Lawmakers approve 80 mph speed on 3 stretches of highway, freeways

Lawmakers approve 80 mph speed on 3 stretches of highway, freeways


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SALT LAKE CITY — Drivers on three more stretches of Utah highway will be able to put the pedal to the metal, at least up to 80 mph, without fear of a speeding ticket.

The Senate unanimously approved HB83 on Friday allowing the new speed limit on I-15 from Tremonton to the Idaho border; I-84 from the Tremonton interchange to the Idaho border and I-80 from Grantsville to Wendover.

The House earlier approved the measure. The bill now goes to the governor. If he signs it, the 80 mph speed limit will take effect once the Utah Department of Transportation posts the appropriate signs.

Several other bills were also discussed by Legislation during the past week:

Federal Gun Laws

A controversial bill intended to bar federal gun laws from being enforced in Utah was held by the House Judiciary Committee Friday after a second day of hearings.

Rep. Lee Perry, R-Perry said the bill is now "stuck in limbo" and that it is up to the chairman of the committee, Rep. Kay McIff, R-Richfield, to decide what happens next.

Liability Protection for Police

A controversial bill purporting to protect Utah police officers from liability during high-speed chases has been pulled by the sponsor and likely won't resurface this legislative session.

Policies to end Poverty, Dependence on Assistance Programs

Utah will create a state commission to develop policy recommendations to end intergenerational poverty and dependence on public assistance programs.

Bill for Nonprofit Homeless Shelters to Receive Funds

Volunteers of America's social-model detox center serves 1,700 people a year. But demand has outstripped available beds to the point that the facility is forced to turn away people who need help, the nonprofit group's Utah CEO told state lawmakers Thursday.

The committee took no action Thursday but is preparing the priority lists for ongoing and one-time money it will forward to the Executive Appropriations Committee.

Bill to ban outside consulting for AG

Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, introduced legislation Thursday that would ban the type of outside consulting work Utah Attorney General John Swallow did while serving as chief deputy attorney general.

Bill to Remove City Fireworks Ban

A bill that would take away the ability of counties, cities and towns to ban fireworks received preliminary approval Wednesday in the Senate.

Contributing: Marjorie Cortez, Lisa Riley Roche, Ben Lockhart, Dennis Romboy, and Rachel Lowry

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