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2024 Legislative Session – Week 7

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Friday marked the end of the 2024 Legislative Session. This year, the Legislature balanced a $29.4 billion budget and made strategic generational investments in education, social services, infrastructure, economic development, energy and water. I also worked on legislation to curb social media companies and protect children from abusive parents. 

I appreciated all those in our community who participated in the legislative process. I enjoyed meeting with you, hearing your feedback and learning how to better serve our district.

Watch my latest video update below.

Combating Inflation with Tax Cuts

Over the past four years, the Utah Legislature has reduced taxes by more than $1.3 billion. To continue Utah’s commitment to lowering taxes and cultivating a family and business-friendly environment, the Legislature provided $170 million in tax relief during the 2024 General Session. An income tax cut helps Utah remain competitive and makes the state an even more desirable place to live. 

Increasing Supply for First-Time Homebuyers

Homeownership and affordability are vital to keeping the American Dream alive. As a Legislature, we are working to equip cities with multiple tools to increase affordable housing. S.B. 268 First Home Investment Act will enable cities to develop a first home investment zone that would foster the development of more cost-effective housing solutions by promoting mixed-use development and optimizing land-use planning within urban areas.

Preserving Utah’s Water Supply

Having a reliable supply of fresh water is essential to maintaining our high quality of life. This session, we built on our previous water legislation and made additional investments into our state’s water future. We allocated funds to preserve the Great Salt Lake and passed legislation to ensure we have a secure water supply for generations to come.

Protecting Children from Abusive Parents

A few weeks ago, I highlighted H.B. 272 Child Custody Proceedings Amendments, which works to protect children from abusive parents. H.B. 272, deemed “Om’s Law,” was named after Om, a 16-year-old Utahn who was murdered by his father during court-ordered, unsupervised parent time. Om’s mother had fought tirelessly for custody in the family court system without success before Om’s murder. Abusive parents regularly use the family court system to harm children, often with little oversight. H.B. 272 changes that. The bill passed the Legislature and will make it so the court considers evidence of abuse and domestic violence and why a child is refusing contact with a parent.

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2024 Legislative Session – Week 6

Friends and Neighbors,

We are in the final week of the 2024 Legislative Session! It’s been a busy session and I am excited to continue passing meaningful legislation to improve our district and state. 

Thank you to all who attended Saturday’s Bills and Bagels event. We had a great turnout and I enjoyed answering your questions and hearing your feedback. 

Budget Recommendations

Last week, the Executive Appropriations Committee met to approve budget recommendations that will now be considered by the full Legislature. The total state budget is over $28 billion. We will continue to refine it and ultimately approve the final budget before the session ends this Friday. 

This year’s budget recommendations bolster Utah’s long-standing legacy of fiscal responsibility. The budget recommendations include strategic investments across vital sectors, including education, social services, infrastructure, energy and water, while providing Utahns with an income tax cut for the fourth consecutive year. These targeted investments serve as the bedrock for future economic expansion, catalyzing innovation and bolstering competitiveness on a global scale.

You can read the full budget recommendations here.

Budget Recommendations

Last week, the Executive Appropriations Committee met to approve budget recommendations that will now be considered by the full Legislature. The total state budget is over $28 billion. We will continue to refine it and ultimately approve the final budget before the session ends this Friday. 

This year’s budget recommendations bolster Utah’s long-standing legacy of fiscal responsibility. The budget recommendations include strategic investments across vital sectors, including education, social services, infrastructure, energy and water, while providing Utahns with an income tax cut for the fourth consecutive year. These targeted investments serve as the bedrock for future economic expansion, catalyzing innovation and bolstering competitiveness on a global scale.

You can read the full budget recommendations here

Utah’s Water Security

Water is the lifeline of Utah’s economy, agriculture and communities. The state’s growing population and economy rely on a steady and sustainable water supply. Just as early settlers had the foresight to manage water resources to establish thriving communities in an arid climate, today, we are working with the same mindset to ensure Utah has long-term plans for sustainable water access. 

S.B. 211 Generational Water Infrastructure Amendments addresses Utah’s long-term need for adequate and reliable water. The bill creates the Water District Water Development Council and a Water Project Executive Agent to plan for and develop generational water infrastructure projects that look 50-75 years into the future.

Addressing the Mental Health Crisis

Suicide is currently the 9th leading cause of death in Utah and the primary cause among individuals ages 10-24. This pressing mental health crisis demands our attention and immediate action. 

In July 2022, the 988 suicide prevention hotline was launched. This service, which originated in Utah, offers confidential, 24/7 support to those with suicidal thoughts or experiencing mental health crises. This hotline includes all the critical components of a crisis system: someone to call, someone to respond and somewhere to go. All who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings or are having a mental health crisis are encouraged to dial 988 and speak with a professional.

In addition to 988, the Legislature has worked to make mental health resources more readily available. Understanding that good data drives good policy, H.B. 139 Mental Health Treatment Study requires the Office of Substance Use and Mental Health to conduct a study on the delivery and accessibility of mental health services throughout the state. The study will identify resources and funding for mental health treatment models that prevent crisis intervention, barriers to access, and funding gaps. 

Honoring Fallen Firefighters

No words can express the appreciation we feel for our fallen firefighters and their families. I am grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to them on the Senate floor. The safety we enjoy come at a significant price, and I offer my thanks to the courageous men and women who selflessly sacrifice their all to keep Utahns safe.

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2024 Legislative Session – Week 5 Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Happy Presidents’ Day! Today, we celebrate and remember Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Their leadership during two monumental periods in our nation’s history will never be forgotten. I am grateful for their examples and courage in the face of adversity.

I am excited to invite you to the second Bills and Bagels in South County! It will be held this Saturday from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Nebo School District Office in Spanish Fork. I will be joined by other state legislators to discuss the 2024 General Session. Breakfast will be provided starting at 7:15 a.m. I look forward to answering your questions and seeing you all there!

Each Friday, I post a video update about the session on my Facebook page.

Water Conservation and Optimization

The Legislature celebrated Water Week, a week where we focus on legislation aimed at water conservation, agricultural water optimization and water security. One of my bills, S.B. 118, creates a grant program to offset the cost difference between traditional and xeriscape landscaping in new home construction. It is a step toward promoting water conservation and sustainable development. Xeriscaping not only conserves water but also minimizes maintenance requirements and supports biodiversity, offering long-term cost savings for homeowners and developers. 

Another water bill we passed this week is S.B. 18, which recognizes the critical role of agriculture in our state. The bill acknowledges the necessity of ensuring farmers have access to the water required for successful cultivation and encourages them to use it in the most efficient manner possible. This bill allows the agricultural community to save, monetize and sell their excess water while maintaining their water rights.

Protecting Youth from the Harms of Social Media

Social media is an extremely harmful product for our youth. Last week, I presented my social media bill to the Senate Business and Labor Committee. During the presentation, we heard from leading experts around the world and Utahns who have had first-hand experiences with the detrimental effects of social media.

My goal is to help protect our youth and give parents additional resources. S.B. 194 works to protect minors by creating default privacy settings, disabling addictive design features, and adding supervisory tools for parents.

S.B. 194 passed committee and will now be heard on the Senate floor.

Celebrating Olympic Marathon Runners

Last week, I had the honor of hosting Conner Mantz and Clayton Young at the Capitol. Both Conner and Clayton qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic marathon by taking 1st and 2nd place in the U.S. Olympic trials earlier this month. Their remarkable finish and astounding display of sportsmanship have inspired many athletes and Americans. Conner and Clayton represent the best of Utah and the United States. I am proud of what they have accomplished and can’t wait to watch them compete in the Olympics this summer. 

You can watch them crossing the finish line at the Olympic trials here and the recognition on the Senate floor here.

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2024 Legislative Session – Week 4 Update

Friends and Neighbors, 

We are more than halfway through the 2024 General Legislative Session and time is certainly moving quickly. In the coming weeks, we will focus on passing bills that will have regional and statewide impact. 

The legislative process only functions with input and feedback from those we represent. I appreciate the engagement from our district this session, and I hope you will continue to stay involved and reach out with feedback.

Each Friday, I post a video update about the session on my Facebook page. Watch last week’s update below.

Protecting Youth from the Harms of Social Media

Utah is leading the nation with landmark legislation to help safeguard kids and teens from the growing mental health crisis tied to social media. In our state, 88% of parents believe social media has a detrimental impact on children and youth, and nearly half of teens nationwide, ages 13 to 17, said using social media makes them feel worse. A staggering 53% of teen girls in Utah have persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a 61% increase since the invention of social media. 

I am sponsoring S.B. 194 and my colleague is sponsoring H.B. 464 to protect minors from harmful product features and to empower parents. These bills continue the work of Utah’s previous landmark legislation to provide parents with enhanced tools and resources, including a strict age-verification process, default privacy settings and tools for overseeing a minor’s account. 

It also requires social media companies to offer parents and legal guardians tools, including setting time limits, scheduling mandatory breaks, viewing total and daily average use time and seeing connected accounts. 

I won’t stand by while social media companies exploit our youth. I will continue to put social media companies on notice and make sure parents have the tools necessary to protect their kids.

The Budget Process

Week four marks the last time appropriation subcommittees will meet during the session. Over the past three weeks, we have heard funding requests from constituents, organizations and stakeholders. Last week, we met as subcommittees and ranked all funding items in a master list. The lists will now be sent to the Executive Appropriations Committee for a final ranking. As the end of the session nears, these lists, along with the fiscal notes from all bills passed, will be consolidated into the final budget bill – known as the “Bill of Bills.”

In Utah, we are committed to balancing our budget. We never spend more than we have and are conscious to save funds in case of economic downturns. 

You can learn more about the budget process and see what funding requests have been submitted here.

Citation Honoring Utah Firefighter Crews

Our Forestry, Fire and State Lands’ Fire Program and its wildland firefighting crews had a busy year in 2023. They spent over 100 days assigned to wildfire incidents, completing 25 hazardous fuels projects in the state and providing crucial support to over 30 fires across the country. It was our privilege to issue them an honorary citation on the chamber floor for their dedication to protecting our communities, enhancing our state’s resilience against wildfires and educating Utahns on proactive wildfire prevention. We are deeply indebted to the remarkable men and women who selflessly risk their lives to protect our state. 

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2024 Legislative Session – Week 3 Update

Friends and Neighbors,

Thank you to those who participated in Saturday’s Bills and Bagels event. We had over 130 in attendance and discussed a range of topics including education, DEI, law enforcement, energy, Highway 6, and more. The next Bills and Bagels will be on February 24th at the Nebo School District Office. 

A total of 707 bills have been numbered this legislative session with 44 bills passing both the House and Senate. With four weeks remaining, there’s still a substantial workload, but significant progress has been made. Below I have highlighted legislation and events that occurred this past week. 

Each Friday, I post a video update about the session on my Facebook page. This week, I discuss water conservation, tax cuts and education. Watch the video below. 

Tax Cuts

For the past three years, the Legislature has cut taxes by over $1 billion while ensuring funding for the most vital parts of our society, including historic funding for education and social services. S.B. 69 Income Tax Amendments reduce the state income tax, making it possible for Utahns to keep more of their hard-earned money. S.B. 69 passed the Senate and will now be considered by the House.

Protecting Children from Abusive Parents

Last year, Om, a 16-year-old Utahn, was murdered by his father during court-ordered, unsupervised parent time. Despite 14 years of his mother warning the court of his father’s violent abuse, Om was senselessly killed. Om’s story isn’t unique. Abusive parents regularly use the family court system to harm children, often with little oversight. Our goal is to change that. 

I am sponsoring H.B. 272 Child Custody Proceedings Amendments (Om’s Law) which puts children’s safety first. The bill makes it so the court must consider evidence of abuse and domestic violence and why a child is refusing contact with a parent. The bill will be heard this week in the House Judiciary Committee. 

Energy Independence

Investing in the state’s energy capabilities is a top priority this session. Utah is making considerable progress toward energy independence and a secure energy future. 

Securing Utah’s energy future is about more than keeping the lights on – it’s about ensuring we have reliable energy resources for generations to come. When it comes to energy, we’re applying an “all of the above” approach. We cannot rely on one energy source alone. We’re looking at any and all energy resources to ensure power remains affordable and reliable.

Learn more about our energy objectives and bills here.

National Hockey League Expansion

Utah is the state of sports. Following last week’s resolution supporting a Major League Baseball team, we passed S.J.R. 12 Joint Resolution Supporting a National Hockey League Franchise in Utah. With our state’s strong ties to winter sports and the renowned “greatest snow on earth,” Utah presents an ideal destination for a National Hockey League (NHL) expansion.

The resolution highlights Utah’s robust economy and tight-knit communities, perfectly positioned to sustain major league sports franchises. Our proud legacy of hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics and Paralympics further underscores our suitability as a NHL location.

Recognizing Utah’s Service Members of the Year

The Utah Service Member of the Year award recognizes outstanding performers from the state’s major military entities, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Space Force. The Senate honored these fine service members and their families for their ongoing service and sacrifice. These service members represent the best of the military in Utah and I am grateful for their dedication. Watch the recognition here.

Utah Leaders Visit Texas Border

The crisis at the border continues to be a growing concern for states. President Biden’s open border policies threaten our national security. This weekend, Gov. Cox and other state leaders visited our nation’s border and witnessed first-hand the tough decisions Texas has had to make because the federal government has failed to act. 

Securing our nation’s borders should be one of the federal government’s top priorities. In the Utah Legislature, we have no control over national immigration policies. However, we will continue to support local law enforcement to keep Utahns safe.

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2024 Legislative Session – Week 2 Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,   

Week two of the 2024 General Session is in the books. I appreciate all the emails and calls from those of you who have reached out over the past two weeks. Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. Your opinion matters to me and I want to do my best to represent our district in the Legislature. 

On that note, I would like to invite you to Bills and Bagels in South County this Saturday from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Nebo School District Office in Spanish Fork. I will be joined by other state legislators to discuss the 2024 General Session. Breakfast will be provided starting at 7:15 a.m. I look forward to seeing you there! 

Additionally, each Friday, I post a video update about the session. This week, I discuss how Utah is monitoring the border crisis, combating inflation through tax cuts and more. Watch the most recent video below. 

Social Media Legislation

In Utah, we care deeply about teen mental health. As a parent, I have seen firsthand how social media can have a negative impact on our teens. New documents from our state’s lawsuit against TikTok share how the company knew it was harming teens. I am continuing to work on legislation to give parents more tools to protect their children from social media companies.

Base Budget Bills

As the Legislature, our constitutional responsibility is to pass a balanced budget before the close of the general legislative session. It is a responsibility we take seriously. As such, we spend the first few weeks of the session meeting in appropriations subcommittees considering how we allocate money for public education, social services, transportation and more. 

Eight appropriations subcommittees prepare base budgets for their assigned subject area over the first couple of weeks of the session. These subcommittee base budgets are passed in the early weeks of the session, allowing the state to continue functioning at a basic level and preventing the state government from shutting down. Then, typically during the final week of the session, we pass what is known as the “Bill of Bills,” which is the comprehensive budget bill that includes additional appropriations not included in the base budgets. Learn more here.

Notable Legislation

S.C.R. 2 Utah Association of Counties Resolution

The Utah Association of Counties (UAC) plays a pivotal role in Utah’s track record of good governance. With a crucial role in supporting the 29 counties across our state, UAC enables counties to offer the best possible services to their citizens. They represent the counties in the Legislature, advocate for their needs, provide training to county officials and work to improve county government outcomes. As the government entities closest to the people, counties benefit significantly from UAC’s vital services.

This month marks the 100th anniversary of UAC. Here at the Legislature, we honored their timeless contributions to Utah by passing a resolution in support of their organization while welcoming numerous county commissioners onto the Senate floor. UAC’s tireless efforts contribute significantly to Utah’s standing as one of the best places to live in America, which we acknowledge with deep gratitude. For more insights into UAC and to read the resolution, click here.
 

S.C.R. 3 Concurrent Resolution Supporting Major League Baseball in Utah

Baseball is America’s favorite pastime. Its history, deeply rooted in American culture, has brought countless contributions to our society and generational connections. It is only fitting that one of the greatest sports comes to the greatest state in the nation. My colleagues and I are working hard to bring a Major League Baseball franchise to the Beehive State. This week we passed S.C.R. 3 Concurrent Resolution Supporting Major League Baseball in Utah. Recognizing Utah as a prime location, the resolution highlights our advantageous geographic position, proven track record in hosting successful sports events, community-centric values and robust economy.

Beyond the thrill of the game, the resolution emphasizes the significant economic and cultural benefits a professional baseball team and ballpark would bring to Utah. Enabling greater accessibility and affordability for Utahns to enjoy sporting events, this decision will have a positive impact for generations. Utah is poised and eager to become the permanent home of a professional baseball franchise, further enriching our state’s cultural and sporting legacy.
 

S.B. 98 Online Data Security and Privacy Amendments 

Over the past few years, there has been an effort by stakeholders, organizations, businesses and national security task forces to review security and privacy to better identify the duties of the state cybersecurity centers and departments. As part of this push, S.B. 98 will ensure more secure domains and information online. 

The bill enhances and clarifies the data breach notification responsibility, outlining the reporting process and requirements when these breaches occur. It grants the Utah Cyber Center the rulemaking authority to set a framework for notification responsibilities and reporting requirements for government entities, an industry best practice. The Utah Cyber Center will utilize information technology directors, cybersecurity professionals or equivalent individuals representing political subdivisions to perform necessary duties. Also, the bill requires certain government entities to use authorized domain names and sets a timeline for when they should implement this. Learn more here.

Great Salt Lake Update

Great Salt Lake Commissioner Brian Steed provided a status update on the Great Salt Lake. He shared some of the goals for the lake, including land use planning, developing a long-term funding plan, exploring potential water supply augmentation and developing a split season lease program to acquire the water the lake needs.

One of the main concerns is dust pollution. Dust mitigation could require high upfront and ongoing costs. Thankfully, the lakebed has a thick crust that will keep the dust down; however, mitigating it is a long-term goal.

Additionally, the lake’s south arm has seen a notable increase, with healthier salinity and higher water levels than in 2022. While it is still a work in progress, there has been an increased understanding of the costs associated with a drying lake. 

Listen to the full report presented in the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee here.

Recognition of Uzbekistan Representative to the United Nations

This week, I recognized the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United Nations, Mr. Ulugbek Lapasov, on the Senate floor. Since its founding, Utah is known as the crossroads of the West. Likewise, Uzbekistan was the crossroads of the world for hundreds of years as trade flowed along the Silk Road. Ambassador Lapasov came to Utah to build partnerships with Utah organizations. He is committed to helping Uzbekistan teach its people English instead of Russian, increasing digital literacy in Uzbekistan, and providing support as the country works to modernize its mining industry. Additionally, he wants to increase tourism and develop a strong tech industry—all things we know that Utah excels in. 

Utah March for Life

Last week was Utah’s March for Life. In Utah, we have passed legislation to support women who experience an unplanned pregnancy. Our state has invested significant funding to provide resources for expectant and new mothers. You can learn more about the resources available here. I am grateful for the hard work of individuals and organizations that help protect unborn babies and support pregnant women.

Honoring College Rodeo Athletes

I was thrilled to help recognize college rodeo athletes on the Senate floor. Rodeos are a staple of Utah’s rich history and culture, and our state has some of the most elite rodeo competitors in the country.

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2024 Legislative Session – Week 1 Update

Dear friends and neighbors,

The 2024 General Session is officially underway. Over the next six weeks, the Legislature will review proposed bills, balance the state budget and craft policies in areas like education, water and affordable housing. 

Additionally, each Friday, I post a video recap of the week on my Facebook page. You can watch last week’s recap below.

State of the State Address

I had the privilege of hearing from Governor Spencer Cox in his State of the State address this week. In his remarks, the governor highlighted what makes Utah the best state in the country. Utah’s uniquely beautiful landscapes, people, and culture are among the many reasons why our state consistently ranks highest for social mobility and success in government. To show how good governance positively impacts Utahns, the governor pointed to the legislative wins we have crafted in recent years. The nearly $1 billion in tax cuts over the past three years, coupled with the largest direct teacher salary raise, demonstrate why Utah consistently comes out on top. Also, Utah’s impressive water conservation practices prove that Utahns can accomplish anything when we work together. 

I look forward to working with the governor and my legislative colleagues to deliver more wins for all Utahns. Listen to Governor Cox’s address here.

State of the Judiciary

In this session’s State of the Judiciary address, we heard from Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew Durrant. Joined by his four fellow justices, the Legislature was given an update on the priorities of the judiciary and received well wishes for a productive session from the Judicial Branch. Among his words, Chief Justice Durrant highlighted the need for fairness, tolerance, integrity and honesty, all to drive fair results and the protection of rights within the walls of our courthouses.

Watch the State of the Judiciary address here.

Salt Lake Community College Cross Country Program Recognition

It was a privilege to invite the Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) cross-country program to the Senate to recognize their incredible achievements over the last couple of years. In only their second season of existence, both the men’s and women’s programs won the 2023 Scenic West Championship, and in November 2023, the women’s program handily won the national championship at NJCAA Nationals in Huntsville, Alabama. 

These two national championships were the first for women’s sports at SLCC and a cause for celebration. Many of the runners clocked impressive times at meets throughout the year and all of these student-athletes have bright futures ahead. I am proud of these athletes and what they have accomplished!

Protecting Utahns from Unconstitutional Federal Overreach

At times, the federal government proposes a rule or regulation that is overreaching and unconstitutional based on the rights reserved to the state under the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Legislature is considering a bill that will defend Utah’s interests and stand up against unconstitutional federal policies and regulations that negatively impact the state. S.B. 57 Utah Constitutional Sovereignty Act sets up a legislative framework and a legal process for the Utah Legislature to restore the proper balance between the state and federal government. S.B. 57 also has checks and balances to ensure due process. It requires any proposed concurrent resolutions to go through the legislative process and abide by and respect the U.S. Constitution and the courts. Read more about the bill here.

Visit from the Ambassador of Iceland

The first Icelandic immigrants to the U.S. settled in Spanish Fork, Utah, in 1855. I enjoyed introducing the Ambassador of Iceland to my hometown and sharing our rich history. The sacrifices of the Icelanders have helped make Spanish Fork what it is today.

 

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November 2023 Update

Friends and Neighbors,

Last week, the International Olympic Committee announced Salt Lake City as the preferred host for the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is fantastic news for Utah! The 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City were memorable not only for Utahns, but for the entire United States. As the co-chair of the Legislative Olympic Coordinating Committee, I am thrilled Utah will host the best athletes around the world in another Olympic Games.

November Interim Meetings

We convened for our last interim committee meetings of 2023. Throughout the year, substantial strides have been made to address numerous challenges our state is facing. Below are some notable highlights from the month.

Scholarship Program

Several constituents throughout the years have reached out to me for information on special needs scholarship opportunities provided through state funding. Two of these opportunities often inquired about are the Carson Smith Scholarship (CSS) and the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship programs, overseen by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). I’m happy to inform you that the Education Interim Committee recommended a bill combining these two programs, ensuring consistent funding, better management and efficiency through the application and awarding process of these particular scholarships.

After years of evaluation and administration of these and similar programs, state education leaders have advised this combination as an appropriate measure to provide flexibility to special needs students, prevent work duplication for parents and administrators and ensure consistent funding for students with disabilities who apply for these scholarships. The state has developed a better understanding of how to efficiently administer choice scholarship programs. This issue and bill will be addressed during the 2024 General Session. 

IPP

The Intermountain Power Plant (IPP) was created in 1970 as a way for various cities in Utah to combine their power production and sell the excess to California. As power policies changed, the relationship between the Utah cities and California have also changed. Lawmakers discussed alterations that would make this partnership more economical and advantageous for the state in the Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee interim meeting. Similarly, legislators considered a bill that would transfer control of IPP from the cities to the state. This transfer would allow for a more impartial, reliable and fluid relationship between Utah cities, California and Utah’s energy production industry. 

Behavioral Health Licensing Amendments

There are approximately 200,000 adults in Utah who need expert care and treatment. Currently, all healthcare professionals must meet the same educational and experience requirements to receive licensing, even though varying levels of skill are required for certain positions. This leads to a shortage of caretakers in the mental and behavioral health industry. The Business and Labor Interim Committee discusses legislation to revamp behavioral health licensing. The proposed bill would create additional licensing options and encourage more people to enter the field. As more professionals are able to receive a license, it will help reduce the strain on current healthcare workers and ensure patients receive the care they need.

Senate Art Contest Information

I am always impressed by the creativity and skill of artists in our state. Starting in December, Utah’s young artists will have the opportunity to participate in this year’s Annual Utah All-State High School Art Show, run by the Springville Museum of Art. Qualifying students get to display their incredible work in the museum. The Senate has the privilege of selecting distinguished winners who receive scholarships. Winners are invited to spend a day at the Capitol during the legislative session, where senators will recognize them on the Senate floor. The contest is a fantastic platform to showcase Utah student’s artistic talents. Learn more about the art contest and how to apply here.

School Report Cards

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) recently unveiled the latest School Report Card, a tool designed to shed light on the strengths of each school while pinpointing areas for potential growth. This comprehensive resource encompasses state, district, charter and individual school report cards for the 2022-2023 academic year.

The Utah School Report Card empowers parents by offering a detailed insight into key school performance indicators, including achievement and growth metrics. This tool provides parents an excellent opportunity to grasp a school’s accomplishments and the areas they’re working to improve. I encourage all parents of students to review this report card and see ways that they can help better the schools in their area.

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October 2023 Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, there is much to be thankful for. I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to serve District 25. We have an incredible community of service-minded individuals who continue to show up and make Utah the best state in the nation. Wishing you and your families a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

November Elections

Tomorrow is the last day to vote in the general election. We are lucky to live in a nation that values citizens’ right to choose their local, state and national leaders. Please exercise your freedoms by voting. All mail-in ballots need to be postmarked today or you can submit your ballot at a dropbox location or vote in-person tomorrow. Find a dropbox location here or voting location near you here.

Mexico Trade Mission

In October, I joined Gov. Cox on a trade mission to Mexico. Our delegation met at the United States Embassy in Mexico City to learn about their nation’s economy and how it relates to U.S. trade.

Mexico is connected to 60% of the world’s GDP, offering unparalleled overland access to the United States and Central America, as well as strategic ports in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. From a national and economic security perspective, Mexico has become an attractive destination for nearshoring the manufacturing of essential goods, notably as a viable alternative to China. This recent trade mission affirmed Utah’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and driving economic prosperity.

Utah Enforces Immigration Laws

Recently, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Salt Lake City Field Office circulated a memo that implied Utah is a “sanctuary state” and accused Utah sheriffs of not enforcing the policies of ICE. I want to assure you that Utah is not and has never been a “sanctuary state.” ICE withdrew the memo following a meeting with lawmakers, the governor’s office, and locally elected county sheriffs. We have outstanding sheriffs throughout our state who work hard to enforce immigration law, but they are justified in declining new agreements with ICE when requirements become unreasonable. The crisis at the U.S. border has not resulted from the failure of local enforcement. Instead, the federal government’s failures have led to an immigration crisis throughout the nation.

Utah is a state that welcomes immigrants who join our communities through legal channels. I am grateful for the hard work of our sheriff departments and their work to maintain law and order in our state. Together, we will continue to protect the integrity of our state and its commitment to the rule of law, ensuring the safety and well-being of those who choose to call our country home. 

October Interim Highlights

During October’s legislative interim meetings, we met to discuss a range of issues from road rage to school safety. Below are summaries of a few of the topics the Legislature debated as we continue to look at items to address during the 2024 General Legislative Session. 

Road Rage Legislation

In an effort to reduce the number and severity of road rage incidents on our highways and streets, the Transportation Committee met to discuss the issue of aggressive driving. The Utah Highway Patrol presented data on reported road rage incidents, crashes and fatalities. Unfortunately, the number of cases has increased from previous years. Our committee heard potential strategies to address the growing concerns of road rage and aggressive driving, including recommendations of enhanced incident evaluation and possible administrative sanctions as suggested by the Division of Public Safety and the Roadway Safety Committee.  

School Threat Penalty Amendments

The Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee held a presentation on the draft legislation, “School Threat Penalty Amendments,” which would require a student to be suspended or expelled from a public school if the student makes a false emergency report targeted at a school. The bill would enhance the penalties for threatening violence against a school, making it a second-degree felony for an individual who submits a false emergency report in certain circumstances.

The Statewide Information and Analysis Center was invited to inform the committee on school hoax and threat incidents, providing data on the prevalence of school threats and lending insight into the severity and quantity of threats our schools and districts face. The committee approved “School Threat Penalty Amendments” as a committee bill file to be considered for passage in the upcoming 2024 General Legislative Session. This is another step in our continual effort to implement security measures and protocols to protect students in the event of an emergency. 

Golden Spike Monument

In 2019, we celebrated the 150th anniversary celebration of the transcontinental railroad completion in Utah. The railroad was an incredible achievement for our country, and it established Utah as the crossroads of the West. To honor the legacy and impact of the transcontinental railroad, the Golden Spike Foundation has commissioned a 43-foot-tall gold monument that will be placed at the Golden Spike Park at Reeder Ranch in Brigham City, Utah, in 2024.

The Golden Spike Monument is a memorial to the men and women who built the system that connected our entire country and made Utah the crossroads of the West. Like those who built the railroad, the spike represents perseverance to take on today’s challenges to build a better tomorrow while honoring them for their work that changed the world.

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September 2023 Update

Friends and Neighbors,

It’s been two weeks since Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel. I have struggled  to find the words to accurately describe the horror and anger I’ve felt over these actions. We’ve seen and read horrific and inhumane accounts as a result of this terrorist organization. Since the attack, I have been able to gather with my jewish friends at both Kol Ami synagogue and at the Capitol for a peaceful rally to show support for Israel. We cannot let terror and antisemitism win. Utah has and will continue to stand with Israel.

NALEO Legislative Summit

I was recently invited to address state legislators from around the country at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Legislative Summit. I discussed Utah’s legislative efforts to combat the harms of social media. Our state has worked hard to empower parents and provide them with resources to protect their children. During the 2023 General Session, I introduced and passed S.B. 152 Social Media Regulation Amendments, which enacts a strict age verification process, allows parents to set time restrictions on social media use and prevents social media companies from collecting and selling data on minors. To learn more about Utah’s efforts to protect our kids, visit socialharms.utah.gov.  

Interim Meetings in St. George

The world comes to Southern Utah, and this month, the Legislature did as well. I had the opportunity to virtually attend September interim meetings this month. This is the first time in recent state history that the entire Legislature has held interim meetings outside Salt Lake City. During our interim meetings, we discussed important topics. You can listen to recordings of our committee meetings by visiting the legislative website (le.utah.gov). 

Southern Utah is a key part of Utah’s economy. Holding interim meetings in St. George provided a convenient platform for Southern Utahns to express the challenges in their community, and it helps us determine how to best solve problems in a way that will improve the quality of our government and, in turn, the caliber of our state.

We also had the opportunity to examine many important issues during our long-term planning conference on Tuesday. In addition to discussing the opportunities and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, we examined water issues and transportation needs. You can find an overview of what the Legislature learned during the long-term planning conference below:

Artificial Intelligence

The use of generative artificial intelligence is on the rise. As exposure to and reliance on AI increases, we gathered with the tech industry and AI experts to consider what the state’s approach to utilizing and regulating AI might look like. Questions surrounding advancement, risk and data privacy were discussed. In Utah, we will lead out on fostering AI innovation while protecting privacy, security and civil liberties. 

Our Water, Our Future

As our water discussion and conservation efforts continue, we heard presentations from some of Utah’s water experts from the Central Utah Water Conservancy District and the Great Salt Lake Commissioner. These presentations gave legislators an update on Utah’s water and infrastructure needs, conservation wins and the environmental impact of a prolonged drought.

The Legislature has appropriated nearly one billion dollars to water conservation since 2022, and we were able to see where much of this funding has gone and how it has helped calm the drought. While statewide water infrastructure has been boosted in recent years, there is still much work to do to ensure our infrastructure can continue operating at the high levels needed for optimal conservation. This historically wet year has had an insurmountably positive impact on the lake and our state, but we must continue our conservation efforts and plan for the future to ensure this extra water goes to good use.

Enhancing Quality of Life as Utah Grows

As the best economy in the nation, Utah continues to welcome individuals who move to our beautiful state. As a result of our growing economy, we have seen an increased need for housing and transportation infrastructure. We had the opportunity to hear from the Utah Department of Transportation and others about the Legislature’s role in helping prepare the state for continued growth.

Since 2012, Utah’s population has grown by approximately 20%. During the same time period, the number of vehicle miles traveled in Utah has increased by nearly 30%. The increase in both population and miles indicate the need for increased investment in affordable housing and transportation. The discussion during the long-term planning conference centered around the growth predictions for the next several decades and will help direct legislation related to these issues during the 2024 General Session.

Increase in Teacher Salary

With the start of the school year, I am reminded of how important it is to have good teachers in Utah schools. We appropriated historic levels of funding to education during the 2023 General Session, a large portion of which went to raising teacher salaries. A recent article published in Deseret News highlights how our students and teachers have benefited from the Legislature’s increased investment in the education system. “When we started as a district in the 2009-10 school year, our starting salary was $32,407. In 15 years, we have jumped to that $60,000.” You can read the article here.

FrontRunner Update

This September our Transportation Interim Committee received an update from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) regarding their goal to increase ridership through frequency of trains, reliability for departure/arrivals and decreasing travel time. Factors such as corridor growth, worsening I-15 conditions and improved FrontRunner service have amplified ridership growth and necessitated enhancements to the FrontRunner system.

A strategic project is underway to add double-tracks in certain sections of the FrontRunner route. This will increase the system from 25% double-tracked to 50% and add 10 additional trains for increased frequency, cutting commute times in half for riders. State appropriations, Utah Transit Authority (UTA) funding and a grant from the Federal Transit Administration will assist in covering the cost of the ongoing project which will be completed by 2029.

Preventing Domestic Violence in Utah 

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. It is estimated that 33% of women in Utah will experience some form of sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in her lifetime. There are many programs in Utah that work to support women who are victims of domestic violence. If you are currently in an abusive situation, I encourage you to contact the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition or local law enforcement. 

We will continue to develop policies that support domestic violence victims. The Legislature provided $24 million to victim services during the 2023 General Session. We also passed legislation that requires officers who are responding to a domestic violence call to conduct a Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP). The LAP is a series of questions asked by officers to assess the possible lethality of a domestic situation. I am grateful for the work of our law enforcement officers and the many others who help support victims of domestic violence.