SALT LAKE CITY — While Utah's current legislative session continues on Capitol Hill, here are the items currently making headlines among state lawmakers on Wednesday:
911 BUSINESS BAN
A bill has been introduced that bans the use of 9-1-1 in any business name. Senate Minority Leader Karen Mayne’s legislation would block the emergency number from being invoked in nonprofit or business use. The bill says it can deceive people to believing the business is involved in emergency services when they’re not.
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ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN
All-day kindergarten could be expanded in Utah as a house committee voted 10-to-2 to approve Eden Rep. Steve Waldrip’s bill to expand the program. The bill requires local school boards to provide it as an option for children across the state.
BACKGROUND CHECK EXPANSION
A bill to expand gun background checks failed to pass out of a House committee on Wednesday. House Minority Leader Brian King’s bill had strong opposition from the NRA and other gun rights groups.
HEALTH WORKER CERTIFICATION
A House committee unanimously approved a bill to certify community health workers. Salt Lake City Sen. Luz Escamilla’s bill is designed to facilitate access to health care in under-served communities. The bill passed the Senate and now goes to the full House for a vote.
WILD GAME MEAT DONATIONS
A bill that lets hunters donate wild game meat to local Utah food pantries is now headed to the governor’s desk after passing the entire legislature unanimously. Brigham City Rep. Joel Ferry’s legislation allows hunters to donate what they kill, so long as it meets certain food safety standards.
OUTDOOR RECREATION FUNDING
A new bill introduced Wednesday would spend $16 million to fund outdoor recreation infrastructure which would include things like campground improvements, trails and other needs. The bill by Paradise Rep. Casey Snider is a big investment of tax dollars as the state’s outdoors have seen increased use during the pandemic.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE ADDITIONS
The Legislature passed a bill to add miscarriages and stillbirths to reasons to grant bereavement leave. The House voted 63-to-7 to give final passage to the bill which now goes to the governor for his signature or veto.
