Here is a recap of topics I worked on during the 2016 General Session.
Numbered Bills
| Number | Short Title | Summary | Status |
| HB0058S02 | Hemp Extract Amendments | Extends the Hemp Registry Program and enhances the reporting and research requirements | Passed |
| HB0067 | Weapons on Public Transportation | Removes inequities in the law for those who use public transportation | Passed |
| HB0094 | Local Funding Options for Public Education | Creates a Pilot Block Grant program to give LEAs flexibility in using state funding | Interim Study |
| HB0319 | Safety Inspection Amendments | Makes changes to the Safety Inspection program b focusing on road safety and removing the burden on consumers | Interim Study |
| HB0325 | Office of Rehabilitation Services Amendments | Moves the Office of Rehabilitation Services to the Department of Workforce Services | Passed |
| HB0424 | Coordination of Health Insurance Benefits Amendments | Protects patients from providers who over-bill due to confusion about dual coverage | Passed |
| HB0467* | Occupational Licensing Amendments | Requires the State to consider alternatives to time-based requirements for obtaining professional licenses. | Interim Study |
| HB0486* | Health Amendments | Would require the use of electronic ID verification systems in order to sell tobacco or alcohol | Interim Study |
*These bills were drafted and numbered too late in the session to get committee hearings, so they were held for interim study.
Cosponsored Bills
| Number | Bill Sponsor | Short Title | Summary |
| HCR005S01 | Fawson, J. | Concurrent Resolution Recognizing the 100-year Anniversary of Our National Parks | Recognizes the importance of Utah’s National Parks |
| HB0058S02 | Froerer, G. | Hemp Extract Amendments |
Other Topics and Efforts
Bills I Helped Craft
HB0437 – Health Care Revisions (J. Dunnigan) – Extends Medicaid benefits to the most vulnerable, low-income populations.
Issues that did not Require a Bill
Community Choice First Program for Disabled – Put forward intent language that asks the Department of Health to consider implementing options to help keep people out of nursing homes and in their own homes.
Educator Licensing Amendments – Removes requirements on private universities in how they determine admissions to teacher training programs. This bill was held so that the State School Board can address the issues through changes to rules and guidelines.