Bill > HB0453

This bill modifies how unspent government funds are handled at the end of a fiscal year. It amends existing law to state that, with some exceptions, unexpended and unencumbered balances of legislative appropriations are generally closed out by August 31st of each year. However, it introduces a new provision, the "Unspent Balances Restricted Account," which will be created within the General Fund starting in fiscal year 2026. If there's a General Fund revenue surplus and no deficit in the Income Tax Fund (or the surplus covers the deficit), 50% of "lapsing balances" (funds that would normally return to the General Fund) and 50% of "excess account balance transfers" (funds exceeding statutory limits in accounts) will be deposited into this restricted account, up to a maximum of $5 million per fiscal year. These funds can then be appropriated for child care subsidies or grants by the Office of Child Care, and for behavioral health initiatives by the Department of Health and Human Services, each receiving up to 50% of the funds in the restricted account. The bill also clarifies that certain accounts are designated as "nonlapsing," meaning their funds do not automatically revert to the General Fund at the end of the year, and adds the Unspent Balances Restricted Account to this list.

Government Affairs

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0453.html