2021 Legislative Update: Week 3
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The third week of the 2021 Legislative Session has come to an end. Despite the pandemic, we are working hard and getting a lot done. Many of my bills have been passed through committees and are on their way to the floor. However, there is still much to do in the remaining three weeks!
As with each week, below you will find some helpful links and information about the third week of the 2021 Legislative Session. If you have any questions, concerns, or thoughts on the legislative process, please reach out to me. I appreciate your feedback, and I am grateful you have trusted me with the responsibility to represent you at the legislature.
Thank you,
Representative Rex Shipp
House District 72
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Bill Highlight
This week I am highlighting H.B. 258 Firearm Safety in Schools. This bill will:
- Create a three-year pilot program to provide a one-semester course in the safe handling of firearms for grades 9 through 12.
The right to bear arms is a hallmark of our Constitution. As such, we should focus on providing our children with the necessary tools to ensure they know the proper way to handle a firearm and gun safety. To read more about this bill, click here. To see what other bills I am working on this session, click here.
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COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccines are now available for: healthcare workers, long-term care facility staff and residents, first responders, Utahns 70 and older, and K-12 teachers and school staff. Contact your local health department or school district to schedule your vaccination. All local health departments are experiencing a high volume of calls and website traffic as demand for the COVID-19 vaccine is high. Please understand that they can only distribute as many vaccines as they receive each week, and appointments fill up quickly. Everyone who wants the vaccine will get it over time.
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Tax Bills
This week, the House passed HB 86-Social Security Tax Amendments, which provides tax relief for many living on a fixed income.
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee also passed HB 161 Military Retirement Tax Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci. This bill creates a nonrefundable income tax credit for military retirement pay.
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Fallen Officer Resolution
This week, the House honored Utah’s fallen officers. We are grateful for the sacrifice of Officer Nate Lyday and the many others who risk their lives protecting us.
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Independent Redistricting Commission
Appointments to the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission were named this week. The appointments are:
- Governor Spencer Cox appointment: Chairman Rex Facer
- President Stuart Adams appointment: Lyle Hillyard
- Speaker Brad Wilson: Rob Bishop
- President Adams and Speaker Brad Wilson joint appointment: N. Jeffrey Baker
- Senate Minority Leader Karen Mayne appointment: Christine Durham
- House Minority Leader Brian King appointment: Pat Jones
- Senate and House Minority joint appointment: William Thorne
The commission will work to redraw district boundaries within our state, following updates from the census. You can find Speaker Wilson and President Adams' joint statement here.
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Week 3 Video Update
For a quick video update from the past week, click the link below!
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Virtual Access To Meetings
You can click here to see which committees I am in, as well as watch the meetings. I have been assigned to:
- Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee
- House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee
- House Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee
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Bills Passed During The 2021 Session
For a list of bills passed by the Utah House thus far, click here.
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Representative Shipp's Legislative Page
I have served as your Representative since 2019. It has been the honor of my lifetime. To see my official page and information about me, click here.
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