Salt Lake County is the target of a second bill aimed at eliminating an unpopular police fee in unincorporated suburbs such as Magna, Millcreek and Kearns.

With the Utah House already voting for legislation that would do away with the fee in 2012, Sen. Daniel Thatcher is peddling a more aggressive proposal.

The West Valley City Republican wants lawmakers to get rid of it immediately. Under his SB43, the county could no longer collect the police fee once the governor signed his legislation into law.

"I ask that we cut off this fee," he said, "and offer redress to the people who are currently being abused."

But the Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Standing Committee decided Friday to put the bill on hold until it can be examined alongside similar proposals.

Rep. Wayne Harper, R-West Jordan, recently shepherded HB226 through the House with a 2012 effective date. County officials have hinted at another proposal by Sen. Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, that would replace the police fee with a utility franchise tax.

Salt Lake County Councilman Michael Jensen testified Friday that he, too, hates the fee. However, he said, eliminating it now could expose the county to severe financial difficulties that would lead to law enforcement layoffs.