Local legislators gear up as 45-day session begins

UTAH STATE CAPITOL—With the bang of the gavel, the 2024 Legislative Session formally started on Tuesday. Before getting down to business, both the House and Senate listened to musical performances by local choirs and watched as the military color guard posted the colors. President J. Stuart Adams, R-District 7, Davis and Morgan counties and Speaker of the House Mike Schultz, R-District 12, Davis and Weber Counties gave opening remarks.

“A little over 41 years ago, one of my personal heroes – President Ronald Reagan – came to

Hooper, Utah,” said Adams. “I know some of you are not 41 years old, but I was there. He stood on a trailer with bales of straw and hay surrounding him. President Reagan had a vision and a will to implement the proper role of government. He concluded his remarks with these words. ‘Very simply, the policy of our administration is: This government of ours was created to be a convenience for the people, serving at the behest of the people. It was not supposed to be the master of the people.’”

Adams went on to talk about four key pillars he believes will create an unshakeable foundation of success and prosperity: Energy, Education, Water and Community and Family-Friendly Culture.

“Families need affordable housing, social media that is safe, adoption process that works and reasonable taxes,” he said. “We need to continue to focus on moving families out of apartments and into homes. Last year, we allocated $50 million to the first-time homebuyer assistance program. That has changed lives! It has already helped hundreds of families purchase their first home, unlocking their American dream. And it continues to encourage builders, developers and cities to develop and build more affordable homes.”

Utah will continue leading the nation in protecting kids against social media, said Adams. “We will hold social media companies accountable for the harm they are inflicting upon our youth. And we will stand for our children and proudly fight the litigation.”

The best way to support families is to ensure they keep as much of their hard-earned money

as possible,” he said. “We have cut taxes again, again and again, for three straight years. and we will make the same effort this year. As with any cut, we will measure twice, cut once, and act reasonably, with an eye to the future.”

Rep. Kera Birkeland, R-District 4, Morgan, Rich and Summit Counties, is running a few bills that may become controversial but that Birkeland feels are important. One that has already become a point of contention is a bill that would bring the lottery to Utah.

“It came from the majority of my constituents that want to reduce property taxes and put a cap on property tax for senior citizens,” she said. “Utah residents are driving to other states for the lottery. My research shows Utahns are spending as much as $200 million a year in lottery tickets. We could use that money here to reduce or eliminate property taxes.”

There has been opposition in the Senate and by the governor, said Birkeland. “I have a follow up bill, using the homestead exemption for those 65 and older to qualify for an exemption on property taxes up to 55%. (Some) seniors on a fixed income are paying more than they pay on a monthly mortgage payment.”

The legislature is not here to make decisions for people, she said. “We’re not here to protect them from themselves. We want to let them thrive and grow and do the things they want to do.”

Birkeland is also running HB257 Sex-based Designations for Privacy, Anti-bullying and Women’s Opportunities and HB289 Property Rights Ombudsman Amendments. 

“The bill (HB257) is to make sure we accommodate for privacy in schools,” she said. “Nobody should have to do private things in public places (restrooms).”

The privacy plan is to help kids who might have questions about their identity or who are being bullied that need a more private place, said Birkeland. “This bill would require schools that are being rebuilt or are being built to provide single stalls.”

Those who are opposed see it as anti something, she said. “It’s not anti anything it’s pro privacy for everyone.”  

HB289 is an important one for property owners, said Birkeland. “In the three districts I represent it’s a big deal – really anywhere around the state. It allows property owners who have received a violation to have an ombudsman. It’s helpful for citizens so they don’t have to take on the government alone.”

As a land/property owner, it’s hard to stand up for their rights, she said. “This levels the playing field.” λ