Week 4 Legislator Newsletter

Current Legislation

 Greetings,

Among the many areas of concern we are addressing this Legislative session is our crumbling infrastructure.  As cars become more fuel efficient, the gas tax collected per mile traveled falls, leaving the government unable to fund much needed road projects.  This issue is important for everyone, and we will exhaust every effort leading to the best solution.

We have received hundreds of responses from the survey the Southern Utah delegation recently published, and we value and thank you for your input.  From the results we see that Southern Utahns are most concerned with the issues of infrastructure and education.  We are working hard to address these issues.

The Legislature will be launching a task force at the end of the session that will meet throughout the legislative interim to evaluate how to put the policies and funding mechanisms in place to reach our goals. I’m excited about this goal and direction for the state as. Our future is indeed bright.  

Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions on bills during the session. I always enjoy feedback from constituents and find it very helpful when gauging how to vote on the important issues that come before us.  The easiest ay to reach me during the session is by email at dipson@le.utah.gov or at 435-817-5281

            

House Bill 76 – Concealed Carry Amendments

This bill passed the House Judiciary committee this week and is yet to be heard by the full House.  The bill has a provision that would allow anyone over the age of 21 to carry a concealed weapon with or without a permit.

House Bill 114 – Second Amendment preservation Act

This bill reserves the right to regulate firearms on behalf of the state, providing penalties for anyone attempting to enforce federal second amendment restrictions. 

House Bill 30 – Line-of-Duty Death and Disability Amendments

This bill closes a loophole in death and disability definitions that can leave the families of fallen public safety officers or firefighters without compensation.  The current law compensates families after a death due to blunt force trauma, but neglects to include death or disability from other causes.