Friends and Neighbors,
The 45-day legislative session is more than halfway over! This past week was full of committee meetings, debates and activities with various groups here at Capitol Hill. As our budget subcommittees met for the final time this session, we are even more focused on passing policies and budgets that directly benefit you.
We focused on passing bills that will have regional and statewide impact, several of which are highlighted below. I appreciate those of you who have reached out to me so far and hope to continue hearing your feedback as the session continues. You can reach me through my intern Parker at 801-903-7622.
Best,
Dan McCay
Budget Process
Week four marks the last time appropriation subcommittees will meet this session. Over the past three weeks, we have heard funding requests from constituents, organizations and stakeholders. This week, we met as subcommittees and ranked all funding items in a master list. These lists will now be sent to the Executive Appropriations Committee for a final ranking. As the end of the session nears, these lists, along with the fiscal notes from all bills passed, will be consolidated into the final budget bill – known as the “Bill of Bills.”
You can learn more about the budget process and see what funding requests have been submitted here.
How to Navigate the Legislative Website
To be involved in the legislative process, it is important to stay informed and know what government resources are available. With this in mind, we have created video tutorials 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 that it will be both helpful and instructive. This week’s tutorial explains how to use the legislative tracking service.
Legislation
S.B. 92 Student Communication Methods
Our society increasingly relies on the internet and smartphones, and this is no different in the classroom. Schools are turning heavily to smartphone apps to help distribute information, sell event tickets and make announcements. Partnerships with schools are essential to mitigating the harmful impacts of social media.
S.B. 92 Student Communication Methods addresses how notifications should be delivered to students in school. It mandates a non-electronic communication method be distributed in addition to any electronic methods. Notably, the bill does not preclude schools from utilizing electronic means as long as they provide a non-electronic alternative. Learn more here.
License Plate Revisions
In Utah, the law currently requires vehicles to display both a front and back license plate. S.B. 45 License Plate Revisions would amend this law to no longer require a front plate. Under this bill, the Division of Motor Vehicles would cease issuing two license plates to vehicle owners, mandating the display of the license plate solely on the back bumper. Not only will this change in policy benefit consumers, but it will also reduce waste and costs. As a result, half of the money saved will be returned directly to the taxpayers, with the remaining portion allocated to support DMV operations. This bill passed in the Senate last week and is now being considered by the House.
Addressing Rising Nicotine Addiction in Youth
S.B. 61 Electronic Cigarettes Amendments addresses the problems that nicotine poses to the people of Utah.
It has been well-established that E-cigarettes pose a significant health risk, especially for kids. An estimated 75% of youth who have tried tobacco first tried vape products, and 90% of all kids start with flavored tobacco products. Flavored e-cigarettes increase the likelihood of teen addiction. S.B. 61 proposes to ban flavored electronic cigarette products. Additionally, the bill will prohibit the sale of e-cigarette products the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not authorized for market use.
You can track the progress of the bill here.
Alternative Education Scholarship Combination
Our state’s special needs students deserve the utmost care and support. S.B. 44 Alternative Education Scholarship Combination helps address that need. In 2004, the Legislature created the Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship, and in 2018 the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship was established. Both these scholarships aimed to provide educational opportunities to Utah’s most vulnerable students. These programs are very similar in purpose, but one has more money than kids, and the other has more kids than money.
S.B. 44 addresses this issue by combining these two programs to ensure that money goes where it is most needed. This shift will occur gradually, allowing students to continually access this scholarship money until the Carson Smith Scholarship phases out. It is vital that funding follows the children to the program that best fits them. Special needs kids deserve no less choice, funding or options than general education students; this bill supports that belief.
Strengthening Our Relationship with Taiwan
The Senate unanimously passed a resolution expressing our friendship and support for Taiwan. Utah has enjoyed a strong relationship with Taiwan since 1956. This relationship has resulted in many Taiwanese people living and working within our state, contributing their rich history and shared values to our vibrant communities.
As our state has become connected with the wonderful people in Taiwan, we have also increased our economic connections. Taiwan is Utah's 5th largest trading partner and the 6th largest export destination, totaling more than $650 million in trade during 2020. Recently, Utah strengthened our relationship with Taiwan by participating in a driver's license reciprocity agreement, which allows Utah driver's licenses to be recognized in Taiwan and vice versa. I look forward to continued connections with Taiwan in the future.
UT Tourism Day on the Hill
Tourism is thriving in Utah, with dozens of beautiful natural landscapes to explore and small towns full of rich history. In 2022, the tourism industry in Utah brought our state nearly $12 billion in direct visitor spending, $2.1 billion in tax revenue and over 150,000 travel and tourism jobs. Our five National Parks, 44 State Parks and world-class ski resorts are some of the best the West has to offer. Because of our tourism industry, Utah will continue to be a place for all to recreate and enjoy.
Watch my Weekly Video Update!
Attend my Town Hall!
I will be holding a town hall on Tuesday, 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
Please please please can we get some legislation to hold students and parents accountable for the massive amount of attendance issues in school. It is hard to bridge the covid-learning gap with no accountability in showing up to actually learn