We know we’re nearing the end of the session when two major bills with big implications drop as the clock winds down. One is the widely anticipated tax reform package and the other bill proposes some significant changes to the inland port created just last year. We sit down with Rep. Robert Spendlove to dive into the new tax bill and find out what things Utahns might soon have to start paying taxes on. Plus, we examine the mixed signals lawmakers are sending about traffic safety.
Bills & Issues Mentioned in this Episode:
- Republican leaders unveiled their long-awaited tax reform package this week. It would lower both the sales and income tax rates, while expanding the state’s overall revenue base.
- Rep. Francis Gibson proposed some big changes to the inland port over concerns from some Salt Lake City leaders and lawmakers.
- A House committee OK’d a handful of changes to ballot initiative procedures after voters approved three measures last fall.
- Lawmakers sent conflicting messages on road safety this week. The House passed a bill to allow cars to go through red lights after waiting 90 seconds but the Senate killed a measure allowing bicycles to do the same thing. Also dead this week: seatbelts on school buses and an enforceable bill banning cell phone use behind the wheel.
- There’s a lot of stuff we didn’t get to: lawmakers are passing bills to restrict abortion access, e-cigarette sales and many, many, other measures.