Utah House advances package of bills on business taxes, election timing, custody and DUI monitoring

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 14 moved a series of bills through the floor, approving measures aimed at reducing paperwork for small businesses, shifting some special elections to November, lowering the age at which children’s custody preferences carry added weight and adding a transdermal alcohol‑monitoring option for some DUI sentences.

In a series of roll‑call votes, members approved an updated Uniform Commercial Code amendment, increased a personal property tax exemption for businesses, adopted changes to the timing of certain ballot propositions and passed changes to child‑custody and DUI statutes. Lawmakers also debated and ultimately rejected final passage of a campaign‑finance amendment about anonymous cash contributions.

The actions matter because they change the administration of state law on taxation, elections and court practice: proponents said the business exemption and election‑timing bill will simplify compliance and increase voter turnout; supporters of the custody bill argued the change would give mature teens a greater voice in family‑court proceedings; backers of the DUI measure said monitoring technology could reduce jail time while improving supervision.

House members began the day with ceremonial items and a presentation by the Tracy Aviary celebrating its 75th anniversary, then moved into legislative business. On the consent calendar the House passed House Bill 303, which clarifies recording requirements for…