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That's a wrap on week two of the 2023 Legislative Session! This week was eventful and focused on critical bills related to education, trans youth, water conservation, saving the Great Salt Lake, and more. Leaders continued to debate how to spend a historic budget surplus while negotiating with Gov. Spencer Cox on his budget priorities.
This year, the legislature has been characterized with a fast pace on many bills, particulary ones that have stirred public discourse. It is only week two, but for many it feels like we are well into the 45-day session. With so much happening so quickly, and many bills rushing through committee onto house and senate floors, we encourage community members to stay engaged and informed.
Laws passed during this session will have a direct impact on your life and the lives of your communities. Review the resources below to get involved in the ways that matter most to you. You are needed. Your stories, voices, and experiences are knowledge that can help the legislative process.
During this session, the Division aims to focus on the following:
> INCREASE AWARENESS OF LEGISLATIVE ACTION
> PROMOTE EDUCATION OF LEGISLATIVE & CIVIC PROCESS
> CENTRALIZE HELPFUL RESOURCES
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The information does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement (CCE), Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, or divisions associated with CCE. The intent of these resources are to provide information regarding the legislative session to help communities become informed.
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Gov. Cox & Lt. Gov. Henderson Featured on KUER's State Street Podcast
"Lawmakers might get all the attention this time of year, but let’s not forget — everything they do has to go through the executive branch. Gov. Spencer Cox and Lt. Gov. Diedre Henderson joined [State Street] to talk a little about their priorities this year."
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PARTICIPATE IN "DayS ON THE HILL"
Did you know that organizations host "Days on the Hill" during the legislative session to provide opportunities for elected officials to engage with topics and causes that matter to communites? Through presentations, discussions, and evern performances, the information presented to the legislature during "Days on the Hill" can influence their policy decisions.
Check out the following upcoming "Days on the Hill" and find out how you can get involved:
Have ideas for your own "Day on the Hill"? Here are some tips from a national organization to get you started.
Depicted in Image: Student participaing in Utah History Day on the Hill, organized by Utah Division of State History.
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The bills below simply capture a snapshot of key topics, but all impact multicultural communities in some way. Have ideas for bills you'd like to feature? Email us!
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H.B. 29 - Mental Health Support and Law Enforcement (Rep. Stoddard)
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This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Division of Integrated Healthcare that funds individuals experiencing mental health crisises by creating/expanding crisis intervention or mobile crisis outreach teams. The goal of the bill is to reduce possibility of commitment (of), hospitalization, or incarceration through injury, violence, or a weapon.
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H.B. 40 - Indian Child Welfare Amendments (Rep. Watkin)
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This bill addresses jurisdiction over child custody proceedings, provides actions related to parental rights, establishes how consent or other actions are invalidated, and addresses the following: the placement, returning of custody, and tribal affiliation of Indian children. In this act, an Indian tribe has exclusive jurisdiction over child custody proceedings so long as they reside within the reservation of the Indian tribe except when otherwise vested in the state by federal law. This bill establishes and protects ICWA (Indian Child Welfare ACT) in child welfare cases if the U.S. Supreme Court decides to dismantle Federal ICWA on November 9th, 2023.
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H.J.R. 4 - Joint Resolution Honoring the Sikh Community (Rep. Romero)
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This resolution emphasizes the history and significant contributions of the Sikh community and state support for the community. In this resolve, the State of Utah recognizes the cultural, religious, and interfaith importance of Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the Sikh central holy religious scripture), and pays tribute to the cultural heritage of ethnic groups contributing to the rich diversity of Utah communities.
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H.B. 116 - Intergenerational Poverty Solution (Rep. Thurston)
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This bill establishes the Education Savings Incentive Program which provides a process for individuals experiencing intergenerational poverty (and have not overclaimed a match in a previous year) to receive a state match of deposits into certain 529 Savings Accounts. The Department of Workforce Services plans to implement a program effective no later than January 1st, 2024.
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H.B. 149 - Student Graduation Attire Revisions (Rep. Stoddard)
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This bill allows individuals in public schools to wear cultural attire (ie. items of religious or cultural significance) during graduation ceremonies without replacing the cap and gown that's traditionally worn during ceremonies. The LEA (Local Education Agency) governing board will seek input from parents respective of the members of any religious or cultural group that particular attire/object is associated with however, the LEA may still prohibit adornments that may cause disruption of a graduation ceremony.
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What is your Community Engagement Pathway? Take the survey!
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UServeUtah's Community Engagement Pathways survey is a resource to help you discover what civic and community engagement activities best aligns with your interests and personal attributes. Whether it is your first time engaging with your community or you have a lifetime of experience, this survey will help you discover which pathways are uniquely you.
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What are some key legislative terms I should know?
> A glossary of legislative terms is available here, but here are the basics:
- Amendment: A modification, deletion, or addition that alters legislation.
- Appropriation: A legislative authorization to spend money and incur obligations.
- Hearing: A legislative committee meeting at which witnesses from the general public are invited to participate.
- Fiscal Note: A statement from the legislative fiscal analyst showing estimated cost or cost savings in a particular bill.
- Veto: An official action of the Governor to stop legislative action. The legislature may override the action by a constitutional 2/3 vote of each house if still in session or if called back into veto override session.
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How can I get involved if
I don't have a lot of time?
> FIND OUT WHO YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE.
Once you know who represents you, you have someone to keep accountable.
> FOLLOW THE LEGISLATURE ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
Both legislative bodies post updates to various social media channels.
Follow the hashtags #utleg and #utpol on Twitter for updates from legislative bodies, legislators and journalists alike.
> GET UPDATES FROM CREDIBLE NEWS SOURCES.
Some local news organizations offer frequent legislative updates. Find a source that you like and sign up to get updates through whichever channel works best for you.
> DO SOME STUDYING.
Learn what legislative terms mean, how to read a bill, or how a bill becomes a law.
> TRACK THE STATUS OF A BILL.
If there's a current bill you're interested in, you can see where the bill is in the legislative process and see how your representatives voted on it under the "Status" tab. You can also use the Legislature's floor calendars and bill tracking service to keep tabs on bills.
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| Contact Your Representatives
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