Week 3 of the Legislative Session
It’s hard to believe, but we are almost halfway through the session now! It’s been a very good week for several of the bills I am working on. Three of my bills received favorable recommendations in committee and were forwarded to the full House for consideration. And one of the Senate bills that I am cosponsoring received a favorable recommendation in committee and will be heard on the House floor for a final vote next week.
On Monday, the Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee will meet to finalize our list of priority funding. Our list will be forwarded to the Executive Appropriations Committee who will make final determinations on funding requests.
Big Issues at the Capitol
Water Projects and ARPA Funds
With an ever-increasing demand on a diminishing water supply, action to conserve, optimize, & preserve our water is more critical than ever. For the past year, a working group of water experts and policymakers has been meeting to determine how best to use the state’s federal ARPA funds to address our water needs.
This week, the group presented how they recommend the funds be used, including:
- Secondary water metering
- Drinking water infrastructure
- Agricultural water use optimization
- Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake preservation
Floor Recognitions
Each year, we are grateful for the opportunity to honor the families of Utah’s fallen officers who died while serving their state and community. We were able to have these families join us for a moment of silence on the House Floor. We express the utmost gratitude to the five fallen officers and their families for their service and sacrifices.
Clean Air Caucus
The Utah Legislature’s bipartisan Clean Air Caucus held a press conference this week to discuss upcoming legislation and appropriation requests. Utah faces unique challenges with air quality including health concerns associated with air pollution and the impact it has on our economic development. Click here to learn more.
Representing You
The legislature honored a delegation including the President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region of France at the Capitol, in recognition of the ties between the United States, Utah, and France.
Rep. Thurston with President Renaud Muselier, regional president of La Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Bill Update
- HB0176 – Utah Health Workforce Act: Passed the House and forwarded to the Senate
- HB0198 – Intergenerational Poverty Solution: House Committee Favorable Recommendation
- HB0217 – Telephone Solicitation Amendments: House Committee Favorable Recommendation
- HB0283 – Mental Health Professional Licensing Amendments: Scheduled for a House Standing Committee Hearing
- HB0328 – Driver License and License Plate Amendments (with Rep. Pitcher): Waiting assignment to a committee
- SB011 – Local Election Amendments: House Committee Favorable Recommendation
