Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Legislative Calendar topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Utah House advances wide consent calendar; transportation and victims' measures clear
Summary
The Utah House of Representatives approved a broad set of bills Feb. 23, 2011 — including insurance, victims' services, transportation and tax measures — and transmitted many to the Senate. Several bills passed unanimously; a contested vote occurred on a highway dedication bill.
The Utah House of Representatives approved a large consent and concurrence calendar on Feb. 23, 2011, passing a string of bills and resolutions that will move to the Senate or be returned to the Senate for signatures.
Major items cleared included the adoption of a conference committee report and final passage of First Substitute House Bill 19 (insurance law-related amendments), which passed 73–0 after the sponsor said the changes create a restricted account in the Insurance Department for certain license fees while preserving revenue neutrality. The House also passed First Substitute House Bill 267 (public body rules of procedure), House Bill 28 (Penalties for Unauthorized Use of Records), House Bill 71 (Victim Rights Amendment), and First Substitute House Bill 257 (Concealed Firearm Act modifications); each was approved on recorded votes and will be transmitted to the Senate.
On third reading for Senate measures, the House passed Senate Bill 58 (renaming and revising the Crime Victims Reparations office) and Senate Bill 135 (amending Department of Public Safety duties related to collection of race/ethnicity data), both with unanimous support. Representative Wilson said SB58 renames the office the 'Utah Office of Victims of Crime,' adds a board seat with victims-rights experience and clarifies the reparations and restitution process.
The House also approved a set of policy and symbolic measures, including HCR16 (supporting Utah Highway Patrol roadside memorials) and HCR7 (a resolution promoting outdoor activities for children). Representative Perry urged support for HCR16 as a recognition of troopers who 'gave the ultimate sacrifice.'
Bills addressing tax and lodging issues were advanced: First Substitute House Bill 82, intended to clarify tax-exemption refund procedures for certain lodging-related purchases and to centralize transient room tax collection through the Tax Commission, passed unanimously after sponsors explained the practical burden on lodges and front-desk staff.
Several bills were circled or set aside for further action, and the House recessed to reconvene at 2 p.m. The session proceeded largely by unanimous or lopsided votes; the notable exception was House Bill 173 (Dedication and Abandonment of Public Highways), which saw extended debate and a recorded 50–24 vote.
The House Clerk recorded the votes and the Speaker announced the bills would be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration or returned to the Senate where required.
