The 2024 General Legislative Session in Utah convened on February 28, 2024, to discuss several key legislative bills. The meeting focused on motions to concur with Senate amendments on various bills, with significant outcomes for homelessness services, victims' rights, infrastructure financing, and more.
The session began with a motion to concur with Senate amendments on House Bill 298, which addresses homelessness services. Representative Clancy highlighted the expansion of the new homeless services board from nine to eleven members, a change made after extensive stakeholder feedback. The motion passed unanimously, with 74 votes in favor.
Next, the assembly moved to House Bill 328, concerning victims of sexual offenses. Representative Romero explained that the amendments included a clarification in the language to specify "convicted" perpetrators. This bill also passed without opposition, receiving 69 votes.
The discussion then shifted to House Bill 13, which pertains to infrastructure financing districts. Representative Dunnegan outlined several amendments, including extending the maximum assessment period from 20 to 30 years and prohibiting the stacking of infrastructure districts. The motion to concur with the Senate amendments was approved, with 64 votes in favor and 6 against.
Following this, House Bill 21, which involves criminal accounts receivable amendments, was presented. Representative Wheatley noted a simple change in the implementation date from May to July. The motion passed with 69 votes in favor.
House Bill 153, focusing on childcare revisions, was next on the agenda. Representative Pulsipher discussed an amendment limiting the number of children under two that could be cared for by unlicensed providers. This bill passed with 50 votes in favor and 21 against.
Lastly, House Bill 271, which addresses law enforcement employee overtime amendments, was reviewed. Representative Lisonbee described the amendments as technical clarifications. The motion to concur passed with 73 votes in favor.
The session concluded with a transition to the Senate's third reading calendar, indicating ongoing legislative activity. Overall, the meeting reflected a productive day in the Utah legislature, with multiple bills advancing towards final approval.