| Happy Friday! I have had a great time serving District 61 in this 2022 General Legislative Session so far. If you haven’t taken this survey yet… Legislative staff helped to prepare the following survey. You might have already taken a similar one for your Senator; however, please take it for me. 🙂 I would like to see your priorities and how you feel about certain issues that are coming before the legislature. Please click on the following link to take it. HOUSE DISTRICT 61 LEGISLATIVE SURVEY This week, I have been working to get my bills approved by House Committees. Here are a few updates on each of my bills: |
| HB 112 Animal Fighting Penalties This bill closes a loophole in our current law, streamlines the animal fighting statute, and brings Utah law in line with Federal law. It also prohibits the attendance of a minor at an animal fight. Last year, two large cockfighting rings were found in Utah County. Not only is this sport extremely violent, but animal fighting rings often have links to international drug cartels, organized crime, drug dealing, and human trafficking. This bill passed the House and has moved on to the Senate side. HB 113 Funding for Students with DisabilitiesThis bill updates the funding formula used to count and fund students with disabilities. Currently, there is a two-year lag in counting; because of this lag, 545 students that are currently in our school system have not been counted. This is important because funding is tied to the number of students counted. This bill passed unanimously out of the Education Committee and will next be heard on the House Floor. HB 138 Juvenile Justice Modifications This bill allows youth tried as adults and committed to prison be housed in a juvenile facility until the age of 25, unless a safety or security risk exists. Research in adolescent brain development and public safety has shown that placing incarcerated youth in adult settings results in developmental issues, increased likelihood to reoffending and re-incarceration, increased likelihood for sexual assault, and greater expense to taxpayers. This bill is supported by the Crime Victims Council, Corrections, Juvenile Justice Services, the Utah Board of Juvenile Justice, and the Sentencing Commission. It was passed unanimously out of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee and will be heard on the House Floor. HB 192 Former Offender Employment Amendments This bill will help alleviate the severe shortage of mental health workers we have in this state by removing some of the barriers put in the way of licensing and hiring behavioral health professionals who have legal histories in their past. It was held in Business and Labor Committee to work out some additional details, but I look forward to their support. |
| Tune Into Facebook Fridays! I’d love to hear from you in my weekly Facebook Live Friday broadcast! Join me each Friday afternoon to hear what I’ve been working on each week or if you have any questions. The broadcasts are posted on my Facebook page in case you miss them. Click on the Facebook icon below to go to my page. |
| Water Projects and ARPA Funds With an ever-increasing demand on a diminishing water supply, action to conserve, optimize, & preserve our water is more critical than ever. For the past year, a working group of water experts and policymakers has been meeting to determine how best to use the state’s federal ARPA funds to address our water needs.This week, the group presented how they recommend the funds be used, including:Secondary water meteringDrinking water infrastructureAg water optimizationGreat Salt Lake and Utah Lake preservationUtah Lake has come into the spotlight recently with discussion about islands, preservation, and the Lake Authority. We are all understandably interested and invested in this vital resource. I will discuss Utah Lake and some of the issues and bills that are coming to the legislature in my next email. |
| Fallen Officers Each year, we are grateful for the opportunity to honor the families of Utah’s fallen officers who died while serving their state and community. We express the utmost gratitude to the five fallen officers and their families for their service and sacrifices. |
| Federal Funds The Federal Government spent over $5 trillion in stimulus money in 2020 and 2021! The excess of revenue in our state budget this year is a direct result of federal spending. Additionally, these funds increase inflation and tax revenue. Watch this short video to learn more. |
| Black History Month February is Black History month when we take time to learn and reflect on the history of Black Americans and their remarkable contributions to our country and our communities. And I think it’s a great reminder for all Utahns to take time to appreciate the cultural differences between those who call Utah home and those who come from across the world to visit our great state. |
| Arts and Culture This week, the Utah Cultural Alliance held a press conference with the Legislature to recognize the economic impact of the arts in our state. In 2020, Utah’s cultural industry generated $17.8 billion in total sales and supported an estimated 108,560 jobs. The Legislature is committed to investing in the arts and culture where Utahns can gather statewide to make memories and experience the magic of the industry. |
| I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to text, email or call me: Email: mjudkins@le.utah.gov Phone Number: 801-669-6962 |