Friends and Neighbors,
Week two of the 2024 General Session is officially over! This week was quite busy and very productive. I have enjoyed meeting with many of you regarding your concerns and suggestions. Hearing your thoughts on my legislation is incredibly valuable to me. You can learn more about the bills that I am sponsoring here. If you would like to see if there is time to meet with me or discuss my legislation, you can contact my intern Parker at 801-903-7622.
During week two, in addition to hearing budget hearings, I spent many hours in committee meetings and considered various bills. I had many thoughtful discussions with my colleagues on a multitude of topics. So much hard work has gone into all the proposed legislation, and it is truly an honor to be involved in this process.
Below, you will find a description of some items addressed and events that happened last week. I will continue to send regular updates during the remaining five weeks of the session. I encourage each of you to reach out with your questions and thoughts.
Best,
Dan McCay
Base Budget Bills
As a Legislature, our constitutional responsibility is to pass a balanced budget before the close of the general legislative session. It is a responsibility we take seriously. As such, we spend the first few weeks of the session meeting in appropriations subcommittees considering how we allocate money for public education, social services, transportation and more.
Eight appropriations subcommittees prepare base budgets for their assigned subject area over the first couple of weeks of the session. These subcommittee base budgets are passed in the early weeks of the session, allowing the state to continue functioning at a basic level and preventing the state government from shutting down. Then, typically during the final week of the session, we pass what is known as the “Bill of Bills,” which is the comprehensive budget bill that includes additional appropriations not included in the base budgets. Learn more here.
How to Navigate the Legislative Website
Staying informed and knowing how to use government resources are essential parts of being involved in the legislative process. I invite you to continue following along throughout the session over the next five weeks and learn more about the topics of interest to you. With this in mind, we have created video tutorials and corresponding documents that explain how to best utilize the legislative website (le.utah.gov). We will highlight a new tutorial each week of the session, and we hope they will be both helpful and instructive.
This week’s tutorial walks you through the steps of how to virtually join a committee meeting. Watch the video here.
Legislation
H.B. 257- Privacy Spaces
Utahns deserve the right to privacy when using restrooms and locker rooms. Too often, cases of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior have occurred in spaces where Utahns have an expectation of safety. To help address this issue, we passed a common-sense bill to help protect all Utahns’ privacy.
H.B. 257 will provide privacy and peace of mind by ensuring people in government facilities use multiple-occupancy restrooms, locker rooms or showers that correspond with their sex. The bill also strengthens criminal charges for those who commit offensive behavior in a bathroom. It enhances criminal penalties for simultaneous violations of the following: lewdness, lewdness involving a child, voyeurism, criminal trespass, or loitering in privacy spaces.
To ensure those who may want extra privacy have options, this bill also requires state and local government entities to improve privacy by providing adequate single-occupancy facilities in new buildings and studying the feasibility of retrofitting existing facilities. It also incorporates the important aspects of Title IX into state law, requiring equal access to facilities and athletic opportunities.
This is an important step forward to ensure that all Utahns have privacy in sensitive settings. To learn more about the bill, click here.
S.C.R. 3- Major League Baseball Resolution
Baseball is truly America’s pastime. Its history, deeply rooted in American culture, has brought countless contributions to our society and generational connections. It is only fitting that one of the greatest sports comes to the greatest state in the nation. My colleagues and I are working hard to bring a Major League Baseball franchise to the Beehive State. This week we passed S.C.R. 3 Concurrent Resolution Supporting Major League Baseball in Utah. Recognizing Utah as a prime location, the resolution highlights our advantageous geographic position, proven track record in hosting successful sports events, community-centric values and robust economy.
Beyond the thrill of the game, the resolution emphasizes the significant economic and cultural benefits a professional baseball team and ballpark would bring to Utah. Enabling greater accessibility and affordability for Utahns to enjoy sporting events, this decision will have a positive impact for generations. Utah is poised and eager to become the permanent home of a professional baseball franchise, further enriching our state's cultural and sporting legacy.
Great Salt Lake Update
Great Salt Lake Commissioner Brian Steed provided a status update on the Great Salt Lake. He shared some of the goals for the lake, including land use planning, developing a long-term funding plan, exploring potential water supply augmentation and developing a split season lease program to acquire the water the lake needs.
One of the main concerns is dust pollution. Dust mitigation could require high upfront and ongoing costs. Thankfully, the lakebed has a thick crust that will keep the dust down; however, mitigating it is a long-term goal.
Additionally, the lake's south arm has seen a notable increase, with healthier salinity and higher water levels than in 2022. While it is still a work in progress, there has been an increased understanding of the costs associated with a drying lake.
Listen to the full report presented in the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee here.
Utah March for Life
I joined Utahns in last week’s March for Life in support of a baby's right to life. With over 1,200 participants, the March for Life demonstrates our commitment to protect those who cannot protect themselves. In Utah, we have a strong community supporting women who experience an unplanned pregnancy and want to help them feel supported during a potentially difficult time. Our state has invested significant funding to provide resources for expectant and new mothers. You can learn more about the resources available here. I am grateful for the hard work of individuals and organizations that help protect unborn babies and support pregnant women.
Watch my Weekly Video Update!
Attend my Town Hall!
I will be holding a town hall on Wednesday, February 13th at 7pm at the Riverton City Hall. I would love for you to stop by and share your thoughts and concerns with me! Hope to see you all there.
Until next time,
Senator Dan McCay
District 18
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