Week 4 of the Legislative Session
We are on the downhill side of the session now. This was another amazing week at the capitol. Many bills that I’m sponsoring this year have progressed through the legislative body faster than in past years, and we seem to be on a pace to get more big issues tackled than in previous years, which will be a victory for you all, my great constituents.
Thank you Teachers
We know the past two years have been especially straining for teachers as we strive to balance updating education policy, adjusting and improving funding, and increasing parental involvement. Not only have you adapted to virtual teaching and at-home learning, but you also faced teacher and staff shortages which contributed to your already full plates. We admire your ability to step up during challenging times and go above and beyond to help our students succeed. Watch this thank you video to learn how the Legislature is working hard to support teachers.
The Budget
The appropriations subcommittees have concluded their reviews and approvals of agency budgets in addition to prioritizing wish lists for new funding. The Executive Appropriations Committee (EAC) will now serve as the final step to ensure the right amount is designated for both ongoing and one-time state funds.
Representing You
I was pleased to meet with members of the Provo City School Board to discuss issues of common interest. I appreciate the increased cooperation and communication we have had this year.
This week we were visited by the mayor of Springville and Springville city councilor Liz Crandall. It was great to have them on the floor and chat with them for a few minutes. They are very dedicated to serving Springville and I appreciated their support at the capitol.
We were also visited from an class from Provost Elementary in Provo. It was so great to chat with the kids and help them learn a little bit about what we do here in the capitol and the legislative process as a whole. These kids, although they don’t realize it, are the future of our country and our great state.
My Bills – A Status Update
HB 26 – License Plate Amendments – Simplifies the processes for requesting and implementing changes to our license plate programs.
Still awaiting a hearing in the Senate committee
✅HB 35 Unfair Practices Act Amendments – Repeals this antiquated and duplicative section of the code so businesses will have a better idea of what the law requires.
Passed the Senate. Awaiting the signature of the govenor.
HB 75 State Commemorative Periods Amendments – Clarifies what a commemorative period is and how they should be declared.
Awaiting a full vote in the Senate
HB 116- Intergenerational Poverty Solutions – Provides an incentive program to encourage parents of low income children to save for their post-high school training and education.
Passed out of committee and should be heard on the House floor soon.
HB 135 – State Holiday Amendments – Modernizes how state government treats state holidays to provide increased access to the public for needed services and provide a more valuable benefit for state employees at no extra cost.
Still awaiting a hearing in the Senate committee
HB 159 – Health Care Professional Licensing Requirements – Allows Utahns more access to telehealth providers by reducing the barriers that prevent them from being available
Still awaiting a hearing in a Senate Committee
HB 213– Social Security Tax Credit Amendments – Would repeal the unfair double-taxation of Social Security benefits.
This bill will not be proceeding because another bill by Rep. Walt Brooks will be the one to move forward with this policy.
✅HB 292 – Poverty Mitigation Program Amendments – Would allocate some of Utah’s share of federal block grant funds to counties to implement innovative models for help people be financially self-sustaining.
This project was approved for funding this week and I found out that the bill isn’t needed because the agency already has authority to do this.
HB 295 – Educator License Amendments – Would create a pathway to teacher licensure based on an intensive apprenticeship program that is focused on competencies instead of course completions.
Status: House Rules Committee
HB 303 – Elections Record Amendments – Creates more transparency with respect to voter registrations.
Had a House committee hearing this week and was approved unanimously.
HB 359 – Animal Breeding Amendments – Would create statewide standard for dog breeders, shelters, sanctuaries and rescues.
Status: House Rules Committee
