With only one week remaining of our seven week Legislative session, every minute counts. This past week I have been hard at work ensuring that the bills we pass will be beneficial for our community. During week 6, we passed bills to safeguard the quality of our higher education institutions, eliminate unnecessary school fees for Utah students and families, and safeguard our water future. During our last week on the hill, make sure you continue to follow along with the process in person or online at le.utah.gov.
Improving Housing Affordability
Studies have shown that the majority of children who grew up in Utah would like to continue to call Utah home as they enter adulthood. However, the rising cost of homeownership is a key factor in their decision to stay in the state. As we look to the future, we must create opportunities for our children and grandchildren to establish a home in Utah. The Legislature is working to identify innovative ways to facilitate investments in the housing market and streamline processes that will increase the housing supply for Utah.
State Budget
The Executive Appropriations Committee made final recommendations for the fiscal year 2024-25 budget. This year’s recommendations bolster Utah’s longstanding legacy of fiscal stewardship in appropriations. Lawmakers’ recommendations include strategic investments across vital sectors, including education, social services, infrastructure, energy, and water, while providing Utahns with an income tax cut for the fourth consecutive year. Read more about the budget recommendations here.
Reducing School Fees
Many parents and students have been overwhelmed by the amount and cost of school registration fees, particularly for high schoolers. HB 415, which passed the House with bipartisan support, will eliminate fees for any classes a student is required to take for graduation. Let’s keep our education system in Utah affordable and first-rate.
School Safety and Security
This week, lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and education leaders discussed the School Security Task Force and legislation aimed to improve safety and security at Utah schools. The following bills will help teachers focus on teaching and students focus on learning.
- H.B. 84 School Safety Amendments: Improves training, communication, infrastructure, and response to better protect students, teachers, and other staff in the event of an emergency.
- H.B. 14 School Threat Penalty Amendments: Increases the penalties for threats against schools.
