HB286 » A bill to block future investing of state retirement dollars in Iran's petroleum industry narrowly passed the House Monday in a 39-34 vote.

Rep. Julie Fisher, R-Fruit Heights, sponsor of HB286, said it would be a small sacrifice to stop funding countries that contribute to conflicts where U.S. service personnel are giving their lives.

"We said goodbye to two of our soldiers this weekend," Fisher said, reasoning that it's hypocritical to fuel economies of countries on the other side of the current conflict. "I think some deep questions need to be asked."

Rep. Ron Bigelow, House chairman of the Legislature's main budget committee, said that such a move could cause a $9 million loss in the state's already ailing retirement fund.

"When we start mandating how to invest that fund, you never come out ahead," Bigelow said.

Rep. Don Ipson, R-St. George, agreed.

"It's an injustice to legislate how they ought to invest," Ipson said.

HB286 now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

Cathy McKitrick