Wednesday, October 19, 2011

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

THIS MORNING

EDUCATION will hear how schools in Maryland and Florida raise student achievement by the third grade and consider a State Board rule for evaluating teacher performance.
Proposed bills include a new state tax credit for organizations that award scholarships to private school students; college and career readiness tests; and statewide adaptive tests on common core subjects. Another bill would modify teacher contracts, compensation and termination policy.  (Capitol 445)

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS is discussing election bills. One would change how voters receive voter information pamphlets mailed to all registered voters before an election.  Instead voters would receive a notice with both a website and a phone number to call for a mailed copy. 
Other proposals would remove voters from the rolls who have not voted for two general elections or responded to notices from the clerk; have registered in another state; or been convicted of a felony. A voter's email address on a voter registration record would be a private record under GRAMA. (House 30)

The effect on Utah businesses of energy costs, rate increases and state energy policy will be considered in PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY.  Facilitating renewable energy contracts between producers and customers, and broadband and wireless coverage across the state are on the agenda, too. (House 25)

THIS AFTERNOON

TRANSPORTATION is examining drunk driving statistics: including recidivism, adjudication, education, treatment and ignition interlock.  Draft bills would amend driver license, ID card and temporary license rules and allow Utah to adopt the federal REAL ID driver license.  The committee will also hear a highway system report and aircraft registration stats. (House 25)

REVENUE AND TAXATION will discuss taxing computer software as tangible personal property and extending the recycling market development zone tax credit to 2021. 
They’ll consider life science and technology tax credits plus severance and sales taxes on coal-to liquids, oil shale, and tar sands technology. (Capitol 445)

OTHER MORNING COMMITTEES

The RETIREMENT AND INDEPENDENT ENTITIES COMMITTEE at 7:30 
will discuss an audit of PEHP (Public Employees Health Plan) medical risk pool reserves.
They’ll also hear a report on how to improve state employees’ health insurance, including quality care, informed consumerism and controlling state costs.  (Capitol 445)

BUSINESS AND LABOR’s agenda includes the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control audit and business plan and recommendations from the Uniform Building Code and Fire Prevention Commissions.
The committee will also discuss licensing amendments for the construction trades, for certified court reporters, and for hair-braiding and cosmetology services associated with film and television production. (Senate 210)

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES will talk about financing Medicaid, including controlling provider costs and eligibility rules for Medicaid and CHIP recipients.
They’ll hear reports on health effects of secondhand smoke and who should investigate the medical causes of highway deaths. (House 20)

OTHER AFTERNOON COMMITTEES

The HEALTH SYSTEM REFORM TASK FORCE is looking at federal Affordable Care Act rules, especially governance of health insurance exchanges. 
How the Legislature can help employers and others constrain the growth of health care spending will be discussed too. (Capitol 450)

JUDICIARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE is working on recodification of Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry statutes. 
Allowing civil commitment for harmful sexual conduct will be considered, and the Committee will hear an annual report and statistics on housing state inmates in county jails. 
Updates on child support advisory guidelines, DORA the drug offender reform act which includes drug courts, and DUI recidivism are also scheduled. (House 30)

WORKFORCE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT will consider ways to improve Utah’s business economy, keep business costs low and attract high-paying jobs.
They’ll hear reports from the Governor’s Offices of Planning and Budget and Economic Development, Administrative Rules and the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. 
Efficiency and restructuring of the Departments of Workforce Services and Community and Culture are also on the agenda. (House 20)

NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT will hear reports from the state Department of Natural Resources about water rights, parks and recreation budgets and privatization projects, and law enforcement efficiency.