Albrecht with his intern, Drew Faddis from USU, before the end of Session.
By Representative Carl Albrecht
Returning Home
The Legislative Session ended on Thursday at midnight. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to represent you throughout the Session.
Committee Work
Monday was the last day committees met. The House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee passed out H.B. 481, Renaming the Utah National Parks Highway to the Donald J. Trump National Parks Highway, with a vote of 9-2. This bill was never presented on the House Floor.
Floor Time
Floor time, which is when legislators actually vote on bills, has been all day and into the evening this last week. Not only were we starting floor-time two hours earlier than usual, but we also stayed “as late as needed” throughout the week to pass priority bills. This all builds up to the last night, where we stayed until midnight. If you have any bills you are especially interested in that do not make it this year, you can track those throughout the Interim meetings. Many issues not passed during the Session are studied throughout Interim in preparation for next year’s Session.
Bills Passed
S.B. 191 – State Regulation of Oil and Gas
I presented S.B. 191 on the House Floor on Tuesday. It was Senator Van Tassell’s bill from the Senate. It clarifies the State’s role in oil and gas development and how municipalities can regulate surface activity under certain circumstances. I was happy to co-sponsor, because he has been a real rural supporter for many years and is retiring after this year.
H.B. 390 – Rural Economic Development Incentives
My highest priority Bill was passed by the Senate on Wednesday. The final fiscal note was approved on Thursday, March 8. The fiscal note is $1.5 million. This bill incentivizes companies on the Wasatch Front to hire rural employees to work on-line in counties of the 4th, 5th and 6th classes. They must pay 125% of the county’s average wage. The incentives are post-performance; received by the employer only after the employee has worked for 12 months. The incentives are $4-6,000; depending on the county size. This bill will be a game-changer for Rural Utah.
H.J.R. 1 – Resolution Urging Congress to Exempt Utah from the Antiquities Act
Senator Hinkins presented this resolution for me in the Senate on Thursday. It passed along party lines.
Additional Info
H.J.R. 20 – Ballot Initiative – Gas Tax
Representative Edwards has filed a Resolution that would put a question before voters in the State on the November ballot. The question being put forward is whether or not we ought to raise the tax on gasoline in order to be able to give more money to schools and local road funds. The question is worded as follows:
“To provide additional funding for public education and local roads, should the state increase the motor and special fuel tax rates by an equivalent of 10 cents per gallon?”
This is an issue voters will be able to weigh in on during the November General Election.
S.J.R. 16 – Changes to State Board of Education
Senator Dabakis’ bill is to abolish the State Board of Education and their governing power over our public education system. He describes it as a “School bus with fifteen drivers driving in separate directions.” He is looking to create a new governing structure which would allow the Governor to appoint one individual who would report to him. This will probably be discussed before the Session ends Thursday night.
S.B 234 – Inland Port
The Inland Port Authority efforts aim to take advantage of the area near the new prison in the northwest quadrant of SLC. Building an Inland Port here would allow more rapid dispersion of goods and would have a good impact on the future economy of Utah. With major freeways, rail, and air service in the area, it truly is the “Crossroads of the West,” as Brigham Young stated. Did you know that China is the #1 buyer of Utah hay? Products could be transported more economically from this area to all over the world, including coal and other items.
Snow College Funding
I worked closely with Higher Education Committee Chairs and secured a $5 million appropriation for Snow College to do some things that will benefit Rural Utah. Snow is the premier junior college in Utah and also one of the best junior colleges in the nation.
Budget
The Legislature took prudent action by putting over $85 million in the “Rainy Day Fund” and also paid off State and University buildings that were bonded for last year totaling $87 million. This will free up a revenue stream to go toward the new prison and save the taxpayers.
Medicaid
The Utah Legislature passed a bill that would expand Medicaid in Utah. Three years ago, a financially unstable bill was brought to the table, which had no ability to control costs. In contrast, HB 472 – Medicaid Expansion Revisions, allows an enrollment cap, which limits the state’s liability while still offering coverage to people who do not have access to employer-based health insurance.
Acts of Kindness
HCR 22, Concurrent Resolution Designating April as #MSDkindness Month, aims to pay tribute to the victims who lost their lives in the senseless act of violence that was committed against students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, 2018.
Utahns are encouraged to perform and report random acts of kindness during April on the SafeUT app, which has been designed to improve school safety and help students access critical mental health resources. These acts of kindness will highlight the good of the community while engaging students in using an app that aims to help prevent future acts of violence.
The resolution also challenges other states to claim the remaining months in the year to carry on the legacy of kindness, love and service left by those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.
Lifetime of Service
The Utah Legislature honored the life and longtime service of the division director of State Parks and Recreation, Fred Hayes, on March 7. HCR 21 commended Hayes for his 35-year career in State Parks and called for the renaming of Starvation State Park to the Fred Hayes State Park.
Fred Hayes first started his career in 1982 as a ranger aide at the Starvation State Park. Under his leadership as director, the State Parks have seen a tremendous increase in visitors and numerous improvements in park management.
Hayes unexpectedly passed away on March 2. He will be remembered fondly for his energetic, friendly style of leadership.
Jon Huntsman Sr.
The House passed a proclamation honoring Jon Huntsman Sr. for his philanthropic work in Utah and for his efforts to combat cancer through establishing the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He will be remembered for his legacy of kindness, generosity and hard work. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
As always, I am honored for the opportunity to represent you. Please contact me at carlalbrecht@le.utah.gov, (435)-979-6578. Please text, call, or email me with your concerns.