Lawmakers in Salt Lake City continued their work this week as the Legislature wrapped up its second week in session. New bills are still being introduced, committees are advancing legislation, and some measures have already cleared one chamber as lawmakers inch closer to the March 6 sine die.
As always, you can follow the bills we’re tracking in real time and contact your lawmakers through the Libertas Legislative Tracker.
Here’s a recap of what happened this week:
- House Bill 126, sponsored by Rep. Ariel Defay, will make it easier to start microschools by providing clarity and expediting the process for founders who wish to open one. It cleared the House Political Subdivisions Committee this week. Jon England, our Education Policy Analyst, testified in support of this bill at the Capitol.
- Legislation to provide needed safeguards for license plate readers has been introduced. HB 327 is sponsored by Rep. Kristen Chevrier. This bill provides expectations for data security, limits how long information can be retained, and establishes transparent reporting requirements so Utahns can see how this technology is being used.
- Bills have been introduced in the House and Senate to lower the individual and corporate income tax rates from 4.5% to 4.45%. Senate Bill 60 is sponsored by Sen. Daniel McCay, while HB 235 is sponsored by Rep. Kay Christofferson.
- HB 170, sponsored by Rep. Rex Shipp, clarifies and streamlines the process for voters within a school district to use a referendum to weigh in on certain school board actions, including tax changes.
- SB 217, sponsored by Sen. Kirk Cullimore, allows for uninspected food to be sold at third-party stores, a sales tax exemption at said stores and farmers’ markets, and the complete deregulation of raw milk production and sale.
- HB 379, sponsored by Rep. Tracy Miller, will let daycares make lunch. Specifically, this lowers the kitchen requirements for child care facilities in the state.
- HB 353, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox, requires the Utah System of Higher Education to find ways to streamline credit transfers for graduation requirements outside of the USHE system.
This is just a snapshot at this early point in the session. We will be back next week with more updates.
