Legislature Day 7: Key Updates on Fluoride Removal and Constitutional Changes

As Utah’s legislative session enters its seventh day, lawmakers are making swift progress on a number of bills and motions that could become law. With several key votes and hearings on the horizon, here’s a rundown of what to expect in today’s legislative activity.

Floor Votes: What’s on the Agenda

Following the passage of H.B. 269 yesterday, the legislative agenda is packed with important bills scheduled for discussion and vote in both the House and Senate. Today’s floor session, which kicks off at 11 a.m., will see a range of bills debated until noon.

In the House, 53 bills are currently lined up for their first reading, while three bills are set for final votes. Additionally, 36 bills are awaiting their second votes. One of the main focuses today will be appropriation bills, specifically those related to the state’s budget. The House will prioritize funding for key areas such as higher education, transportation, community development, and the National Guard.

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On the Senate side, funding bills for public education, natural resources, social services, and criminal justice will be presented for a second vote before moving to their final stage. Notably, the Senate is still considering S.B. 55, which would allow property owners to request the sheriff’s department to remove trespassers from their property. This bill remains on the final vote agenda and could see action later today.

Hearings to Keep an Eye On

Today’s session begins early with a series of appropriations meetings. At 8 a.m., the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee will discuss budget proposals from Utah’s universities. Meanwhile, the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee will review proposals from the state’s public lands and wildlife agencies.

The afternoon sessions, starting at 2 p.m., will feature standing committees discussing new bills and resolutions. Among the most notable is H.B. 267, which addresses public sector labor union amendments and will be considered by the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee. If the bill passes this committee, it will advance to the Senate floor for further consideration.

Another bill to watch is S.J.R. 2, which proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a 60% majority vote for any legislative measures that increase or make new taxes.

Meanwhile, the House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee will be reviewing H.B. 81, which would eliminate fluoride from Utah’s public water systems. The committee will also consider S.B. 30, a bill granting Governor Spencer Cox authority to enter into a compact with other states for sharing forest fire resources. Additionally, H.B. 203, a bipartisan bill aiming to reform the state’s medical cannabis program, is also on the agenda.

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Lastly, the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee will review bills relating to school safety. These include measures such as H.B. 40, which would mandate armed guards in schools, H.B. 128, which would address minors in possession of dangerous weapons on school grounds, and H.B. 132, which would impose criminal penalties for failing to properly store firearms that are accessed by minors.

Public Participation

The Utah Legislature encourages public involvement in the legislative process. Anyone interested in participating in the hearings can find links and more details on the legislature’s website.

Stay tuned for more updates on the 2025 General Session as the bills and motions continue to progress. For ongoing coverage, visit Inside Utah Politics.

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