Friday morning, March 13, 2020
State
General Session Adjourns
Utah’s legislative session wrapped at midnight last night. Lawmakers passed an estimated 510 bills — less than usual — and passed a $20 billion budget. Read the full story. — Sonja Hutson
Bills To Limit E-Cigarette Use Head To Governor
On the final day of the legislative session, lawmakers passed three bills targeting youth e-cigarette use in Utah. Under one bill, schools must prohibit students from having or using e-cigs on school property, and schools would have to establish updated preventative programs. Another piece of legislation would allow only specialty stores to sell flavored e-cigarettes to people over the age of 21. Gas stations and other stores could still sell mint and menthol flavored tobacco products. The third bill would increase the tax rates on the devices. Now, the package of legislation heads to the Governor’s desk for approval. — Jessica Lowell
It’s What’s For Breakfast
Public school students in Utah could soon have access to breakfast at school. A bill that has passed in both the state House and Senate would enact the Start Smart Utah Breakfast Program. Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, said only about 80 schools out of more than a thousand in the state do not currently serve breakfast. Students who qualify for free lunch can also get breakfast for free through federal funding. Now, the bill needs the governor’s signature. — Jessica Lowell
Northern Utah
Trip To A Big Box Store
There have been five confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Utah and two of them are Utah Jazz players. Many people are afraid of spreading the coronavirus — events have been cancelled, public and private universities are switching to online classes, and churches have called off worship services. And as you've probably seen in your most recent trip to the store, people are stocking up in case of a potential outbreak. KUER sent Clara Hatcher to ask how people are preparing and reacting to the shopping rush. Listen to their reactions in the audio above.