By Representative Christine Watkins, District 69
The first week of the 2021 Legislative Session has flown by. This year, the State of Utah is doing everything it can to help us have a safe session even during this global pandemic. These measures include being mostly closed to the public, utilizing Zoom, putting divides between our desks on the House floor and wearing masks. We also do COVID-19 testing several times per week. The public is being allowed back this week but with more restrictions. As House Chair of the Business, Economic Development and Labor Committee, my office was moved into the Capitol building. I am next door to Representative Carl Albrecht.
One of my bills this session is HB73 Drug Testing Amendments. This bill would end drug testing practices that discriminate against people of color. Traditionally, hair follicle testing has been used in cases where the Division of Child and Family Services is involved. When drugs are processed in the body, they bind to melanin in the hair. Melanin is found in greater quantities in individuals with dark hair, including people of color throughout Utah. If two people, one with light hair and the other with dark hair, each consumed the same amount of drugs, there is a much higher chance that the drug being tested would show up in greater concentration in the dark individual’s hair follicle test than in the light colored hair. Discrimination cannot be tolerated in any form and, as a society, we owe it to our people of color community to eliminate any actions that could foster discrimination.
HB60 Conceal Carry Firearms Amendments is sponsored by Representative Walt Brooks. This bill allows anyone 21 years old or older to carry a concealed firearm in a public area without a permit. A bill similar to this passed the House and Senate several years ago but Governor Herbert vetoed the bill. This year, Governor Cox said he will allow the bill to become law if it passes the House and Senate.
HB143 Driver’s License Suspension Amendments would prohibit the suspension of an individual’s driver license based solely on an individual’s failure to pay certain fines. This would apply to the Driver License Division and courts. I believe this is a good move in the right direction. If you take away a person’s ability to get to work, the fines will never be paid.
Remember, you can go to le.utah.gov and look up committees. It is very easy to watch or listen to the committee meetings. Even though this Session looks different from the past, I appreciate the support of District 69 and I look forward to working with the other Utah lawmakers to continue making our great state a wonderful place to work and live.
Contact
Email: christinewatkins@le.utah.gov
Cell: (435) 650-1969
Facebook: Representative Christine Watkins District 69
Instagram: @cwatkins_69