Utah Senate Bill 38 (2008)

From Sunshine Review

Senate Bill 38 was signed into law by Governor Jon Huntsman on March 14, 2008. Sponsored by Sen. Wayne Niederhauser, the bill mandates the creation of a single website detailing government expenditures. It also creates an advisory board to oversee and assist in the operation of the website.

Contents 1 Information on site 2 Division of Finance Responsibilities 3 Utah Transparency Advisory Board 4 External links

[edit] Information on site

The website, known as the Utah Public Finance Website, is to be created and operated by the Division of Finance, with assistance from the Department of Technical Services. They have a deadline of May 15, 2009 to have it up and running.

While the Division of Finance and advisory board have been given a fair amount of leeway with what exactly will be online, the bill lists the following that the site will do:

1. Let taxpayers view the use of taxpayer dollars
2. Be available to the public at no cost
3. Be easily searchable
4. Allow access to financial reports, audits, budgets, and other financial documents
5. Have a unique and simple URL
6. Be linked on the front page of the state website

[edit] Division of Finance Responsibilities

According to the bill, the Division of Finance will be responsible for the following:

1. Establishing and maintaining the website
2. Maintain an archive of all information on the site
3. Coordinate and process receipt and posting of public financial information
4. Permit the public to view an entity's/agency's financial information beginning with info no later than July 1, 2008
5. Have the site operational by May 15, 2009

[edit] Utah Transparency Advisory Board

Senate Bill 38 also sets up the Utah Transparency Advisory Board. The purpose of the board is to advise the Division of Finance on website implementation and administration. They will develop plans, make recommendations, and generally assist in operations. The board is also responsible for deciding what public financial information is provided. comprised of seven members, they come from the following:

1. One member chosen by the Division of Finance
2. One by the Governor's office of Planning and Budget
3. One appointed by the governor on advice from the Judicial Council
4. One appointed by the governor on advice from the legislative fiscal analyst
5. One member of the House
6. One member of the Senate
7. One chosen by the Director of Technical Services

[edit] External links

• "Utah Senate Bill 38 - Full Text"

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