Thursday, March 10, 2011

The last day of the legislative session has arrived.  Floor debate today is from 8 or 9 to noon, from 2 to 6 PM and from 7 PM to “as needed.”  Legislators hope to finish by 10, and must finish by midnight.

The House is still working on Senate bills. The Senate has communicated to them that they’d like the House to get a move on, please.

ON HOUSE SENATE THIRD READING CALENDAR

4^th Substitute SB 138 originally was intended to do away with Driving Privilege Cards for undocumented drivers.  This fourth version keeps the card and requires card-holder fingerprints and photos, to be kept in a separate file used for criminal background checks.

SB 184 encourages electronic recycling by prohibiting manufacturers of consumer electronics like computers and TVs from selling in Utah , unless they have public recycling education programs and report those programs to the Department of Environmental Equality.

SB 304 prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying and hazing by teachers and public school students.  It also requires schools, school districts and the State Board of Education to develop anti-bullying policies.

ON SENATE SECOND READING

Three bills were circled yesterday so are still to be voted on:  Substitute HB 191 requiring nonresidents applying for instate college tuition rates to supply three years of income tax returns; Substitute HB 89, protecting children in cars from second hand smoke; and HB 328, replacing the 4-day state services work week with a 5-day week.

Second Substitute HB 354 would prevent insurance coverage of abortion, including policies sold through state or federally required insurance exchanges. 

HB 475 creates a state Office of Energy Development which would represent the Governor before the Public Service Commission.

HB 438 removes two members-at-large, one who represents environmental interests, from the state Water Quality Board, and adds two members representing agricultural and livestock interests. Since the Utah Constitution proclaims waters of the state belong to its citizens, opponents of HB 475 believe the general public as well as special interests should remain on the board.

          What do you think?