The Utah legislature is currently in session. Are you wondering what your Utah legislators are up to this year? It is a busy year with a round-robin of bills that have already been passed, with some even signed by the governor.
There have been a record total of 1,377 bills filed at the legislature this year. Last month we reported on several bills that have been passed and today we will update you on some things that have happened in recent weeks.
Water
One of the hottest topics this year is water, which we talked about last month. This last week the water level at Lake Powell was at its lowest since being filled. The Great Salt Lake is also at a dangerously low level.
The legislature is willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on projects to help our water problems, but many legislators are still unsure of what form those projects should take. To answer that question, they are creating a commission of experts who will help determine where the appropriated money will be spent.
Tax Cuts
The good news is that the Utah legislature is planning on tax cuts again this year.
House and Senate Republicans announced their tax relief proposal which would be around $400 million dollars. Half of that package, $208 million, would result in a drop in Utah’s income tax rate from 4.85% to 4.65%.
House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, said in a prepared statement: “The best way we can ensure Utahns can continue calling Utah home is by passing family and business-friendly policies, including reducing taxes. I am thrilled that we once again are considering historic tax relief and know Utahns will benefit for years to come.”
In the past two years our legislature has slashed taxes by nearly $300 million. Wilson stated that Utah would see “historic tax relief” again this year. Along with Wilson, Senate President Stuart Adams promised 2023 would be another “year of the tax cut.”
“2023 will be the year of the tax cut again, again, again.” Adams said. “For the third year in a row, we will return money to the hard-working Utahns who earned it. We will continue to promote long-term investments that help families, individuals and businesses succeed.”
“The Utah Legislature will also fund education at record levels and address pressing issues facing our state, including Utah’s water crisis,” Adams continued. “The foresight of years past has enabled our economy to be the envy of the nation, and we are committed to having the same foresight that has and will continue to produce a strong and stable economy.”
Lawmakers positioned themselves last December for a tax cut package exceeding $400 million when the Executive Appropriations Committee decided to set aside the money specifically for tax cuts. They also set aside $145 million to cover the freeze on the basic school levy.
Although we are not sure what form the final tax cuts will take, we know that they are coming. One proposed bill would expand Social Security tax credit eligibility for individuals who earn less that $75,000 per year, provide a tax benefit for pregnant women, and increase the earned income tax credit from 15% to 20% of the federal tax credit. That, along with reducing the income tax rate, would result in a $208 reduction in taxes for a family of four making $80,000.
Sales tax on food is being discussed again, but it appears that would have to be a ballot issue that the people would decide as it would require a change in the Utah Constitution. This could be on the ballot in the next election cycle.
Community Association Regulation Adjustments
Bills that would regulate the powers given to homeowners associations have also been proposed. These would help determine what an HOA could require of their members. SB-191 defines how HOAs can regulate water usage for instance, but it also prevents HOAs from fining individuals for low water use during a drought.
SB-191 also requires HOAs to allow a homeowner to flip their front strip of grass, if they desire. In addition, the bill clarifies the regulations that a community association can set on the placement of solar panels and political signs.
Religious and Modest Clothing
A bill has been passed and sent to the governor for his signature that would allow for religious and modest clothing to be worn by high school athletes. At press time it seemed likely he would sign the bill quickly.
Voluntary Firearm Restrictions Amendments
HB-300 creates a voluntary firearm restricted list that would allow people to place their own name on a list to be restricted from purchasing firearms indefinitely. It encourages those who may be struggling with mental health issues to protect themselves. People can request to remove their names from the list after 90 days. This bill passed the legislature and is expected to be signed by the governor in early March.
The Utah legislature will be wrapping up soon and another year of new bills will go into effect. If you wish more information on what is happening you can go to utah.gov and follow the links on bills proposed and passed.
– The Byway
Feature image caption: The Utah legislature hopes to help the abandoned shoreline of the Great Salt Lake, as the lake has receded to historic lows. Courtesy Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.