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Don't privatize alcohol in UtahThe interim director of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Francine Giani said that she does not think privatizing the state's liquor monopoly is a good idea. The DABC has been under fire for several months and accused of mismanagement, and has seen several critical legislative audits. Giani named several problems with the DABC that need to be solved by the next director, including changing the system of oversight by using only part-time commissioners. Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem is working on a proposal that would do just that. She also said that people who sell alcohol at state-owned stores should get paid more.
Should Legislature be polled about their preference for Senate candidates?
Because of a belief that the 17th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, which establishes election of senators by popular vote, is deeply flawed and that senators need to be accountable to the state Legislature, State Sen. Casey Anderson, R-Cedar City proposed a resolution to require a secret, informal poll of the Legislature about who they would prefer as a candidate. The resolution died in committee, tied at a 3-3 vote.
"I could not agree more that the 17th Amendment is directly responsible for every federal overreach in the last 90 years," said Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley."
Technology grants to Utah's schools
SB97 would provide grants to schools in order to allow them to buy computers, software, and teacher training. The cost would be about $20 million with $5 million of that ongoing. The bill passed in the Senate and now moves on to the house. It was offered in order to facilitate an adaptive testing program.
Sen. wants to prevent graffiti, but at what cost?
A bill would prohibit a person from possessing "any instrument, tool or device that is commonly used to make graffiti with the intent to deface the property of another," and would make the crime a class C misdemeanor. The intent of SB107 is to prevent graffiti, but "intent" is part of the concern about the bill. It was held in the Senate because of questions about enforcement, and how police could show someone's "mental intent" to deface another person's property.
Tea party Republicans showed of their newly-found power Monday, but also the deep conflict in the party between the tea party and the old guard. A bill which seeks to eliminate the tax-return check-off for the Election Campaign Fund. But the bill could also prevent a change in the caucus nomination system that the state parties use to nominate candidates. Any change in that system could threaten tea party power and hurt small, rural party organization.
Bill would regulate "immigration consultants"
In an effort to fight predators who make money by claiming to help immigrants fill out residency forms or apply for legal immigration, but may have no credentials or give bad advice, Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake is sponsoring a bill that would require any "immigration consultant" who is not an attorney to register with the state Division of Consumer Protection.
