Week 6:
Another busy week down, and only one week left! One of our top priorities this session is to build a legacy through generational investments. As the state looks forward, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make large-scale investments. We have done that by investing in preserving and protecting both the Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake, increased spending for education, and provided for critical infrastructure needs.
This week I was very busy presenting the last few of my bills in committee meetings where I am happy to report they all passed favorably. All that remains is a final vote on the Senate floor. Additionally, we spent a lot of time this week on the House Floor debating, and passing more legislation. We expect to spend the majority of our time this final week doing the same. I’m grateful for all who were able to participate in our Legislative District Virtual Town Hall this past week as well!
Important Issues:
HB 368 Driver License Plate and Registration Amendments
I’ve heard and seen many concerns from various people and groups about this bill that I am sponsoring. Many of the headlines focus only on one small part of the bill, that there will be a temporary moratorium on the approval of personalized license plates beginning in July. While it is true that the bill places a temporary pause on approving personalized “vanity” license plates, it will not affect anyone who currently has one, or submits an application prior to July 1. It is also not a permanent ban on these types of plates. The legislature will review relevant court cases in the fall and will be able to decide in the next legislative session whether or not to continue the pause on approval of personalized license plates. This is to avoid any unnecessary litigation that I have been told by the lawyers who work for the legislature that the state of Utah is likely to receive regarding license plates and freedom of speech. I would prefer to avoid this, as well as avoid having offensive language on license plates.
Rep. Thurston presenting in the Senate committee.
Bill Update:
- HB 0176S01 – Utah Health Workforce Act: Senate / awaiting funding, on 3rd reading calendar
- HB 0198 – Intergenerational Poverty Solution: Senate / awaiting funding, on 3rd reading calendar
- HB 0217S01 – Telephone Solicitation Amendments: Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
- HB 0283S01 – Mental Health Professional Licensing Amendments: House / signed by Speaker / sent for enrolling
- HB 0328S02 – Driver License and License Plate Amendments: Senate / on 2nd reading calendar
- HB 0368S01 – Vehicle License Plate and Registration Amendments: Senate committee – favorable recommendation
- SB 011 – Local Election Amendments: Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
- SB 045S03 – Department of Health and Human Services Amendments: House committee – favorable recommendation
Norm In the News:
