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SALT LAKE CITY — It can be hard to keep track of the comings and goings at the Utah State Capitol during the annual legislative session. Most Utahns just want to know one thing: How could lawmakers’ decisions affect me?
During the 2020 general session, KSL.com will be keeping an eye on bills that could someday make an impact on Utahns’ money and health. In our weekly legislative roundup, we let you know the status of some noteworthy bills being considered.
It's time for Week 3 up at the Capitol. Here are some bills to keep an eye on:
Bill that could affect your money
What it says: This bill enhances potential financial penalties for violations of the Telephone and Facsimile Solicitation Act, which limits advertising cold calls in Utah. A court could award triple the amount of "actual" damages "if the court finds that a violation was knowing and willful," the text of the bill reads.
Bill sponsor Rep. Michael McKell, R-Spanish Fork, says federal law allows for treble damages and his bill would enhance Utah's penalty to match that.
"Our state cause of action is actually less stringent than the federal cause of action," McKell said. "I've taken the federal penalty, and I've included that."
The big picture: This bill is part of the ongoing war against unwanted and misleading telephone calls — and McKell expects it to get more stringent before possibly becoming law.
"I think as the bill moves forward, I'm going to find ways to strengthen it," he said.
He wants to strengthen both the penalties allowed and officials' ability to "chase" cases involving callers outside the state of Utah.
Bills that could affect your health
What it says: This bill clarifies reporting requirements for health care providers who believe a child has been exposed to alcohol or drugs during or immediately after pregnancy. It also directs state agencies to develop a program to reduce substance abuse during pregnancy.
The big picture: Bill sponsor Rep. Merrill Nelson, R-Grantsville, said in an email that the bill is designed to "reduce alcohol and substance abuse during pregnancy to prevent the resulting harm to children."
"The plan is to coordinate efforts of state and local agencies to identify available resources and refer pregnant women to needed treatment rather than prosecution," Nelson said.
HB244 will be heard today at 3:40 p.m. in the House Health and Human Services Committee.
What it says: This bill includes a five-year reauthorization of the Rural Residency Training Program and adds dental education to the program. Bill sponsor Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden, said Rural Residency Training is a "great" program that's been "working well."
"We thought, you know, I'm a dentist," Christensen said. "Let's let it extend to dentists also."
The big picture: Christensen said there are currently no dental residencies outside of Salt Lake. He said the program in general helps improve medical care for rural Utahns. "This is a financial incentive ... for doctors and/or dentists to go out into the rural areas and complete a residency program there. They found that 75% of those who go, wherever they're placed for a residency, after a couple years tend to stay there. And that's what we would like to continue."
This bill has passed both houses of the Legislature and is heading to the governor's desk.
Checking In
HB49, which clarifies that, for Utahns purchasing an aircraft, mobile home, boat or vehicle on the internet, the location of the transaction is where they take possession of the vehicle, has passed both chambers, has been signed by the Senate president and returned to the House.
HB51, which repeals the State Tax Commission’s authority to reassess property values and override county auditors, has passed both chambers and is awaiting a signature from the speaker of the house before heading to the governor's desk.
Related Story
How your money and your health could be affected by the 2020 Utah Legislature: Week 2
It can be hard to keep track of the comings and goings at the Utah State Capitol during the annual legislative session. Most Utahns just want to know one thing: How could lawmakers’ decisions affect me?
