Bill proposing changes to inland port passes out of committee at Utah Legislature

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SALT LAKE CITY — A panel of House lawmakers favorably recommended a bill Tuesday that seeks to change aspects of the controversial Utah Inland Port Authority.

Members of the House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee heard HB347, which modifies the law that has sparked multiple protests in Salt Lake City and is the subject of a lawsuit filed by city officials.

The Republican-majority committee favorably recommended the bill Tuesday on a 7-1 vote, with Rep. Suzanne Harrison, a Democrat, casting the lone "no" vote. The bill will now go before the full House.

House committee votes to PASS out Gibson's inland port bill. It now goes to the House floor #utpol #utleg
— Katie McKellar (@KatieMcKellar1) February 25, 2020

The proposed changes cut down the 100% tax increment, or future property taxes from new growth the port authority would capture in its 16,000-acre jurisdiction west of Salt Lake City International Airport. It also addresses Salt Lake City’s concern with the port authority’s land use power. No longer would the port authority have the ultimate power to hear or approve city land use appeals if the bill passes.

Other bills of note in committee:

• Members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee will discuss rising medical costs with HCR7, a concurrent resolution that urges Congress to address escalating prescription drug prices and highlights the impacts of prescription drug prices on medication adherence and health outcomes. It also notes the difference between the prices paid for brand name prescription drugs in the United States compared to lower prices paid in other countries.

• The Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee is scheduled to discuss HB213, which deals with consent before sexual activity. The bill, which already passed in the House, notes that consent may be initially given but can be withdrawn through words or conduct at any time.

• The Senate judiciary panel will also discuss HB243, which requires warning labels on pornographic material. The Utah House voted 60-12 to pass the bill on Feb. 18. It would allow publishers to be sued for up to $2,500 for each violation of not posting a warning label. The bill, watered down from its original version, includes a more stringent test of pornography, using an adult standard of obscenity rather than defining it as material harmful to minors.