Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- Should soldiers pay property taxes?
The Senate preliminarily OK'd SB116, a bill that would make Utah military members called to active duty exempt from paying residential property tax.
An associated resolution which calls for an ammendment to the state constitution to allow the exemption, SJR8, passed 25-1. The measures need final Senate approval before moving to the House. The resolution must pass with a two-thirds majority in both chambers to put it on the general election ballot.
To qualify for the exemption, soldiers would have to actively serve in the U.S. armed forces or reserves outside the state for 200 days in a calendar year, according to the bill. The state would then waive property tax on their primary residence the following year. The state would lose $2.1 million in property tax revenue as a result of the exemption, and 901,000 property taxpayers would see between a $1.03 and $7.68 increase in their taxes after 5 years, depending on the cost of their home or the worth of their business.
The House Government Operations Committee heard three alcohol-related bills Tuesday. It said "no" to holiday liquor sales, "hold on" to making sure drinkers serve on the state alcohol commission and "yes" to new a category of license for dining clubs. Dining clubs are more akin to restaurants where food is the focus. The Utah Department of Alcohol Beverage Control typically has restaurant license available, while the wait for a club license is months.
Developers in the state have complained that it is difficult to get restaurants to sign on to large developments like malls dues to liquor regulations and negative perceptions.
Fighting the alcoholism epidemic
Organizers of a rally at the Capitol Tuesday seek to pass a bill that would allow recovering addicts and alcoholics to have controlled substance-related crimes expunged, which they say would reduce barriers to jobs and housing. Sponsored by Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, SB182 requires a five-year waiting period, a court hearing and other requirements.
Rep. Mike Noel spoke about his family history of alcoholism. "I know that treatment works," he told the crowd. "We have to put our money where our mouth is and we have to provide more treatment because this is an epidemic in our country."
Mandatory insurance coverage for autism
House Republicans are proposing a pilot program they're calling "a Utah solution" to the issue of whether insurance coverage for autism should be mandated.The program, outlined during Tuesday's House GOP caucus meeting, would serve some 800 autistic children ages 2 to 6 whose parents don't have insurance or are covered by either the Public Employees Health Program or Medicaid.
House Majority Assistant Whip Ronda Menlove, R-Garland, is sponsoring both HB272 and another bill, HB69, that mandates insurance companies cover autism. She said her preference is for the pilot program, acknowledging that lawmakers are feeling pressured to find a way to help families with autistic children.
Special needs software for schools gets committee approval
A $3 million program that would fund computer programs for special needs children — particularly children with autism — in early grades passed out of a Senate committee Tuesday in a 6-1 vote. it now moves to the Senate floor
The one-time investment would provide computer programs to districts and charter schools seeking technology helps for their special needs students. The software targets socialization in addition to academics. Some districts have already purchased software similar to what's outlined in the bill, Sen. Wayne Neiderhauser, R-Sandy, said.
"There's been great success in about nine districts," Neiderhauser said. "This is wildly successful."
A bill reaffirming Utah's sovereignty was approved Tuesday by a House committee, but not before getting amended to be less provocative toward the federal government.
House Judiciary Chairman Kay McIff, R-Richfieldsaid the bill as written poked "a sharp stick in the eye" of the federal government on issues where Utah is seeking help, such as accessing public lands or dealing with undocumented workers. The bill's sponsor, Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Draper, accepted the deletion of language asserting the state would expect a credit from the federal government for losses or costs incurred.
Meanwhile, a Layton Republican is sponsoring another piece of states' rights legislation under which Utah would join an interstate compact to opt out of federal medical reform. SB208 also would replace federal programs such as Medicaid and Medicare with a block grant to the states. A hearing on the bill is scheduled for Friday.
Contributing: Ladd Brubaker, Dennis Romboy, Lisa Riley Roche and Molly Farmer.
