Wednesday, October 17, 2007
THIS MORNING
The PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE gets an early start
at 8 am in W 015. They’ll be briefed on
the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee’s report on climate change by
Energy Advisor Dianne Nielson, hear about the need for future energy generation
from Rocky Mountain Power president Rich Walje, and consider a follow-up report
on nuclear energy. Sarah Wright of Utah
Clean Energy will outline energy efficiency strategies. An explanation of exemptions for building
alternative energy facilities such as solar farms on federal land is also
scheduled.
The BUSINESS AND LABOR committee will consider the creation of "one‑stop"
guidance and information centers for businesses in the state and hear a report
on allowing state agencies to define criminal behavior by administrative
rule. The Department of Financial
Institutions will tell the committee about their efforts to promote consumer
credit education and the Payday Lending Working Group will present an
update. Repeal of an outdated law on
assumption of indebtedness on residential property will be considered, and an
ongoing study of health insurance
mandates will be updated.(9 am in W125)
The EDUCATION committee will hear a report from the New Commission
on the Skills of the American Workforce, outlining how the
The HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Committee will consider two possible
bills for next session, a resolution promoting obesity awareness and modifying
the Utah Digital Health Service Commission to better support efforts to improve
health by use of the Internet. They’re
working on legislation to reduce methamphetamine abuse as well. How to fund services for persons with
disabilities and exemptions from child care licensing for some facilities are
also on the agenda. (9 am in W020)
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS (9 am
W025) is looking into what adjustments are needed in the compensation
rate for state employees. A proposed election
law change would allow the age of a registered voter to be a public record but
keep the actual birth date private, probably as an identity theft protection.
The committee will hear how other states deal with this problem. Other
technical changes will be considered also.
POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS ( 9 am, W130) will continue to consider the
process of incorporating a new town,
public water protection, making local campaign finance reports accessible,
local referenda and special districts issues.
THIS AFTERNOON
NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT will discuss
“Agri-tourism,” as defined in last session’s H.B. 424. Michael Styler, head of the Department of
Natural Resources, will report on the cost of species protection, including
Colorado River, June sucker, and
Municipal exemption from forfeiture of water rights is last on the
agenda (2 pm in W125)
WORKFORCE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
will discuss what influences the cost of affordable housing. They’ll hear from the Department of Community
and Culture, the Division of Housing and Community Development, the Utah League
of Cities and Towns, Utah Home Builders Association and the Utah Association of
Realtors. Regulating family, friend or
neighbor child care will be discussed, the Governor’s Rural Partnership Board
will report, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development will recommend
legislation. (2 pm W025)
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE (2 pm in W020) An annual
report on the status of housing state prison inmates in county jails is
scheduled. Possible changes in sex
offender registration and notification processes to conform to federal law will
be considered. Penalties for concealing
illegal items in vehicles, making salvia divinorum a controlled substance, and
a proposed Honoring Heroes special license group plate to support the families
of fallen Highway Patrol troopers and other public safety employees will be
debated by the committee. They’ll also
consider rulemaking authority that affects criminal penalties
The REVENUE AND TAXATION Committee (meeting from 2 to 5 pm in
W135) will continue its discussion of how to improve
The TRANSPORTATION Committee(2 pm in W015) is studying changes in
the law concerning which clean fuel vehicles are allowed in HOV (High Occupancy
Vehicle) lanes. Some are not allowed by
the EPA. The Legislative Auditor will report on the process used by
JUDICIARY (2 pm in W130) will review sex offender treatment and
child support guidelines. Draft bills on
child and family protection and exoneration and innocence assistance will be
before the committee also.
Sandy Peck
LWVU
Executive Director