The second substitute for SB66, a bill designed to address concerns about the upcoming UTOPIA network, passed the house last night. The second substitute for SB66, a bill designed to address concerns about the upcoming UTOPIA network, passed the house last night. It includes provisions requiring voter approval for revenue bonds that are to be secured by sales tax revenues; and that no more than 50% of the indebtedness can be paid by such sales tax revenues.  Voter approval requirement will be removed after July 1, 2007 if the municipality holds and announces certain public hearings on the matter.

A section was also added to address a proposed period in which AT&T would have exclusive use of the network. 

In last minute negotiations, language was added to the bill to exempt some cities that have already signed on to the UTOPIA network  from the bonding requirments.

Full text of the bill is at: http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2004/bills/sbillint/sb0066s02.pdf

More coverage at Deseret Morning News, and the Daily Herald .