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Checking In At The Legislature:
2021 Legislative Session Week 3

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

I've worked hard to support good policy and legislative change. This week I sponsored 1st Sub HB18, which passed unanimously. Here's what the bill does: 

  • For 15-17yr olds learning how to drive it removes 6 hours of required "observation" hours (6 hours of "driving" hours with an instructor remains in place), 
  • Extends the learner's permit to be valid for 18 months instead of 12 and conforms the language on the application and DL card to both be worded "sex." 

COVID has brought some challenges in getting our youth their driver's licenses. The DMV now has online appointments, and the school district has a better process in place for getting high school driving hours in place. I appreciate the work they did with me on this bill and the changes they have made. 

Enjoy the new snow!

-Melissa

Helpful Links:

  • You can watch committee meetings and floor time live at le.utah.gov

In this issue

  • Bill updates: HB86 Social Security Tax Amendments & Military Retirement Tax Amendments
  • Regulatory Sandbox podcast
  • Fallen officer Resolution
  • Hearing from every University President
  • Bills Passed This Week

Join Our Town Hall on Saturday Mornings!

Bill Updates

This week, the House passed HB 86-Social Security Tax Amendments, which provides tax relief for many living on a fixed income. H.B. 86 Social Security Tax Amendments
 
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee also passed HB 161 Military Retirement Tax Amendments. This bill creates a nonrefundable income tax credit for military retirement pay. 

Regulatory Sandbox (Podcast)

HB 217 Regulatory Sandbox Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Cory Maloy, passed the House this week. The regulatory review and sandbox will ensure necessary protections for consumers, communities, and the environment, while also helping new industries by reducing the regulatory burden. Listen to this week’s podcast to learn more! 

Fallen Officer Resolution 

This week, the House honored Utah’s fallen officers. We are grateful for the sacrifice of Officer Nate Lyday and the many others who risk their lives protecting us. To read an article about what a great person Officer Lyday was, click here. 

University Presidents in Utah

The Higher Education Appropriation Committee heard reports from each University President. They spoke of improved efficiencies, graduation rates, articulation between institutions, new changing goals due to COVID, among other things. We have incredible institutions in this state!
University of Utah President Watkins and Director of Hinkley Institute Jason Perry
Dixie State University President Williams and Henrie Walton
Utah Valley University President Tuminez, Weber State University President Brad Mortensen, and Rep. Kelly Miles
John Ferry trustee at Utah State, Utah State University President Cockett, and USHE Commissioner Dave Woolstenhulme

Virtual Access To Meetings

You can click here to see which committees I am in, as well as watch the meetings. I have been assigned to: 
  • Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee
  • House Education Committee
  • House Transportation Committee
Bills Passed This Week
As of Thursday, February 4, the House has passed 124 bills. Here are the bills that passed this week: 
H.B. 17 Utility Permitting Amendments
HB18  Driver Education Amendments
H.B. 20 Driving Under the Influence Sentencing Amendments
H.B. 37 Child Protection Unit Amendments
H.B. 43 Emergency Procurement Declaration Modifications
H.B. 53 Meteorological Evaluation Tower Marking
H.B. 63 Impact Fees Amendments
H.B. 67 Juvenile Sentencing Amendments
H.B. 69 Traffic Code Amendments
H.B. 70 Ballot Tracking Amendments
H.B. 79 Mineral and Rock Amendments
H.B. 85 Controlled Substance Database Access Amendments
H.B. 86 Social Security Tax Amendments
H.B. 88 Diversion Fees Amendments
H.B. 96 Emergency Management Amendments
H.B. 100 Postconviction Remedies Act Amendments
H.B. 102 Contraception for Inmates
H.B. 108 Vital Records Amendments
H.B. 110 Health Care Payment Amendments
H.B. 111 Off-highway Vehicle Amendments
H.B. 113 Shared Medical Costs
H.B. 120 Unemployment Insurance Amendments
H.B. 121 Local District Amendments
H.B. 128 Local Accumulated Fund Balance Amendments
H.B. 138 Post Council Membership Amendments
H.B. 139 Competency-based Hiring Amendments
H.B. 142 Cyclist Traffic Amendments
H.B. 143 Driver License Suspension Amendments
H.B. 167 HIV Testing Amendments
H.B. 171 Agricultural Land Use Regulation
H.B. 173 Vote Reporting Requirements
H.B. 176 Revisor's Technical Corrections to Utah Code
H.B. 180 Lieutenant Governor Conflict of Interest Amendments
H.B. 196 Ballot Amendments
H.B. 199 Pawnshop and Secondhand Merchandise Transaction Information Act Amendments
H.B. 201 Tolling Amendments
H.B. 202 Health Care Consumer Protection Act
H.B. 206 Epinephrine Auto-injector Access Amendments
H.B. 208 Water Quality Act Amendments
H.B. 213 Canine Injury Amendments
H.B. 221 Property Tax Records
H.C.R. 1 Concurrent Resolution Encouraging a Balanced Approach to the Release of Water from Flaming Gorge
H.C.R. 6 Concurrent Resolution Recognizing COVID-19 Efforts
S.B. 14 Driver License and State Identification Card Amendments
S.B. 20 Air Quality Policy Advisory Board
S.B. 21 Federal Land Application Advisory Committee Sunset Extension
S.B. 22 Compliance Advisory Panel Repeal Date
S.B. 29 Hotel Impact Mitigation Fund Sunset Extension
S.B. 31 Condominium and Community Association Regulation Amendments
S.B. 43 Residential Mortgage Regulatory Commission Amendments
S.B. 45 Higher Education Classes for Veterans
S.B. 54 Kurt Oscarson Children’s Organ Transplant Coordinating Committee Extension
S.B. 55 Rural Online Initiative Sunset Amendments
S.B. 56 State Weed Committee Sunset Extension
S.B. 82 Road Usage Charge Program Special Revenue Fund 
S.J.R. 2 Retirement and Independent Entities Committee Amendments

Mom Visits The Capitol

Nothing better than Mom visiting the Capitol.
With Kathi Garff
Learn More About Melissa
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