Checking in at the Legislature: 2025 Session Week 2

CHECKING IN AT THE LEGISLATURE:
2025 SESSION WEEK 2

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week has seen a lot of action on my bills, particularly HB31 and HB44, which both passed in their Senate committees. I also presented HB19 and HCR5, which both passed their House Committees.

In this issue, I have provided updates on major bills in the House, such as Rep. Gwynn's bill on fentanyl trafficking.

Thanks to Lt. Governor Diedre Henderson for giving me a shout-out as “Legislator of the Week"! It was a wonderful and unexpected surprise!

Warmest regards,

Melissa

QUICK LINKS
UPCOMING EVENTS
  • Legislative Updates every Saturday morning during the Session, from 8:30-9:30am. Click here to watch live.

IN THIS ISSUE

1. Legislator of the Day
2. HCR5: House Concurrent Resolution on Permitting
3. Rep. Gwynn's HB87: Drug Trafficking Amendments
4. HB19 passed the House Business and Labor Committee
5. Phishing scams and what to avoid
6. Friends on the Hill
7. Meet My Intern
Legislator of the Day
Thank you to Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson for highlighting me as "Legislator of the Day"!
“For the past six years, Representative Melissa Garff Ballard has represented the residents of House District 20 in Davis County. She is also the President of the Women’s Legislative Network for NCSL, helping to empower legislators nationwide.”
HCR5: House Concurrent Resolution on Permitting
On Tuesday, I presented my resolution on permitting to the House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee. It concerns permits on projects like power plants, railways, reforestation, and transmission lines, some of which have been waiting 15-20 years for approval. This is unacceptable! We will submit the resolution directly to Congress with a list of permits awaiting approval. Click here to watch.
With Harry Hansen from the Utah Department of Energy and
Joel Ferry, Director of the Department of Natural Resources.  
Rep. Gwynn's HB87: Drug Trafficking Amendments
In the first half of 2024, Utah saw 307 drug overdose deaths, with fentanyl involved in 133 of them. A dosage of just 2 mg of fentanyl is fatal, with stronger varieties proving even more deadly.
To combat this crisis, Representative Gwynn's HB87 proposes stricter prison penalties for fentanyl trafficking. The bill was recently heard in the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee — I encourage you to listen here. 
HB19 passed the House Business and Labor Committee
The Utah Labor Commission has had difficulty following up with complaints regarding child labor violations, and HB19, Child Labor Amendments, allows investigations to be done by local law enforcement when needed.

This legislation targets employers who repeatedly refuse to comply with labor laws, and it allows the Department of Public Safety to align organized crime patterns to human and child trafficking.
Phishing scams and what to avoid
Scammers have recently come up with new phishing tactics to trick users into sharing sensitive information by impersonating trusted entities, often using deceptive emails or texts. Recognizing these tactics is crucial to safeguard personal information and maintain digital security. Always verify suspicious messages and avoid clicking unknown links. For more details, check out the full article here.
Friends on the Hill
(From left to right, top to bottom) Speaking to CCJJ (Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice); Trooper Darin Walker with K-9 Bo; Gracey Dwyer; Elizabeth, a North Salt Lake resident; HCR5 House Economic Development Committee; Davis School District Superintendent, Dan Linford
The Utah Legislature honors Dr. Michael Good for his leadership during COVID-19, guiding Utah to the nation's top response in economy, education, and mortality. His data-driven advice and clear communication played a vital role in safely reopening institutions and fostering resilience throughout the state in 2020. 
Meet My Intern
This is Katherine Wooten, my intern for the 2025 Legislative Session. She is a bright, young SLCC student studying communications with a love for music and singing. Kat is excited to learn and grow during this Session. 

She can be reached at (385) 420-3107 or kwooten@le.utah.gov. 
Bills Passed by the House this Week

H.B. 267 Public Sector Labor Union Amendments 

H.B. 1 Higher Education Base Budget 

H.B. 4 Economic and Community Development Base Budget 

H.B. 5 General Government Base Budget 

H.B. 6 Transportation and Infrastructure Base Budget 

H.B. 7 National Guard, Veterans Affairs, and Legislature Base Budget 

H.B. 50 Occupational Safety and Health Amendments 

H.B. 55 County Office Amendments 

H.B. 59 Fireworks Modifications 

H.B. 60 State Income Tax Amendments 

H.B. 62 Property Tax Act Modifications 

H.B. 64 Public Official Bonding Amendments 

H.B. 69 Government Records and Information Amendments 

H.B. 72 Electricity Rate Amendments

H.B. 73 Administrative Procedures Act Amendments 

H.B. 74 Foreign Judgment Amendments 

H.B. 108 Fraudulent Deed Amendments 

H.B. 109 Municipal Election Amendments 

H.B. 269 Privacy Protections in Sex-designated Areas 
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