Week 6 Highlights

Representative Mel Brown, R-Coalville, is the sponsor of H.B. 164 (Town Incorporation Process Amendments), which passed the House unanimously February 26th, 2008. The bill requires at least five property owners to sign a petition to become a town, but those property owners cannot own more than 40 percent of the land involved. Another necessary petition must include the signatures of at least 50 percent of the registered voters. The bill included a “Powder Mountain Amendment” that pushes the effective date to January 1st, 2008.

Representative Bud Bowman recovering well after surgery

Representative DeMar “Bud” Bowman, R-Cedar City, is recovering well after surgery Wednesday to remove a tumor on his kidney. Bowman recently underwent multiple bypass surgery in December and his heart functioned well during the procedure.

Week 5 Highlights

Utah State Legislature Highlights
February 18th- February 22nd

This week the state legislators had a visit from three of Utah’s representatives in Congress. Senators Hatch and Bennett visited the newly refurbished Capitol on Tuesday, February 19th and Congressman Rob Bishop visited the Capitol on Thursday, February 21st . While they were here, they spoke to the members of the House and Senate and answered questions about issues such as immigration, national security and the economy.

House Highlights Week Four

Utah State Legislature Highlights
February 11th -February 15th

The House of Representatives welcomed the families of Utah’s fallen soldiers Friday to honor them with a House citation. The House Chamber was filled with the families whose sons, fathers, brothers, uncles, and husbands gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. As the representatives and others in attendance observed a moment of silence, many in the room were moved to tears by the moment.

House Highlights Week Three

Utah State Legislature Highlights
February 4th-February 8th

The House of Representatives begins floor time every day with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. The legislators participate in these activities, often with a specially invited guest. We have heard from grandchildren, nieces, nephews, children, spouses and parents of the representatives. Occasionally, we are honored to hear from outstanding individuals from the community, in addition to hearing from within our ranks.

House Highlights Week Two

Utah State Legislature Highlights
January 28th -February 1st

The House of Representatives chamber is a beautifully refurbished room in the newly renovated Capitol building. The gallery is often filled with members of the media, school children on field trips, and distinguished members of the community. This week, Dr. Mario Capecchi, the recent recipient of the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine and a Utah resident, was in the gallery. These illustrious guests are often given a standing ovation by the representatives.

House Highlights Week One

Utah State Legislature Highlights
January 21st-January 25th

The Legislature began the 2008 session with a huge snowstorm blanketing the newly renovated Capitol. Despite the inclement weather, the Representatives were here eagerly awaiting the beginning of the session. Another highlight of the week was hearing from Governor Huntsman for the annual State of the State address. The Legislators were happy to hear that his priorities for the year were similar to their own, including a continued focus on education funding and health system reform, in addition to caring for Utah’s veterans. Other bills that moved forward this week are included below.