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We’re three weeks in – almost halfway done with the session! A lot of meaningful legislation has already been passed, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues over the next four weeks to make good decisions. You can follow along with the legislative process at le.utah.gov
- Utah Flag Survey
- Utah Water Week
- Contacting me
- Town Hall information
- Tax cut decisions
- School safety
- Week in pictures
- Passed bills
- Helpful links
When I first heard about the proposal for a new State flag, I was very opposed to the change, and considered the whole effort a waste of money and effort. I was not in the legislature at the time, but I believe that I would not have voted to spend money on developing a new/additional flag. Since joining the legislature, I have tried to learn more and keep an open mind about this proposal.
SB31 proposes to use our current state flag as the "Ceremonial Flag" for the State. It would fly over the Capitol building when the Legislature is in session and would likely be used in Governor's office for press conferences, bill signings, parades, state holidays.
SB31 proposes the new "Beehive Flag" would be for everyday use and would be available in the “public domain” for anyone to use as a logo. Both flags would represent Utah, and all citizens would have the right to use either the ceremonial flag or the new beehive state flag “upon any occasion deemed fitting and appropriate.”
 Proponents of the two flag system such as Senator Mike Lee point out that our current State flag does not follow many of the elements of good flag design. It has lettering, is complicated, and is not especially recognizable or distinctive. Proponents also like to point out that the White House has used the two flag system for years, as typically both the ceremonial Presidential flag and the American flag are displayed.
Opponents of the change to a two flag system express concern that this is an effort to “revise our history” and that keeping the current flag honors the pioneers and the sacrifices of our state founders.
I invite you to share how you feel about the proposal for a "two flag system" in this survey.
This week, the legislature celebrated Water Week. In my opinion the most important water legislation in decades was passed last session, and much of it was led or influenced by our former Representative Tim Hawkes. While it will take years to see the long term impact, I am convinced that he helped set us on the best path forward. This session, my colleagues and I are committed to continuing that work by passing policies that will increase water capacity, expand conservation efforts, prepare for future water needs, and enhance outreach efforts. I believe the most impactful will be significant funding for “agriculture optimization” to help our farmers be more efficient with their water use.
With Farmington Bay of the Great Salt Lake in our district, I’m the floor sponsor for a bill SB92 that will create a GSL license plate, so that lake lovers everywhere can show their support. The extra fees associated with a GSL license plate will go into a Sovereign Lands Management Account to support the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands' efforts to benefit and conserve the Great Salt Lake watershed and ecosystem. If you want to sign up for a GSL license plate or be involved in the license plate design, please send me an email.
The following Water related bills are top priorities for the House and Senate:
Keeping money in the pockets of hard working Utahns is one of my top priorities. Next week, we’ll begin discussing and debating tax cuts. All types of tax cuts are on the table including, income, social security, sales tax on food, and an earned income tax credit. I’ll be sending out a survey next week to get your opinions on tax policy.
As tragic events across the country in recent years have made clear, we cannot afford to be complacent about the safety of our schools. This week, the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee heard five bills that address the hardening of schools, bullying, truancy, juvenile justice, and threat protocol. Click here to learn more.
 On Monday I met with the students from Centerville Elementary. They had the wonderful opportunity to see our legislative process in action, and I'm excited for the future they'll bring this district!
 This week we were privileged to have visits from our local police, military and veterans. I am so grateful for the men and women in uniform who serve our community and our country.
 Political Reporter Ben Winslow included the blue “water bowtie” my daughter made for me in the twitter #capitolfashionreport. As an engineer, I’m pretty sure this is the first time anyone anywhere has accused me of being fashionable.
 We had an unexpected visitor at the Utah legislature this week! It was fun to have a chance to meet the Jazz Bear, and we're all looking forward to welcoming the world to Salt Lake City for the NBA all-star game in February.
H.B. 26 License Plate Amendments
H.B. 33 Water Related Liability Amendments
H.B. 50 Criminal Financial Obligation Amendments
H.B. 59 First Responder Mental Health Amendments
H.B. 62 Driving Under the Influence Modifications
H.B. 93 Outdoor Recreation Modifications
H.B. 102 Higher Education Residency Amendments
H.B. 108 Child Sex Doll Prohibition
H.B. 109 Veteran Dependent Tuition Amendments
H.B. 113 Motor Vehicle Insurance Revisions
H.B. 120 Weapon Possession Amendments
H.B. 131 Vaccine Passport Prohibition
H.B. 135 State Holiday Amendments
H.B. 143 Parental Kidnapping Amendments
H.B. 146 Sex Offender Restricted Area Amendments
H.B. 156 Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry and Child Abuse Offender Registry Administration Amendments
H.B. 157 County Office Consolidation Amendments
H.B. 167 State Child Care Amendments
H.B. 169 Urban Farming Assessment Act Amendments
H.B. 174 Conviction Reduction Amendments
H.B. 179 Founders and Constitution Recognition
H.B. 181 Offender Employment Amendments
H.B. 182 Interventions for Reading Difficulties Program Amendments
H.B. 184 Veterinarian Education Loan Repayment Program
H.B. 192 Traffic Violation Amendments
H.B. 193 Online Education Course Amendments
H.B. 194 Motor Vehicle Dealer Requirements
H.B. 200 Motor Vehicle Registration Revisions
H.B. 202 Signature Threshold Amendments
H.B. 211 Real Estate Amendments
H.B. 223 Drug and Alcohol Enforcement Amendments
H.B. 224 Outdoor Recreation Initiative
H.B. 225 Firearm Possession Amendments
H.B. 226 Sale of a Firearm Amendments
H.B. 236 Driving Under the Influence Testing Amendments
H.B. 237 Hunting Mentor Amendments
H.B. 238 Political Party Public Meeting Facilities Amendments
H.B. 258 Motor Vehicle Light Amendments
H.B. 267 State Purchasing Director Duties
S.B. 9 Agricultural Advisory Board Sunset Extension
S.B. 10 Wildlife Sunset Related Amendments
S.B. 12 Hearing Instrument Specialist Licensing Amendments
S.B. 13 Motor Vehicle Registration Amendments
S.B. 18 Public Expression Protection Act
S.B. 20 Military Installation Development Authority Amendments
S.B. 21 Retirement and Independent Entities Amendments
S.B. 24 Advanced Air Mobility Amendments
S.B. 26 Rural Employment Expansion Program Amendments
S.B. 30 Road Usage Amendments
S.B. 32 Administrative Appeals Amendments
S.B. 73 Gratuity Amendments
S.B. 100 School Gender Identity Policies
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