2006 Utah Code - 53B-17-102 — Utah Education Network.

     53B-17-102.   Utah Education Network.
     (1) (a) As used in this part, "Utah Education Network" and "UEN" mean a consortium and partnership between public and higher education established to:
     (i) coordinate and support the telecommunications needs of public and higher education;
     (ii) coordinate the various telecommunications technology initiatives of public and higher education;
     (iii) provide high-quality, cost-effective Internet access and appropriate interface equipment for schools and school systems;
     (iv) procure, install, and maintain telecommunication services and equipment on behalf of public and higher education;
     (v) develop or implement other programs or services for the delivery of distance learning as directed by law; and
     (vi) apply for state and federal funding on behalf of public and higher education.
     (b) In performing the duties under this Subsection (1), UEN shall:
     (i) provide services to schools, school districts, and the public and higher education systems through an open and competitive bidding process;
     (ii) work with the private sector to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services; and
     (iii) avoid duplicating facilities, equipment or services of private providers of public telecommunications service, as defined under Section 54-8b-2.
     (2) The University of Utah shall provide administrative management for UEN.
     (3) (a) The governor shall appoint a statewide steering committee of representatives from public and higher education, state government, and private industry to advise UEN in the development and operation of a coordinated, statewide, multi-option telecommunications system to assist in the delivery of educational services throughout the state.
     (b) Except as required by Subsection (3)(c), members shall be appointed to four-year terms.
     (c) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (3)(b), the governor shall, at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of committee members are staggered so that approximately half of the committee is appointed every two years.
     (d) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be appointed for the unexpired term.
     (e) (i) (A) Members who are not government employees shall receive no compensation or benefits for their services, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of the member's official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
     (B) Members who are not government employees may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their service.
     (ii) (A) State government officer and employee members who do not receive salary, per diem, or expenses from their agency for their service may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties from the committee at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
     (B) State government officer and employee members may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their service.
     (iii) (A) Higher education members who do not receive salary, per diem, or expenses from the entity that they represent for their service may receive per diem and expenses incurred

in the performance of their official duties from the committee at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
     (B) Higher education members may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their service.
     (4) UEN shall locate and maintain educational telecommunication infrastructure throughout the state.
     (5) Educational institutions shall manage site operations under policy established by UEN.
     (6) Subject to future budget constraints, the Legislature shall provide an annual appropriation to operate UEN.

Amended by Chapter 150, 2006 General Session