top of page
Search
  • Writer's pictureRep. Candice Pierucci

Week 5 Legislative Update: Expungement, Arts, Stalking & Confucius Institutes


Dear Constituents,


I hope this newsletter finds you and your family healthy and doing well. Here is this week’s update:


My Legislation


SB 88: Local Option Sales Tax Distribution Amendments

I appreciated the chance to work with Senator Fillmore and be the House Sponsor of SB 88; I presented this bill on the house floor this week and it passed 66-5. Currently, Salt Lake County gives special funding to botanical, cultural, recreational and zoological organizations or facilities in the county. Because our county has just one zoo and one symphony, the majority of Tier 1 funds go to Salt Lake City. That said, tier two funds which go towards cultural and artistic programs are also going heavily towards Salt Lake City. This bill will give other cities (like those in our area), more of these funds for a more equal distribution of county funds for cultural, heritage and arts projects. As citizens of the county, we should be reaping the benefits of the taxes we pay, rather than just Salt Lake City receiving the majority of the funding.


HB 21: Stalking Amendments

For the past year I have worked with the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice on HB 21. We had a working group made up of defense attorneys, prosecutors, the sentencing commission, advocates, and the courts. Even with the varying perspectives of stakeholders at the table, we were not able to get the needed data until just a couple weeks ago.


In 2019, just 64% of civil petitions filed for a stalking injunction were granted. In contrast, on the criminal side, of the stalking cases filed 52% resulted in a conviction. As I have received, reviewed, and listened to the many experiences shared by individuals, it is clear that there are distinct differences in victims' and the accused's experiences on the criminal & civil side of the law. HB 21 did not address these complexities adequately. Sometimes the best step forward is to clear the board & start over, which is why on Friday I killed my bill on the house floor by sending it back to the Rules Committee. I am grateful for the many brave individuals who reached out to share their stories with me.


HB 329: Expungement Revisions

This week I presented HB 329 in committee and on the House Floor where it passed unanimously. This bill is a creative solution to allow someone's civil record to be cleared through the delinking process. Currently, expungement is available on the criminal side of law but not the civil.


H.J.R. 8 Joint Resolution to Protect Utah's Institutions of Higher Education from Chinese Communist Party Influence

This resolution strongly urges Utah universities to shut down their Confucius Institutes, disclose their contracts, and discourages any other university from opening one. I appreciate the overwhelming support from fellow representatives on this important resolution. This is an issue of academic freedom and national security. This bill is currently sitting in the Senate Rules Committee. If you support this resolution, please reach out to your state Senator and let them know! Also, I have received a few questions about this resolution and want you to know that it does not apply to the Dual Immersion program.


House Priorities & Review


Updated Revenue Numbers

The Governor’s Office, Utah State Senate and House of Representatives released updated revenue numbers for state fiscal years 2021 and 2022. The revenue estimates show the longstanding strength of Utah’s economy, despite unprecedented financial challenges due to COVID-19.


According to our legislative press release, “The new consensus revenue estimates identify $112 million in additional ongoing money and $315 million in one-time money. This year, a historic $400 million increase will go toward education, and a significant portion of ongoing funds will be dedicated to increased enrollment in Medicaid expansion. The Legislature will also give a significant tax cut to Utah taxpayers.” I intend to continue to push and support the Social Security Tax Exemption, Military Retirement Income Tax Exemption, and Child Dependent Tax Exemption.

Education and Mental Health Council

HB 288 Education and Mental Health Council passed the House this week. This bill creates a council made up of educators, mental and behavioral health experts, and other advocates. The council will provide action-oriented guidance to state leaders on how to meet the behavioral and mental health needs of kids and families in our state.


COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Utahns 70 years and older are successfully receiving COVID-19 vaccines. With these efforts underway and an increase in vaccine doses, those 65 and older will now be offered vaccines. Find out more here.


I do my best to be responsive to constituents during the session! Please feel free to email me at cpierucci@le.utah.gov or text me at 385-414-1488. Due to the volume of emails I receive during the session, be sure to include your address or zip code so I can prioritize responding to you as a constituent. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter!


Sincerely,


Candice Pierucci

State Representative for House District 52


Bills Passed this week

HB 38 School Technology Amendments

H.B. 54 Insurance Revisions

H.B. 62 Post Certification Amendments

H.B. 72 Device Filter Amendments

H.B. 73 Drug Testing Amendments

H.B. 82 Single-family Housing Modifications

H.B. 93 Youth Suicide Prevention Programs Amendments

H.B. 101 Prohibited Persons Amendments

H.B. 115 Municipal Boundary Modifications

H.B. 124 Civics Education Amendments

H.B. 125 Intergenerational Poverty Solution

H.B. 192 Fertility Treatment Amendments

H.B. 194 Diabetes Prevention Program

H.B. 234 Division of Real Estate Amendments

H.B. 236 Waste Tire Recycling Amendments

H.B. 242 Ticket Reseller Amendments

H.B. 247 Transient Room Tax Amendments

H.B. 248 Mental Health Support Program for First Responders

H.B. 255 Protective Order Revisions

H.B. 259 Lead Exposure Education and Testing Amendments

H.B. 260 Criminal Justice Modifications

H.B. 264 Law Enforcement Weapons Use Amendments

H.B. 272 Special License Plate Amendments

H.B. 276 Notary Public Amendments

H.B. 277 Child Care Eligibility Amendments

H.B. 282 Right of Survivorship Amendments

H.B. 283 Community and Police Relations Commission

H.B. 288 Education and Mental Health Coordinating Council

H.B. 289 Victim Services Amendments

H.B. 291 Residential Picketing Prohibition

H.B. 293 Open Meeting Minutes Amendments

H.B. 295 Wildlife Modifications

H.B. 297 Colorado River Amendments

H.B. 302 Preserving Sports for Female Students

H.B. 305 Quality Growth Act

H.B. 312 State Residency Amendments

S.B. 16 Utah Retirement Systems Amendments

S.B. 30 Utah Commission on Aging Amendments

S.B. 75 Community Association Fund Amendments

S.B. 81 Medical Cannabis Electronic Verification System Deadline Amendments

S.B. 83 POLST Order Amendments

S.B. 88 Local Option Sales Tax Distribution Amendments

S.B. 90 Parental Defense Amendments

S.B. 97 Charitable Prescription Drug Recycling Program Amendments

S.B. 102 Peace Officer Training Qualifications Amendments

S.B. 109 Emergency Services Amendments

S.B. 185 Capitol Meeting Room Designation

H.C.R. 9 Concurrent Resolution Encouraging Development of a Statewide Anti-littering Campaign

H.C.R. 10 Concurrent Resolution Regarding an Interlocal Agreement Creating the Jordan River Commission

H.C.R. 11 Concurrent Resolution Recognizing Utah's Clerks and Election Workers for Their Performance Related to Utah's 2020 Election

H.J.R. 5 Joint Rules Resolution - Technical Corrections

H.J.R. 8 Joint Resolution to Protect Utah's Institutions of Higher Education from Chinese Communist Party Influence

H.C.R. 2 Concurrent Resolution on Effect of Federal Land Valuation Model


7 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page