Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SB41: Regulation of Tanning FacilitiesA bill that would require parents to accompany teens to the tanning salon passed the committee 4-1 Thursday.
Those defending the bill say that it is necessary to prevent melanoma among teens. According to defender Dr. Robert Andtbackaa, the disease is the second highest cause of cancer among 15 to 29 year olds in Utah. The risk of melanoma, he said, increases 75 percent among those who use a tanning bed before 30.
Utah currently requires salons to obtain a parent's signature on a release form before teens may use tanning beds.
SB144: Immigration Consultants
Sen. Luz Robles introduced a bill to the house addressing the high occurrence of fraud committed by "immigration consultants" hired by undocumented immigrants and refugees to help them with immigration matters. These services are often extended by businesses that sell money orders, prepare taxes and provide translation services.
The bill would require consultants to register with the Division of Consumer Protection, complete criminal background checks and post bonds. The bill would also help those who have been defrauded by creating a compliant process.
The bill advanced to full Senate Thursday.
Defending Hill Air Force Base from closure
Hill Air Force Base is being defended by state officials from another round of military base closures. The closures are part of a $487 billion cut to the Federal defense budget. Utah lawmakers are considering giving the nonprofit Utah Defense Alliance $500,000 to champion Hill and its tenants, and they have the support of Governor Gary Herbert. The money would be used to testify before the Base Realignment and Closures Commission and for promotional materials for Hill, according to Tage Flint, president of the Utah Defense Alliance.
Hill currently employs 23,000 military and civilian jobs, making it one of Utah's largest employers.
SB39: Gubernatorial Authority over Higher Education Officials
A bill that gives the Governor authority to hire and fire the state's Commissioner of Higher Education and the president of the Utah College of Applied Technology passed 39-34 by the House and is on its way to the Governor final approval.
The bill would allow the Governor to fire the occupant of either position only after consultation with the Board of Regents. At this time, the Board of Regents must obtain approval from the Governor and consent of the Senate to appoint the Commissioner, and UCAT Board of Trustees must do the same to hire their president. The Governor currently appoints members of the Board of Regents, who now appoint the Commissioner.
SB97: Grants for Online Testing
Senator Aaron Osmond sponsored the bill that sets up funding for computer-adaptive and online testing in Utah's schools.
The bill helps with the State Office of Education's technology initiative to get a one-to-one student to computer ratio by giving grants for the technology infrastructure. The bill sets would help focus on improving academic output as well as rate and rank teachers, principals and schools more effectively. The availability of technology in testing would also help with identifying achievement gaps for students.
SCR 1: Concurrent Resolution Supporting Establishment of a Fund for Assistance to Families of Fallen Officers
Honoring the founders and supporters of the 1033 Foundation, Utah lawmakers encouraged Utahns to contribute to the foundation that provides immediate financial assistance to families of fallen police officers and firefighters. The foundation works to provide $25,000 to the family within 24 hours of their death to help with expenses.
The foundation plans to provide college scholarships to surviving children in the future.
