Utah Legislature Archives - Page 15 of 47

Legislation to Overhaul DEQ Boards Headed to House Floor

February 8, 2012 Jessica Gail

A bill that makes adjustments to Utah’s environmental boards passed through committee yesterday, despite wide concern from opponents who fear the public could lose its voice. Republican Senator Margaret Dayton says her bill is needed to shrink the size of the Department of Environmental Quality boards that control air, water and hazardous waste, which she says have become too large. Her bill would also change the way appeals are heard, bringing in administrative law judges and giving more authority to the department director.

Education

Lawmakers Reject Second Attempt to Ban Academic Tenure

February 8, 2012 Whittney Evans

A strike at lifelong employment for college professors failed to pass the House Education Committee Wednesday. Republican Representative Chris Herrod’s second attempt to ban Utah colleges and universities from granting academic tenure failed on a 10-to-4 vote. Opponents of the bill noted the state’s strengthened five-year tenure review, which frustrated Herrod, who says that was a direct result of his attempt to ban tenure last year.

Local News

State Lawmakers Worried About UTA Debt

February 8, 2012 Whittney Evans

State lawmakers are looking for a silver lining in the Utah Transit Authority’s mounting debt dilemma. A legislative audit revealed in January that it’s uncertain whether the agency can afford to operate its costly new projects. UTA officials say they’re confident they can rein in the debt, but as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, some lawmakers want to know how.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (6.3MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Local News

Bill Adopts Latest Residential Building Codes

February 7, 2012 Whittney Evans

One state lawmaker’s attempt to bring Utah’s residential building codes up to date hasn’t been assigned a committee hearing, despite widespread support from local governments, businesses and residents. Republican Representative Fred Cox says adopting the latest building codes for new homes is important for public safety and energy cost savings, but as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, at least one organization is fighting the change, saying it would cost homeowners too much.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (5.6MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Legislative Coverage

House Advances Unemployment Benefits for Military Spouses

February 7, 2012 Jessica Gail

A bill aimed at providing more support to military families who are transferred out of state passed unanimously out of the House of Representatives this morning. Democratic Representative Lynn Hemingway, sponsor of HB 263, says it provides unemployment benefits for military spouses who are forced to quit their jobs when their husband or wife is re-located.

Legislative Coverage

Proposal Would Exempt Active Duty Service Members from Property Taxes

February 6, 2012 Whittney Evans

A proposal to exempt military personnel from paying state property taxes while on active duty got broad support in a House committee Monday. House Joint Resolution 12 is sponsored by Republican Representative Stephen Sandstrom, who says the legislature should do more than simply honor servicemen and women for a day.

Local News

Senate Okays Cell Phone Ban for Underage Drivers

February 6, 2012 Whittney Evans

Legislation that would ban teenagers from talking on a cell phone while driving got the support of the Utah Senate today. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, lawmakers have some concerns that could still prevent it from moving forward.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (5.0MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Local News

Antidiscrimination Bill Fails to Move out of Committee

February 5, 2012 Whittney Evans

An attempt to get a statewide anti-discrimination law for the LGBT community on the books came closer than ever to becoming reality Friday when lawmakers met in a crowded committee room at the State Capitol. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, the bill isn’t likely to leave that committee anytime this year.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (2.7MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Legislative Coverage

Committee Shuts Down Plan to End Daylight Savings Time

February 5, 2012 Jeff Robinson

Utah residents will still be changing their clocks twice a year. Friday, the House Judiciary Committee killed a bill that would have eliminated daylight savings time in the state. Republican Representative Jim Nielson says he brought the proposal forward to protect Utah’s most vulnerable residents.

Legislative Coverage

Bill Would Create Incentive for Hiring Homeless Employees

February 3, 2012 Jessica Gail

Employers would get rewarded for hiring the homeless, under a bill being proposed this legislative session. Thursday, lawmakers in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee voted in favor of a bill that Democratic Representative Brian King says would compensate businesses with a $1,000 tax credit.

Top Local Headlines

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Are you sure?