Today marks day 34 of the 45 day legislation session. Utah has one of the shortest legislative sessions in the country, and with only two weeks left, we are making every day count. Weekdays at the Capitol are getting longer and we are spending more time both in committee and on the House and Senate floor.
Thank you to those who were able to join us at our Holladay City Town Hall last Thursday; it was great to talk policy and answer your questions about the legislative session. I will be participating in another town hall after the session ends — details forthcoming!
A lot went on this past week. Read on for my week 5 updates, including the latest on my bills, Capitol events, and important topics discussed this past week.
Important Bills Discussed This Week
We continue to debate a number of big bills that have a significant impact on Utahns. Here are some important issues discussed this past week:
HB502: Critical Infrastructure and Mining
This bill mandates that a city or county may not restrict, prohibit, or impose any conditions that would unreasonably limit mining or gravel pit operations. If passed, it would preempt local land use authority and would place the property rights of mining and gravel pits above the property rights of residents, businesses, schools, and churches. I believe this bill undermines local control and community-driven processes. Furthermore, implementation of HB502 could pose environmental consequences, particularly in the targeted Parley’s Canyon. For these reasons, I will be voting no.
HJR14: Proposal to Amend the Utah Constitution — Statewide Initiatives
We continue to discuss HJR14 — a proposed amendment to Article VI, Section 1 of the Utah Constitution that would modify the process for statewide initiatives related to taxation. HJR14 would make it harder for Utahns to pass a tax-related citizen ballot initiative by requiring a higher percentage of voters — at least 60% — to approve any citizen ballot initiative that proposes a new tax or increases the rate of an existing tax. (Currently, a ballot initiative passes if it receives a simple majority vote.) I oppose HJR14 because it undermines the democratic process by imposing additional barriers to passing tax-related ballot initiatives. Limiting the ability of Utahns to address fiscal matters through direct democracy is the antithesis to checks and balances and a representative government. Because of this, I will be voting no.
HCR18: House Concurrent Resolution Condemning and Censuring State School Board Member Natalie Cline
This resolution formally condemns and censures State School Board member Natalie Cline for her conduct in using social media to bully a child and publicly question the student’s gender. As a result of Cline’s actions, the student was exposed to threats of violence, harassment, and bullying. The resolution acknowledges the constitutional duties of a member of the Utah State Board of Education to treat students with dignity and to respect their privacy. The resolution strongly condemns Cline’s actions and formally censures her for violating the ethical standards expected of a USBE board member. Natalie Cline has a lengthy history of hateful and discriminatory rhetoric, including homophobic, transphobic, and racist comments. I am horrified by her actions and was proud to vote in favor of this resolution.
Sponsored Bill Spotlight: SB126
This past week my bill, SB126, Gestational Agreements Amendments, passed out of the Senate and is awaiting a committee assignment in the House. This bill would codify caselaw regarding the ability of married LBGTQ+ couples to enter into gestational agreements. In 2019, the Utah Supreme Court found that Utah’s statute on gestational agreements, which required that a court find medical evidence “that the intended mother is unable to bear a child or is unable to do so without unreasonable risk to her physical or mental health to the unborn child,” violated the due process and equal protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution. SB126 brings our code in line with that case law by updating the language so that it is inclusive of same-sex couples.
You can track the day-to-day progress of my legislation here, or follow me on Instagram for more frequent updates.
Visit with Oakridge Elementary
On Monday, I had the opportunity to meet with some energetic fourth graders from Oakridge Elementary School. These students were so excited about their Capitol visit and demonstrated an impressive knowledge of the legislative process. They had so many great ideas about how we can make Utah, and our school communities, a better place to learn, play, and grow. School visits are some of my favorite days on the hill — thank you Oakridge for allowing me to visit with you!
Intern Corner
Another week down! I’m trying to soak up every second here while I can. This week we celebrated Valentine’s Day, talked about water bills, and even got to meet Mitt Romney! I can’t wait to see what the last two weeks of session will be like!
Week 5 Chess Challenge
Rep. Cyrus Western is a Republican lawmaker in Sheridan, Wyoming and the Wyoming House Majority Whip. Outside of his legislative work, Rep. Western can be found playing blitz chess and following the modern greats. Consider this recent blitz match wherein Rep. Western attempts a comeback following a Queen blunder. Solve for White:
Let’s Connect
The issues you care about matter. Let me know what your policy priorities are and what issues you think our state legislature should be focusing on this year.
You can contact me anytime:
Cell: (385) 272-8032
Email: spitcher@le.utah.gov