Welcome back to another session of the Utah Legislature … and another season of 45 Days!
Lawmakers have already filed hundreds of bills to consider during the next few weeks of legislative action, including a slew of controversial proposals dealing with abortion and LGBT issues.
There’s also the question of what lawmakers will do to three voter-approved ballot measures over the next few weeks. Prop 2, which expanded access to medical cannabis, was already overhauled in a special session last month. Meanwhile, some lawmakers have plans to scale back Medicaid expansion.
Incoming House Speaker Brad Wilson says the ballot initiative process is “a really important part” of democracy and says the legislature will aim to “provide coverage for everyone” under Prop 3’s Medicaid expansion.
And lastly, rumors are already flying about who will run for governor in 2020. We listen in on how two Democratic voters in Utah County talk about the race.
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Bills & Issues Mentioned in this Episode:
- LGBTQ advocates are pushing a bill to ban conversion therapy, a controversial type of psychotherapy for LGBT people and youth.
- Anti-abortion Rep. Cheryl Acton, R-West Jordan says she’s “encouraged” by a right-leaning Supreme Court. She and Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, have introduced a pair of bills to restrict abortions in the second trimester and on a fetuses diagnosed with Down syndrome.
- The state is sitting on a big $1.2 billion surplus, and Gov. Herbert is again calling for tax reform – including a $200 million sales tax cut.
- After voters approved full Medicaid expansion in November, Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden, wants to cap enrollment and reinstate work requirements on the federal health care program for the poor.
