These are political or community material sent to my email. This is a submission to caucus corner.
- Survey request from Orem city:
https://y2analytics.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e3bsZhwKtKSuBed?Q_DL=FTQ1JRAWCny7btI_e3bsZhwKtKSuBed_MLRP_a9r9qpzPhwlCaJo&Q_CHL=email
- A second Orem email:
Dear Orem Resident,
The City of Orem recently purchased the site of the former Hillcrest Elementary School, located at 650 East 400 South, with the intention of providing a larger park for the community.
The concepts shown below in this email (and downloadable at www.oremhillcrestpark.org) are preliminary ideas that explore potential uses based on the current Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan, input from City staff on needs they are seeing, and initial thoughts from City Council members.
Please find additional details and provide your feedback on the comment form at www.oremhillcrestpark.org.
- Email for Nelson Abbott
LEGISLATIVE REPORT Week of Feb 16-19 – 2/22/2021
Last week, we had four packed days of debating and voting on bills. There was also a lot of snow, especially up north in Salt Lake. I hope you all were safe while driving on the icy roads! At the legislature, we are busy and tired, but motivated to serve the citizens of Utah. Also, the House is taking good care of us and they feed us well. 
Bills of Note from Last Week:
I SUPPORT:
2 HB 302 Preserving Sports for Female Students: This may be the bill that’s generated the most emails this session. I’ve already heard from many of you regarding the issue of preserving women’s sports by requiring schools and local education institutions to designate athletic activities by sex; I appreciate your different perspectives and am grateful for the opportunity to gain new insights. I voted in favor of the bill and it’s now passed from the House to the Senate. Rumor has it there will be some changes made to the bill. We’ll have to wait and find out what happens.
3 HB 73 Drug Testing Amendments: This is a bill that will discontinue the use of hair follicle drug testing and therefore allows for more accurate drug tests in the juvenile court system. The hair follicle test has issues: a.) it’s not reliable, and b.) the science behind it shows that it’s inherently biased against those with dark hair. The Republicans at the House of Representatives want to ensure that we eliminate racial bias in our judicial system, so I and almost everyone else voted in favor of this bill and it passed on the floor. The juvenile courts will rely on other types of drug tests.
HB 287 Nurse Practice Act Amendments: Simply put, this bill allows a nurse practitioner to prescribe medication without consulting a doctor or nurse. I support and trust nurse practitioners, and I care about the health of the community as a whole, so I voted in favor of this bill. Thanks to those who met with me regarding this bill.
HB 297 Colorado River Amendments: This bill is designed to protect Utah’s interest in Colorado River water. Arizona and California are eager to take Utah water, so the bill will set up a commission that will protect Utah’s water. This is an important way for us to improve the lives of Utahns.
SB 114 Animal Chiropractic Amendments: Some animal owners desire to take their pets to chiropractors who have been trained and qualified to care for animals. The problem is, chiropractors have to obtain a prescription from veterinarians to perform chiropractic manipulation on animals. This admittedly unusual bill will reduce some of those regulations and allow chiropractors to more freely treat animals as long as they are certified to do so. We get to deal with a range of fun issues at the Capitol!
SB 45 Higher Education Classes for Veterans: The bill allows veterans who reside in Utah to audit classes at higher education institutions for free. I appreciate this bill because it is a simple way to thank veterans for their service.
I OPPOSE:
HB 209 Vehicle Registration Fees: I’ve received many emails regarding this bill that would increase six-month vehicle registration fees on electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and other alternative fuel vehicles. The reasoning behind the bill is that Utah roads cost money to maintain and the money needs to come from somewhere, so increasing registration fees on alternative fuel seems for some to be the best option. I support clean air, and I think we ought to incentivize people to keep or start using these types of vehicles, so I oppose the bill. Last week, many on the floor also opposed and offered suggestions to make the bill better. The bill was then circled, so we’ll address the revised version in the coming days.
Balancing Emergency Powers
With the onset of COVID-19, the governor used the Emergency Management Act for an extended period. Many quickly realized that the Emergency Management Act is not structured for long-term emergencies such as a pandemic. After listening to the concerns of our constituents, we have begun working with the governor’s office to create checks on broad executive emergency powers.
There is a bill to address this issue currently on the Senate 2nd Reading Calendar; SB 195 Emergency Response Amendments, which many of you have already reached out to me about. The bill limits extensive executive emergency powers during long-term emergencies without hindering rapid response. It does not disrupt the executive branch’s or health department’s ability to respond to short-term emergencies, such as natural disasters.
Some of my constituents have expressed concerns that this bill doesn’t do enough to reign in the governor’s power. Many believe that the governor should not have any ability to take executive action during emergencies. I believe, though, that some emergencies require swfit action. Here is an example that illustrates my thinking on this: in the past couple of days during the midst of the Texas natural disaster, Governor Abbott of Texas has decided to offer provisional permits to non-Texan licensed plumbers to take care of citizens’ damaged home pipes. In addition, in-state plumbers whose licenses have expired are exempt from license-renewal fees and requirements. These temporary changes address the shortage of plumbers in Texas and allow people to get their lives back to normal more quickly. I think this illustrates that giving a Governor some emergency powers is justified. So while SB195 does cut-back on emergency powers it doesn’t eliminate them.
The major advantage that SB 195 has over the existing law is that it changes the length of these emergency orders. Under the current system, the governor can redeclare an emergency even after the legislature votes to end it. The new law requires legislative approval after 30 days and prohibits a redeclaration of emergency without that approval.
Complicating this bill is that the governor has the right to veto the bill unless we get a 2/3 majority. Therefore, we were forced to make compromises with those in the legislature who want to give the governor more emergency powers. While many believe that this bill does not go far enough, it does move us in the right direction and is a good compromise.
Vaccine Update
Utah citizens 70 years and older are successfully receiving COVID-19 vaccines. As of Feb 18, those 65 and older are eligible for the vaccine. Find out more here.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you all have a wonderful, productive week! Feel free to reach out with questions and concerns.
Week of Feb 8-12
First of all, I want to invite you all to follow my Facebook page and new Instagram account. I’ll keep my social media updated regularly so you can see what’s going on.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/repnelsonabbott/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NelsonAbbottUT
HOLIDAYS:
I hope you all had amazing Valentine’s Day. Today is President’s Day, a federal holiday that is always celebrated the third Monday in February. It was initially established to recognize George Washington as the United States’ first president in 1885. In 1971, however, the holiday was incorporated into the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which aims to give workers reprieve by making more three-day weekends. Now, President’s Day is a celebration of all the U.S. presidents. I hope you have a wonderful President’s Day!
Lunar New Year was Friday, Feb 12. Many of the legislators, interns, and staff wore red to celebrate.
PARIS HILTON and SB127:
The Legislature deals with heavy, life-altering issues on a daily basis. It is no small task to create and pass legislation that will preserve the freedoms of the citizens as well as promote the general welfare of society. We need to hear your thoughts and concerns. Your voice matters.
On Monday, Feb 8, a surprising visitor came to the Capitol and drew in the media. Paris Hilton testified in front of the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice committee, favoring SB127, a bill sponsored by Sen. Michael McKell that aims to hold facilities for troubled teens accountable.
MY BILLS AND OTHER ISSUES OF NOTE:
Also on Monday, Feb 8, I presented my bill HB 201 in the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice committee. It passed with a favorable recommendation.
On Friday, Feb 12, HB 179 passed in the house chamber. I introduced the bill by saying this is a bill that allows clients to sue attorneys, which drew some laughs. Ultimately, this bill will create more transparency in the legal market.
As always, let me know what’s on your mind. I’d love to hear from you.
H.B. 86 Social Security Tax Amendments
I co-sponsored this bill which eliminates the income tax on social security benefits for many living on a fixed income. It passed in the house this week and now moves on to the Senate.
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My bill, H.B. 179, passed unanimously in the House Judiciary Committee on Feb 4.
The bill, entitled, “Private Cause of Action for Undisclosed Referral Fees,” helps clients of attorneys by allowing them to recover undisclosed referral fees.
Mike Sonntag, representing American Property Casualty Insurance Association of America said, “We support this bill, and feel this transparency is important.”
PPP Loans
It has come to my attention that many are wondering about Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans and how they will be taxed at the state level. I have some information to share on this from the House of Representatives staff:
The current policy protects Utah businesses from paying state tax on the funds they received. The state is committed to business-friendly policies but not limiting those policies to the companies deemed worthy of support by the federal government. Many Utah businesses did not receive a PPP loan and the state has opted not to further disadvantage them by allowing their competition to double-dip.
To be clear, the only companies that will owe Utah income tax are those that made a profit last year without regard to any PPP loan forgiveness they may have received or expenses they paid with PPP loan revenue. Businesses that lost money or just broke even last year will not owe state income tax and, just like any other year.
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What a week! A lot has happened in relation to my own legislation and other bills that are being discussed and debated in committees and on the house floor. In this newsletter, you’ll find more information about my bills HB 201 and HB 155, as well as stories about legislation run by other legislators. I hope you’ll be inspired to get involved. More than anything, I want you to speak your mind and share your thoughts with me. I value and appreciate what you have to say.
My Bills: HB 201 and HB 155 Both Passed in Committee
HB 201:
The idea for HB 201 was brought to me by a fellow attorney. I presented it to the house judiciary committee this week. At the end of my remarks, an attorney named Steve Sullivan said, “Thank you to the sponsor. We think this is a very good measure. The problem we have run into as attorneys…is specifically where the parents either have paid or still have unpaid medical bills generated by the child’s injury, and yet the claim for the child really is not in a mature situation for a suit to be filed. Do we allow the parent’s claim for medical bills to pass and not make a claim for those bills? Or do we file the case prematurely for the child, or do we have to file two separate lawsuits? This legislation will solve that problem. We think it’s a problem that will be solved easily and we appreciate the sponsor’s work on it.” The committee voted unanimously in favor of this bill.
HB 155:
I presented this bill to the House Health and Human Services Committee this week. Carl Hollan, a Deputy Utah County Attorney spoke in favor of the bill saying that the bill will help those who are civilly committed to receive the opportunity to receive more appropriate treatment. The committee voted unanimously in favor of this bill.
Next, both of these bills will be considered on the house floor.
Other Legislation
HB 60: On Tuesday, January 26, the concealed carry bill was heard on the house floor where it received a substitution by Rep. Steve Eliason. As a co-sponsor of this bill, I voted to support the bill on the floor. Whereas initially the bill simply stated that those age 21 and above can carry a concealed weapon without a permit, now the bill also addresses suicide prevention. No later than 90 days after the fiscal year, unused funds in the Concealed Weapons Account will be transferred to the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health for suicide prevention efforts. These efforts will be used to educate the public on how to safely store firearms.
- Bill to pay attention to thanks to Sharon Anderson
Please share this with others….
SB 49 (Mobile Voting Pilot Project) allows a municipality to choose to permit a voter to vote by electronic means approved by the municipality’s election officer. See bill here https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0049.html
SB0049 – Home | Utah Legislature
Information. Last Action: 19 Jan 2021, Senate/ to standing committee Last Location: Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee Committee Note: The Government Operations Interim Committee recommended this bill. (7-3-6)
le.utah.gov
This bill has been sent to the Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee
https://le.utah.gov/committee/committee.jsp?year=2021&com=SSTGOP
The committee could hear this bill on Monday, March 1 at 8:10 am. Please contact the committee members ASAP and ask them to vote AGAINST SB 49 (in addition to voting NO on SB 121 National Popular Vote Compact). See committee members below.
WHY SHOULD SB 49 BE DEFEATED? Across the nation state legislatures must take the lead in restoring election integrity. Among other essential actions, they must increase vote-counting transparency, promote in-person voting on Election Day only, and enact strong voter ID laws. (Learn more here https://jbs.org/alert/restore-election-integrity-in-the-states/)
Although SB 49 refers specifically to municipal elections, once a city has electronic voting in place for local elections, it will be easy to take the next step of expanding electronical voting across Utah in state and presidential elections. (Why else would this “pilot project” be proposed?) SB 49 is a step in the WRONG direction.
PLEASE contact the committee members listed and help them understand why SB 49 should NOT be passed.
Because the session ends on Mar 5, this bill might go directly to floor of senate and house, so this is ALSO the time to contact your state senator and representative to vote NO. NOTE: NO need to contact SB 49 sponsors (Senator Curt Bramble and Rep Mike Winder) as they are fully committed to moving it forward.)
- Digital roles top the list of jobs on the rise in 2021
this is an article hosted on the World Economic Forum.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/02/digital-ecommerce-jobs-linkedin-report/?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2742403_Agenda_weekly-26February2021&utm_term=&emailType=Newsletter
