Thursday, February 1, 2007
This Morning
Today the SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
(in W130 at 8) debates changes in the election of state and local school boards
and the appointment of the State School Superintendent. SB 194 would require school board members to
run as political party nominees in partisan elections. Currently the Governor appoints a nominating
committee representing educators and various economic groups to choose the
candidates. Local school board
candidates would have to run in partisan elections too under SB 194. Nearly all members of the Senate, in both
parties, support the bill.
SJR 11 would amend the Utah Constitution to require the state superintendent of
public instruction to be appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the Senate,
rather than be appointed by the state board of education.
HB
202, which aims to prohibit school personnel from making medical
recommendations for students, is also on the agenda.
SB
61, in SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
(W020 at 8) allows a person receiving Medical Assistance to receive home or
community-based care, instead of being placed in a long-term care facility,
provided the cost to the state is the same or lower.
SB 75 would help individuals record their wishes for end-of-life care by using
a document called an advanced health care directive.
HOUSE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS (in W010 at 8:15) is discussing HB 303 ,
which encourages candidates running for office to report their campaign
contributions and expenditures accurately and on time. Candidates who fail to do so can be
disqualified and taken off the ballot.
HB 303 makes sure new candidates are forewarned by putting a reminder in
the declaration of candidacy that they sign when filing for office. They would also receive a copy of the current
campaign financial disclosure laws.
HOUSE REVENUE AND TAXATION
(in W135 at 9am) will hear HB 122, an individual and corporate income tax
credit for purchasing or converting a vehicle that meets air quality and fuel
economy standards. The credit for buying
a new vehicle would be $2,000. Credits
for installing conversion equipment would be up to $2,000 for lighter vehicles
and up to $5,000 for heavier ones.
Sandy Peck
League
of Women Voters,
801.272-8683 fax 801.272-5942
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