This week the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel published a briefing paper on Property Taxes & School Funding In Utah.  This 8 page, info-packed study assembled by our award-winning staff is a “must read.” 

Here’s another Annual Scorecard.  This time it’s the Utah Taxpayers Association 2010 Scorecard.  Since 1922, the Utah Taxpayers Association has been “your Tax Watchdog!” 

This year, Rep. Craig Frank scores 100% !!!

As the former Vice-Chair of the House Standing Committee on Revenue and Taxation, Rep. Frank is extremely sensitive to the Utah taxpayer (especially since he is one).  In fact, Rep. Frank was only one of two legislators during the 2010 General Session to propose a bill cutting taxes.  (HB48, Substitute)  Also, in 2008, the Utah Taxpayers Association awarded Rep. Frank with the “Taxpayer Advocate of the Year” award for his work on major privatization legislation.  Rep. Frank believes it’s his responsiblity to “get government out of the business of business.”

Last evening, on Richard Piatt’s SUNDAY EDITION (ksl channel 5), Randy Miller of the Fair Boundaries group, stated that Rep. Craig Frank’s endorsement letter to Jason Chaffetz’s Campaign (in 2008), commented that if elected, Jason would live in his district following the adoption of the “Four District Map” configuration.  As though there was something nefarious about this statement. [Link HERE to ksl.com for video, Segment 1, at the 11:00 mark).

During its 5th Special Session, prior to Jason Chaffetz announcing he was running for the 3rd Congressional District, the State Legislature in December of 2006  adopted a four district map in the likelihood that the U.S. Congress voted to give Washington, DC its own (unconstitutional) Representative seat, thus giving Utah another House seat (for political balancing and buy off reasons) thus increasing the number of Representatives in Congress to 437.  Rep. Frank’s statement wasn’t about “fixing” a district for Jason Chaffetz, but, in fact, was about preparing Utah for what appeared at the time to be inevitable…a 4th District seat.  As had been the case many times before, though, the 4th District seat was not to be…until of course 2012 Reapportionment.

Link HERE for SB5001 (3rd Substitute) Congressional Four Member Redistricting Plan, dated 12/4/06.  This plan was adopted by the legislature, 51-19-5 in the House & 23-4-2 in the Senate.

Link HERE for Robert Gehrke’s Out of Context blog, dated Saturday May 17, 2008

‘Tis the Season for Association scorecards ranking the 2010 Utah Legislature for a variety of specific General Session votes.  First out of the blocks is the GRASSROOTS UTAH rankings.  From GRASSROOTS‘ websight:

GrassRoots has been issuing an annual legislative report card since 1992. The Constitutions of the nation and state are the guides which GrassRoots uses in picking issues for its legislative report card. Bills are picked without regard to any particular individual.

Rep. Mike Morley ranked 1st with 100% (par for the course), with Rep. Craig Frank in 3rd position, bookended by four of the five founders of the Patrick Henry Caucus…on the upper side, Reps. Carl Wimmer and Ken Sumsion AND on the lower side Reps. Steve Sandstrom and Chris Herrod.

Link HERE to see the .PDF version of the 2010 GRASSROOTS scorecard.

Link HERE to GRASSROOTS’ Home Page for past years’ scorecards.

(DVD run time: approximately 8:30, No taxpayer money was used in the production of this video)

As Utah’s 2010 General Legislative Session ended, there were a number of bills worth calling to your attention.   Although this videp is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all the significant measures considered by this year’s legislature, it will draw your attention to many of the “higher profile bills” debated in the Utah House and the Senate.

NOTE:  Rep. Frank did NOT support the cigarette tax increase because he thought it was bad tax policy.  Target taxing minority, addicted populations is never a good idea and runs counter-intuitive to the basic universal tax theory of:  Lowering the Rate and Spreading the Base.  Also, Rep. Frank did NOT support “Healthcare Reform,” as proposed in Rep. David Clark’s HB294, but believes that the private sector’s continued concerns related to this proposal warrant additional consideration before the Clark Proposal is implemented into the law.

Shortly after an early evening meeting at the Capitol Wednesday, where nearly 40 House Republicans met, the following statement related to former Rep. Kevin Garn’s resignation was released:

“We respect former Representative Garn’s decision to resign and believe it was appropriate. While not condoning the action, we wish for closure and healing for Cheryl Maher and the Garn family. We hope the people of Utah understand that members of the Legislature do not condone any illegal, unethical or ill-advised behavior.”

Utah State Legislature Highlights for February 22^nd – 26^th

^{composed by the Media Relations Coordinator for the House GOP}

This week, House Republicans reached an agreement on balancing next year’s budget proposal without a tax hike or making education cuts knowing that they will have to make cuts in other areas.  Rep. Greg Hughes made the motion in the open House caucus on Tuesday to adopt the $11.5 billion budget for 2010-2011 without any tax or fee hikes. 

As for ethics reform, on Monday, amendments were made to the House ethics bills in the Senate committee and on Tuesday, three bills cleared the Senate with unanimous approval and now head to the House for their consideration.  The main bill SJR3 would set the structure and rules for a new independent ethics commission that would screen complaints against lawmakers to determine if allegations have merit.  Speaker of the House David Clark who supports the commission says, “We’re going to ask for the support of the people in granting a constitutional amendment that enshrine this in a much greater standpoint so that future legislators will serve with the opportunity of having an ethics commission with the ability to act independently.”

Also getting attention this week, a joint resolution that passed the house urging the Governor to withdraw Utah from the Western Climate Initiative, a bill offering approval for colleges and universities to authorize charter schools passed the house floor and HB 143, Eminent Domain Authority passed the house which would authorize the state to exercise eminent domain on property possessed by the federal government.

These are all bills that passed the House this week with the help of the majority. (Note: Ctrl+Clicking on the title of a bill, which is in blue, will take you to the full version.) 

• H.B. 307 – General County Powers Amendments – Feb. 22^nd 2010 – 69/1 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Gregory H. Hughes (R-Draper)

This bill prohibits county or a governmental instrumentality of a county from performing an action, providing a service, exercising a power, or performing a function in another county or a municipality within the other county without first entering into an agreement with the other county.

• H.B. 341 – Uniform Athlete Agents Act – Feb. 22^nd 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ray (R-Clearfield)

This bill modifies the Uniform Athlete Agents Act related to the board and licensure.

• S.B. 126 – Subdivision Amendments – Feb. 22^nd 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. J. Stuart Adams, Rep. Michael T. Morley (R-Spanish Fork)

This bill, for a municipality or a county, amends provisions relating to vacating, altering, or amending a subdivision plat.

• H.J.R. 27 – Authentic Charity Health Care Joint Resolution – Feb. 22^nd 2010 – 69/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Merlynn T. Newbold (R-South Jordan)

This joint resolution recognizes authentic charity care and urges community, citizen, and medical community support of authentic charity care throughout the state.

• 2S.S.B. 90 – Mental Health Professional Practice Act Amendments – Feb. 22^nd 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Lyle W. Hillyard, Rep. Ronda R. Menlove (R-Garland)

This bill amends provisions of the Mental Health Professional Practice Act.

• 1S.H.B. 92 – Moist Snuff Taxation Revisions – Feb. 22^nd 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Bradley M. Daw (R-Orem)

This bill amends provisions of the Cigarette and Tobacco Tax and Licensing Act relating to “moist snuff.”

• H.B. 174 – License Plates Amendments – Feb. 22^nd 2010 – 39/33 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ray (R-Clearfield)

This bill modifies the Motor Vehicle Act by amending provisions relating to license plates. 

• H.B. 315 – Utah Public Notice Website Amendments – Feb. 22^nd 2010 – 53/15 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Kraig Powell (R-Heber City)

This bill modifies statutory requirements to publish or post notice to the Utah Public Notice Website to provide a temporary exemption for H. specified .H public bodies with an annual budget of less than $1,000,000.

• H.B. 316 – Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption Amendments – Feb. 22^nd 2010 – 70/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Gregory H. Hughes (R-Draper)

This bill modifies a provision relating to a property tax exemption for disabled veterans and their families.

• H.B. 381 – Municipal Land Use Provisions – Feb. 22^nd 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Stephen E. Sandstrom (R-Orem)

This bill amends municipal land use provisions relating to nonconforming uses and noncomplying structures.

• H.B. 80 – Public Access to Private Stream Beds – Feb. 22^nd 2010 – 23/50 FAILED – Sponsored by Rep. Lorie D. Fowlke (R-Orem)

This bill addresses public recreational activities on public waters over private beds.

• 1S.H.B. 141 – Recreational Use of Public Water on Private Property – Feb. 23^rd 2010 – 50/25 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Kay L. McIff (R-Richfield)

This bill addresses public use of public waters on public and private property.

• H.B. 136 – Jail Contracting and Reimbursement – Feb. 23^rd 2010 – 68/6 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Michael E. Noel (R-Kanab)

This bill provides that when an offender is sentenced to server time in a county jail, as a condition of felony probation, the jail provisions shall be arranged for by contract between the Department of Corrections and the county jail.

• H.B. 190 – Disclosure of Methamphetamine Contaminated Property Act Amendments – Feb. 23^rd 2010 – 19/52 votes FAILS (Reconsideration Feb. 24^th : 44/27) – Sponsored by Rep. Steven R. Mascaro (R-West Jordan)

This bill modifies provisions of the Disclosure of Methamphetamine Contaminated Property Act.

• H.B. 303 – Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence – Feb. 23^rd 2010 – 69/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Eric K. Hutchings (R-Kearns)

This bill modifies the Cohabitant Abuse Procedures Act regarding procedures, records, and protective orders and no contact agreements.

• H.C.R. 7 – Credit Scores Concurrent Resolution – Feb. 23^rd 2010 – 69/1 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Douglas C. Aagard (R-Kaysville)

This concurrent resolution urges the United States Congress to amend federal law to ensure that consumers have the right to access their Fair Isaac Corporation credit scores from the nation’s three major credit agencies annually at no cost.

• 1S.H.B. 60 – Water Conveyance Facilities Safety Act – Feb. 23^rd 2010 – 58/14 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Fred R. Hunsaker (R-Logan)

This bill addresses management plans for water conveyance facilities.

• 1S.H.B. 378 – Motor Vehicle Insurance Requirements – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 62/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Todd E. Kiser (R-Sandy)

This bill modifies the Insurance Code by amending provisions relating to notice requirements for motor vehicle insurance carriers.

• H.B. 426 – Bail Bond License Representation Amendments – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 65/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Stephen E. Sandstrom (R-Orem)

This bill modifies the Bail Bond Recovery Act regarding use of badges by licensees.

• H.C.R. 12 – Printing and Graphic Arts Recognition Month Concurrent Resolution – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 67/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Bradley M. Daw (R-Orem)

This concurrent resolution designates April 2010 as Utah Printing and Graphic Arts Recognition Month.

• H.C.R. 13 – Concurrent Resolution on Providing Continuing Federal Financial Assistance for the Delivery of Basic Services to Dutch John, Utah – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 64/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Melvin R. Brown (R-Coalville)

This concurrent resolution urges the United States Government and the Secretary of the Interior to provide continued financial assistance to defray the costs of administration and basic community services for residents of Dutch John, Utah.

• 1S.H.B. 311 – Autism Treatment Fund – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 69/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Rebecca D. Lockhart (R-Provo)

This bill a creates restricted account within the General Fund to be administered by the Department of Health for the receipt and expenditure of certain gifts, donations, and appropriations to be used for providing services relating to autism.

• 4S.S.B. 22 – Notary Public Amendments – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 68/1 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Peter C. Knudson, Rep. Fred R. Hunsaker (R-Logan)

This bill modifies the Notaries Public Reform Act.

• S.B. 20 – Local District Amendments – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 66/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Dennis E. Stowell, Rep. Don L. Ipson (R-St.George)

This bill allows the creation of a local district to develop and execute a groundwater management plan in cooperation with the state engineer.

• S.B. 76 – Trust Deed Amendments – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 66/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. John L. Valentine, Rep. Lorie D. Fowlke (R-Orem)

This bill modifies a provision relating to a statement provided by a trustee under a trust deed.

• S.B. 85 – Utah Construction Trade Licensing – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 68/2 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Scott K. Jenkins, Rep. Rebecca P. Edwards (R-North Salt Lake)

This bill modifies provisions of the Utah Construction Trade Licensing Act relating to plumbers and electricians.

• S.B. 58 – Transportation Expenses for Defendants – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. J. Stuart Adams, Rep. Richard A. Greenwood (R-Roy)

This bill modifies the Criminal Code regarding expenses for transportation of defendants.

• H.C.R. 11 – Taiwan Concurrent Resolution – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 62/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Rebecca D. Lockhart (R-Provo)

This concurrent resolution reaffirms the support of the government of Taiwan and urges the Obama Administration to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in United Nations specialized agencies, programs, and conventions.

• 1S.S.B. 41 – Drug Utilization Review Board Amendments – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 63/7 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Peter C. Knudson, Rep. Ronda R. Menlove (R-Garland)

This bill amends the drug prior approval program within the state’s Medicaid program.

• S.B. 102 – Restricting the Movement of a Motor Vehicle – 39/32 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Brent H. Goodfellow, Rep. R. Curt Webb (R-Logan)

This bill modifies the Traffic Code by amending provisions relating to vehicle immobilization devices.

• H.J.R. 21 – Joint Resolution of Energy Policy – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 52/18 – Sponsored by Rep. Michael E. Noel (R-Kanab)

This joint resolution urges the Governor to withdraw Utah from the Western Climate Initiative.

• H.B. 227 – Licensing Eligibility – Feb. 24^th 2010 – 38/36 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Stephen E. Sandstrom (R-Orem)

This bill requires applicants for various licenses to provide the licensing authority with documentation of their lawful presence in the United States.

• H.B. 318 – Revolving Loan Fund for Certain Energy Efficient Projects Amendments – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Roger E. Barrus (R-Centerville)

This bill expands a revolving loan fund known as the Energy Efficiency Fund to include political subdivisions.

• H.J.R. 31 – House Joint Rules Legislation Review Note Procedures Amendments – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 73/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Ben C. Ferry (R-Corinne)

This resolution modifies procedures governing legislative review notes.

• H.B. 310 – Spending Limits Amendments – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 74/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Ron Bigelow (R-West Valley City)

This bill modifies the list of monies considered “appropriations” that are used in the formula that determines the state appropriations limit for each fiscal year.

• H.B. 349 – Sales and Use Tax Amendments – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 70/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Wayne A. Harper (R-West Jordan)

This bill amends the Municipal Energy Sales and Use Tax Act and the Sales and Use Tax Act to address definitions.

• H.B. 103 – Reduced Speed School Zone Amendments – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Stephen E. Sandstrom (R-Orem)

This bill modifies the Traffic Code by amending provisions relating to reduced speed school zones.

• S.B. 10 – Criminal Offense Penalties Amendments – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 70/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Jon J. Greiner, Sen. Curtis Oda (R-Clearfield)

This bill modifies provisions of the Criminal Code regarding elements of specified criminal offenses and regarding the dollar value of damage used to determine levels of criminal offenses.

• S.J.R. 6 – Joint Resolution – State Sovereignty and Tenth Amendment – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 48/18 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Howard A. Stephenson, Rep. Carl Wimmer (R-Herriman)

This joint resolution strongly urges Congress and the President to refrain from exercising authority related to the individual states beyond that granted by the states in the Constitution of the United States and declares the state’s sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution.

• H.B. 187 – Peace Officer Standards and Training Amendments – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 68/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Carl Wimmer (R-Herriman)

This bill modifies the Public Safety Code relating to peace officer certification and the procedures and grounds for the denial, relinquishment, or revocation of certification.

• H.J.R. 16 – Joint Resolution Supporting Kane County Expansion of Correctional Facilities – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 66/6 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Michael E. Noel (R-Kanab)

This joint resolution supports the expansion of correctional facilities in Kane County through a contract with the Utah Department of Corrections.

• 1S.H.B. 298 – Land Use Authority Notification of Canal Development – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Ben C. Ferry (R-Corinne)

This bill requires a municipal or a county land use authority to notify a canal company or canal operator of a land use application to develop within 100 feet of a canal.

• 1S.H.B. 265 – Real Property Amendments – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 65/5 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Gage Froerer (R-Huntsville)

This bill requires a county assessor to consider certain factors in determining the fair market value of a golf course or hunting club.

• H.B. 401 – Residential Facilities for Elderly Persons – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Bradley M. Daw (R-Orem)

This bill amends provisions relating to residential facilities for elderly persons.

• 1S.H.B. 150 – Administrative Subpoena Amendments – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 33/41 FAILS (Reconsideration: 48/20 votes PASS) – Sponsored by Rep. Bradley M. Daw (R-Orem)

This bill modifies the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the use of administrative subpoenas in the investigation of criminal activity.

• H.B. 348 – Sheriffs Fees – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 60/13 votes – Richard A. Greenwood (R-Roy)

This bill authorizes the legislative body of a county to set a fee charged by the county sheriff.

• H.B. 143 – Eminent Domain Authority – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 57/13 votes – Christopher N. Herrod (R-Provo)

This bill authorizes the state to exercise eminent domain authority on property possessed by the federal government unless the property is owned by the federal government in accordance with the United States Constitution Article I, Section 8, Clause 17.

• 2S.H.B. 388 – Mobile Home Revisions – Feb. 25^th 2010 – 69/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. James A. Dunnigan (R-Taylorsville)

This bill modifies a provision of the Mobile Home Park Residency Act, pertaining to rights of residents and other issues.

• H.B. 364 – Right of Identity Theft Victim to Civil Cause of Action – Feb. 26^th 2010 – 69/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Julie Fisher (R-Fruit Heights)

This bill creates a civil action for damages for an identity theft victim against a perpetrator.

• S.J.R. 2 – Joint Resolution on Combating and Reducing Gang Activity – Feb. 26^th 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Luz Robles, Rep. Ryan D. Wilcox (R-Ogden)

This joint resolution urges the state and local governments to work together to combat and reduce gang activity.

• H.B. 21 – Expungement Revisions – Feb. 26^th 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Julie Fisher (R-Fruit Heights)

This bill creates a new chapter known as the Utah Expungement Act.

• 3S.H.B. 78 – Weapons Revisions – Feb. 26^th 2010 – 70/1 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Stephen E. Sandstrom (R-Orem)

This bill modifies weapons provisions of the Utah Criminal Code on carrying, displaying, and using a dangerous weapon.

• H.B. 93 – Motorcycle and Off-Highway Vehicle Amendments – Feb. 26^th 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Ronda R. Menlove (R-Garland)

This bill modifies the Motor Vehicles Code by amending provisions relating to wearing protective headgear while operating a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or off-highway vehicle.

• 1S.H.B. 214 – Concealed Firearm Permit Modifications – Feb. 26^th 2010 – 73/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Rebecca D. Lockhart (R-Provo)

This bill modifies provisions of the Concealed Weapon Act and related provisions dealing with the issuance, denial, and revocation of a concealed firearm permit.

• 3S.S.B. 43 – Post-Retirement Employment Amendments – Feb. 26^th 2010 – 55/20 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Daniel R. Liljenquist, Rep. Brad L. Dee (R-Ogden)

This bill modifies the Utah State Retirement and Insurance Benefit Act by amending provisions related to a retiree who returns to work for a participating employer, and the restriction on the maximum retirement allowance certain employees can accrue.

• 3S.S.B. 63 – New Public Employees’ Tier II Contributory Retirement Act – Feb. 26^th 2010 – 46/26 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Daniel R. Loljenquist, Rep. Brad L. Dee (R-Ogden)

This bill modifies the Utah State Retirement and Insurance Benefit Act to provide for modified retirement benefits for new public employees and new public safety and firefighter employees.

• 2S.H.B. 139 – Emergency and Disaster Management Amendments – Feb. 26^th 2010 – 68/2 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Curtis Oda (R-Clearfield)

This bill amends the Disaster Recovery Funding Act, the Disaster Response and Recovery Act, and related provisions to address the expenditure of monies relating to a declared disaster, the governor’s powers during a state of emergency, and related reporting requirements to the Legislative Management Committee or the Executive Appropriations Committee.

• 1S.H.B. 324 – Public Lands Litigation – Feb. 26^th 2010 – 56/16 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Kenneth W. Sumsion (R-American Fork)

This bill directs the attorney general to file certain eminent domain actions.

• S.B. 124 – Military Installation Development Authority Modifications – Feb. 26^th 2010 – 62/9 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Jerry W, Stevenson, Rep. Brad L. Dee (R-Ogden)

This bill amends provisions of the Military Installation Development Authority Act.

Utah State Legislature Highlights for February 16^th – 19^th

^{composed by the Media Relations Coordinator for the House GOP}

This week the Utah House of Representatives passed Speaker David Clark’s health care reform bill.  The Health System Reform Amendments would impose several requirements on insurance companies that participate in the Utah Health Exchange, an online insurance market.  In regards to the bill Speaker Clark said, “We’re asking to give individuals more responsibilities, to give them the tools to be more informed decision makers when it comes to their own personal health care options.” The Health System Reform Amendments now moves to the Senate.

Also happening this week, Legislators were given final budget figures with state revenues estimated to be an additional $50 million short in the next fiscal year.  House Budget Chairman Ron Bigelow says the budget gap for next year now stands at $700 million and that revenue estimates could have been worse and that this means Utah has seen the worst of it.

A modest proposal to the federal government: Let Utah do it, written by Senate President Michael G. Waddoups and House Speaker David Clark published in The Washington Post this week, discusses “a modest experiment” concerning the expansion of the federal government over the years.  Their proposed idea is to allow states to dominate those most important programs that are being heavily funded by the federal government; issues concerning education, Medicaid, and others. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/02/18/AR2010021803978.html

To get an in-depth look at what Rep. Brad Dee, the majority whip in the Utah State House of Representatives, thinks about ways Utah can be fiscally conservative read his opinion piece titled, Lessons learned. It appeared in the Standard Examiner this week. http://www.standard.net/topics/opinion/2010/02/13/lessons-learned

Up next week, a package of ethics bills already passed by the Utah House will be making their way through the Senate Ethics Committee Monday. 

These are all bills that passed the House this week with the help of the majority. (Note: Clicking on the title of a bill, which is in blue, will take you to the full version.) 

• H.B. 184 – Medicaid Autism Waiver – Feb. 16^th 2010 – 70/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ray (R-Clearfield)

This bill pertains to the administration of the state’s Medicaid program, concerning autism.

• H.B. 257 – Dietitian Certification Act Amendments – Feb. 16^th 2010 – 68/5 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Merlynn T. Newbold (R-South Jordan)

This bill removes the established sunset date of the Dietician Certification Act.

• S.B. 97 – Farmland Assessment Act Amendments – Feb. 16^th 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. David p. Hinkins, Rep. Kerry W. Gibson (R-Ogden)

This bill allows land subject to a forest stewardship plan to be assessed on the basis of the value that the land has for agricultural use if the land otherwise qualifies to be assessed on that basis.

• H.J.R. 22 – Joint Resolution Recognizing the 75^th Anniversary of the Utah Highway Patrol – Feb. 16^th 2010 – 75/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Don L. Ipson (R-St.George)

This Joint Resolution recognizes the 75^th anniversary of the Utah Highway Patrol.

• H.C.R. 8 – Concurrent Resolution on Federal Health Care Reform – Feb. 16^th 2010 – 57/15 votes – Sponsored by Speaker David Clark (R-Santa Clara)

This concurrent resolution urges Congress to refuse to pass any health care legislation that contains certain provisions, to pass health care legislation with specific provisions, and to grandfather certain state laws, regulations, and practices.

• H.B. 25 – Health Reform – Administrative Simplification – Feb. 16^th 2010 – 70/1 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Merlynn T. Newbold (R-South Jordan)

This bill amends provisions related to administrative simplification of the coordination of health insurance benefits as provided in divorce decrees, child support orders, and the Insurance Code.

• H.B. 52 – Health Reform – Uniform Electronic Standards – Insurance Information – Feb. 16^th 2010 – 74/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Merlynn T. Newbold (R-South Jordan)

This bill amends provisions related to the use of uniform electronic standards for health insurance claims processing, insurance eligibility, and coordination of benefits.

• H.B. 294 – Health System Reform Amendments – Feb. 16^th 2010 – 62/13 votes – Sponsored by Speaker David Clark (R-Santa Clara)

This bill amends provisions related to health system reform for the insurance market, health care providers, the Health Code, and the Office of Consumer Health Services.

• S.C.R. 5 – Concurrent Resolution Recognizing the 100 Year Anniversary of the McKay-Dee Hospital – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 69/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Jon H. Greiner, Rep. C. Brent Wallis (R-Ogden)

This concurrent resolution recognizes the 100^th anniversary of McKay-Dee Hospital and the tremendous contribution the hospital, and those who have guided it through the years, have made to the citizens of the state of Utah.

• 1S.S.B. 90 – Mental Health Professional Practice Act Amendments – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 69/0 votes – Sponsored Sen. Lyle W. Hillyard, Rep. Ronda R. Menlove (R-Garland)

This bill amends provisions of the Mental Health Professional Practice Act.

• S.B. 53 – Voter Challenge Revisions – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 73/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Peter C. Knudson, Rep. Craig A. Frank (R-Cedar Hills)

This bill modifies provisions in the Election Code relating to the procedures for challenging a person’s eligibility to vote.

• S.B. 29 – Amendments to Individual Income Tax Definition of Resident Individual – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 73/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Curtis S. Bramble, Rep. Wayne A. Harper (R-West Jordan)

This bill amends the Individual Income Tax Act to modify the definition of resident individual.

• H.B. 118 – Economic Development Incentives Modifications – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 50/22 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Wayne A. Harper (R-West Jordan)

This bill modifies economic development provisions of Title 63M, Chapter 1, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, related to the Industrial Assistance Fund.

• S.J.R. 9 – Joint Resolution Approving Compensation of In-Session Employees – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Scott K. Jenkins, Rep. Kevin S. Garn (R-Layton)

This resolution fixes the compensation for legislative in-session employees for 2010.

• 3S.S.B. 22 – Notary Public Amendments – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 69/2 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Peter C. Knudson, Rep. Fred R. Hunsaker (R-Logan)

This bill modifies the Notaries Public Reform Act, pertaining to persons licensed to practice law performing a notarial act.

• 1S.H.B. 235 – Child Support for Children in State Custody – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 73/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Wayne A. Harper (R-West Jordan)

This bill amends provisions of the Utah Human Services Code relating to the collection of child support for a child who is in state custody.

• H.B. 113 – Child Restraint Device Amendments – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 24/47 votes FAIL – Sponsored by Rep. Christopher N. Herrod (R-Provo)

This bill modifies the Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Usage Act by amending provisions relating to child restraint device requirements.

• H.B. 250 – Criminal Penalties Amendments – Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 56/3 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Christopher N. Herrod (R-Provo)

This bill modifies the Motor Vehicles Code by amending provisions relating to leaving the scene of a motor vehicle traffic accident.

• H.B. 68 – Habitual Wanton Destruction of Wildlife – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 39/32 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Curtis Oda (R-Clearfield)

This bill elevates to a third degree felony a third violation of the crime of wanton destruction of protected wildlife.

• 1S.H.B. 114 – Education Institutions – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 56/16 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Carl Wimmer (R-Herriman)

This bill requires a higher education institution to disclose to the Board of Regents certain gifts received from a foreign person and provides the method of disclosure.

• H.B. 271 – Hunting Guides and Outfitters Licensing Act Amendments – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 70/1 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Evan J. Vickers (R-Cedar City)

This bill amends provisions of the Hunting Guides and Outfitters Licensing Act.

• H.B. 261 – Financial Responsibility of Motor Vehicle Owners and Operators Act Amendments – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Richard A. Greenwood (R-Roy)

This bill modifies the Financial Responsibility of Motor Vehicle Owners and Operators Act by amending provisions relating to evidence of insurance requirements.

• 1S.H.J.R. 9 – Resolution in Support of Veterans’ Nursing Home – Feb. 17^th 2010 – 73/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Curtis Oda (R-Clearfield)

This joint resolution encourages the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize Utah for the construction of an additional veterans’ nursing home.

• 1S.H.B. 186 – Controlled Substance Database Revisions – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 60/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Ronda R. Menlove (R-Garland)

This bill permits employees of the Department of Health to have access to information in the controlled substance database in relation to a person whom the Department of Health suspects may be improperly obtaining or providing a controlled substance.

• H.B. 299 – Amendments Related to Substances Harmful to Pregnancy – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 68/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Ronda R. Menlove (R-Garland)

This bill modifies the Utah Health Code related to efforts to inform people of the effects of consuming alcohol during pregnancy.

• H.C.R. 9 – Autism, Disabilities, and Faith Concurrent Resolution – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 68/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Ronda R. Menlove (R-Garland)

This resolution designates April 26 – May 2 as Autism, Disabilities, and Faith Week.

• S.B. 30 – Local Option Sales and Use Taxes for Transportation Act – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 69/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Wayne L. Niederhauser, Rep. R. Curt Webb (R-Logan)

This bill amends the Sales and Use Tax Act to address local option sales and use taxes for transportation.

• S.B. 57 – Local School Board Budget Procedures – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 70/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Dennis E. Stowell, Rep. Evan J. Vickers (R-Cedar City)

This bill modifies requirements regarding notice of a public hearing on a proposed school district budget and public disclosure of a proposed school district budget.

• S.B. 19 – Vehicle Safety Flags on Off-Highway Vehicles – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 66/5 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Brent H. Goodfellow, Rep. Larry B. Wiley (R-West Valley City)

This bill modifies the Off-Highway Vehicles Code by amending provisions relating to off-highway vehicle equipment requirements.

• S.B. 104 – Renewable Energy Modifications – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Stephen H. Urquhart, Rep. Don L. Ipson (R-St. George)

This bill includes certain compressed air energy storage technology as a renewable energy source.

• S.B. 122 – Eminent Domain Revisions – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 64/6 votes  (Reconsideration: 68/4 votes) – Sponsored by Sen. J. Stuart Adams, Rep. Michael T. Morley (R-Spanish Fork)

This bill amends provisions relating to the right to exercise eminent domain.

• H.B. 269 – Solemnizing Marriages Amendment – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 65/7 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Douglas C. Aagard (R-Kaysville)

This bill allows all employees of the office responsible for the issuance of marriage licenses to be deputized to solemnize marriages.

• H.B. 279 – County Recorder Amendments – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 69/2 votes – Sponsored by Rep. R. Curt Webb (R-Logan)

This bill modifies relating to county recorders.

• 2S.H.B. 259 – Property Tax Amendments – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 66/5 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Wayne A. Harper (R-West Jordan)

This bill modifies provisions relating to property tax.

• H.B. 126 – State Construction Registry Amendments – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 65/7 votes – Sponsored by Rep. R. Curt Webb (R-Logan)

This bill modifies provisions relating to the state construction registry, concerning such things as the filing of a notice of commencement, who is required to file a preliminary notice, and so on.

• 2S.S.B. 114 – Motor Vehicle Accident Reports – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 68/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Dennis E. Stowell, Rep. Rebecca D. Lockhart (R-Provo)

This bill modifies the Traffic Code by amending provisions relating to motor vehicle accident reports.

• H.B. 260 – Children’s Health Insurance Plan Simplified Renewal – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 69/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Merlynn T. Newbold (R-South Jordan)

This bill establishes a process for simplified renewal of benefits under the Children’s Health Insurance Plan.

• H.B. 284 – Uniform Collaborative Law Act – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Lorie D. Fowlke (R-Orem)

This bill created the Utah Uniform Collaborative Law Act.

• H.B. 125 – Kidnapping and Sex Offender Registry Amendments – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Ron Bigelow (R-West Valley City)

This bill removes simple kidnapping from the list of offenses for the registry.

• H.B. 120 – Underground Storage Tank Amendments – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 61/11 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Kay L. McIff (R-Richfield)

This bill amends Title 19, Chapter 6, Part 4, Underground Storage Tank Act, increasing coverage limits and maximum loan amounts for Petroleum Storage Tank Trust and Loan Fund.

• H.B. 285 – Practice of Veterinary Medicine – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. John G. Mathis (R-Vernal)

This bill amends the definition of “practice of veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry.”

• H.B. 116 – Political Subdivision Facility Energy Efficiency – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 74/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Fred R. Hunsaker (R-Logan)

This bill authorizes a political subdivision to enter into an energy savings agreement.

• 1S.H.B. 283 Fees in Special Service Districts – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. John G. Mathis (R-Vernal)

This bill prohibits a legislative body from delegating to an administrative control board of a special service district the power to establish or increase a fee.

• H.B. 273 – Utah International Trade Commission Amendments – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Eric K. Hutchings (R-Kearns)

This bill modifies provisions of Title 36, Chapter 26, of the Utah International Trade Commission.

• H.B. 302 – Minor Adjustments to County Boundaries – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 69/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Patrick Painter (R-Nephi)

This bill amends provisions relating to minor adjustments to county boundaries.

• H.B. 183 – Construction and Fire Code Related Amendments – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Michael T. Morley (R-Spanish Fork)

This bill modifies the Utah Fire Prevention and Safety Act and Utah Uniform Building Standards Act to address the process for adopting and modifying a state construction code or state fire code.

• 1S.H.B. 227 – Licensing Eligibility – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 32/40 FAILED – Sponsored by Rep. Stephen E. Sandstrom (R-Orem)

This bill requires applicants for various licenses to provide the licensing authority with documentation of their lawful presence in the United States.

• 1S.H.B. 275 – Division of Real Estate Amendments – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Gage Froerer (R-Hunstville)

This bill modifies provisions related to the Division of Real Estates’ regulation of the appraisal, mortgage, and real estate industries.

• H.B. 115 – Counsel for Indigents in Juvenile Court Proceedings – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 68/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Kraig Powell (R-Heber City)

This bill limits the scope of services the county is responsible for when counsel is appointed for an indigent in juvenile court to the proceedings for which counsel is appointed.

• 1S.H.B. 178 – Bureau of Criminal Identification Fee Amendments – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 52/20 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Eric K. Hutchings (R-Kearns)

This bill modifies fees charged for services provided by the Bureau of Criminal Identification.

• 1S.H.B. 234 – Opting out of the Real ID Act – Feb. 18^th 2010 – 68/3 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Stephen E. Sandstrom (R-Orem)

This bill modifies the uniform Driver License Act by amending provisions relating to the federal REAL ID Act of 2005.

• S.B. 125 – Intangible Property Amendments – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 68/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Curtis S. Bramble, Rep. Kevin S. Garn (R-Layton)

This bill expands the definition of intangible property for property tax purposes to include renewable energy tax credits and incentives.

• 1S.S.B. 48 – Nonlapsing Authority Technical Amendments – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 70/0 votes – Sponsored by Sen. Ralph Okerlund, Rep. Julie Fisher (R-Fruit Heights)

This bill modifies the Budgetary Procedures Act to reorganize the list of nonlapsing funds.

• 1S.H.B. 20 – Amendments to Health Insurance Coverage in State Contracts – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 70/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. James A. Dunnigan (R-Taylorsville)

This bill amends provisions related to the requirement that contractors with certain state entities must provide qualified health insurance to their employees and the dependents of the employees who work or reside in the state.

• 1S.H.B. 39 – Insurance Related Amendments – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 73/0 – Sponsored by Rep. James A. Dunnigan (R-Taylorsville)

This bill modifies the Insurance Code and related provisions to make various amendments.

• 1S.H.B. 75 – Assessment Area Amendments – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 70/0 – Sponsored by Rep. Gage Froerer (R-Huntsville)

This bill amends provisions of the Assessment Area Act.

• H.B. 88 – Electronic Cigarette Restrictions – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Ronda R. Menlove (R-Garland)

This bill places restrictions on the provisions, obtaining, and possession of electronic cigarettes.

• 1S.H.B. 219 – Delinquent Property Tax Amendments – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 64/9 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Gage Froerer (R-Huntsville)

This bill amends provisions in the Property Tax Act related to the imposition and payment of delinquent taxes.

• H.B. 276 – Sex Offender Registry Amendment – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Paul Ray (R-Clearfield)

This bill amends the definitions applicable to the sex offender registry provisions to include in the definition of conviction those convictions obtained under any state, federal, or military court.

• H.B. 240 – Department of Natural Resources Amendments – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 53/19 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Jack R. Draxler (R-North Logan)

This bill amends provisions related to the Department of Natural Resources and its powers and duties.

• 1S.H.C.R. 2 – Concurrent Resolution on States’ Rights – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 57/13 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Julie Fisher (R-Fruit Heights)

This concurrent resolution urges the federal government and United States Congress to repeal and prohibit regulations and laws that do or would infringe upon the rights of states under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

• H.J.R. 23 – Joint Resolution Approving the Sale of Real Property at the Utah State Developmental Center – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 71/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Craig A. Frank (R-Cedar Hills)

This joint resolution grants approval for the sale of a parcel of land associated with the Utah State Developmental Center by the Division of Facilities Construction and Management.

• 1S.H.B. 304 – Lieutenant Governor Amendments – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 58/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Eric K. Hutchings (R-Kearns)

This bill prohibits the lieutenant governor from certifying a document in certain circumstances.

• 1S.H.B. 282 – Local Government Amendments – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 63/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Stephen E. Sandstrom (R-Orem)

This bill amends the definition of “educational facility.”

• H.B. 176 – Continuing Education Requirements for Electricians and Plumbers – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 38/34 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Wayne A. Harper (R-West Jordan)

This bill establishes continuing education requirements for electricians and plumbers, and also requires the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to establish a continuing education program and provides for its administration.

• H.B. 306 – Terrorism Amendments – Feb. 19^th 2010 – 72/0 votes – Sponsored by Rep. Eric K. Hutchings (R-Kearns)

This bill modifies the definition and use of the word terrorism in the Utah Code.