55          (1) (a) The board shall consist of five members.
             56          (b) Of the five members:
             57          (i) one shall be the state treasurer;
             58          (ii) one shall be the director; and


             59          (iii) three shall be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.
             60          (c) The three members appointed by the governor shall serve four-year staggered terms
             61      with the initial terms of the first three members to be four years for one member, three years for
             62      one member, and two years for one member.
             63          (2) When a vacancy occurs in the membership of the board for any reason, the vacancy
             64      shall be:
             65          (a) filled in the same manner as the appointment of the original member; and
             66          (b) for the unexpired term of the board member being replaced.
             67          (3) Appointed members of the board may not serve more than two full consecutive
             68      terms except where the governor determines that an additional term is in the best interest of the
             69      state.
             70          (4) Three members of the board constitute a quorum for conducting business and
             71      exercising board power, provided that a minimum of three affirmative votes is required for
             72      board action and at least one of the affirmative votes is cast by either the director or the state
             73      treasurer.
             74          (5) (a) Members of the board may not receive compensation or benefits for their
             75      services, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of the members'
             76      official duties at rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and
             77      63A-3-107 .
             78          (b) Members of the board may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their
             79      services.
             80          (6) Members of the board shall be selected on the basis of demonstrated expertise and
             81      competence in:
             82          (a) the supervision of investment managers;
             83          (b) the fiduciary management of investment funds; or
             84          (c) the management and administration of tax credit allocation programs.
             85          (7) The board and its members are considered to be a governmental entity with all of
             86      the rights, privileges, and immunities of a governmental entity of the state, including all of the
             87      rights and benefits conferred under Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity
             88      Act of Utah.
             89          (8) Meetings of the board, except to the extent necessary to protect confidential


             90      information with respect to investments in the Utah fund of funds, are subject to Title 52,
             91      Chapter 4, Open and Public Meetings.
             92          Section 2. Section 9-4-917 is amended to read:
             93           9-4-917. Notes, bonds, other obligations -- Not debt liability -- Expenses payable
             94      from funds provided -- Corporation without authority to incur liability on behalf of state
             95      -- Relationship to Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             96          (1) (a) Notes, bonds, and other obligations issued under this part do not constitute a
             97      debt or liability of this state or of any county, city, town, village, school district, or any other
             98      political subdivision of the state, nor shall the notes, bonds, or other obligations constitute the
             99      loaning of credit of the state or of any county, city, town, township, district, or any other
             100      political subdivision of the state, nor may the notes, bonds, or other obligations be payable
             101      from funds other than those of the corporation.
             102          (b) All notes, bonds, or other obligations shall contain on their face a statement to the
             103      effect that:
             104          (i) the corporation is obligated to pay the note, bond, or obligation solely from the
             105      revenues or other funds of the corporation;
             106          (ii) neither this state nor any political subdivision of it is obligated to pay the note,
             107      bond, or obligation; and
             108          (iii) neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of this state or any political
             109      subdivision of it is pledged to the payment of principal, or redemption price of, or the interest
             110      on the notes, bonds, or other obligations.
             111          (2) All expenses incurred in carrying out this act shall be payable solely from funds
             112      provided under this part, and nothing in this part shall be construed to authorize the corporation
             113      to incur indebtedness or liability on behalf of or payable by this state or any political
             114      subdivision of it.
             115          (3) (a) Title 63, Chapter [30, the Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, shall
             116      apply to the corporation.
             117          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a), no claim may be brought against the state, any
             118      public official or employee of the state, another public entity, or any public official or
             119      employee of another public entity, based on or arising from:
             120          (i) any failure or alleged failure to fulfill a contractual obligation of the corporation;


             121          (ii) any act or failure to act of the corporation or any of its trustees, officers, employees,
             122      agents, or representatives; or
             123          (iii) any failure of the corporation to comply with the requirements of any law or
             124      regulation.
             125          (c) The provisions of Subsection (3)(b) do not apply to a claim of a current or former
             126      officer or employee of the corporation for the retirement or insurance benefits.
             127          Section 3. Section 10-8-58.5 is amended to read:
             128           10-8-58.5. Contracting for management, maintenance, operation, or construction
             129      of jails.
             130          (1) (a) The governing body of a city or town may contract with private contractors for
             131      management, maintenance, operation, and construction of city jails.
             132          (b) The governing body may include a provision in the contract that requires that any
             133      jail facility meet any federal, state, or local standards for the construction of jails.
             134          (2) If the governing body contracts only for the management, maintenance, or
             135      operation of a jail, the governing body shall include provisions in the contract that:
             136          (a) require the private contractor to post a performance bond in the amount set by the
             137      governing body;
             138          (b) establish training standards that must be met by jail personnel;
             139          (c) require the private contractor to provide and fund training for jail personnel so that
             140      the personnel meet the standards established in the contract and any other federal, state, or local
             141      standards for the operation of jails and the treatment of jail prisoners;
             142          (d) require the private contractor to indemnify the city or town for errors, omissions,
             143      defalcations, and other activities committed by the private contractor that result in liability to
             144      the city or town;
             145          (e) require the private contractor to show evidence of liability insurance protecting the
             146      city or town and its officers, employees, and agents from liability arising from the construction,
             147      operation, or maintenance of the jail, in an amount not less than those specified in Title 63,
             148      Chapter [30, the] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah;
             149          (f) require the private contractor to:
             150          (i) receive all prisoners committed to the jail by competent authority; and
             151          (ii) provide them with necessary food, clothing, and bedding in the manner prescribed


             152      by the governing body; and
             153          (g) prohibit the use of inmates by the private contractor for private business purposes
             154      of any kind.
             155          (3) A contractual provision requiring the private contractor to maintain liability
             156      insurance in an amount not less than the liability limits established by Title 63, Chapter [30]
             157      30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, may not be construed as waiving the limitation on
             158      damages recoverable from a governmental entity or its employees established by that chapter.
             159          Section 4. Section 11-13-222 is amended to read:
             160           11-13-222. Officers and employees performing services under agreements.
             161          (1) Each officer and employee performing services for two or more public agencies
             162      under an agreement under this chapter shall be considered to be:
             163          (a) an officer or employee of the public agency employing the officer or employee's
             164      services even though the officer or employee performs those functions outside of the territorial
             165      limits of any one of the contracting public agencies; and
             166          (b) an officer or employee of the public agencies under the provisions of Title 63,
             167      Chapter [30,] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             168          (2) Unless otherwise provided in an agreement that creates an interlocal entity, each
             169      employee of a public agency that is a party to the agreement shall:
             170          (a) remain an employee of that public agency, even though assigned to perform
             171      services for another public agency under the agreement; and
             172          (b) continue to be governed by the rules, rights, entitlements, and status that apply to an
             173      employee of that public agency.
             174          (3) All of the privileges, immunities from liability, exemptions from laws, ordinances,
             175      and rules, pensions and relief, disability, workers compensation, and other benefits that apply
             176      to an officer, agent, or employee of a public agency while performing functions within the
             177      territorial limits of the public agency apply to the same degree and extent when the officer,
             178      agent, or employee performs functions or duties under the agreement outside the territorial
             179      limits of that public agency.
             180          Section 5. Section 17-53-311 is amended to read:
             181           17-53-311. Contracting for management, maintenance, operation, or construction
             182      of jails.


             183          (1) (a) With the approval of the sheriff, a county executive may contract with private
             184      contractors for management, maintenance, operation, and construction of county jails.
             185          (b) A county executive may include a provision in the contract that allows use of a
             186      building authority created under the provisions of Title 17A, Chapter 3, Part 9, Municipal
             187      Building Authorities, to construct or acquire a jail facility.
             188          (c) A county executive may include a provision in the contract that requires that any jail
             189      facility meet any federal, state, or local standards for the construction of jails.
             190          (2) If a county executive contracts only for the management, maintenance, or operation
             191      of a jail, the county executive shall include provisions in the contract that:
             192          (a) require the private contractor to post a performance bond in the amount set by the
             193      county legislative body;
             194          (b) establish training standards that must be met by jail personnel;
             195          (c) require the private contractor to provide and fund training for jail personnel so that
             196      the personnel meet the standards established in the contract and any other federal, state, or local
             197      standards for the operation of jails and the treatment of jail prisoners;
             198          (d) require the private contractor to indemnify the county for errors, omissions,
             199      defalcations, and other activities committed by the private contractor that result in liability to
             200      the county;
             201          (e) require the private contractor to show evidence of liability insurance protecting the
             202      county and its officers, employees, and agents from liability arising from the construction,
             203      operation, or maintenance of the jail, in an amount not less than those specified in Title 63,
             204      Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah;
             205          (f) require the private contractor to:
             206          (i) receive all prisoners committed to the jail by competent authority; and
             207          (ii) provide them with necessary food, clothing, and bedding in the manner prescribed
             208      by the governing body; and
             209          (g) prohibit the use of inmates by the private contractor for private business purposes
             210      of any kind.
             211          (3) A contractual provision requiring the private contractor to maintain liability
             212      insurance in an amount not less than the liability limits established by Title 63, Chapter [30,
             213      Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, may not be construed as waiving the


             214      limitation on damages recoverable from a governmental entity or its employees established by
             215      that chapter.
             216          Section 6. Section 17A-2-1056 is amended to read:
             217           17A-2-1056. Claims against district -- Procedures.
             218          Any person who believes to have a claim against the district for death, injury, or
             219      damage alleged to have been caused by the negligent act or omission of the district shall:
             220          (1) file a written notice of claim with the board of trustees as provided in Title 63,
             221      Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah; and
             222          (2) comply with all the requirements of Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d,
             223      Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, in seeking satisfaction of the claim.
             224          Section 7. Section 19-6-321 is amended to read:
             225           19-6-321. Construction with other state and federal laws -- Governmental
             226      immunity.
             227          (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), nothing in this part affects or modifies in any
             228      way the obligations or liability of any person under a contract or any other provision of this part
             229      or state or federal law, including common law, for damages, indemnification, injury, or loss
             230      associated with a hazardous material or substance release or a substantial threat of a hazardous
             231      material or substance release.
             232          (2) In addition to the governmental immunity granted in Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah]
             233      30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, the state and its political subdivisions are not liable
             234      for actions performed under this part except as a result of intentional misconduct or gross
             235      negligence including reckless, willful, or wanton misconduct.
             236          (3) Nothing in this part affects, limits, or modifies in any way the authority granted to
             237      the state, any state agency, or any political subdivision under other state or federal law.
             238          Section 8. Section 19-6-427 is amended to read:
             239           19-6-427. Liability of any person under other laws -- Additional state and
             240      governmental immunity -- Exceptions.
             241          (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), nothing in this part affects or modifies in any
             242      way:
             243          (a) the obligations or liability of any person under any other provision of this part or
             244      state or federal law, including common law, for damages, injury, or loss resulting from a


             245      release or substantial threat of a release of petroleum from an underground storage tank or a
             246      petroleum storage tank; or
             247          (b) the liability of any person for costs incurred except as provided in this part.
             248          (2) In addition to the governmental immunity granted in Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah]
             249      30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, the state and its political subdivisions are not liable
             250      for actions performed under this part except as a result of intentional misconduct or gross
             251      negligence including reckless, willful, or wanton misconduct.
             252          Section 9. Section 30-2-11 is amended to read:
             253           30-2-11. Action for consortium due to personal injury.
             254          (1) For purposes of this section:
             255          (a) "injury" or "injured" means a significant permanent injury to a person that
             256      substantially changes that person's lifestyle and includes the following:
             257          (i) a partial or complete paralysis of one or more of the extremities;
             258          (ii) significant disfigurement; or
             259          (iii) incapability of the person of performing the types of jobs the person performed
             260      before the injury; and
             261          (b) "spouse" means the legal relationship:
             262          (i) established between a man and a woman as recognized by the laws of this state; and
             263          (ii) existing at the time of the person's injury.
             264          (2) The spouse of a person injured by a third party on or after May 4, 1997, may
             265      maintain an action against the third party to recover for loss of consortium.
             266          (3) A claim for loss of consortium begins on the date of injury to the spouse. The
             267      statute of limitations applicable to the injured person shall also apply to the spouse's claim of
             268      loss of consortium.
             269          (4) A claim for the spouse's loss of consortium shall be:
             270          (a) made at the time the claim of the injured person is made and joinder of actions shall
             271      be compulsory; and
             272          (b) subject to the same defenses, limitations, immunities, and provisions applicable to
             273      the claims of the injured person.
             274          (5) The spouse's action for loss of consortium:
             275          (a) shall be derivative from the cause of action existing in behalf of the injured person;


             276      and
             277          (b) may not exist in cases where the injured person would not have a cause of action.
             278          (6) Fault of the spouse of the injured person, as well as fault of the injured person, shall
             279      be compared with the fault of all other parties, pursuant to Sections 78-27-37 through
             280      78-27-43 , for purposes of reducing or barring any recovery by the spouse for loss of
             281      consortium.
             282          (7) Damages awarded for loss of consortium, when combined with any award to the
             283      injured person for general damages, may not exceed any applicable statutory limit on
             284      noneconomic damages, including Section 78-14-7.1 .
             285          (8) Damages awarded for loss of consortium which a governmental entity is required to
             286      pay, when combined with any award to the injured person which a governmental entity is
             287      required to pay, may not exceed the liability limit for one person in any one occurrence under
             288      Title 63, Chapter [30,] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             289          Section 10. Section 31A-1-103 is amended to read:
             290           31A-1-103. Scope and applicability of title.
             291          (1) This title does not apply to:
             292          (a) a retainer contract made by an attorney-at-law:
             293          (i) with an individual client; and
             294          (ii) under which fees are based on estimates of the nature and amount of services to be
             295      provided to the specific client;
             296          (b) a contract similar to a contract described in Subsection (1)(a) made with a group of
             297      clients involved in the same or closely related legal matters;
             298          (c) an arrangement for providing benefits that do not exceed a limited amount of
             299      consultations, advice on simple legal matters, either alone or in combination with referral
             300      services, or the promise of fee discounts for handling other legal matters;
             301          (d) limited legal assistance on an informal basis involving neither an express
             302      contractual obligation nor reasonable expectations, in the context of an employment,
             303      membership, educational, or similar relationship;
             304          (e) legal assistance by employee organizations to their members in matters relating to
             305      employment; or
             306          (f) death, accident, health, or disability benefits provided to a person by an organization


             307      or its affiliate if:
             308          (i) the organization is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
             309      Code and has had its principal place of business in Utah for at least five years;
             310          (ii) the person is not an employee of the organization; and
             311          (iii) (A) substantially all the person's time in the organization is spent providing
             312      voluntary services:
             313          (I) in furtherance of the organization's purposes;
             314          (II) for a designated period of time; and
             315          (III) for which no compensation, other than expenses, is paid; or
             316          (B) the time since the service under Subsection (1)(f)(iii)(A) was completed is no more
             317      than 18 months.
             318          (2) (a) This title restricts otherwise legitimate business activity.
             319          (b) What this title does not prohibit is permitted unless contrary to other provisions of
             320      Utah law.
             321          (3) Except as otherwise expressly provided, this title does not apply to:
             322          (a) those activities of an insurer where state jurisdiction is preempted by Section 514 of
             323      the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended;
             324          (b) ocean marine insurance;
             325          (c) death, accident, health, or disability benefits provided by an organization if the
             326      organization:
             327          (i) has as its principal purpose to achieve charitable, educational, social, or religious
             328      objectives rather than to provide death, accident, health, or disability benefits;
             329          (ii) does not incur a legal obligation to pay a specified amount; and
             330          (iii) does not create reasonable expectations of receiving a specified amount on the part
             331      of an insured person;
             332          (d) other business specified in rules adopted by the commissioner on a finding that:
             333          (i) the transaction of the business in this state does not require regulation for the
             334      protection of the interests of the residents of this state; or
             335          (ii) it would be impracticable to require compliance with this title;
             336          (e) except as provided in Subsection (4), a transaction independently procured through
             337      negotiations under Section 31A-15-104 ;


             338          (f) self-insurance;
             339          (g) reinsurance;
             340          (h) subject to Subsection (5), employee and labor union group or blanket insurance
             341      covering risks in this state if:
             342          (i) the policyholder exists primarily for purposes other than to procure insurance;
             343          (ii) the policyholder:
             344          (A) is not a resident of this state;
             345          (B) is not a domestic corporation; or
             346          (C) does not have its principal office in this state;
             347          (iii) no more than 25% of the certificate holders or insureds are residents of this state;
             348          (iv) on request of the commissioner, the insurer files with the department a copy of the
             349      policy and a copy of each form or certificate; and
             350          (v) (A) the insurer agrees to pay premium taxes on the Utah portion of its business, as
             351      if it were authorized to do business in this state; and
             352          (B) the insurer provides the commissioner with the security the commissioner
             353      considers necessary for the payment of premium taxes under Title 59, Chapter 9, Taxation of
             354      Admitted Insurers;
             355          (i) to the extent provided in Subsection (6):
             356          (i) a manufacturer's or seller's warranty; and
             357          (ii) a manufacturer's or seller's service contract; or
             358          (j) except to the extent provided in Subsection (7), a public agency insurance mutual.
             359          (4) A transaction described in Subsection (3)(e) is subject to taxation under Section
             360      31A-3-301 .
             361          (5) (a) After a hearing, the commissioner may order an insurer of certain group or
             362      blanket contracts to transfer the Utah portion of the business otherwise exempted under
             363      Subsection (3)(h) to an authorized insurer if the contracts have been written by an unauthorized
             364      insurer.
             365          (b) If the commissioner finds that the conditions required for the exemption of a group
             366      or blanket insurer are not satisfied or that adequate protection to residents of this state is not
             367      provided, the commissioner may require:
             368          (i) the insurer to be authorized to do business in this state; or


             369          (ii) that any of the insurer's transactions be subject to this title.
             370          (6) (a) As used in Subsection (3)(i) and this Subsection (6):
             371          (i) "manufacturer's or seller's service contract" means a service contract:
             372          (A) made available by:
             373          (I) a manufacturer of a product;
             374          (II) a seller of a product; or
             375          (III) an affiliate of a manufacturer or seller of a product;
             376          (B) made available:
             377          (I) on one or more specific products; or
             378          (II) on products that are components of a system; and
             379          (C) under which the person described in Subsection (6)(a)(i)(A) is liable for services to
             380      be provided under the service contract including, if the manufacturer's or seller's service
             381      contract designates, providing parts and labor;
             382          (ii) "manufacturer's or seller's warranty" means the guaranty of:
             383          (A) (I) the manufacturer of a product;
             384          (II) a seller of a product; or
             385          (III) an affiliate of a manufacturer or seller of a product;
             386          (B) (I) on one or more specific products; or
             387          (II) on products that are components of a system; and
             388          (C) under which the person described in Subsection (6)(a)(ii)(A) is liable for services
             389      to be provided under the warranty, including, if the manufacturer's or seller's warranty
             390      designates, providing parts and labor; and
             391          (iii) "service contract" is as defined in Section 31A-6a-101 .
             392          (b) A manufacturer's or seller's warranty may be designated as:
             393          (i) a warranty;
             394          (ii) a guaranty; or
             395          (iii) a term similar to a term described in Subsection (6)(b)(i) or (ii).
             396          (c) This title does not apply to:
             397          (i) a manufacturer's or seller's warranty;
             398          (ii) a manufacturer's or seller's service contract paid for with consideration that is in
             399      addition to the consideration paid for the product itself; and


             400          (iii) a service contract that is not a manufacturer's or seller's warranty or manufacturer's
             401      or seller's service contract if:
             402          (A) the service contract is paid for with consideration that is in addition to the
             403      consideration paid for the product itself;
             404          (B) the service contract is for the repair or maintenance of goods;
             405          (C) the cost of the product is equal to an amount determined in accordance with
             406      Subsection (6)(e); and
             407          (D) the product is not a motor vehicle.
             408          (d) This title does not apply to a manufacturer's or seller's warranty or service contract
             409      paid for with consideration that is in addition to the consideration paid for the product itself
             410      regardless of whether the manufacturer's or seller's warranty or service contract is sold:
             411          (i) at the time of the purchase of the product; or
             412          (ii) at a time other than the time of the purchase of the product.
             413          (e) (i) For fiscal year 2001-02, the amount described in Subsection (6)(c)(iii)(C) shall
             414      be equal to $3,700 or less.
             415          (ii) For each fiscal year after fiscal year 2001-02, the commissioner shall annually
             416      determine whether the amount described in Subsection (6)(c)(iii)(C) should be adjusted in
             417      accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index published by the United States Bureau
             418      of Labor Statistics selected by the commissioner by rule, between:
             419          (A) the Consumer Price Index for the February immediately preceding the adjustment;
             420      and
             421          (B) the Consumer Price Index for February 2001.
             422          (iii) If under Subsection (6)(e)(ii) the commissioner determines that an adjustment
             423      should be made, the commissioner shall make the adjustment by rule.
             424          (7) (a) For purposes of this Subsection (7), "public agency insurance mutual" means an
             425      entity formed by two or more political subdivisions or public agencies of the state:
             426          (i) under Title 11, Chapter 13, Interlocal Cooperation Act; and
             427          (ii) for the purpose of providing for the political subdivisions or public agencies:
             428          (A) subject to Subsection (7)(b), insurance coverage; or
             429          (B) risk management.
             430          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (7)(a)(ii)(A), a public agency insurance mutual may


             431      not provide health insurance unless the public agency insurance mutual provides the health
             432      insurance using:
             433          (i) a third party administrator licensed under Chapter 25, Third Party Administrators;
             434          (ii) an admitted insurer; or
             435          (iii) a program authorized by Title 49, Chapter 20, Public Employees' Benefit and
             436      Insurance Program Act.
             437          (c) Except for this Subsection (7), a public agency insurance mutual is exempt from
             438      this title.
             439          (d) A public agency insurance mutual is considered to be a governmental entity and
             440      political subdivision of the state with all of the rights, privileges, and immunities of a
             441      governmental entity or political subdivision of the state including all the rights and benefits of
             442      Title 63, Chapter [30] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             443          Section 11. Section 32A-1-118 is amended to read:
             444           32A-1-118. Liability insurance -- Governmental immunity.
             445          (1) The department shall maintain insurance against loss on each motor vehicle
             446      operated by it on any public highway. Each motor vehicle shall be covered for:
             447          (a) any liability imposed by law upon the department for damages from bodily injuries
             448      suffered by any person or persons by reason of the ownership, maintenance, or use of the motor
             449      vehicle; and
             450          (b) any liability or loss from damage to or destruction of property of any description,
             451      including liability of the department for the resultant loss of use of the property, which results
             452      from accident due to the ownership, maintenance, or use of the motor vehicle.
             453          (2) The department is liable to respond in damages in all cases if a private corporation
             454      under the same circumstances would be liable.
             455          (3) The provisions of Title 63, Chapter [30] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah,
             456      apply in all actions commenced against the department in any action for damages sustained as a
             457      result of department ownership, maintenance, or use of motor vehicles under Subsections (1)
             458      and (2). Immunity from suit against the commission or any member of the commission, is in
             459      all respects retained in any such action.
             460          Section 12. Section 40-10-21 is amended to read:
             461           40-10-21. Civil action to compel compliance with chapter -- Jurisdiction -- Venue


             462      -- Division and board as parties -- Court costs -- Security when temporary restraining
             463      order or injunction sought -- Other rights not affected -- Action for damages.
             464          (1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2), any person having an interest which is or
             465      may be adversely affected may commence a civil action on his own behalf to compel
             466      compliance with this chapter against:
             467          (i) the state or any other governmental instrumentality or agency to the extent permitted
             468      by the 11th Amendment to the United States Constitution or Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d,
             469      Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, which is alleged to be in violation of the provisions of
             470      this chapter or of any rule, order, or permit issued pursuant to it;
             471          (ii) any person who is alleged to be in violation of any rule, order, or permit issued
             472      pursuant to this chapter; or
             473          (iii) the division or board where there is alleged a failure of the division or board to
             474      perform any act or duty under this chapter which is not discretionary with the division or with
             475      the board.
             476          (b) The district courts shall have jurisdiction without regard to the amount in
             477      controversy or the citizenship of the parties.
             478          (2) No action may be commenced:
             479          (a) under Subsection (1)(a)(i) or (ii):
             480          (i) prior to 60 days after the plaintiff has given notice in writing of the violation to the
             481      division and to any alleged violator; or
             482          (ii) if the attorney general has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil action in
             483      a court of the state to require compliance with the provisions of this chapter, or any rule, order,
             484      or permit issued pursuant to this chapter; or
             485          (b) under Subsection (1)(a)(iii) prior to 60 days after the plaintiff has given notice in
             486      writing of the action to the board, in the manner as the board prescribes by rule, except that the
             487      action may be brought immediately after the notification in the case where the violation or
             488      order complained of constitutes an imminent threat to the health or safety of the plaintiff or
             489      would immediately affect a legal interest of the plaintiff.
             490          (3) (a) Any action concerning a violation of this chapter or the rules promulgated under
             491      it may be brought only in the judicial district in which the surface coal mining operation
             492      complained of is located.


             493          (b) In the action, the division and board, if not a party, may intervene as a matter of
             494      right.
             495          (4) (a) The court, in issuing any final order in any action brought pursuant to
             496      Subsection (1) may award costs of litigation, including attorney and expert witness fees, to any
             497      party whenever the court determines that award is appropriate.
             498          (b) The court may, if a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction is sought,
             499      require the filing of a bond or equivalent security in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil
             500      Procedure.
             501          (5) Nothing in this section may restrict any right which any person, or class of persons,
             502      has under any statute or common law to seek enforcement of any of the provisions of this
             503      chapter and the rules promulgated under it, or to seek any other relief, including relief against
             504      the division and board.
             505          (6) Any person who is injured in his person or property through the violation by an
             506      operator of any rule, order, or permit issued pursuant to this chapter may bring an action for
             507      damages, including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees, only in the judicial district in
             508      which the surface coal mining operation complained of is located. Nothing in this Subsection
             509      (6) shall affect the rights established by or limits imposed under Utah workmen's compensation
             510      laws.
             511          Section 13. Section 41-12a-407 is amended to read:
             512           41-12a-407. Certificate of self-funded coverage as proof of owner's or operator's
             513      security.
             514          (1) The department may, upon the application of any person, issue a certificate of
             515      self-funded coverage when it is satisfied that the person has:
             516          (a) more than 24 motor vehicles; and
             517          (b) deposits, in a form approved by the department, securities in an amount of
             518      $200,000 plus $100 for each motor vehicle up to and including 1,000 motor vehicles and $50
             519      for every motor vehicle over 1,000 motor vehicles.
             520          (2) Persons holding a certificate of self-funded coverage under this chapter shall pay
             521      benefits to persons injured from the self-funded person's operation, maintenance, and use of
             522      motor vehicles as would an insurer issuing a policy to the self-funded person containing the
             523      coverages under Section 31A-22-302 .


             524          (3) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, the
             525      department may, upon reasonable grounds, cancel the certificate. Failure to pay any judgment
             526      up to the limit under Subsection 31A-22-304 (2) within 30 days after the judgment is final is a
             527      reasonable ground to cancel the certificate.
             528          (4) Any government entity with self-funded coverage for government-owned motor
             529      vehicles under Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, meets
             530      the requirements of this section.
             531          Section 14. Section 41-22-31 is amended to read:
             532           41-22-31. Board to set standards for safety program -- Safety certificates issued --
             533      Cooperation with public and private entities -- State immunity from suit.
             534          (1) The board shall establish curriculum standards for a comprehensive off-highway
             535      vehicle safety education and training program and shall implement this program.
             536          (a) The program shall be designed to develop and instill the knowledge, attitudes,
             537      habits, and skills necessary for the safe operation of an off-highway vehicle.
             538          (b) Components of the program shall include the preparation and dissemination of
             539      off-highway vehicle information and safety advice to the public and the training of off-highway
             540      vehicle operators.
             541          (c) Off-highway vehicle safety certificates shall be issued to those who successfully
             542      complete training or pass the knowledge and skills test established under the program.
             543          (2) The division shall cooperate with appropriate private organizations and
             544      associations, private and public corporations, and local government units to implement the
             545      program established under this section.
             546          (3) In addition to the governmental immunity granted in Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah]
             547      30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, the state is immune from suit for any act, or failure
             548      to act, in any capacity relating to the off-highway vehicle safety education and training
             549      program. The state is also not responsible for any insufficiency or inadequacy in the quality of
             550      training provided by this program.
             551          Section 15. Section 58-59-308 is amended to read:
             552           58-59-308. No guarantee.
             553          By registering and regulating professional employer organizations under this chapter,
             554      the state:


             555          (1) does not guarantee any right, claim, or defense of any professional employer
             556      organization, client company, coemployee, or other person;
             557          (2) does not guarantee the financial responsibility or solvency of any professional
             558      employer organization; and
             559          (3) does not waive any right, claim, or defense of immunity that it may have under
             560      Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, or other law.
             561          Section 16. Section 58-73-701 is amended to read:
             562           58-73-701. Persons immune from liability.
             563          (1) Employees of the division, members of the board or its committees, and
             564      professional consultants serving the division or the board, are not subject to civil damages,
             565      when acting under the authority of this chapter for any act or omission performed in good faith
             566      within the scope of their functions as an employee of the division or member of the board.
             567          (2) Employees, board members, committee members, and professional consultants are
             568      indemnified by the state. The state has full responsibility for providing legal and financial
             569      protection for employees, board members, committee members, and consultants to the board or
             570      division.
             571          (3) Nothing in this section may be construed to adversely limit any provision of Title
             572      63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             573          Section 17. Section 62A-4a-410 is amended to read:
             574           62A-4a-410. Immunity from liability.
             575          (1) Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in making a report,
             576      taking photographs or X-rays, assisting an investigator from the division, serving as a member
             577      of a child protection team, or taking a child into protective custody pursuant to this part, is
             578      immune from any liability, civil or criminal, that otherwise might result by reason of those
             579      actions.
             580          (2) This section does not provide immunity with respect to acts or omissions of a
             581      governmental employee except as provided in Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental
             582      Immunity Act of Utah.
             583          Section 18. Section 63-2-802 is amended to read:
             584           63-2-802. Injunction -- Attorneys' fees.
             585          (1) A district court in this state may enjoin any governmental entity or political


             586      subdivision that violates or proposes to violate the provisions of this chapter.
             587          (2) (a) A district court may assess against any governmental entity or political
             588      subdivision reasonable attorneys' fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in
             589      connection with a judicial appeal of a denial of a records request if the requester substantially
             590      prevails.
             591          (b) In determining whether to award attorneys' fees under this section, the court shall
             592      consider:
             593          (i) the public benefit derived from the case;
             594          (ii) the nature of the requester's interest in the records; and
             595          (iii) whether the governmental entity's or political subdivision's actions had a
             596      reasonable basis.
             597          (c) Attorneys' fees shall not ordinarily be awarded if the purpose of the litigation is
             598      primarily to benefit the requester's financial or commercial interest.
             599          (3) Neither attorneys' fees nor costs shall be awarded for fees or costs incurred during
             600      administrative proceedings.
             601          (4) Notwithstanding Subsection (2), a court may only award fees and costs incurred in
             602      connection with appeals to district courts under Subsection 63-2-404 (2) if the fees and costs
             603      were incurred 20 or more days after the requester provided to the governmental entity or
             604      political subdivision a statement of position that adequately explains the basis for the
             605      requester's position.
             606          (5) Claims for attorneys' fees as provided in this section or for damages are subject to
             607      Title 63, Chapter [30] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             608          Section 19. Section 63-30b-3 is amended to read:
             609           63-30b-3. Action under Governmental Immunity Act of Utah permitted.
             610          Nothing in this chapter shall preclude legal action against a public entity for any injury
             611      occurring as a result of the decisions or actions taken by a person performing services on a
             612      voluntary basis for that entity, where such action would otherwise be permitted under Title 63,
             613      Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             614          Section 20. Section 63-46b-1 is amended to read:
             615           63-46b-1. Scope and applicability of chapter.
             616          (1) Except as set forth in Subsection (2), and except as otherwise provided by a statute


             617      superseding provisions of this chapter by explicit reference to this chapter, the provisions of
             618      this chapter apply to every agency of the state and govern:
             619          (a) state agency action that determines the legal rights, duties, privileges, immunities,
             620      or other legal interests of an identifiable person, including agency action to grant, deny, revoke,
             621      suspend, modify, annul, withdraw, or amend an authority, right, or license; and
             622          (b) judicial review of the action.
             623          (2) This chapter does not govern:
             624          (a) the procedure for making agency rules, or judicial review of the procedure or rules;
             625          (b) the issuance of a notice of a deficiency in the payment of a tax, the decision to
             626      waive a penalty or interest on taxes, the imposition of and penalty or interest on taxes, or the
             627      issuance of a tax assessment, except that this chapter governs an agency action commenced by
             628      a taxpayer or by another person authorized by law to contest the validity or correctness of the
             629      action;
             630          (c) state agency action relating to extradition, to the granting of a pardon or parole, a
             631      commutation or termination of a sentence, or to the rescission, termination, or revocation of
             632      parole or probation, to the discipline of, resolution of a grievance of, supervision of,
             633      confinement of, or the treatment of an inmate or resident of a correctional facility, the Utah
             634      State Hospital, the Utah State Developmental Center, or a person in the custody or jurisdiction
             635      of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, or a person on probation or parole, or
             636      judicial review of the action;
             637          (d) state agency action to evaluate, discipline, employ, transfer, reassign, or promote a
             638      student or teacher in a school or educational institution, or judicial review of the action;
             639          (e) an application for employment and internal personnel action within an agency
             640      concerning its own employees, or judicial review of the action;
             641          (f) the issuance of a citation or assessment under Title 34A, Chapter 6, Utah
             642      Occupational Safety and Health Act, and Title 58, Chapter 3a, Architect Licensing Act,
             643      Chapter 11a, Cosmetologist/Barber, Esthetician, Electrologist, and Nail Technician Licensing
             644      Act, Chapter 17b, Pharmacy Practice Act, Chapter 22, Professional Engineers and Professional
             645      Land [Surveyor] Surveyors Licensing Act, Chapter 53, Landscape Architects Licensing Act,
             646      Chapter 55, Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act, Chapter 63, Security Personnel Licensing
             647      Act, and Chapter 76, Professional Geologist Licensing Act, except that this chapter governs an


             648      agency action commenced by the employer, licensee, or other person authorized by law to
             649      contest the validity or correctness of the citation or assessment;
             650          (g) state agency action relating to management of state funds, the management and
             651      disposal of school and institutional trust land assets, and contracts for the purchase or sale of
             652      products, real property, supplies, goods, or services by or for the state, or by or for an agency of
             653      the state, except as provided in those contracts, or judicial review of the action;
             654          (h) state agency action under Title 7, Chapter 1, Article 3, Powers and Duties of
             655      Commissioner of Financial Institutions, Title 7, Chapter 2, Possession of Depository Institution
             656      by Commissioner, Title 7, Chapter 19, Acquisition of Failing Depository Institutions or
             657      Holding Companies, and Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of
             658      Utah, or judicial review of the action;
             659          (i) the initial determination of a person's eligibility for unemployment benefits, the
             660      initial determination of a person's eligibility for benefits under Title 34A, Chapter 2, Workers'
             661      Compensation Act, and Title 34A, Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act, or the initial
             662      determination of a person's unemployment tax liability;
             663          (j) state agency action relating to the distribution or award of a monetary grant to or
             664      between governmental units, or for research, development, or the arts, or judicial review of the
             665      action;
             666          (k) the issuance of a notice of violation or order under Title 26, Chapter 8a, Utah
             667      Emergency Medical Services System Act, Title 19, Chapter 2, Air Conservation Act, Title 19,
             668      Chapter 3, Radiation Control Act, Title 19, Chapter 4, Safe Drinking Water Act, Title 19,
             669      Chapter 5, Water Quality Act, Title 19, Chapter 6, Part 1, Solid and Hazardous Waste Act,
             670      Title 19, Chapter 6, Part 4, Underground Storage Tank Act, or Title 19, Chapter 6, Part 7, Used
             671      Oil Management Act, except that this chapter governs an agency action commenced by a
             672      person authorized by law to contest the validity or correctness of the notice or order;
             673          (l) state agency action, to the extent required by federal statute or regulation, to be
             674      conducted according to federal procedures;
             675          (m) the initial determination of a person's eligibility for government or public
             676      assistance benefits;
             677          (n) state agency action relating to wildlife licenses, permits, tags, and certificates of
             678      registration;


             679          (o) a license for use of state recreational facilities;
             680          (p) state agency action under Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and
             681      Management Act, except as provided in Section 63-2-603 ;
             682          (q) state agency action relating to the collection of water commissioner fees and
             683      delinquency penalties, or judicial review of the action;
             684          (r) state agency action relating to the installation, maintenance, and repair of headgates,
             685      caps, values, or other water controlling works and weirs, flumes, meters, or other water
             686      measuring devices, or judicial review of the action;
             687          (s) (i) a hearing conducted by the Division of Securities under Section 61-1-11.1 ; and
             688          (ii) an action taken by the Division of Securities pursuant to a hearing conducted under
             689      Section 61-1-11.1 , including a determination regarding the fairness of an issuance or exchange
             690      of securities described in Subsection 61-1-11.1 (1); and
             691          (t) state agency action relating to water well driller licenses, water well drilling permits,
             692      water well driller registration, or water well drilling construction standards, or judicial review
             693      of the action.
             694          (3) This chapter does not affect a legal remedy otherwise available to:
             695          (a) compel an agency to take action; or
             696          (b) challenge an agency's rule.
             697          (4) This chapter does not preclude an agency, prior to the beginning of an adjudicative
             698      proceeding, or the presiding officer during an adjudicative proceeding from:
             699          (a) requesting or ordering a conference with parties and interested persons to:
             700          (i) encourage settlement;
             701          (ii) clarify the issues;
             702          (iii) simplify the evidence;
             703          (iv) facilitate discovery; or
             704          (v) expedite the proceeding; or
             705          (b) granting a timely motion to dismiss or for summary judgment if the requirements of
             706      Rule 12(b) or Rule 56 of the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure are met by the moving party,
             707      except to the extent that the requirements of those rules are modified by this chapter.
             708          (5) (a) A declaratory proceeding authorized by Section 63-46b-21 is not governed by
             709      this chapter, except as explicitly provided in that section.


             710          (b) Judicial review of a declaratory proceeding authorized by Section 63-46b-21 is
             711      governed by this chapter.
             712          (6) This chapter does not preclude an agency from enacting a rule affecting or
             713      governing an adjudicative proceeding or from following the rule, if the rule is enacted
             714      according to the procedures outlined in Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking
             715      Act, and if the rule conforms to the requirements of this chapter.
             716          (7) (a) If the attorney general issues a written determination that a provision of this
             717      chapter would result in the denial of funds or services to an agency of the state from the federal
             718      government, the applicability of the provision to that agency shall be suspended to the extent
             719      necessary to prevent the denial.
             720          (b) The attorney general shall report the suspension to the Legislature at its next
             721      session.
             722          (8) Nothing in this chapter may be interpreted to provide an independent basis for
             723      jurisdiction to review final agency action.
             724          (9) Nothing in this chapter may be interpreted to restrict a presiding officer, for good
             725      cause shown, from lengthening or shortening a time period prescribed in this chapter, except
             726      the time period established for judicial review.
             727          Section 21. Section 63A-4-204 is amended to read:
             728           63A-4-204. School district participation in Risk Management Fund.
             729          (1) (a) For the purpose of this section, action by a public school district shall be taken
             730      upon resolution by a majority of the members of the school district's board of education.
             731          (b) (i) Upon approval by the state risk manager and the board of education of the
             732      school district, a public school district may participate in the Risk Management Fund and may
             733      permit a foundation established under Section 53A-4-205 to participate in the Risk
             734      Management Fund.
             735          (ii) Upon approval by the state risk manager and the State Board of Education, a state
             736      public education foundation may participate in the Risk Management Fund.
             737          (c) Subject to any cancellation or other applicable coverage provisions, either the state
             738      risk manager or the public school district may terminate participation in the fund.
             739          (2) The state risk manager shall contract for all insurance, legal, loss adjustment,
             740      consulting, loss control, safety, and other related services necessary to support the insurance


             741      program provided to a participating public school district, except that all supporting legal
             742      services are subject to the prior approval of the state attorney general.
             743          (3) (a) The state risk manager shall treat each participating public school district as a
             744      state agency when participating in the Risk Management Fund.
             745          (b) Each public school district participating in the fund shall comply with the
             746      provisions of this part that affect state agencies.
             747          (4) (a) By no later than March 31 of each year, the risk manager shall prepare, in
             748      writing, the information required by Subsection (4)(b) regarding the coverage against legal
             749      liability provided a school district employee of this state:
             750          (i) by the Risk Management Fund;
             751          (ii) under Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah; and
             752          (iii) under Title 63, Chapter 30a, Reimbursement of Legal Fees and Costs to Officers
             753      and Employees.
             754          (b) (i) The information described in Subsection (4)(a) shall include:
             755          (A) the eligibility requirements, if any, to receive the coverage;
             756          (B) the basic nature of the coverage for a school district employee; and
             757          (C) whether the coverage is primary or in excess of any other coverage the risk
             758      manager knows is commonly available to a school district employee in this state.
             759          (ii) The information described in Subsection (4)(a) may include:
             760          (A) comparisons the risk manager considers beneficial to a school district employee
             761      between:
             762          (I) the coverage described in Subsection (4)(a); and
             763          (II) other coverage the risk manager knows is commonly available to a school district
             764      employee in this state; and
             765          (B) any other information the risk manager considers appropriate.
             766          (c) The risk manager shall provide the information prepared under this Subsection (4)
             767      to each school district that participates in the Risk Management Fund.
             768          (d) A school district that participates in the Risk Management Fund shall provide a
             769      copy of the information described in Subsection (4)(c) to each school district employee within
             770      the school district:
             771          (i) within 30 days of the day the school district employee is hired by the school district;


             772      and
             773          (ii) by no later than April 15 of each calendar year.
             774          Section 22. Section 63A-4-204.5 is amended to read:
             775           63A-4-204.5. Charter school participation in Risk Management Fund.
             776          (1) A charter school established under the authority of Title 53A, Chapter 1a, Part 5,
             777      The Utah Charter Schools Act, may participate in the Risk Management Fund upon the
             778      approval of the state risk manager and the governing body of the charter school.
             779          (2) (a) For purposes of administration, the state risk manager shall treat each charter
             780      school participating in the fund as a state agency.
             781          (b) Each charter school participating in the fund shall comply with the provisions of
             782      this part that affect state agencies.
             783          (3) (a) By no later than March 31 of each year, the risk manager shall prepare, in
             784      writing, the information required by Subsection (3)(b) regarding the coverage against legal
             785      liability provided a charter school employee of this state:
             786          (i) by the Risk Management Fund;
             787          (ii) under Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah; and
             788          (iii) under Title 63, Chapter 30a, Reimbursement of Legal Fees and Costs to Officers
             789      and Employees.
             790          (b) (i) The information described in Subsection (3)(a) shall include:
             791          (A) the eligibility requirements, if any, to receive the coverage;
             792          (B) the basic nature of the coverage for a charter school employee; and
             793          (C) whether the coverage is primary or in excess of any other coverage the risk
             794      manager knows is commonly available to a charter school employee in this state.
             795          (ii) The information described in Subsection (3)(a) may include:
             796          (A) comparisons the risk manager considers beneficial to a charter school employee
             797      between:
             798          (I) the coverage described in Subsection (3)(a); and
             799          (II) other coverage the risk manager knows is commonly available to a charter school
             800      employee in this state; and
             801          (B) any other information the risk manager considers appropriate.
             802          (c) The risk manager shall provide the information prepared under this Subsection (3)


             803      to each charter school that participates in the Risk Management Fund.
             804          (d) A charter school that participates in the Risk Management Fund shall provide a
             805      copy of the information described in Subsection (3)(c) to each charter school employee within
             806      the charter school:
             807          (i) within 30 days of the day the charter school employee is hired by the charter school;
             808      and
             809          (ii) by no later than April 15 of each calendar year.
             810          Section 23. Section 67-5b-107 is amended to read:
             811           67-5b-107. Immunity -- Limited liability.
             812          (1) Officers and employees performing services for two or more public agencies
             813      pursuant to contracts executed under the provisions of this part are considered to be officers
             814      and employees of the public agency employing their services, even though performing those
             815      functions outside of the territorial limits of any one of the contracting public agencies, and are
             816      considered to be officers and employees of public agencies in accordance with Title 63,
             817      Chapter [30] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             818          (2) The officers and employees of the center, while acting within the scope of their
             819      authority, are not subject to any personal or civil liability resulting from carrying out any of the
             820      purposes of a center under the provisions of Title 63, Chapter [30] 30d, Governmental
             821      Immunity Act of Utah.
             822          (3) A volunteer is considered a government employee in accordance with Section
             823      67-20-3 and entitled to immunity under the provisions of Title 63, Chapter [30] 30d,
             824      Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             825          (4) A volunteer, other than one considered a government employee in accordance with
             826      Section 67-20-3 , may not incur any personal financial liability for any tort claim or other action
             827      seeking damage for an injury arising from any act or omission of the volunteer while providing
             828      services for the nonprofit organization if:
             829          (a) the individual was acting in good faith and reasonably believed he was acting
             830      within the scope of his official functions and duties with the center; and
             831          (b) the damage or injury was not caused by an intentional or knowing act by the
             832      volunteer which constitutes illegal or wanton misconduct.
             833          (5) The center is not liable for the acts or omissions of its volunteers in any


             834      circumstance where the acts of its volunteers are not as described in Section (4) unless:
             835          (a) the center had, or reasonably should have had, reasonable notice of the volunteer's
             836      unfitness to provide services to the center under circumstances that make the center's use of the
             837      volunteer reckless or wanton in light of that notice; or
             838          (b) a business employer would be liable under the laws of this state if the act or
             839      omission were the act or omission of one of its employees.
             840          Section 24. Section 72-5-306 is amended to read:
             841           72-5-306. Assumption of risk -- Immunity -- Public safety.
             842          (1) An R.S. 2477 right-of-way not designated under Section 72-3-102 , 72-3-103 , or
             843      72-3-104 as a Class A, B, or C road is traveled at the risk of the user.
             844          (2) The state and its political subdivisions do not waive immunity under Title 63,
             845      Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, for injuries or damages
             846      occurring in or associated with any R.S. 2477 right-of-way.
             847          (3) The state and its political subdivisions assume no liability for injury or damage
             848      resulting from a failure to maintain any:
             849          (a) R.S. 2477 right-of-way for vehicular travel; or
             850          (b) highway sign on an R.S. 2477 right-of-way.
             851          (4) If the state or any political subdivision of the state chooses to maintain an R.S.
             852      2477 right-of-way, the basic governmental objective involved in providing the improvements is
             853      the consistent promotion of public safety.
             854          (5) (a) The state recognizes that there are limited funds available to upgrade all R.S.
             855      2477 rights-of-way to applicable safety standards.
             856          (b) A decision by the state or a political subdivision of the state to allocate funds for
             857      maintaining an R.S. 2477 right-of-way is the result of evaluation and assigning of priorities for
             858      the promotion of public safety.
             859          (c) The state or a political subdivision of the state must use its judgment and expertise
             860      to evaluate which safety feature improvements should be made first. In making this policy
             861      determination the state or a political subdivision of the state may:
             862          (i) perform on-site inspections and weigh all factors relating to safety, including the
             863      physical characteristics and configuration of the R.S. 2477 right-of-way and the volume and
             864      type of traffic on the R.S. 2477 right-of-way; and


             865          (ii) consult with transportation experts who have expertise to make an evaluation of the
             866      relative dangerousness of R.S. 2477 rights-of-way within their jurisdiction.
             867          Section 25. Section 73-18c-306 is amended to read:
             868           73-18c-306. Certificate of self-funded coverage as proof of owner's or operator's
             869      security.
             870          (1) The division may, upon the application of any person, issue a certificate of
             871      self-funded coverage when it is satisfied that the person has:
             872          (a) more than 24 personal watercraft; and
             873          (b) deposits, in a form approved by the division, securities in an amount of $200,000
             874      plus $100 for each personal watercraft up to and including 1,000 personal watercraft and $50
             875      for each personal watercraft over 1,000 personal watercraft.
             876          (2) Persons holding a certificate of self-funded coverage under this chapter shall pay
             877      benefits to persons injured from the self-funded person's operation, maintenance, and use of
             878      personal watercraft as would an insurer issuing a policy to the self-funded person containing
             879      the coverages under Sections 31A-22-1502 and 31A-22-1503 .
             880          (3) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, the
             881      division may, upon reasonable grounds, cancel the certificate. Failure to pay any judgment up
             882      to the limit under Subsection 31A-22-1503 (2) within 30 days after the judgment is final is a
             883      reasonable ground to cancel the certificate.
             884          (4) Any government entity with self-funded coverage for government-owned personal
             885      watercraft under Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, meets
             886      the requirements of this section.
             887          Section 26. Section 73-26-403 is amended to read:
             888           73-26-403. Immunity from suit -- Exception.
             889          Activities engaged in under authority of this chapter are governmental functions. The
             890      state and its officers and employees are immune from suit for any injury or damage resulting
             891      from those activities, except as provided in Section [ 63-30-9 ] 63-30d-301 .
             892          Section 27. Section 76-10-1311 is amended to read:
             893           76-10-1311. Mandatory testing -- Retention of offender medical file -- Civil
             894      liability.
             895          (1) A person who has entered a plea of guilty, a plea of no contest, a plea of guilty and


             896      mentally ill, or been found guilty for violation of Section 76-10-1302 , 76-10-1303 , or
             897      76-10-1313 shall be required to submit to a mandatory test to determine if the offender is an
             898      HIV positive individual. The mandatory test shall be required and conducted prior to
             899      sentencing.
             900          (2) If the mandatory test has not been conducted prior to sentencing, and the convicted
             901      offender is already confined in a county jail or state prison, such person shall be tested while in
             902      confinement.
             903          (3) The local law enforcement agency shall cause the blood specimen of the offender as
             904      defined in Subsection (1) confined in county jail to be taken and tested.
             905          (4) The Department of Corrections shall cause the blood specimen of the offender
             906      defined in Subsection (1) confined in any state prison to be taken and tested.
             907          (5) The local law enforcement agency shall collect and retain in the offender's medical
             908      file the following data:
             909          (a) the HIV infection test results;
             910          (b) a copy of the written notice as provided in Section 76-10-1312 ;
             911          (c) photographic identification; and
             912          (d) fingerprint identification.
             913          (6) The local law enforcement agency shall classify the medical file as a private record
             914      pursuant to Subsection 63-2-302 (1)(b) or a controlled record pursuant to Section 63-2-303 .
             915          (7) The person tested shall be responsible for the costs of testing, unless the person is
             916      indigent. The costs will then be paid by the local law enforcement agency or the Department of
             917      Corrections from the General Fund.
             918          (8) (a) The laboratory performing testing shall report test results to only designated
             919      officials in the Department of Corrections, the Department of Health, and the local law
             920      enforcement agency submitting the blood specimen.
             921          (b) Each department or agency shall designate those officials by written policy.
             922          (c) Designated officials may release information identifying an offender under Section
             923      76-10-1302 , 76-10-1303 , or 76-10-1313 who has tested HIV positive as provided under
             924      Subsection 63-2-202 (1) and for purposes of prosecution pursuant to Section 76-10-1309 .
             925          (9) (a) An employee of the local law enforcement agency, the Department of
             926      Corrections, or the Department of Health who discloses the HIV test results under this section


             927      is not civilly liable except when disclosure constitutes fraud or [malice] willful misconduct as
             928      provided in Section [ 63-30-4 ] 63-30d-202 .
             929          (b) An employee of the local law enforcement agency, the Department of Corrections,
             930      or the Department of Health who discloses the HIV test results under this section is not civilly
             931      or criminally liable, except when disclosure constitutes a knowing violation of Section
             932      63-2-801 .
             933          (10) When the medical file is released as provided in Section 63-2-803 , the local law
             934      enforcement agency, the Department of Corrections, or the Department of Health or its officers
             935      or employees are not liable for damages for release of the medical file.
             936          Section 28. Section 78-2a-6 is amended to read:
             937           78-2a-6. Appellate Mediation Office -- Protected records and information --
             938      Governmental immunity.
             939          (1) Unless a more restrictive rule of court is adopted pursuant to Subsection
             940      63-2-201 (3)(b), information and records relating to any matter on appeal received or generated
             941      by the Chief Appellate Mediator or other staff of the Appellate Mediation Office as a result of
             942      any party's participation or lack of participation in the settlement program shall be maintained
             943      as protected records pursuant to Subsections 63-2-304 (16), (17), (18), and (33).
             944          (2) In addition to the access restrictions on protected records provided in Section
             945      63-2-202 , the information and records may not be disclosed to judges, staff, or employees of
             946      any court of this state.
             947          (3) The Chief Appellate Mediator may disclose statistical and other demographic
             948      information as may be necessary and useful to report on the status and to allow supervision and
             949      oversight of the Appellate Mediation Office.
             950          (4) When acting as mediators, the Chief Appellate Mediator and other professional
             951      staff of the Appellate Mediation Office shall be immune from liability pursuant to Title 63,
             952      Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             953          (5) Pursuant to Utah Constitution, Article VIII, Section 4, the Supreme Court may
             954      exercise overall supervision of the Appellate Mediation Office as part of the appellate process.
             955          Section 29. Section 78-3a-912 is amended to read:
             956           78-3a-912. Appointment of attorney guardian ad litem -- Right of refusal --
             957      Duties and responsibilities -- Training -- Trained staff and court-appointed special


             958      advocate volunteers -- Costs -- Immunity -- Annual report.
             959          (1) The court may appoint an attorney guardian ad litem to represent the best interest of
             960      a minor involved in any case before the court and shall consider only the best interest of a
             961      minor in determining whether to appoint a guardian ad litem.
             962          (2) An attorney guardian ad litem shall represent the best interest of each minor who
             963      may become the subject of a petition alleging abuse, neglect, or dependency, from the date the
             964      minor is removed from the minor's home by the division, or the date the petition is filed,
             965      whichever occurs earlier.
             966          (3) The Office of the Guardian Ad Litem Director, through an attorney guardian ad
             967      litem, shall:
             968          (a) represent the best interest of the minor in all proceedings;
             969          (b) be trained in applicable statutory, regulatory, and case law, and in accordance with
             970      the United States Department of Justice National Court Appointed Special Advocate
             971      Association guidelines, prior to representing any minor before the court;
             972          (c) conduct or supervise an independent investigation in order to obtain first-hand, a
             973      clear understanding of the situation and needs of the child;
             974          (d) (i) personally meet with the minor;
             975          (ii) personally interview the minor if the minor is old enough to communicate;
             976          (iii) determine the minor's goals and concerns regarding placement; and
             977          (iv) personally assess or supervise an assessment of the appropriateness and safety of
             978      the minor's environment in each placement;
             979          (e) file written motions, responses, or objections at all stages of a proceeding when
             980      necessary to protect the best interest of a minor;
             981          (f) personally or through a trained volunteer, paralegal, or other trained staff, attend all
             982      administrative and foster care citizen review board hearings pertaining to the minor's case;
             983          (g) participate in all appeals unless excused by order of the court;
             984          (h) be familiar with local experts who can provide consultation and testimony
             985      regarding the reasonableness and appropriateness of efforts made by the Division of Child and
             986      Family Services to maintain a minor in the minor's home or to reunify a minor with the minor's
             987      parent;
             988          (i) to the extent possible, and unless it would be detrimental to the minor, personally or


             989      through a trained volunteer, paralegal, or other trained staff, keep the minor advised of the
             990      status of the minor's case, all court and administrative proceedings, discussions, and proposals
             991      made by other parties, court action, and psychiatric, medical, or other treatment or diagnostic
             992      services that are to be provided to the minor;
             993          (j) review proposed orders for, and as requested by the court, prepare proposed orders
             994      with clear and specific directions regarding services, treatment, and evaluation, assessment, and
             995      protection of the minor and the minor's family; and
             996          (k) personally or through a trained volunteer, paralegal, or other trained staff, monitor
             997      implementation of a minor's treatment plan and any dispositional orders to determine whether
             998      services ordered by the court are actually provided, are provided in a timely manner, and
             999      attempt to assess whether they are accomplishing their intended goal.
             1000          (4) (a) An attorney guardian ad litem may use trained volunteers, in accordance with
             1001      Title 67, Chapter 20, Volunteer Government Workers Act, trained paralegals, and other trained
             1002      staff to assist in investigation and preparation of information regarding the cases of individual
             1003      minors before the court. An attorney guardian ad litem may not, however, delegate the
             1004      attorney's responsibilities described in Subsection (3).
             1005          (b) All volunteers, paralegals, and staff utilized pursuant to this section shall be trained
             1006      in and follow, at a minimum, the guidelines established by the United States Department of
             1007      Justice Court Appointed Special Advocate Association.
             1008          (c) The court may use volunteers trained in accordance with the requirements of
             1009      Subsection (4)(b) to assist in investigation and preparation of information regarding the cases
             1010      of individual minors within the jurisdiction.
             1011          (d) When possible and appropriate, the court may use a volunteer who is a peer of the
             1012      minor appearing before the court, in order to provide assistance to that minor, under the
             1013      supervision of an attorney guardian ad litem or the attorney's trained volunteer, paralegal, or
             1014      other trained staff.
             1015          (5) The attorney guardian ad litem shall continue to represent the best interest of the
             1016      minor until released from duties by the court.
             1017          (6) (a) The juvenile court is responsible for all costs resulting from the appointment of
             1018      an attorney guardian ad litem and the costs of volunteer, paralegal, and other staff appointment
             1019      and training, and shall use funds appropriated by the Legislature for the guardian ad litem


             1020      program to cover those costs.
             1021          (b) (i) When the court appoints an attorney guardian ad litem under this section, the
             1022      court may assess all or part of the attorney's fees, court costs, and paralegal, staff, and volunteer
             1023      expenses against the minor's parents, parent, or legal guardian in a proportion that the court
             1024      determines to be just and appropriate.
             1025          (ii) The court may not assess those fees or costs against a legal guardian, when that
             1026      guardian is the state, or against a parent who is found to be impecunious. If a person claims to
             1027      be impecunious, the court shall require of that person an affidavit of impecuniosity as provided
             1028      in Section 78-7-36 and the court shall follow the procedures and make the determinations as
             1029      provided in Section 78-7-36 .
             1030          (7) An attorney guardian ad litem appointed under this section, when serving in the
             1031      scope of the attorney guardian ad litem's duties as guardian ad litem is considered an employee
             1032      of the state for purposes of indemnification under Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d,
             1033      Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             1034          (8) (a) An attorney guardian ad litem shall represent the best interest of a minor. If the
             1035      minor's wishes differ from the attorney's determination of the minor's best interest, the attorney
             1036      guardian ad litem shall communicate the minor's wishes to the court in addition to presenting
             1037      the attorney's determination of the minor's best interest. A difference between the minor's
             1038      wishes and the attorney's determination of best interest may not be considered a conflict of
             1039      interest for the attorney.
             1040          (b) The court may appoint one attorney guardian ad litem to represent the best interests
             1041      of more than one minor child of a marriage.
             1042          (9) An attorney guardian ad litem shall be provided access to all Division of Child and
             1043      Family Services records regarding the minor at issue and the minor's family.
             1044          (10) An attorney guardian ad litem shall maintain current and accurate records
             1045      regarding the number of times the attorney has had contact with each minor and the actions the
             1046      attorney has taken in representation of the minor's best interest.
             1047          (11) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (11)(b), all records of an attorney guardian
             1048      ad litem are confidential and may not be released or made public upon subpoena, search
             1049      warrant, discovery proceedings, or otherwise. This subsection supersedes Title 63, Chapter 2,
             1050      Government Records Access and Management Act.


             1051          (b) All records of an attorney guardian ad litem are subject to legislative subpoena,
             1052      under Title 36, Chapter 14, Legislative Subpoena Powers, and shall be released to the
             1053      Legislature.
             1054          (c) Records released in accordance with Subsection (11)(b) shall be maintained as
             1055      confidential by the Legislature. The Office of the Legislative Auditor General may, however,
             1056      include summary data and nonidentifying information in its audits and reports to the
             1057      Legislature.
             1058          (d) Because of the unique role of an attorney guardian ad litem described in Subsection
             1059      (8), and the state's role and responsibility to provide a guardian ad litem program and, as parens
             1060      patriae, to protect minors, Subsection (11)(b) constitutes an exception to Rules of Professional
             1061      Conduct, Rule 1.6, as provided by Rule 1.6(b)(4). A claim of attorney-client privilege does not
             1062      bar access to the records of an attorney guardian ad litem by the Legislature, through legislative
             1063      subpoena.
             1064          (e) The Office of the Guardian Ad Litem shall present an annual report to the Child
             1065      Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel detailing:
             1066          (i) the development, policy, and management of the statewide guardian ad litem
             1067      program;
             1068          (ii) the training and evaluation of attorney guardians ad litem and volunteers; and
             1069          (iii) the number of children served by the Office of the Guardian Ad Litem.
             1070          Section 30. Section 78-27-37 is amended to read:
             1071           78-27-37. Definitions.
             1072          As used in Sections 78-27-37 through Section 78-27-43 :
             1073          (1) "Defendant" means a person, other than a person immune from suit as defined in
             1074      Subsection (3), who is claimed to be liable because of fault to any person seeking recovery.
             1075          (2) "Fault" means any actionable breach of legal duty, act, or omission proximately
             1076      causing or contributing to injury or damages sustained by a person seeking recovery, including
             1077      negligence in all its degrees, comparative negligence, assumption of risk, strict liability, breach
             1078      of express or implied warranty of a product, products liability, and misuse, modification, or
             1079      abuse of a product.
             1080          (3) "Person immune from suit" means:
             1081          (a) an employer immune from suit under Title 34A, Chapter 2, Workers' Compensation


             1082      Act, or Chapter 3, Utah Occupational Disease Act; and
             1083          (b) a governmental entity or governmental employee immune from suit pursuant to
             1084      Title 63, Chapter [30, Utah] 30d, Governmental Immunity Act of Utah.
             1085          (4) "Person seeking recovery" means any person seeking damages or reimbursement on
             1086      its own behalf, or on behalf of another for whom it is authorized to act as legal representative.
             1087          Section 31. Section 78-27-43 is amended to read:
             1088           78-27-43. Effect on immunity, exclusive remedy, indemnity, contribution.
             1089          Nothing in Sections 78-27-37 through 78-27-42 affects or impairs any common law or
             1090      statutory immunity from liability, including, but not limited to, governmental immunity as
             1091      provided in Title 63, Chapter [30] 30d, and the exclusive remedy provisions of Title 34A,
             1092      Chapter 2, Workers' Compensation Act. Nothing in Sections 78-27-37 through 78-27-42
             1093      affects or impairs any right to indemnity or contribution arising from statute, contract, or
             1094      agreement.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 1-17-05 11:40 AM


Based on a limited legal review, this legislation has not been determined to have a high
probability of being held unconstitutional.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


[Bill Documents][Bills Directory]