Week 5 of the Legislative Session
With two weeks left in the session, the tension is heating up! This session has certainly flown by but there is still so much work to be done! In overall news, I had three bills pass to the senate and my bill that deals with health care licensing made it all the way across the finish line. It’s so rewarding to see results with legislation that we have worked so hard for.
Election Security Bills
The integrity of our elections is more than a hot button issue. It is critical that voters feel confident every time they cast a ballot. With this in mind, election security was an important topic this week. There will be a lot of continued discussion about possible changes and improvements to our system.
Tracking the Big Issues at the Capitol
Over the last two years, the Legislature reduced taxes by nearly $300 million. This session, we are proposing an additional $400 million in tax relief. H.B. 54 Tax Revisions will be heard in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee early next week and provides tax relief to individuals and families in all stages of life by:
- Cutting the income tax rate from 4.85% to 4.65%.
- Expanding social security tax credit eligibility to individuals earning between $0 to $75,000 per year.
- Providing a tax benefit for pregnancy by allowing a double dependent exemption for children the year of their birth.
- Increasing the earned income tax credit (EITC) from 15% to 2-% of the federal credit.
Representing You
I was pleased to meet with Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi to discuss the importance of the Provo Airport in our regional planning.
This week several students from Outrage! in Utah County came to chat about the importance of addressing underage tobacco use. It’s great to have youth visit who care about important issues.
Students from Dixon Middle School, Centro Hispano came as well to visit this week and chat in the House Lounge. The state FFA officers came as well to see the House Floor Session. I know our state is in great hands after meeting with all these fantastic young people.
Also special shout out to Springville Art Museum and the High School Art students who were honored at the capitol. Big thanks to Emily (pictured left) for organizing this great event honoring our wonderful art students.
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.
Scheduled for a Senate Committee hearing
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.
Voted out of the House and is scheduled for a Senate Committee hearing
HB 359 – Animal Breeding Amendments – Would create statewide standard for dog breeders, shelters, sanctuaries and rescues.
Passed out of the House and is waiting for a Senate Committee hearing
Rep. Thurston presents HB 359 in House Business and Labor Committee with the State Veterinarian.
