2021 Legislative Update: Week 4 & 5
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We are officially halfway through the legislative session, and only have two weeks left in the 2021 Legislative Session. I wanted to report back to you on a few exciting things that have happened the past two weeks. Take a look below for information about the fourth and fifth week of the 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. 118 Children's Hearing Aid Program Amendments. This bill will:
- Requires the Department of Health to keep a record of the cost of providing a hearing aid to each child under the Children's Hearing Aid Program
- Requires the department to send a letter to a family that participates in the Children's Hearing Aid Program informing the family of how it may donate to the program
To read more about this bill, click here.
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Updated Revenue Numbers
The Governor’s Office, Utah State Senate, and House of Representatives released updated revenue numbers for state fiscal years 2021 and 2022. The revenue estimates show the longstanding strength of Utah’s economy, despite unprecedented financial challenges due to COVID-19.
Speaker Brad Wilson said, “Years of smart and responsible fiscal planning have allowed Utah to weather recent economic hardships better than many other states and positioned us for continued economic expansion. Now we are able to maximize the return on that investment. The Legislature has significantly increased funding for public education, is working toward tax relief for those who will benefit from it most, and is making strategic investments to enhance our economy and quality of life. The updated revenue figures are promising and make me optimistic that Utah will continue on a path of economic growth and prosperity for years to come.”
Read the full press release here.
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Tax Relief
Several bills are making their way through the legislative process that will provide tax relief to many Utahns. Last week, H.B. 86 Social Security Amendments passed the House unanimously and, if passed by the Senate, will benefit many living on a fixed income. Additionally, H.B. 161 Military Retirement Tax Amendments passed the House this week, which removes the tax on military retirement, benefiting those who have served our country. Finally, a bill is in the works to help restore the child dependent exemption.
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Balancing Emergency Powers
With the onset of COVID-19, Utahns watched the Emergency Management Act in effect for an extended period for the first time in our state’s history. It became clear the Emergency Management Act is not structured for long-term emergencies such as a pandemic. After listening to Utahns' concerns, the Senate and the House of Representatives began working with the governor’s office to create checks on broad executive emergency powers.
S.B. 195 Emergency Response Amendments, limits extensive executive emergency powers during long-term emergencies without hindering rapid response. It does not disrupt the executive branch’s or health department’s ability to respond to short-term emergencies, such as natural disasters. In a joint statement released this week, Representative Val Peterson said, “The past year has been unlike any before, and each branch of government did their best to address many unforeseen challenges. Moving forward, we must ensure that our actions maintain the appropriate separation of powers during both long-term and short-term emergencies.” You can find the full statement here.
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Honoring Utah’s Gold Star Soldiers
Each year, the Legislature honors Utah’s fallen soldiers and their families. This week, Rep. Wilcox presented a citation honoring the soldiers for their courage, bravery, and selflessness and led the House in a moment of silence. We are beyond grateful for the men and women who sacrifice their lives protecting our freedoms.
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Sarah’s Bill
Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Sarah Frei and her parents to the House Floor. Sarah was involved in a car accident over the summer, resulting in the loss of her legs. Sarah’s optimistic outlook is truly inspiring. HB 20 Driving Under the Influence Sentencing Amendments, nicknamed “Sarah’s Bill,” will create stricter bail terms for DUI offenses.
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Policy Highlights
Economic Development
To boost economic growth, the House passed HB 348 Economic Development Amendments. HB 348 reimagines Utah's economic development strategy to support local businesses, help Utah entrepreneurs, bring regional and national headquarters to Utah, and encourage job creation in rural parts of our state. To better understand how this bill benefits Utahns and Utah businesses, listen to last week’s podcast found here.
Education and Mental Health Council
HB 288 Education and Mental Health Council passed the House this week. This bill creates a council made up of educators, mental and behavioral health experts, and other advocates. The council will provide action-oriented guidance to state leaders on how to meet the behavioral and mental health needs of kids and families in our state.
Housing Affordability
HB 82, “Single-family Housing Modifications,” sponsored by Rep. Ward, passed the House this week. This bill is an important step in addressing Utah’s housing affordability challenges as it helps increase housing availability and relieve pressure on prices by decreasing regulations. Watch this short video highlighting the struggles that many Utahns face as they try to find affordable housing in Utah. Find the video by clicking here.
Child’s Health Insurance
This week, The House Health and Human Services Committee unanimously passed HB 262. This bill seeks to expand the coverage of uninsured children throughout the state by creating an outreach program.
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Letter to President Biden Regarding National Monuments
In a joint letter signed by Governor Cox, Lieutenant Governor Henderson, Speaker Wilson, President Adams, Attorney General Reyes, Senators Lee and Romney, and Congressmen Curtis, Moore, Owens, and Stewart, state leaders urged President Biden to reconsider his actions taken against Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. The full letter is can be read here.
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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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