Tax and Budget

 

Early Childhood

Wins for new moms and babies including much-needed funding support for Early Intervention Services/Baby Watch (Sen. Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, SB 2) and SB 135 which will strengthen statewide, evidence-based home visiting programs for low-income mothers (Sen. Escamilla).

SB 100 (Sen. Ann Millner, R-Ogden) commissions an analysis of early childhood systems throughout the state, to determine where and to what extent early childhood services exist such as developmental screenings, home visiting, high-quality child care and preschool, as well as what access barriers there are between these services and the children and families who need them.

Access to Healthcare

A win for families is HB 278 (Rep. Chavez-Houck, D- Salt Lake City), which makes it easier for divorced parents to seek medical care for their children. It requires medical providers to separately bill each parent for their due portion, and prohibits a parent from getting a negative credit report if the other parent has not made his or her portion. The onus is no longer on the parent to track down the full payment or risk a bad credit score. HB 278 will help more kids get the care they need.

Sen. Christensen (R-Ogden) sponsored SB 51, which would return Medicaid managed care services to a fee for service model. Ultimately, this bill was decided outside of legislation, however, the agreement reached will help more children access a Medicaid pediatric dentist or school-based preventive dental care. To further monitor the issue, Sen. Escamilla (D-Salt Lake City) sponsored intent language that directs the Department of Health to investigate pediatric dental care access issues kids enrolled in Medicaid may experience (SB 2).

Immunization

Rep. Thurston’s (R- Provo) bill HB 308 which will strengthen protections for Utah students against disease outbreaks and standardize vaccination exemption requirements and procedures, creating an online education module for those seeking an exemption.

Suicide Prevention

Lawmakers took several key steps toward addressing bullying, student safety and teen suicide in Utah. Sen. Escamilla (D-Salt Lake City) sponsored SB 161, which strengthens school anti-bullying policies, and gives parents and school staff greater ability to address anti-bullying behavior.

Rep. Eliason (R-Sandy), who was also the floor sponsor for SB 161, sponsored HB 223 which establishes a suicide prevention education program, including firearm safety curriculum to be made available in schools.
A big win this session for Utah kids is the repeal of the so-called “No Promo Homo” in SB 196. Previously schools were not allowed to discuss homosexuality in the classroom and curricula. This harmful and discriminatory policy was repealed thanks to the efforts of Sen. Stuart Adams (R-Layton), champions at Equality Utah and others for create a safer, creating more inclusive environment for Utah kids.

Juvenile Justice

For the last year, the state policy makers have been grappling with how to make Utah’s juvenile justice system work better for kids and our community. With the help of the Pew Charitable Trusts, a workgroup made up of key stakeholders—judges, mental health providers, police officers, school officials, prosecutors, and juvenile defense attorneys—made a number of strong recommendations including:

  • Keeping kids out of court for low-level status offenses like truancy.
  • Bringing much-needed structure to the sentencing process in the juvenile justice system.
  • Ensuring that kids don't spend time in detention just because they can't pay restitutions and fines.
  • Creating specific performance requirements for community placement programs.
  • Ensuring that children have their constitutionally guaranteed right to counsel.

HB 239, Juvenile Justice Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Lowry Snow (R-St. George), incorporated many of these recommendations and received near unanimous support this legislative session. The bill that finally will bring much-needed structure to juvenile sentencing, and require important training for system workers. However, the legislature failed to provide sufficient funding to ensure kids have access to community-based and school-based interventions that offer more opportunities for positive change and that Utah is meeting its constitutional obligation that kids have legal representation.

The passage of SB 134, Indigent Defense Commission Amendments, sponsored by Sen. Todd Weiler (R-Salt Lake), may provide a forum to address the lack of legal representation for kids involved in juvenile justice system by expanding Utah’s Indigent Defense Commission’s mission to include looking at how Utah will protect children’s Sixth Amendment rights, not just adults.

Public Education

For decades Utah has languished at the bottom in terms of state investment in our kids. While big reforms inspired by the Our Schools Now initiative did not make it through in 2017 (The Our Schools Now ballot initiative, however, remains very much alive), the legislature did take a number of positive steps.

As a result of higher-than-expected revenue projections, the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee recommended a 3 percent increase to the value of the weighted pupil unit (WPU) — the basic unit of education funding — as well as $68 million for new growth in the state’s public education system.

HB 168 (Rep. Lowry Snow, R-St. George) appropriates just under $3 million in TANF funds to help schools establish kindergarten supplemental enrichment programs (extended-day kindergarten). Schools with at least 10 percent of their students experiencing intergenerational poverty will receive first priority for funding, followed by schools in which 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The bill also directs the State Board of Education to develop kindergarten entry and exit assessments to be used in conjunction with these programs.

HB 212 (Rep. Mike Winder, R-West Valley) provides bonuses for teachers working in high-poverty schools who have a 70 percent median growth percentile or higher (as determined by SAGE scores). The state and the school district will each provide half of the bonus funds. While there are concerns about the limitations imposed as a result of using SAGE scores as the sole determinant, it is nonetheless a good step toward incentivizing highly effective educators who work in high-need schools. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and now goes to the Governor.

SB 34 (Sen. Ann Millner, R-Ogden) authorizes the State Board of Education to reimburse a local education agency that provides competency-based education for a student who graduates early. In the past, school districts and LEAs lost the remaining per-pupil funding each time a student graduated before the end of their senior year. The bill passed the House unanimously and now goes to Governor Herbert.

 


LUGU Logo 1March 30, 2017 is Love UT Give UT!

It’s a day for Utahns to give to the nonprofits that make Utah special. Every donation to Voices for Utah Children through Love UT Give UT gives Voices a chance to win matching grants and prizes—and gives you a chance to win a car!

And you don't have to wait!  Donate now at http://bit.ly/loveUTchildren.

For 30 years now, Voices for Utah Children has called on our state, federal and local leaders to put children’s needs first. But the work is not done. The children of 30 years ago now have children of their own. Too many of these children are growing up in poverty, without access to healthcare or quality educational opportunities.

How can you be involved?

Make a tax-deductible donation to Voices for Utah Children—or join our Network with a monthly donation of $20 or more.  Network membership includes complimentary admission to Network events with food, socializing, and opportunity to meet child advocacy experts. And don't forget to join our listserv to stay informed!

We look forward to the future of Voices for Utah Children and we hope you will be a part of our next 30 years.

Special thanks to American Express for sponsoring our 30th Anniversary Year. Amex

Published in News & Blog

 

Bill

 Sponsor

Description

Voices is

House  Bills

HB011 Property Tax Amendments

Rep. Timothy Hawkes

Sen. Daniel Hemmert

This bill modifies the property tax valuation and appeals processes for county assessed real property.

Following

HB017 Firearm Violence and Suicide Prevention Amendments

Rep. Steve Eliason

Sen. Curtis Bramble

This bill reenacts and modifies previously sunsetted provisions relating to a voluntary firearm safety program and a suicide prevention education course. Following

HB024 Property Tax Exemptions, Deferrals, and Abatements Amendments

Rep. Steve Eliason

Sen. Daniel McCay

This bill amends provisions related to property tax exemptions, deferrals, and abatements.

Following

HB025 Tax Commission Amendments

Rep. Steve Eliason

Sen. Lincoln Fillmore

This bill modifies provisions relating to closed meetings held by the State Tax Commission.

Following

HB041 Transportation Sales Tax Amendments

Rep. Kay Christofferson

This bill modifies sales and use tax provisions relating to certain sales and use tax dedications.

Following

HB042 Utah Net Loss Effective Date Clarification

Rep. Travis Seegmiller

Sen. Curtis Bramble

This bill modifies an uncodified effective date.

Following

HB047 Early Childhood Coordination Amendments

Rep. V. Lowery Snow;

Sen. Ann Millner

This bill creates the Early Childhood Utah Advisory Council and the Governor's Early Childhood Commission.

Priority Supporting

HB049 Repatriation Transition Tax Amendments

Rep. Steve Eliason

Sen. Lincoln Fillmore

This bill modifies corporate income tax provisions relating to deferred foreign income.

Following

HB071 Health Education Amendments

Rep. Ray Ward

Sen. Todd Weiler

This bill amends provisions regarding instruction in health.

Supporting

HB087 Safe Storage of Firearms Amendments

Rep. Elizabeth Weight

This bill relates to firearm storage.

Supporting

HB092 Violence Data Study

Rep. Susan Pulsipher

This bill establishes a grant award for a violence data study. Following

HB102 Campaign Funds Uses Amendments

Rep. Stephanie Pitcher

This bill allows candidates for public office to use campaign funds to pay for child care expenses incurred as part of campaign activities. 

Supporting

HB103 Utah Intergenerational Poverty Work & Self-sufficiency Tax Credit.

Rep. Robert Spendlove

This bill enacts a state earned income tax credit.

Priority Supporting

HB120 Student and School Safety Assessment

Rep. Ray Ward

Sen. Ann Millner

This bill enacts provisions related to school safety.

Following

HB129 Campaign Amendments

Rep. Craig Hall

Sen. Deidre Henderson

This bill allows candidates for public office to use campaign funds to pay for child care expenses incurred as part of campaign activities. 

Supporting

HB153 Utah Vital Statistics Act Amendments

 Rep. Merrill Nelson

Sen.Ralph Okerlund

This bill amends provisions regarding the completion and amendment of a birth certificate.  Following
HB205 Railroad Crossing Amendments

Rep. Joel Ferry

This bill amends provisions related to the operation of a train that blocks traffic at a railroad crossing in a high-traffic area.

Following
HB208 Safe Routes to School Program

Rep. Suzanne Harrison

Sen. Daniel Hemmert

This bill requires the Department of Transportation to implement a program to provide safe routes to school.

Supporting

HB209 Extreme Risk Protective Order

Rep. Stephen Handy

This bill creates the Extreme Risk Protective Order Act.

Supporting

HB210 Medicaid Expansion Program Revisions

Rep. Ray Ward

This bill amends provisions relating to Medicaid expansion.

Priority Supporting

HB234 Marriage Amendments

Rep. Angela Romero

Sen. Luz Escamilla

This bill imposes an age, below which an individual may not marry and makes technical and conforming amendments. Following
HB244 Misdemeanor Sentencing Timeline Clarifications

Rep. Eric Hutchings 

Sen. Daniel Thatcher

This bill reduces the maximum penalty for a misdemeanor conviction by one day to 364.

Supporting

HB267 Prescription Drug Importation Program

Rep. Norman Thurston

Sen. Curtis Bramble

This bill creates a program and reporting requirements relating to prescription drugs and the importation of prescription drugs.

 

Supporting

HB274 Retail Tobacco Specialty Business Amendments 

Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost

This bill amends provisions relating to the sale of flavored tobacco products.

Supporting

HB275 Contraception for Women Prisoners

Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost

This bill requires that jails must continue to allow female prisoners access to contraceptives. Following

HB286 Financial and Economic Literacy Education Amendments

Rep. Jefferson Moss

Sen. Todd Weiler

This bill amends provisions related to financial and economic literacy education. Following
HB303 School Community Council Amendments

Rep. Keven Stratton

This bill modifies provisions related to the School LAND Trust Program.

Following

HB317 Homeless Resource Center Drug-free Zone

Rep. Steve Eliason

This bill modifies provisions related to penalties for certain prohibited acts. Following
HB324 Tobacco Age Amendments

Rep. Steve Eliason

Sen. Curtis Bramble

 This bill modifies the minimum age for obtaining, possessing, using, providing, or furnishing of tobacco products, paraphernalia, and under certain circumstances, electronic smoking devices from 19 to 20 then to 21 years of age.

Supporting

HB333 Workforce Development Incentives Amendments

Rep. Suzanne Harrison

Sen. Jacob Anderegg

This bill amends provisions related to tax credit incentives for economic development.

Supporting

HB336 Nurse Practice Act Amendments

Rep. James Dunnigan

Sen. Curtis Bramble

This bill amends provisions relating to the prescriptive authority of certain licensed nurse practitioners.

Supporting

HB340 School Absenteeism and Truancy Amendments

Rep. V. Lowry Snow

This bill amends provisions related to truancy.

Supporting

HB344 Student Asthma Relief Amendments

Rep. Mark Wheatley

Sen. Ronald Winterton

This bill enacts provisions governing the administration of stock albuterol by certain entities to an individual.

Supporting

HB360 School Water Testing Requirements

Rep. Stephen Handy 

This bill enacts provisions related to monitoring and mitigating lead in drinking water in schools and child care centers.

Supporting

HB371 Consent to Services for Homeless Youth

Rep. Elizabeth Weight

This bill relates to a homeless youth's ability to consent to a temporary shelter, care, or services.

Supporting

HB373 Student Support Amendments

Rep. Steve Eliason

Sen. Ann Millner

This bill repeals and enacts provisions related to school-based mental health support.

Supporting

HB379 Intergenerational Poverty Solution

Rep. Norman Thurston

This bill creates the Earned Income and Education Savings Incentive Program. Following
HB399 Prohibition of the Practice of Conversion Therapy upon Minors

Rep. Craig Hall

This bill prohibits certain health care professionals from providing conversion therapy to a minor; and
adds a violation of the prohibition to the list of conduct that constitutes unprofessional conduct for licensing purposes.

Followed- Bill was pulled

HB430 Prohibition of Genital Mutilation

Rep. Ken Ivory

This bill prohibits female genital mutilation and provides a penalty. Following
HB441 Tax Equalization and Reduction Act

Rep. Tim Quinn

This bill modifies the sales tax rate by attempting to broaden the tax base and lowering the income tax from 4.9% to 4.7%

Monitored - Bill was pulled.

More information here

HR003 House Resolution Supporting Humane Response to Refugee Crisis

Rep. Jen Dailey-Provost

This House resolution urges a humane response to the immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Supporting

HCR004 Concurrent Resolution Supporting Utah's Every Kid Outdoors Initiative

Rep. Patrice Arent

Sen. Lincoln Fillmore

This concurrent resolution expresses support for Utah's Every Kid Outdoors Initiative.

Supporting

HCR005 Concurrent Resolution Urging Policies That Reduce Damage from Wildfires

Rep. Raymond Ward

Sen. Ronald Winterton

This resolution urges the federal government to pursue policies that allow for easier reduction of excess forest fuel loads.

Supporting

HJR008 Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - Slavery and Involuntary Servitude Prohibition

Rep. Sandra Hollins

Sen. Jacob Anderegg

This joint resolution of the Legislature proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to modify a provision prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude.

Supporting

Senate Bills

SB012 FDIC Premium Deduction Amendments

Sen. Jerry Stevenson

Rep. Tim Quinn

This bill modifies the Corporate Franchise and Income Taxes code and the Individual Income Tax Act by amending provisions relating to certain subtractions from unadjusted income or adjusted gross income.

Following

SB013 Income Tax Domicile Amendments

Sen. Curtis Bramble

Rep. Steve Eliason

This bill modifies tax provisions relating to income tax domicile requirements.

Following

SB028 Income Tax Revisions

Sen. Curtis Bramble

Rep. Steve Eliason

This bill modifies corporate income tax provisions.

Following

SB032 Indigent Defense Act Amendments

Sen. Todd Weiler

Rep. Michael McKell

This bill amends provisions of Utah’s Indigent Defense Act to ensure appropriate legal representation for all young people appearing in juvenile court. 

Priority Supporting

SB038 Substitute Mental Health Amendments

Sen. Lincoln Fillmore

Rep. Brad Daw

This bill amends provisions of the civil commitment code and the definition of "unprofessional conduct" applied to mental health professionals.

Following

SB041 Interest Deductions Amendments

Sen. Daniel McCay

This bill modifies the Corporate and Franchise Income Tax Act and the Individual Income Tax Act by amending provisions relating to additions and deductions for certain business interest.

Following

SB042 Tangible Personal Property Amendments

Sen. Daniel McCay

Rep. Karianne Lisonbee

This bill provides for the exemption of certain tangible personal property from property tax if the tangible personal property is eligible for sales and use taxation.

Following

SB083 Partnerships for Healthy Communities

Sen. Ann Millner

Rep. Paul Ray

This bill creates the Partnerships for Healthy Communities Grant Program and will address the social determinants of health that affect early childhood health outcomes.

Priority Supporting

SB096  Medicaid Expansion Adjustments

Sen. Allen Christensen

Rep. James Dunnigan

This bill amends provisions relating to the state Medicaid program and the state sales

Opposing

SB097 Medicaid Program Revisions

Sen. Jacob Anderegg

This bill repeals the expansion of the state Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act and changes the sales tax rate.

Opposing

SB103 Victim Targeting Penalty Enhancements

Sen. Daniel Thatcher

Rep. Lee Perry

This bill enacts provisions relating to sentencing for a criminal offense committed against a victim who is selected because of certain personal attributes. Following
SB106 Mental Health Services in Schools

Sen. Lincoln Fillmore

Rep. Susan Pulsipher

This bill enacts provisions relating to coverage of certain mental health services by the Medicaid program and certain health insurers.

Following

SB110 Family Medical Unpaid Leave Amendments

Sen. Daniel Hemmert

Rep. Mike Schultz

Provides state-eligible companies (those that have between 30 and 50 employees) to make available three weeks of unpaid medical leave to employees. 

 Supporting

SB143 Public Education Vision Screening

Sen. Luz Escamilla

Rep. Brad Daw

This bill modifies provisions regarding public education vision screening.

Supporting

SB166 School Readiness Amendments

Sen. Ann Millner

Rep. Bradley Last

This bill amends and enacts preschool provisions.

Priority Supporting

SB222 Children's Outdoor Recreation Program

Sen. Lincoln Fillmore

Rep. Mike Winder

This bill creates the Utah Children's Outdoor Recreation and Education Grant Program in the Governor's Office of Economic Development.

Supporting

SJR003 Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption

Sen. Daniel McCay

This joint resolution of the Legislature proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to modify a provision relating to tangible personal property tax exemptions.

Following

Published in Legislative Center

Bill

Sponsor

Description

Voices is

House Bills

Juvenile Justice Bills

HB14 - School Absenteeism and Truancy Amendments

Rep. Snow

Creates a standard definition for “truancy” and chronic truancy” and seeks to improve data reporting by schools to the state board of education

Following

HB78 - Juvenile Incarceration Services Amendments

Rep. Dailey-Provost

Prevents the state from sending fees related to juvenile incarceration to debt collection

Support

HB111 - Notification to School of Criminal Proceedings

Rep. Hall

Requires law enforcement to notify a school when a student is under investigation for a violent felony or weapons offense,

Following

HB171 - School Threat Amendments

Rep. Stoddard

Defines the crime of threatening a school (or committing an intentional hoax threat), creates certain criminal penalties (including restitution for the costs of a school response to a threat), and requires a mental health assessment.

Following

HB229 - Extreme Risk Protection Order

Rep. Handy

Enables a family member or law enforcement to ask a court to restrain a person from possessing any firearms or ammunition for a specified length of time;

Support
       

Child Care and Early Education

HB89 - Workforce Development Incentives Amendments

Rep. Harrison

Allows GOED to consider the “working parent benefits” that a company offers, when calculating potential incentives packages

Support

HB97 - Newborn Safe Haven Amendments

Rep. Arent

Updates Utah’s “Safe Haven Law” to allow parents to leave newborn children, up to 30 days old, at a hospital, safely and without fear of criminal prosecution. Also includes provisions to ensure notification of fathers when possible, and to prevent birth record duplications

Support

HB99 - Enhanced Kindergarten Amendments

Rep. Snow

Expands state-funded Optional-Extended Day Kindergarten administered by Utah State Board of Education. Boosts current spending about 2.5 times

Support

HB114 - Early Learning Training and Assessment Amendments

Rep. Waldrip

Expands teacher professional development program focused on early literacy to include numeracy skills and to boost embedded coaching/technical assistance support to educators.

Support

HB153 - Parental Leave Amendments

Rep. Weight

Directs state agencies (except for universities) to offer up to sic weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child

Support

HB187 - Employer Tax Credit for Child Care

Rep. Harrison

Creates a non-refundable tax credit for employers who offer financial support for their employee’s child care expenses

Support

HB264 - Infant at Work Pilot Program Rep. Pitcher

This bill establishes the Infant at Work Pilot Program for eligible employees of the Department of Health.

Support
Health

HB16 – School Meals Program Amendments

Rep. Johnson

Broadens the use of school lunch revenues to include school meals and will strengthen evaluation among schools participating in meal programs.

Support

HB34 – Tanning for Minors

Rep. Daw

This bill prohibits minors from tanning without parental consent. Youth tanning increases health risks for youth, including cancer

Support

HB58 - Electronic Cigarettes in Schools Amendments

Rep. Pulsipher

Allows school administrators and educators to take certain steps to combat vaping misconduct at public schools, including a comprehensive health curriculum section and promoting positive alternatives.

Following

HB69 - Sick Leave Amendments

Rep. Arent

Directs employers that offer their employees paid sick leave, to allow those employees to use at least five paid sick days to care for an immediate family member who is ailing

Support

HB88 - School and Child Care Center Water Testing Requirements

Rep. Handy

Direct schools and child care centers to test water for lead and connects centers and schools with remediation support resources. Let’s keep our kids hydrated and healthy!

Support

HB108 - Medical Specialists in Public Schools Rep. Spackman Moss We support efforts that may lead to greater access to school-based health services. This bill seeks to clarify and offer greater guidance for schools regarding the pay schedule they can use for school-based health staff. Support
HB118 – Retail Tobacco Amendments Rep. Daily-Provost

This bill will limit which types of stores can sell flavored tobacco or vaping products. These products are often used to target and appeal to youth. In addition, this bill will give cities greater authority to curb underage vaping.

Support
HB204 – Insurance Coverage for in Vitro Fertilization Rep. Stoddard Will require a health benefit plan to cover in vitro fertilization if it provides a maternity benefit Support

HB210 - Insurance Coverage for Children Amendments- Support

Rep. Ward

The number of uninsured kids in Utah has increased over the last two years. This bill would address this problem, by implementing 12-month continuous coverage for children on Medicaid and make it easier for eligible kids to get covered and stay covered.

Support

HB222 - Start Smart Utah Breakfast Program Rep. Johnson

Will help more kids get breakfast at school. When kids aren't hungry, they are better learners!

Support
B313 - Telehealth Parity Amendments Rep. Ballard

This bill will allow for coverage parity between telehealth and in-person visits. It will help more individuals in rural and underserved areas to receive care.

Support
HB323 - School Mental Health Amendments Rep. Eliason

Will establish a grant program for schools to conduct age-appropriate mental health screenings for students and then connect high-risk students with care. Optional grant program for schools, specifically aimed to help identify children before they are in a life-threatening crisis.

Support

 

HB372 - Digital Wellness, Citizenship, and Safe Technology Commission

Rep. Keven Stratton This bill would create the Digital Wellness, Citizenship, and Safe Technology Commission and requires the commission to: identify best practices and compile resources for training students in healthy behavior related to technology use; and report to the Education Interim Committee and the State Board of Education on efforts related to delivering training in healthy behavior related to technology use Support
Tax and Budget Bills
 

Senate Bills

Health

SJR 2 – Joint Resolution Encouraging Action to Reduce the Number of Utah Children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels

Sen. Iwamoto

Encourages more children to get lead screening so we can make sure kids are getting connected with the care and follow-up treatment they need.

Support

SB74 - Family Planning Services Amendments Sen. Kitchen

This bill will help more low-income individuals access family planning health care services.

Support
SB135 - Dental Practice Act Amendments Sen. Christensen

We support this bill because it advances teledentistry efforts and rules in Utah. Teledentistry is a promising practice that has the potential to help more people access dental care in rural and underserved areas.

Support
SB155 - Medical Billing Amendments Sen. Mayne

Directs the Department of Insurance and insurers to report on the practice of balance billing or so-called “surprise” medical billing.

Support
Tax and Budget

SB53 - Global Intangible Low Taxed Income Amendments

Sen Fillmore

This bill modifies provisions related to payment of income tax on global intangible low-taxed income.

Oppose

SB39 -Affordable Housing Amendments
Sen Anderegg
This bill modifies the allowable uses for a community reinvestment agency's housing allocation and modifies the requirements for distributing money from the Olene Walker Housing
Loan Fund;
Support
Published in Legislative Center

The 2018 Utah Legislative Session will take place from January 22 to March 8, with 45 days chock full of long committee meetings, urgent Action Alerts, conversations between community members and legislators, demonstrations on the steps of the State Capitol Building and much more! 

We'll be following a lot of different bills during the 2018 session, not all of which will be made public before the session officially begins. Some bills are introduced with language that we support, and then that language changes over the course of the legislative process. Occasionally, the changes are subtantial enough to warrant a change in our position. We will do our best to keep this list of bills - as well as our positions - updated for your information, but it can be tricky when things are so busy for our staff during this crazy time of year. 

We are working on several bills that will be priorities for us in 2018. You can learn more about these priority legislative proposals by clicking on the topic links below. 

Children dont make the lawsTax and Budget Issues

Creating a State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Restoring Investment in Children

Health Issues

12-Month Continuous Eligibility for Utah Kids with Medicaid

Maternal Health

Oral Health

Health Coverage

Early Childhood Care & Education Issues

High Quality Child Care

Governance and Coordination of Early Childcare Services

Juvenile Justice Issues

Implementing Juvenile Justice Reform

Bills

Bill & Sponsor  Voices for Utah Children Position
HB 12 "Family Planning Services Amendments," Rep. Ray Ward  Support
HB 24 "Autism Insurance Coverage Sunset Amendments," Rep. Paul Ray  Support
HB 41 "Mental Health Crisis Line Amendment," Rep. Steve Eliason Support
HB 57 "Intergenerational Poverty Work and Self-Sufficiency Tax Credit," Rep. John Westwood - IGP EITC Support
HB 64 "Distracted Driver Amendments," Rep. Carol Spackman-Moss Support
HB 123 "Child Care Licensing Amendments," Rep. Karen Kwan Following
HB 132 "Juvenile Justice Modifications," Rep. Lowry Snow Following
HB 148 "Tax Revisions," Rep. Tim Quinn - removes the remaining 1.75% state sales tax on grocery food items Support
HB 156 "Family Leave Amendments," Rep. Elizabeth Weight Support
HB 164 "Early Learning Task Force," Rep. Bruce Culter  Following
HJR 6 "Joint Resolution Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act," Rep. Gage Froer  Support
SB 31 "Utah Mobile Crisis Outreach Team," Sen. Daniel Thatcher Following
SB 48 "Medicaid Waiting Period Amendments," Sen. Allen Christensen Oppose
SB 65 "Child Neglect Amendments," Sen. Lincoln Fillmore  "Child Neglect Amendments," Sen. Lincoln Fillmore  Following

 

News Contact Lawmakers  Sign Up for E-Alerts


For 30 years now, Voices for Utah Children has called on our state, federal and local leaders to put children’s needs first. But the work is not done. The children of 30 years ago now have children of their own. Too many of these children are growing up in poverty, without access to healthcare or quality educational opportunities.

How can you be involved?

Make a tax-deductible donation to Voices for Utah Children—or join our Network with a monthly donation of $20 or more.  Network membership includes complimentary admission to Network events with food, socializing, and opportunity to meet child advocacy experts. And don't forget to join our listserv to stay informed!

We look forward to the future of Voices for Utah Children and we hope you will be a part of our next 30 years.

 

Published in Legislative Center