2020 Utah Legislature - Week 5 Summary!

Extremely busy week! Thanks to everyone for reaching out over the last few weeks, letting me know how you feel about the issues.  Less than two weeks left!

 

• Students from the Utah School for the Deaf & Blind

Every year students from the Utah School for the Deaf & Blind come to visit the Capitol. This was actually a few weeks ago (I forgot that I didn’t post earlier). Thanks so much for visiting. These are truly amazing kids.

• USU President Noelle Cockett

President Noelle Cockett, President of Utah State University. Thanks for visiting us at the Capitol! (and for bringing some Aggie Ice Cream).  🙂

• Visits from Constituents

• Other Gatherings at the Capitol!

It is so great to have groups come to the Capitol to express their views! Whatever you think is important, come tell us! Here is a photo of a large group of citizens who came to let us know how they feel.

• Rep. Hall Requests $33,281,000 For Teacher Retention Bonus

 

2020 Legislation

This last week we continued the process of voting on non-budget bills.  Of course, you can always watch the news reports.  But the best way to track any legislation is at the Legislature's website at http://le.utah.gov.  Here are a few of the more interesting bills that were discussed this last week:

• A bill advanced to ban suspending the driver licenses of people who fail to pay minor traffic fines or show up in court. The bill’s sponsor said the practice hurts low income people who sometimes lose their jobs when they can’t drive to them. [Trib]
• The Senate gave initial approval to a bill that would allow more Utahns to receive family planning services and birth control under Medicaid. [DNews]
• On Monday, Utah lawmakers introduced a bill that aims to expand electric vehicle infrastructure through a state partnership with Rocky Mountain Power. [DNews]
• A bill to reduce the penalties for polygamy among consenting adults passed the Utah House Wednesday and is one step closer to becoming law. [Trib] [DNews] [Fox13]
• The Utah House approved creation of Utahraptor State Park near Arches National Park to help develop and preserve a dinosaur quarry and surrounding area. [Trib] [DNews]
• A bill to allow Utah parents to legally abandon their newborn children at a hospital up to 30 days after the child’s birth received unanimous votes in the Legislature. [Trib]

Rep. Hall's Legislation

I have several bills this session, here are a few:

• HB84 - Traffic Code Amendments - PASSED! - I am the chief sponsor of this bill. Passed the House Floor 62-3.  Passed the Senate 26-0. 

As you all know, when a bus stops and its lights are flashing and the stop arm is out, other vehicles are supposed to stop. However, compliance with this law is not as high as it should be. Last year, a study was done and there were over 900 violations in a single day! This bill will increase the minimum fine for violations, and require community service. The Granite School District asked me to sponsor this bill after experiencing way too many close calls. 

See story here. 

• HB70 - Repeal of Single-Mark Straight Ticket Voting - I am a co-sponsor of this bill. This bill passed the House Government Operations Committee 7-2. Passed the House floor 46-26. Off to the Senate.

This bill would eliminate the box on the ballot that would allow a voter to vote for all candidates of a single party with one single notation.

• HB86 - Adult Autism Treatment Program. - PASSED! - I am the chief sponsor of this bill. The bill passed the House floor 49-26. Passed the Senate 25-0.  

Within the State of Utah we have multiple treatment options for children with autism. Of course, it's a reality that each of these kids grow up. However, the treatment options for individuals over 21 are extremely scarce. This bill will set up a structure where the State can begin providing better resources. 

• HB98 - Offenses Against the Government Amendments. I am the chief sponsor of this bill. Passed the House 69-1. Passed Senate committee 4-0.

This bill is a follow-up from a 2019 bill. Continues to clarify that personal use of government resources and property is NOT allowed.

• HB102 - Retaliation and Obstruction of Justice Amendments. I am the chief sponsor of this bill. The bill passed the House floor 66-0. Passed the Senate 22-0. The bill still needs to receive appropriations before final passage.

It is already a felony to threaten a judge or member of the board of pardons in relation to a criminal case. There have been a few instances that make it clear that such penalty should also apply to prosecutors in order to make it clear that such threats and intimidation to prosecutors is absolutely not acceptable.

• HB207 - Insulin Access Amendments. I am a co-sponsor of this bill. Bill passed the House 69-3. Off to the Senate.

This bill would cap copays for insulin at $30 per month unless the insurer places the diabetes treatment in its lowest-cost drug tier and waives the deductible. Some families are forced to pay hundreds of dollars a month for insulin. This is a great bill that would greatly increase access.  Here is a story on the bill.

• HB262 - Juvenile Delinquency Amendments. I am the chief sponsor of this bill. Passed the House 48-23. Off to the Senate.

Unlike most states, Utah does not have a minimum age at which young children can be prosecuted and incarcerated. 

This bill would apply to children 11 and under. It would not apply to the most serious crimes (murder, aggravated sexual assault, etc.). And if the child fails the alternative rehabilitation path, prosecution is still an option.  Here is a great story on the bill.





Town Hall Meetings!


We have now had three town hall meetings (Feb. 1, 8, 20).  Thanks to those who attended!.  Please return your survey!

 

• Visits to the Capitol!

Ways to Contact Representative Hall

I make a concerted effort to reach out to all of my constituents.  For that reason, I use as many different forms of communication as possible.  Most of you have received mail from me.  I also have frequent town hall meetings (more on that above).  You can follow me online at www.votecraighall.com.  For even more frequent updates, you can follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/votecraighall and/or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/hcraighall.  You are also welcome to call my cell phone anytime.  (801) 573-1774.  I will be in many meetings throughout the legislative session, so if I don't answer right away, feel free to leave me a message and I'll try to call back as soon as possible.  I will also be sending out regular updates via email.  Probably the quickest way to get ahold of me is by email.  My legislative email address is chall@le.utah.gov.

Thanks for your support. Contact me anytime.

Read all previous email newsletters here: http://bit.ly/YJCYy1

Representative Craig Hall

Legislative email: chall@le.utah.gov
Personal email: hcraighall@yahoo.com
Website: www.votecraighall.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/votecraighall
Twitter: www.twitter.com/hcraighall
Cell phone: (801) 573-1774Add your expanded detail here.