My quick note – the beginning of the session is slow and somewhat boring. (Usually) This morning was no exception.

HB 17 – expedited partner therapy. We face rising STD’s in Utah – this bill allows medical providers to prescribe a course of treatment (antibiotic) for the partner(s) of their client, preventing the ping-ponging back and forth between partners. This bill passed out of interim committee with no dissenting votes. The only floor “discussion” was a question asked by Representative Ferry about partner testing. However, the bill is about partner treatment. It was passed out of the House with only 8 no votes and now goes to the Senate.

HB 106 – Controlled Substance Database Amendments by Brad Daw. This bill allows 2 people in a physician’s office, licensed under DOPL, to look up client information within the database and to enter information into the client chart. Makes it easier to check on prescription drug abuse, across the state. Utah Medical Association is on board and do not feel it violates client privacy, but allows health care providers to better help clients who may be addicted or in the process of becoming addicted to prescription meds. No discussion to the bill – two no votes

HB 238 – Exemption of University Housing from Eviction Laws, by Representative Holdaway. This bill would allow universities to be exempt from the cumbersome process of ‘official’ eviction and allow them to move more quickly in the case of university students who won’t leave. It only applies to housing owned by said universities and does not apply to off-campus housing. Very little discussion, passed over to the Senate

HB 34 – Penalties for Destruction of Bald Eagle by Rep Barrus. When the bald eagle was on the endangered species, the fine for illegally killing a bald eagle was $1000. When the bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list, the fine dropped to $100, the “generic” fine for killing any predatory bird. We only have 11 nesting pairs in the state, but do have a transient migratory population from about December to March. This bill puts the fine back to $1000. No discussion to the measure. Off to the Senate with zero no votes.