Here are the highlights from the Third Week of the Utah Legislature.
Noteworthy Issues
Affordable Housing
Many people have written to me expressing their support of or opposition to HB82, which would require cities to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in owner-occupied properties. This is being presented as a solution to the housing shortages many Utahns are currently facing. However, as is often the case, there are compelling arguments on both sides of this debate. The difficulty of enforcement to ensure that houses with ADUs are owner-occupied means that these buildings would likely become fully rental properties, often owned by out-of-state investors. This would drive up the prices of the housing market, effectively preventing potential homeowners from buying in these towns. I will continue to work with the cities of Provo and Springville to find language that leaves them with a workable framework.
Cosmetology Licensing
SB87 has proven to be one of the more controversial bills this General Session. This bill would permit individuals to braid, blow-dry, and style hair without possessing a cosmetology license. It would not allow unlicensed individuals to cut or chemically alter hair. Many cosmetologists are concerned that this bill will threaten their profession as well as the health of consumers; proponents argue that as this bill would require a “hair-handler’s permit,” similar to a food-handler’s permit, high standards of hygiene and sanitation would still be maintained. This bill will also be discussed in the House Business and Labor committee this week.
My Bills – A Status Update
A complete list of my bills is available to view online along with the current status of each. Here is a summary of those that are actively progressing through the process.
This week three of my bills made it through the Senate and are off to the governor’s desk for his signature. These are HB11, allowing for responsible reallocation of excess funds in the Department of Human Services; HB40, removing an inconsistency in tax legislation pertaining to alcohol licenses; and HJR1, congratulating the Utah Medicaid Accountable Care program on its success. I also have two bills awaiting their final Senate votes—HB139 and HB202.
HB118 Children’s Hearing Aids Program Amendments was passed by the full House and is off to the Senate for further consideration.
HB125 Intergenerational Poverty Solution has been assigned to the Education Committee and will have a hearing this week.
HB139 Competency Based Hiring Amendments has passed out of Senate committee on a unanimous vote and will be heard on the Senate Floor this week.
HB140 Income Tax Revenue Amendments is waiting to be assigned to a House committee.
HB178 Pharmacy Practice Modifications passed its committee hearing and will now be voted on by the House soon.
HB190 Interstate Compact on Curing Diseases passed out of committee and will be heard on the House Floor soon.
HB202 Health Care Consumer Protection Act passed out of the Senate committee unanimously and will be heard on the Senate Floor soon.
HB211 Initiatives and Referenda Amendments passed out of the House committee and will soon be heard by the entire House.
