Utah Legislature Highlights for Week 6: Mar. 1^st- 4^th

The Governor gave the Legislature a shout out this week and told the press he feels pretty good about the state budget, particularly when it comes to public education. Speaker Lockhart has reiterated her trust in the legislative process throughout this session; it has been difficult to ensure government is fiscally responsible with the people’s money but we are on track to fund public education.

House bill 328 The Utah House has passed a bill requiring state agencies to keep office hours five days a week, changing it from the 4-day work week for agencies set by the executive branch under Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. Rep. Mike Noel of Kanab says his House Bill 328 State Government Work Week wouldn't eliminate the four-day workweek for most state employees.

The House unanimously passed an immigration bill, HB 466 Migrant Workers and Related Commission Amendments. House Bill 466 will allow for the state to create a working relationship for migrant workers with the state of Nuevo Leon in Mexico. Utah businesses would be able to go to the state and ask for certain numbers of migrant workers to come to Utah from Mexico and perform the work needed for a certain amount of time.

Thursday, former NBA star and former candidate for the Utah House of Representatives Shawn Bradley stopped by the House floor. As of mid-day Thursday there have been 223 bills passed at the 2011 General Session. There were 498 House bills introduced and 132 substitute House bills. There were also 19 House concurrent resolutions, 49 House joint resolutions and four House resolutions. This brings the total for the House bills to 702. Of those, 125 bills were passed.

Week 6 – Bills Passed

HB 54 Electronic Communications in Public Meetings

Sponsored by Rep. Don Ipson

Any provision in a motor carrier transportation contract that requires either part or either party’s surety or insurer to indemnify or hold harmless the other party against liability for death, personal injury, or property damage caused by the negligence of the other part is void.

HB 87 School Finance Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Stephen Sandstrom

The Bureau of Criminal Identification may deny, suspend, or revoke a concealed firearm permit on the basis of an indictment for a crime of violence in any state, but shall reverse that action upon notice of dismissal or the indictment or acquittal.

HB 132 Water Quality Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox

Moves state surplus property program from the Division of Fleet Operations of the Department of Administrative Services to the Division of Purchasing and General Services in the same department.

HB 134 Collection of Front-Line Teachers Data

Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson

Restores the 90-day waiting period before a hearing may be held in a divorce, and creates an exception if the court finds that extraordinary circumstances exist that allow the waiver of the 90-day period.

HB 148 Raw Honey Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Stephen Sandstrom

Requires that honey produced, packaged, repacked, distributed, or sold in the state may only be labeled as raw honey if it meets the definition of raw honey)as it exists in the beehive obtained by extraction.

HB 153 County Correctional Facilities Funding Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Noel

The compensation rate for housing state inmates shall be 73% of the final state daily incarceration rate for beds in a county.

HB 156 Assessment of Property with Conservation Easement

Sponsored by Rep. Wayne Harper

Provides criminal and civil penalties for requiring, coercing, or compelling a person to undergo the subcutaneous implanting of a radio frequency identification tag

HB 249 Growing of Food

Sponsored by Rep. Chris Herrod

Recognizes right of an individual to grow food for personal use of the individual and the individual’s family, on the individual’s property, without being subject to local, state, or federal regulation.

HB 263 Local District Services Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox

Prohibits a municipality, county and local district from regulating the use of a knife unless specifically authorized.

HB 277 Sales and Use Tax Revisions

Sponsored by Rep. Wayne Harper

Addresses the sales and use taxation of certain computer software and purchases of a computer software maintenance contract.

HB 280 State Agency Realignment

Sponsored by Rep. Wayne Harper

Establishes the Advisory Council on Optimizing and Streamlining State Government. It also establishes its membership and specifies duties of the council, which include the study of consolidating state agencies.

HB 287 Radio Frequency Identification

Sponsored by Rep. Wayne Harper

Provides criminal and civil penalties for requiring, coercing, or compelling a person to undergo the subcutaneous implanting of a radio frequency identification tag

HB 288 Concurrent Enrollment Transcripts

Sponsored by Rep. Ronda Menlove

Requires the State Board of Regents and State Board of Education to coordinate advising to prospective and current high school students participating in concurrent enrollment.

HB 293 Underground Storage Tank Act Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Noel

Provides that an illumination standard adopted by any jurisdiction shall be uniformly applied to all sings, public or private, on or off premise. Increases the amount the Department of Transportation is entitled to recover in certain circumstances for unlawful outdoor advertising.

HB 301 School District Property Tax Revisions

Sponsored by Rep. Gage Froerer

Requires county assessors to use the mass appraisal system selected by the Multicounty Appraisal Trust in conducting property tax assessments.

HB 327 Public Education Annual Report Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Noel

Requires a state agency in the executive branch to operate nine hours Monday through Friday.

HB 330 Budgetary Procedure Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Mel Brown

Repeals provisions related to nonlapsing funds, accounts, and account balances. Converts nonlapsing accounts to dedicated credits.

HB 348 Motor Vehicle Light Usage Requirements

Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson

Provides that the membership of the Homeless Coordinating Committee shall include the lieutenant governor, and that the lieutenant governor shall serve as the chair of the Homeless Coordinating Committee.

HB 358 Access to Controlled Substance Database Revisions

Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson

Changes the name of the advisory board from the Utah business Resource Centers Advisory Board to the Utah Business Assistance Advisory Board.

HB 371 Motor Home Taxes and Fees

Sponsored by Rep. Chris Herrod

Provides a chartering entity may use certain data to measure the performance of a charter school and prohibits a charter school from accomplishing the purposes of charter schools.

HB 391 National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters Modifications

Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson

Creates a director of joint staff, and puts the director of joint staff under the adjutant general.

HB 392 Retention Elections for Justice Court Judges

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Noel

Provides that political subdivisions of the state do not have the authority to regulate mining operations on state and federal land.

HB 411 Approaching Stationary emergency Vehicle Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Don Ipson

Requires an individual who approaches emergency vehicles in violation of current law to attend a four hour classroom course or court traffic school program on defensive driving within 90 days of sentencing/pleading guilty.

HB 412 Land Use Revisions

Sponsored by Rep. Gage Froerer

Prohibits a municipality or a county from enforcing or enacting an ordinance in a way that fails to comply with state or federal law.

HB 415 Schools for the Deaf and Blind Foundation

Sponsored by Rep. Mel Brown

Requires a legislative body of a county, municipality, or school district to make meeting facilities under its control available for political activities if the party requests use of the facility 30 calendar days in advance.

HB 432 Nuisance Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Gage Froerer

Makes clarifying amendments to language regarding manufacturing facilities as nuisances.

HB 444 Operation and Maintenance Needs Report for Utah Highways

Sponsored by Rep. Roger Barrus

Provides for the appointment of legislators to discuss creating a multistate domestic energy development agreement.

HB 465 Respecting Our Fallen Heroes Act

Sponsored by Rep. Stephen Sandstrom

Enacts the Utah Commission on Immigration and Migration Act and requires the monitoring of the pilot program and reporting on information gained.

HB 469 Immigration Related Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Roger Barrus

Creates the Office of Energy Development and gives the governor’s energy advisor standing to testify on behalf of the governor before the Public Service Commission. Also authorizes the office to seek federal money and participate in federal programs.

HB 477 Government Records Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Don Ipson

For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011, and ending June 30, 2012, to the Capitol Budget – Capitol Development, as a one-time appropriation: from the Veterans’ nursing Home Reimbursement Restricted Fund, $6,350,000.

HB 493 Utah County Veterans’ Homes

Sponsored by Rep. Don Ipson

Appropriates for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011, and ending June 30, 2012: to the Division of Facilities and Construction Management, as a one-time appropriation: from the Veterans’ Nursing Home Reimbursement Restricted Fund, $6,350,000.

HB 495 Animal Control Modifications

Sponsored by Rep. Stephen Sandstrom

Requires than an officer verify the immigration status of a person arrested for a felony or a class A misdemeanor and a person booked for a class B or C.

HCR 8 Concurrent Resolution on Providing Continuing Federal financial Assistance for the Delivery of Basic Services to Dutch John, Utah

Sponsored by Rep. Mel Brown

Urges U.S. Government to provide continued financial assistance for 15 years to defray costs of administration and community services to residents of Dutch John, Utah.

HCR 13 Secure Rural Schools Concurrent Resolution

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Noel

Expresses support for the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, and urges Utah’s congressional delegation to support efforts to reauthorize the Act.

HJR 8 Joint Resolution regarding School Supplies

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Noel

Urges U.S. Secretary of the Interior to honor the 2003 Settlement Agreement and abandon the “Wild Lands” re-inventory, and urges Congress to honor the longstanding commitments to multiple use management of public lands in Utah and Western United States.

HCR 18 Concurrent Resolution Approving Solid Waste Facility Classification Change

Sponsored by Rep. Roger Barrus

Calls on Congress to adopt legislation prohibiting the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions without Congressional approval, if necessary, not funding EPA greenhouse gas regulatory activities.

HJR 26 Scofield Land Transfer Joint Resolution

Sponsored by Rep. Chris Herrod

Establishes a legislative interim committee on federalism.

HJR 31 Joint Resolution on the Need to Be Self-Sufficient

Sponsored by Rep. Chris Herrod

Urges U.S. Government to keep and honor its promises as reflected in Utah’s Enabling Act and urges Utah citizens to petition the U.S. Government to place the state of Utah on an “equal footing” with eastern states. Also urges Utah citizens to be self-sufficient in their energy, food, and economic needs.

HJR 38 Joint Resolution to Amend Rule of Evidence

Sponsored by Rep. Roger Barrus

Calls on Congress to give the title and jurisdiction over land currently governed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

HJR 43 Taiwan Joint Resolution

Sponsored by Rep. Ronda Menlove

Urges Obama Administration to support Taiwan’s inclusion in the United States’ Visa Waiver Program and its meaningful participation in the United Nation’s specialized agencies, program, and convention.

HJR 44 50^th Anniversary of the Freedom Academy Joint Resolution

Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson

Recognizes the 50ths anniversary of the Freedom Academy and its important contribution it has made in helping high school student body officers develop leadership skills, a sense of patriotism, and motivation to be actively engaged in preserving the freedoms enjoyed in the United States of America.

SB 61 Education for Prescribing Controlled Substances

Sponsored by Rep. Chris Herrod

Authorizes an elected official of a political subdivision to take military leave, and allows governing body to appoint a temporary replacement.

SB 87 Marketable Record Title Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox

Expands a provision prohibiting the extinguishment of certain easement rights to apply to any right, title, or interest.

SB 108 Joint Use of a Canal or Ditch

Sponsored by Rep. Mel Brown

Requires a person to negotiate in good faith to form a written contract before the use or enlargement of another person’s canal or ditch to convey water.

SB 120 Career Service Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox

Exempts employees of the Department of Workforce Services, designated a schedule AW, from the career service provisions of the Utah State Personnel Managements Act. Also changes the repeal date of the transition clause for the Career Service Review Board.

SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle

Sponsored by Rep. Ronda Menlove

Authorizes the plan to own institutional accounts in the plan to establish and administer scholarship programs or other college savings incentive programs. Exempts plan from provisions of Government Records Access and Management Act. Authorizes board of directors to establish advisory committees.

SB 146 Impact Fee Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Wayne Harper

Exempts State Tax Commission from the Open and Public Meetings Act when considering or acting on certain confidential matters.

SB 191 Worker’s Compensation Coverage Waivers

Sponsored by Rep. Mel Brown

Moves Office of State Debt Collection from the Department of Administrative Services to the Division of Finance.

SB 203 Executive Residence Commission

Sponsored by Rep. Gage Froerer

Expands membership and duties of the commission, and requires the commission to meet at least once a year and make any recommendations to the State Building Board.

SB 204 Capital Development and improvement Process Approval Requirements Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Gage Froerer

Modifies circumstances under which legislative approval is not required for a capital development project.

SB 212 Judicial Evaluation Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox

A motor vehicle rental company may include separately stated surcharges, fees, or charges in a rental agreement, including motor vehicle license cost recover y fees, airport access fees and airport concession fees.

SB 230 DNA Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox

Authorizes the Department of Public Safety to reimburse sheriffs for collecting DNA specimens.

SB 242 Assessment Area Amendments

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Noel

Recognizes Philo T. Farnsworth for his pioneering work in the invention of the television and for his many other inventions that have impacted the lives of millions of people around the world.

SCR 11 Dixie State College Concurrent Resolution

Sponsored by Rep. Don Ipson

Expresses support for Dixie State College’s plan, as presented to the Utah State Board of Regents, for achieving university status.

SCR 12 Wear Red Month Concurrent Resolution

Sponsored by Rep. Ronda Menlove

Designates February as Wear Red Month in the state of Utah and urges all citizens to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease.

SCR 13 Rotary Club Concurrent Resolution

A Message from House Republicans

At the beginning of the session we began to address a $315 million hole in the budget called the “structural imbalance.” Over the first four weeks we put together a base budget with cuts across the board to address that problem. The understanding has always been that the base budget is a starting point, like pouring the foundation of a building before you can build the walls.

Since we introduced our base budget, the rumor mill has been buzzing with stories that the Legislature will not fund new student growth and is making “draconian” cuts public education funding.

We thought it would be best to set the record straight: Many lawmakers have children, grandchildren, not to mention thousands of constituents in using Utah public schools. So it is an issue that is very personal to them. Balancing the budget and correcting the structural imbalance while funding quality education is a difficult process, but it’s a challenge we are happy to accept. It’s a challenge you elected us to handle. And we have: the entire Republican caucus, and the public education appropriations and executive appropriations committees have spent countless hours reviewing, discussing, debating and preparing the public education budget.

The final budget will be different from the base budget and part of that is anticipated to be funding millions of dollars for new growth. Two weeks ago in our Republican caucus meeting, we released our top three priorities, which include a focus on accountability and excellence in education: Utah has unique challenges with an exploding student population; this requires serious solutions on the part of the Legislature. Excellence is about improving student performance and exploring the best possible ways to deliver quality education. Accountability means that the state, school districts and teachers must be responsible for ensuring the ongoing success of the students

Utah Legislature Highlights for Week 4: Feb 14th-18th

End of week 4 and things are starting to pick up. The Republican caucus has discussed education at length and will continue to do so. Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney stopped by Utah’s Capitol to talk to legislators and share some of his love for Utah. Speaking of his experience with the 2002 Olympic Games, he said: “This is a place of great passion and energy and the volunteers here and the spectators from Utah made the Games the greatest ever.”

On the House floor, we OK’d body armor for dogs, agreed that refugees could take their first driver’s license test with the help of an interpreter and passed a resolution calling on our federal government to pass a balanced budget amendment.

We celebrated Latino Day on the Hill and honored those who served in the military. Our appropriations sub-committees finished their work and sent their final recommendations to the Executive Appropriations Committee. The newest budget numbers are expected to be out on Tuesday.

Week 4

HB 10 Renewal of Judgment Act

Sponsored by Rep. Gage Froerer (R –Huntsville)

Establishes a process and fee for renewal of judgments, and the renewal period will be eight years.

HB 18 Health Reform – Cost Containment

Sponsored by Rep. Brad Daw (R –Orem)

Authorizes the county executive to delegate supervision of the county purchasing agent to the county auditor.

SCR 1 Crisis Intervention Team Program Concurrent Resolution

Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ray (R –Clearfield)

This resolution recognizes the Crisis Intervention Team Program as the best model of practice for law enforcement agencies and community health centers to develop and maintain active crisis intervention team programs regionally and throughout the state.

SCR 3 Concurrent Resolution Supporting Continued Federal Funding of the Central Utah Project

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Noel (R –Kanab)

This resolution strongly expresses to the United States Congress and the United States Secretary of the Interior the Legislature’s and Governor’s continuing support of the Central Utah Project and urges the completion of the project.

SJR 4 Joint Resolution Approving Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan

Sponsored by Rep. Brad Last (R –Hurricane)

This bill approves a management plan for a scenic byway beginning in Laverkin running along State Route 9 to the west boundary of Zion National Park in Springdale, and following to Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway to the east boundary of Zion National Park.

SJR 10 Joint Resolution Closing Orem Court Facility

Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson (R –Orem)

Seeks legislative authority for the judicial department to remove court operations from the city of Orem.

Utah Legislature Highlights for Week 3: Feb 7^th – 11^th

Week 3 began with a visit from Congressman Jason Chaffetz, Representative of Utah’s 3^rd District. Congressman Chaffetz addressed the nation’s multi-trillion dollar debt, “the nation's security is threatened by a debt that's growing by almost $4 billion a day, about a third of Utah's state budget. You know the size of the Utah state budget. Look what's going on, on the federal side of the equation," he said. "We don't have a revenue problem in this county, but we do have a spending problem." Congressman Chaffetz also discussed illegal immigration: "If we don't fix legal immigration, we'll never solve this problem," he said, stressing that he rejects amnesty for those already in the country illegally.

The Utah House voted Tuesday to do away with the unpopular Salt Lake County police fee in unincorporated areas. The House voted 54-17 for HB226. The bill, by Rep. Wayne Harper, R-West Jordan, now goes to the Senate.

On Wednesday, two of the last surviving World War II Navajo code talkers appeared before the Utah Legislature, which honored them with resolution HJR 9 recognizing their service. The resolution urges the U.S. Congress, among other government bodies, "to support and preserve the Navajo code talkers' remarkable legacy."

* For the daily schedule and updates on the Utah House through the legislative session, messages from Representatives, and other information visit our blog at www.utahreps.net

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These are the bills that passed the House this week. (clicking the title of the bill, which is in blue will take you to the text of the full version)

HB 17 Enterprise Zone Amendments February 10, 2011, 68/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Kraig Powell(R –Heber City)

This bill modifies provisions of the enterprise Act related to the definitions of business entity and new full-time employee positions, the criteria for designation of an enterprise zone, business entities qualifying for tax incentives, state tax credits applicable in an enterprise zone, annual reports, and technology-based service contracts within enterprise zones.

HB 31 Restoration of the Right to Code and Hold Elective Office February 7, 2011, 70/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. John Mathis (R –Vernal)

This bill amends provisions in Title 20A, election Code, to address the restoration of the right to vote or hold elective office.

HB 33 Election Law Revisions February 7, 2011, 71/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Curt Webb (R –Logan)

This bill amends Title 20A, Election code.

HB 42 Alcoholic Beverage Control Act Retail License Quotas February 7, 2011, 67/3 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Gage Froerer (R –Huntsville)

This bill modifies the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act to provide for charges in the number of retail licenses.

HB 50 School Termination Procedures Modifications February 11, 2011, 73/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Ronda Menlove (R –Garland)

This bill amends the Utah Orderly School Termination Procedures Act, which establishes procedures for the termination of employees of a school district or the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.

HB 51 School and Institutional Trust Lands February 7, 2011, 72/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Roger Barrus (R –Centerville)

This bill modifies provisions of the School and Institutional Trust Last Management Act.

HB 54 Electronic Communications in Public Meetings February 11, 2011, 62/13 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Kraig Powell (R –Heber City)

This bill modifies provisions of the Open and Public Meetings Act that relate to electronic communications between members of public bodies.

HB 66 Health Professional Authority February 10, 2011, 70/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Brad Last(R –Hurricane)

This bill amends the Vital Statistics Act.

HB 68 Off-highway Vehicle Operator Responsibilities February 11, 2011, 70/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Noel (R –Kanab)

This bill modifies the Off-Highway Vehicles Code by enacting provisions relating to off-highway vehicle operator responsibilities.

HB 78 Developer Fees February 11, 2011, 68/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Morley (R –Spanish Fork)

This bill amends provisions related to municipal or county land use authority.

HB 195 Debt Service Obligations of a Divided School District February 11, 2011, 74/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Ken Sumsion (R –American Fork)

This bill modifies requirements for the imposition of a tax on property within a new district and remaining district to pay the debt service obligations of a divided school district.

HB 196 Continuing Education Requirements for Landscape Architects February 7, 2011, 40/28 votes

Sponsored by Rep. curt Webb (R –Logan)

This bill amends the Landscape Architects Licensing Act by providing for a continuing education licensing requirement in accordance with standards defined by rule by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

HB 203 Codification of State Construction and Fire, Codes February 8, 2011, 58/12 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Morley (R –Spanish Fork)

This bill enacts a new title to codify the existing State Construction Code and State Fire Code

HB 204 Protection of Athletes with Head Injuries February 10, 2011, 67/3 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ray(R –Clearfield)

This bill enacts the Protection of Athletes With Head Injuries Act within the Utah Health Code.

HB 219 State Firearm Designation February 11, 2011, 48/20 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Carl Wimmer (R –Herriman)

This bill modifies the state symbols and designations to designate model M1911 automatic pistol as the state firearm.

HB 226 Local Government Fee Authority February 8, 2011, 54/17 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Wayne Harper (R –West Jordan)

This bill prohibits, with certain exceptions, a service area from charging or collecting a fee.

HB 230 Disability Amendments February 7, 2011, 69/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ray (R –Clearfield)

To the extent possible, this bill replaces outdated terms relating to persons with a disability with updated terms.

HB 237 Enforcement of Liens February 8, 2011, 65/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Julie Fisher (R –Fruit Heights)

This bill modifies a provision relating to the enforcement of storage facility liens.

HB 238 Radiologic Technologist and Radiology Practical Technician Licensing Act February 10, 2011, 60/8 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Don Ipson(R –St. George)

This bill amends the Occupations and Professional Code related to Radiologic Technologist and Radiology Practical Technicians Licensing Act.

HB 240 Social Services – Employment First Priority February 11, 2011, 70/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Ronda Menlove (R –Garland)

This bill establishes an employment first priority policy for persons with a disability within the Employment Support Act, State Office of Rehabilitation Act, and the Utah Human Services Code.

HB 241 Clean Out the Cabinets Month Designation February 7, 2011, 67/3 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Morley (R –Spanish Fork)

This bill designates the month of April as Clean Out the Cabinets Month in Utah

HB 243 Occupations and Professions Amendments February 11, 2011, 65/6 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Morley (R –Spanish Fork)

This ill amends provisions of Title 58, Occupations and Professions, regarding the administration and enforcement of licensing laws and related provisions.

HB 247 Water Development Amendments February 8, 2011, 66/3 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Noel (R –Kanab)

This bill provides for an origination fee for certain federally-funded water development loans.

HB 248 County Office Vacancies February 8, 2011, 52/19 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Carl Wimmer (R –Herriman)

This bill amends provisions related to midterm vacancies in county elected offices.

HB 257 Concealed Firearm Act Modifications February 10, 2011, 67/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Ronda Menlove(R –Garland)

This bill modifies provisions of the Concealed Firearm Act regarding the requirements for certification as a concealed firearms instructors and the submission of fingerprints for a criminal background check.

HJR 10 Rules Resolution on Electronic Meetings February 10, 2011, 53/19 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Ronda Menlove(R –Garland)

This resolution authorizes legislative interim committees, task forces, and subcommittees to allow some members to participate in the meeting electronically from a remote location.

SB 10 Local District Amendments February 9, 2011, 66/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Don Ipson(R –St. George)
This bill amends provisions relating to a local district created to acquire or assess groundwater rights.

SB 11 Worker Classification Coordinated Enforcement February 9, 2011, 56/12 votes

This bill modifies labor provisions to address worker classification and related issues of enforcement.

Sponsored by Rep. Todd Kiser (R –Sandy)

SB 19 Department of Workforce Services’ Regional Workforce Services Areas amendments February 7, 2011, 71/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Jim Dunnigan (R –Taylorsville)

This bill modifies provisions of the Utah Workforce Services Code related to Regional Workforce Services Areas.

SB 23 State Highway System Modifications February 8, 2011, 69/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Julie Fisher(R –Fruit Heights)

This bill modifies the Designation of State Highways Act by Amending the description of four state highways.

SB 25 Share Certificates in Water Companies February 9, 2011, 67/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Jack Draxler (R –North Logan)

This bill modifies the Uniform Commercial Code and the Utah Revised Nonprofit Corporation Act to address issues related to water company share certificates that are lost, destroyed, or wrongfully taken.

SB 29 Uniform Driver License Act Amendments February 8, 2011, 70/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Julie Fisher (R –Fruit Heights)

This bill modifies the Uniform Driver License Act by amending provisions relating to driver licenses.

SB 34 Uniform Interstate Family Support Act February 9, 2011, 67/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. David Butterfield (R –Logan)

This bill makes conforming amendments required by the Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance.

SB 35 Construction Licensees Related Amendments February 10, 2011, 64/7 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Todd Kiser(R –Sandy)

This bill modifies labor, commerce, and general government provisions to address issues related to construction licensees that are unincorporated entities.

SB 36 Concealed Firearm Act Amendments February 10, 2011, 66/2 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Curt Oda (R –Clearfield)

This bill amends provisions of the Concealed Firearm Act related to the issuance of concealed firearm permits to nonresidents.

SB 38 K – 3 Reading Amendments February 9, 2011, 65/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Becky Edwards (R –North Salt Lake)

This bill amends deadlines related to the mid-year reading assessments of first, second, and third grad students.

SB 42 Regulation of Sign Companies February 9, 2011, 44/27 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Jim Dunnigan (R –Taylorsville)

This bill modifies provisions of the Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act relating to specified sign contractors.

SB 46 Higher Education Residency Requirements February 9, 2011, 69/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Keith Grover (R –Provo)

This bill amends provisions related to higher education residency requirements.

SB 93 Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel Reporting Amendments February 11, 2011, 70/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Gage Froerer (R –Huntsville)

This bill amends provisions of the Child and Family Services chapter of the Utah Human Services Code relating to reports submitted to the Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel.

SB 94 Requirements for Constables February 9, 2011, 65/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Don Ipson (R –St. George)

This bill requires that a constable prominently display a badge or other visible form of credentials and identification.

SB 99 Motor Vehicle Insurance – Named Driver Exclusion Amendments February 9, 2011, 65/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Jack Draxler (R –North Logan)

This bill modifies the Insurance Code by amending provisions relating to named driver exclusions for motor vehicle insurance coverage.

SB 102 Temporary Water Shortage Emergency – Military Facilities February 9, 2011, 66/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. John Mathis (R –Vernal)

This bill provides for special priority for the use of water by a military facility during a temporary water shortage emergency.

SB 107 Higher Education Success Stipend Program February 9, 2011, 69/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Greg Hughes (R –Draper)

This bill replaces the Utah Centennial Opportunity Program for Education with the Success Stipend Program within the State System of Higher Education.

SB 111 Utilities – Underground Facilities and Pipelines February 9, 2011, 70/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Morley (R –Spanish Fork)

This bill addresses utility facilities, including underground facilities and pipelines.

SB 115 School Performance Reporting February 9, 2011, 71/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Greg Hughes (R –Draper)

This bill modifies requirements for the collection and reporting of data indicating the performance of school districts and schools.

SB 118 Multistate Highway Transportation Agreement Amendments February 9, 2011, 68/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Julie Fisher (R –Fruit Heights)

This bill modifies the Multistate Highway Transportation Agreement by amending the name from the Multistate Highway Transportation Agreement to the Western States Transportation Alliance.

SB 121 New Automobile Franchise Act February 9, 2011, 63/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Holly Richardson (R –Pleasant Grove)

This bill modifies the New Automobile Franchise Act.

SCR 1 Crisis Intervention Team Program Concurrent Resolution February 10, 2011, 68/0 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ray (R –Clearfield)

This concurrent resolution of the Legislature and the Governor recognizes the positive approach and best practices of the Crisis Intervention Team Program and encourages development of active crisis intervention team programs statewide.

SCR 4 Communications Spectrum Translator System Concurrent Resolution February 9, 2011, 67/1 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Kay McIff (R –Richfield)

This concurrent resolution of the Legislature and the Governor urges the federal government to protect the communications spectrum that allows Utah’s translator system to provide free television access across the state.

SJR 5 Joint Rules Resolution on Fiscal Note Process February 9, 2011, 62/2 votes

Sponsored by Rep. John Dougall (R –American Fork)

This resolution of the Legislature proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to modify a provision relating to the State Board of Education.

SJR 6 Joint Resolution Urging Congress to Limit the Freeze on Longer Combination Vehicle Use in the Western States February 10, 2011, 56/12 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Don Ipson (R –St. George)

This joint resolution of the Legislature urges Congress to lift the freeze on longer combination vehicles, so that states may conduct test programs to evaluate routes, configurations, and operating conditions.

SJR 7 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day Joint Resolution February 9, 2011, 67/1 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Ronda Menlove (R –Garland)

This joint resolution of the Legislature designates May 12, 2011, as Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

SJR 8 Ronald Reagan Day Joint Resolution February 7, 2011, / votes

Sponsored by Rep. Greg Hughes (R –Draper)

This joint resolution of the Legislature designates February 6, 2011 as Ronald Reagan Day in the state of Utah.

On the Web: http://www.utahreps.net/uncategorized/highlights-week

Message from House Republicans

This week the Utah House Republican Caucus met and discussed our priorities for the 2011 legislative session.

Those priorities are:

· Education

· Economy

· Energy

Education – Excellence, Accountability

Utah has unique challenges with an exploding student population; this requires serious solutions on the part of the legislature. Excellence is about improving student performance and exploring the best possible ways to deliver quality education. Accountability means that the state, school districts and teachers must be responsible for ensuring the ongoing success of the students.

Economy – Business-friendly environment, No new taxes

Our great state has been recognized for its business friendly climate and for as leading the nation to economic recovery. We will continue our fight for sound economic policies, and low taxes that attract and keep businesses in Utah.

Energy – Independence, Development

Utah is an energy rich state that has been severely limited in its ability to use those resources, making it difficult to establish economic and energy independence. Energy development will create jobs in our state, pour revenue into our schools and will help rural communities throughout Utah that have been negatively impacted by federal policies.

Utah Legislature Highlights For Week 2: FEB 3 - 7^th

The House of Representatives welcomed its newest member Rep. Holly Richardson, a Republican from District 57 in Pleasant Grove. One of the highlights this week was the base budget passed the House. Congressman Rob Bishop visited the Legislature and joined the Republican Caucus for lunch to discuss federal issues affecting the state and his role in the new session of Congress. Congressman Jim Matheson spoke on the House floor Thursday, his message praised the Utah Legislature for working together as Republicans and Democrats for the best interest of the state, a lesson that should be work its way back to Washington DC. Later, Governor Gary Herbert joined the Republican Caucus to discuss his budget proposal and the legislature’s budget approach. Friday Sen. Orrin Hatch was a guest on the House floor; he spent the majority of the time answering questions from members of the body that included immigration reform, federal spending and public lands policy.

· HB 5 Business, Economic Development, and Labor Base Budget February 1, 2011, 57/15 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Todd Kiser (R –Sandy )

This bill appropriates funds for the support and operation of state government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012

· HB 6 Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Base Budget February 1, 2011, 49/21 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Eric Hutchings (R –Kearns )

This bill appropriates funds for the support and operation of state government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012

· HB 8 Social Services Base Budget February 1, 2011, 55/16 votes

Sponsored by Rep. David Clark (R–Santa Clara)

This bill appropriates funds for the support and operation of state government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012.

· HB 9 National Guard, Veterans’ Affairs, and Legislature Base Budget January 31, 2011, 57/14 votes

Sponsored by Rep. Mel Brown (R –Coalville)

This bill appropriates funds for the support and operation of state government for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012.

· HB 18 Health Reform – Cost Containment February 4, 2011. 70/0 votes

A Message from House Republicans

Message from House Republicans

Utah Legislature Highlights For Week 2: FEB 3 - 7th

Utah Legislature Highlights For Week 2: FEB 3 - 7^th