A bill requiring the state Board of Regents to approve a bachelor of science program in electronics engineering at Weber State University cleared the House on Wednesday.
SB52, sponsored in the House by Rep. Kevin Garn, R-Layton, was amended to modify the makeup of the board to include six rather than seven Salt Lake County members and two rural representatives.
It passed 44-28.
During floor debate, some representatives voiced dissatisfaction with the board, saying it ignored 2007 legislation to create a similar joint program between Utah State University and Weber State.
"We requested this program, and it's been sitting on the back burner for a few years," said Rep. Douglas Aagard, R-Kaysville. "What message does that send to Hill Air Force Base?"
The base is a major driver for the proposed degree, and Aagard said that a well-trained work force could be key to whether Hill survives future closure deliberations.
Rep. John Dougall, R-Highland, hoped the bill would go further.
"We have serious problems with the Board of Regents," said Dougall, questioning the need for the panel and advocating more autonomy for higher-education institutions to meet the needs of their communities.
Rep. Kay McIff, R-Richfield, a former regent, spoke up for the board.
"I have never been on any board where the level of discourse or sense of duty was higher," McIff said. "It used to be a free-for-all when we had nine institutions up here lobbying on their own."
The amended bill returns to the Senate for further consideration.
