Governor signs 82 bills, education funding, criminal justice reforms
SALT LAKE CITY (March 31, 2015) – Gov. Gary R. Herbert signed 82 bills today, bringing the total number of bills the governor has taken action on to 479. In total, 528 bills were passed during the 2015 General Legislative Session of which 495 required action by the governor. The bill signing period officially concludes tomorrow.
Education Funding
The list of bills signed today includes HB2, Public Education Budget Amendments. The bill appropriates funds for a four percent increase in the Weighted Pupil Unit and enrollment growth. In total, with the anticipated revenues from SB97, education funding increased by more than the $503 million amount the governor called for at the beginning of the session. Over the past four years, the state has invested more than $1.3 billion dollars of new money into education.
“Education has always been and will continue to be my top budget priority,” said Gov. Herbert. “Our young population is one of our biggest competitive advantages but we need an educated workforce to remain among the top performing economies in the nation. As our economy grows, I will continue to push for greater funding for education and for greater local control.”
Criminal Justice Reform
The governor also signed HB348, Criminal Justice Programs and Amendments, aimed at reducing recidivism and improving treatment for non-violent offenders. The bill was passed as a result of the governor calling for a comprehensive review of the state’s criminal justice system in the 2014 State of the State address.
“We called on the foremost experts on public safety to create a new roadmap for our criminal justice system,” said Gov. Herbert. “Utahns understand our prison gates must be a permanent exit from the system, not just a revolving door. Just like every other area of government, we need to ensure we are getting the best possible results for each taxpayer dollar. We have taken significant steps to rebuild lives with a smarter, more efficient criminal justice system while enhancing public safety.”
Historically, Utah has maintained a modest incarceration rate while the crime rate has steadily declined. However, in the last decade, the state’s prison population has grown 22 percent. The state projected that without reform, the prison population would have grown by another 37 percent over the next two decades, requiring 2,700 new prison beds. This package of reforms is expected to eliminate 95 percent of that projected growth. Currently, the state’s recidivism rate, measured by the share of offenders returning to prison within three years of being released, is 46 percent.
Bill Number
Bill Name
Bill Sponsor
Public Education Budget Amendments
Sanpei, D.
Clean Fuel Amendments and Rebates
Handy, S.
Personal Injury Damages Amendments
McIff, K.
Reauthorization of Administrative Rules
Oda, C.
Student Privacy Study
Anderegg, J.
Insurance Cancellation and Nonrenewal Amendments
Anderegg, J.
Crimes Against Health Care Providers in Correctional System
Daw, B.
Association Open Meeting Amendments
Schultz, M.
Political Issues Committee Amendments
Greene, B.
Education Background Check Amendments
Handy, S.
Sovereign Lands Around Bear Lake
Webb, R.C.
Drill Status Travel Amendments
Peterson, V.
Election Revisions
Spendlove, R.
Payroll Services Amendments
Spendlove, R.
Modifications to Voting Law
Cox, F.
Transportation Corridor Preservation Amendments
Christofferson, K.
Assessment Area Act Modifications
Webb, R.C.
Tax Increment Amendments
Peterson, J.
Educator Tax Credit Study
Eliason, S.
School District Postemployment Health Insurance Benefits
Eliason, S.
Vintage Vehicle Amendments
Cox, F.
Employee Classification Amendments
Chew, S.
Tourist-oriented Highway Signing Program
Noel, M.
Forensic Mental Health Coordinating Council Amendments
Thurston, N.
Online Education Program Amendments
Daw, B.
Media Production Vehicle Exemption
McCay, D.
Firearm and Dangerous Weapons Amendments
Greene, B.
Reporting and Expenditure of Public Funds Amendments
DiCaro, S.
Search and Rescue Financial Assistance Amendments
DiCaro, S.
Federal Funds Commission Extension
Ivory, K.
Local Transportation Corridor Preservation Fund Amendments
Kennedy, M.
Utah Communication Authority Emergency Radio and 911 Amendments
Dee, B.
Criminal Justice Programs and Amendments
Hutchings, E.
Probation Amendments
Schultz, M.
Utah Agricultural Code Amendments
Handy, S.
Utah Education Amendments
Christensen, L.
Solid Fuel Burning Amendments
Dee, B.
New Convention Facilities Development Incentive Act Amendments
Wilson, B.
Online Education Survey Program Amendments
Eliason, S.
Catastrophic Wildfire and Public Nuisance Amendments
Christofferson, K.
Venture Capital Enhancement Amendments
Wilson, B.
Revisions to Transportation Funding
Anderson, Johnny
Uniform Driver License Act Amendments
Van Tassell, K.
State Highway System Amendments
Van Tassell, K.
Resource Development Coordinating Committee Reauthorization
Dayton, M.
Conditions of Probation
Jenkins, S.
Domestic Violence Amendments
Weiler, T.
Workers' Compensation Fund Amendments
Bramble, C.
School District Property Tax Amendments
Stephenson, H.
Safety Inspection Revisions
Harper, W.
Assault Offenses Amendments
Thatcher, D.
Interventions for Reading Difficulties Pilot Program
Osmond, A.
Occupational Therapists Amendments
Davis, G.
Workers' Compensation Coverage for Firefighters
Mayne, K.
Statute of Limitations for Criminal Fines, Fees, and Restitution
Hillyard, L.
Campaign and Financial Reporting Requirements Revisions
Weiler, T.
Service District Modifications
Stevenson, J.
Service District Amendments
Stevenson, J.
Driving Under the Influence Sentencing Revisions
Jenkins, S.
Energy Efficient Vehicle Tax Credit for Motorcycles
Dayton, M.
Emergency Medical Services Amendments
Bramble, C.
Financial Assurance Determination Review Process
Adams, J.S.
School Safety and Crisis Line
Thatcher, D.
Math Competency Initiative
Millner, A.
Parental Rights in Public Education Amendments
Osmond, A.
Assessment Area Revisions
Bramble, C.
Digital Teaching and Learning Program Proposal
Stephenson, H.
Search and Seizure Amendments
Madsen, M.
Utah Fire Prevention Board Amendments
Stephenson, H.
Education Modifications
Niederhauser, W.
Public Safety Amendments
Harper, W.
Department of Environmental Quality Modifications
Dayton, M.
School Grading Amendments
Millner, A.
Local Health Department Amendments
Okerlund, R.
Street-legal All-terrain Vehicle Amendments
Jenkins, S.
Abuse Deterrent Opioid Analgesic Drug Products
Stevenson, J.
Student Leadership Skills Grant
Osmond, A.
Family Expenses Amendments
Bramble, C.
Water Infrastructure Funding
Adams, J.S.
Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act Amendments
Bramble, C.
Achieving a Better Life Experience Program and Tax Credits
Weiler, T.
Transportation Network Company Amendments
Adams, J.S.
