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Editor's note: This is part of a series at KSL.com focusing on bills during the 2020 general session that could have an impact on your money and health. In our weekly legislative roundup, we let you know the status of some noteworthy bills being considered.
SALT LAKE CITY — It's time for Week Five up at the Capitol. Here are some bills to keep an eye on:
Bills that could affect your money
What it says: This bill would allow students with a criminal record to apply for the Regents' Scholarship and the New Century Scholarship.
The big picture: Rep. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, said this bill is part of a gradual legislative effort to help the incarcerated reintegrate into society.
"A lot of people have realized, you know, we send someone to jail and they don't stay there forever," Weiler said Friday. "They eventually get out, and they come back to our neighborhoods. And the question is, do we want to help them hit the reset button and put them on a path where they can succeed? ... If they've paid their price and served their time, and they want to go to college and get a degree, that's wonderful. Why should we make it harder for them?"
What it says: This bill would keep public service providers, internet service providers, insurers and public utilities from using credit scores to determine Utahns' monthly rates.
The big picture: Bill sponsor Rep. Christine Watkins, R-Price, said this bill arose after hearing about a constituent whose bills soared when her spouse died. "She had not done a lot to build any kind of a credit score," Watkins said.
But she said she is already experiencing "some pushback from some companies" over the bill.
"It'll be interesting to see what happens," Watkins said.
Bill that could affect your health
What it says: This bill would mean a total prohibition on the use or sale of electronic cigarettes.
The big picture: Rep. Paul Ray, R-Clearfield, said he sees a "lot of games being played" with the e-cigarette legislation that has already been introduced during this session. "And this bill is basically just saying, look, if you don't get it together, and let's adopt a policy that works, then let's just do away with them."
Ray said his goal is to move forward with some of the more incremental legislation that has been introduced, but he feels the status quo is untenable. "I'd love to see the bills that are out there get worked out and get some policy in," Ray said. "That's the ultimate goal for me."
Checking In
HB244, which aims to reduce the abuse of drugs and alcohol by pregnant women, received a favorable recommendation from the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
HB220, which would create an outreach program to curtail Hepatitis C transmission, has passed the House and been introduced in the Senate.
HB32, which establishes a statewide "warmline" for information on behavioral health services, and appropriates funds for other mental health resources, has passed the House and moved on to the Senate.
