2024 Legislative Session Week 6

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CHECKING IN AT THE LEGISLATURE: 2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION WEEK SIX

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

There’s new information in the body of this newsletter, but I wanted to share information AGAIN about Caucus night March 5th. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, I encourage you to attend Caucus Night for your party on March 5th, at 7 P.M.

Republicans: PRE-REGISTER, then choose to attend in person, or give a copy of your online ballot, driver’s license, and GOP caucus pre-registration, to someone who can bring it that night. To register for in-person or for a ballot drop off click here.
Learn more about what Caucus Night is here.
Make sure you are registered as a Republican for Caucus Night. You can change your “non-affiliated” status to “Republican” on this site so you can guarantee your eligibility to attend and/or vote on caucus night on March 5th, at 7:00 pm. Register here.
Make sure to PRE-REGISTER for CAUCUS night here.
After you pre-register, your caucus location will be shown- I think all of us are at Woods Cross High School!
March 5th, 7:00 pm is the night for both GOP and Democrat caucuses.

Warmest regards,

Melissa

HELPFUL LINKS

To look up bills, and watch committee or House voting live, click here
To view the educator classroom expense bill that passed the House, click here
To view the school safety bill that passed the House, click here
Click here to see how House members are addressing national security
Click here to learn more about how the House plans to protect our water resources
Click here to view the Legislature and Governor’s Office updated budget estimate

UPCOMING EVENTS

Caucus Night: March 5th at 7 P.M.

You can watch us live on Saturday mornings for legislative updates on my Facebook page or the South Davis Community page.

IN THIS ISSUE

SB 205 CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION AMENDMENTS
BILLS IN THE HOUSE
IMPROVING HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY
NEIGHBORS ON THE HILL
BILLS PASSED BY THE HOUSE THIS WEEK

SB 205 CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION

S.B. 205 addresses preventing child sexual abuse through USBE approved curriculum that will teach K-6 students how to be safe and self-aware, recognize signs of abuse, use technology correctly, and disclose suspected abuse to trusted adults. Participation in prevention education cuts the risk of child sexual abuse in half, however, less than 11% of Utah students receive such curriculum under existing law. This bill will help us protect our kids and is good for Utah families! Learn more about The Safe Child Project here.

The Policy Project leadership: Kristin Andrus, Mary Catherine Perry, Emily Bell McKormick.

HIGHLIGHTED BILLS IN THE HOUSE

We have 75 legislators in the Utah House. I enjoy working with each of my colleagues, as each has their area of expertise and represents areas all across the state. I’ve contacted a few of them asking them to choose one impactful bill they are sponsoring and most excited about. It will give you a sample of some of the work being done in the legislature this session.

Rep. Ballard: H.B. 192 Local Education Agency Employee Paid Leave and H.B. 248 Inmate Amendments
Rep. Watkins: H.B. 410 Utah San Rafael State Energy Lab
Rep. Judkins: H.B. 485 Special Education Amendments
Rep. Hall: H.B. 261 Equal Opportunity Initiatives
Rep. Loubet: H.B. 432 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Amendments
Rep. Burton: H.B. 244 Office of Legislative Auditor General Requirements
Rep. K. Peterson: H.B. 221 Stipends for Future Educators
Rep. Pulsipher: H.B. 296 Reading Disability Amendments
Rep. Cutler: H.B. 272 Child Custody Proceedings Amendments
Rep. Barlow: H.B. 487 Historic Preservation Amendments
Rep. Gwynn: H.B. 251 Postretirement Reemployment Restrictions Amendments
Rep. Strong: H.B. 415 School Fees Amendments
Rep. Eliason: H.B. 402 State Campgrounds Amendments
Rep. Welton: H.B. 331 School and Classroom Amendments
Rep. Elison: H.B. 442 Local Option Sales Tax Amendments
Rep. Rohner: H.B. 491 Data Privacy Amendments
Rep. Pierucci: H.B. 404 Public Entity Restrictions and H.B. 516 State Land Purchase Amendments
Rep. Whyte: H.B. 465 Housing Affordability Revisions, S.B. 168 Affordable Building Amendments, and S.B. 208 Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone Amendments
Rep. Clancy: H.B. 298 Homelessness Services Amendments and H.B. 299 Court-ordered Treatment Modifications
Rep. Gricius: H.B. 451 Foster Care Amendments
Rep. Lisonbee: H.B. 352 Amendments to Expungement
Rep. Birkeland: H.B. 154 Bicycle Amendments
Rep. Stratton: H.B. 514 School Chaplain Amendments
Rep. Hawkins: S.B. 272 Capital City Reinvestment Zone Amendments

IMPROVING HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Studies have shown that the majority of children who grew up in Utah would like to continue to call Utah home as they enter adulthood. However, the rising cost of homeownership is a key factor in their decision to leave the state. As we look to the future, we must create opportunities for our children and grandchildren to establish a home in Utah. The Legislature is working to identify innovative ways to facilitate investments in the housing market and streamline processes that will increase the housing supply in Utah. For a list of housing bills click here.

SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY

This week, lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and education leaders discussed the School Security Task Force and legislation aimed to improve safety and security at Utah schools. The following bills will help teachers focus on teaching and students focus on learning.

H.B. 84 School Safety Amendments: Improves training, communication, infrastructure, and response to better protect students, teachers, and other staff in the event of an emergency.
H.B. 14 School Threat Penalty Amendments: Increases the penalties for threats against schools.