Monday marked the start of the 2014 General Legislative Session, but our work started before the gavel fell. Last week members of the House Clean Air Caucus met outside the Utah Capitol to unveil a package of bills aimed to help improve Utah’s air. This bipartisan group of legislators introduced bills designed to encourage the use of electric vehicles, buy transit passes, encouraging people to convert from wood-burning primary heat sources to natural gas, and educate the public on ways each of us can improve air quality throughout the state of Utah. The Republican Caucus also met to reaffirm their commitment to take back control of Utah’s public lands. It has long
been a position of this Caucus that the management of Utah’s public lands is best left to Utah. The federal government’ mishandling of Utah’s National Parks this summer is just one example, in which it is clear that isovereignty belongs with the state. As the Speaker said in her opening remarks, “The cause of state sovereignty is not a new talking point in a permanent political conversation, it is the birthright of every single one of us.”
My colleagues and I look forward to representing our constituents to the best of our ability this legislative session, and hearing from those with questions, comments, or concerns.
Bill of the Week
H.B. 18 – Driver License Amendments
A member of Rep. Handy’s district noticed an inconsistency in Utah’s driver licensure requirements and this week the House was able to pass H.B. 18. This bill allows drivers 17 years and older, who have had a permit for six months in another state, to transfer that permit to Utah and be licensed as a Utah driver after passing the required tests. Thanks to the feedback from Rep. Handy’s constituent and the hard work of Rep. Handy, the Utah House was able to remedy an oversight in the Utah Code.
HB25 – Eminent Domain Amendments -- Amends the public uses for which the right of Eminent Domain may be exercised. -Currently in the House Political Subdivision committee to be heard on Tuesday 2-4-14
HB79 – Vehicle Impound Amendments – Provides that the DMV or any peace officer may take possession of a vehicle, vessel or out board motor whose operator is operating without a valid driver’s license.
HB271 – Motor Vehicle Emissions – Amends the penalty for violation of motor vehicle emissions limits. Makes second offense or obvious manipulation to cause pollution will incur great penalty
HB302 – Voting Records Amendments – Makes a voter’s date of birth a private record.to protect their identity except for those who have to know for voting.
HB303 – Driving Under the Influence Amendment – Makes changes to current DUI driving under the influence law and makes it moreof a DWI driving while intoxicated law. Instead of just having to prove that you may be under the influence of an intoxicating substance the officer will have to prove that you are actually impaired.
HB305 – Safety Belt Law Revisions –Amends provisions in the Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Usage Act relating to compliance for litigation. Doesn’t change the law for who can be stopped or ticketed but does make the driver and possibly occupants responsible for their own actions. If they fail to wear a seatbelt and are injured or killed the fact that they did not wear a seatbelt could be used as a mitigating factor in civil litigation as to how much those in crashes are awarded.
