Despite pandemic restrictions, remote access, legislature passed more than 500 bills
Written by Rep. Merrill Nelson; House 68
We marked the 125th anniversary of Utah Statehood, with much to celebrate.
Our state population continues its rapid increase, reaching 3.27 million. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and security concerns, this session was unlike any other in state history. We began the 45-day session with the State Capitol closed to the public, with heavy security from the Utah Highway Patrol, and all persons required to wear facemasks.
Our individual chamber desks were surrounded by Plexiglas, and we were all required to be tested for COVID at least twice each week. Some legislators and staff tested positive; three representatives worked remotely due to illness; and one remains in serious condition. As conditions improved, the public was invited back to the Capitol, but with spacing restrictions. Access to the House floor was limited. Committee meetings allowed members and the public to attend remotely; in fact, remote access actually facilitated more public comment than in prior years. Despite restrictions, the Legislature considered more than 700 bills and passed more than 500.
I chair the House Health & Human Services Committee, which was the busiest of all House committees, considering 70 bills and receiving testimony from more than 200 members of the public.
Following is a summary of legislative actions that may be of most interest to my constituents. For more detailed information on all bills and the state budget, see the legislative website at https://le.utah.gov.
PANDEMIC AND EMERGENCY POWERS
With a high percentage of our most vulnerable citizens vaccinated and vaccines rapidly becoming more available throughout the state, we are beginning to see more light at the end of the Pandemic tunnel. While no one is legally required to be vaccinated, the state encourages vaccination of as many people as possible, as soon as possible. We commend our healthcare professionals and state and local health departments who have led this effort. The Legislature passed SB195 to limit and balance emergency powers between the executive and legislative branches of both state and local governments. We also passed HB294, which allows for termination of the COVID-19 state of emergency and an early end to the mask-mandate based on reaching certain thresholds of vaccination and recovery.
STATE BUDGET AND TAX RELIEF
While other states are running in the red and still reeling from the Pandemic recession, our state economy continues to be among the strongest in the nation. Our unemployment rate of 3.9 percent is among the lowest in the nation. We balanced our budget at $23 billion, which includes $1 billion for transportation infrastructure and transit, $250 million to address Pandemic assistance and broadband expansion, $110 million for state parks and recreation, a 6 percent increase for public education, a 9 percent increase for higher education, a 3 percent increase for state employees, $26 million to enhance mental health services, and $50 million for affordable housing and homelessness. We also restored rainy-day funds and provided $100 million in tax cuts, providing most benefit to retirees, veterans, and families with children.
EDUCATION
The Legislature increased education funding by $500 million, a 10 percent increase. This includes a 6 percent increase in per-student funding, $127 million for future growth, and $120 million in stipends for teachers who labored and assumed additional risks through the Pandemic. We passed bills to encourage in-person learning, block student access to pornographic materials, recruit additional teachers, and assist adult learners pursuing online education. Increased funding for higher education includes $200 million for new buildings and land purchases on university campuses around the state.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Legislature passed bills to incentivize job creation in rural parts of the state (HB384 and HB356), and to reduce the regulatory burden on business (HB217). We also provided additional funding for development of the Inland Port and Point of the Mountain in Salt Lake County.
HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES
The Legislature made healthcare a priority as we continue to work our way through the Pandemic. Additional funding includes $56 million for expansion of Medicaid services and $26 million for mental health services. Legislation creates a children’s health insurance program (HB262), provides mental healthcare to children (HB337, HB377), including telehealth (SB41), and expands the services of nurse practitioners (HB287) and physician assistants (SB27), which is especially important in rural areas of the state. Two bills provide closer monitoring of congregate care facilities for troubled youth (HB135 and SB127).
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONS
Several bills require additional training for law enforcement regarding use of force, domestic violence, and mental health emergencies. (HB30, HB162, SB53, SB106) Corrections is required to provide enhanced programs to rehabilitate offenders and reduce recidivism. (SB139) SB98 clarifies the law regarding asset forfeiture of persons charged with a crime. HB303 requires a minimum level of 911 ambulance services.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE
The Legislature created the Colorado River Authority and appropriated $9 million to protect the state’s interest in water resources. HB295 authorizes the Wildlife Board to impose restrictions on big game baiting and use of trail cameras. Other bills address pollination programs (HB224), and regulate feeding operations (SB130) and chicken farms (SB147). HB166 provides additional protection to livestock and guardian dogs.
OTHER
New legislation requires notice of vehicle registration requirements and authorizes automatic registration renewal for vehicles, boats, and trailers. (HB170 and HB195) I have been appointed to the legislative committee assigned to redraw congressional, legislative, and state school board districts based on new census numbers due later this year. We will hold meetings around the state to gather proposals. My objective will be to maintain fair representation of rural areas of the state.
I feel privileged to represent the good people of House District 68 in the Legislature. For additional information on these or other matters considered by the Legislature, feel free to contact me by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
