2017 Legislature - Week 1 Summary!

The 2017 General Session of the Utah State Legislature began on Monday, January 23. Thank you so much for all of your support. It is truly an honor to represent the great residents of District 33. Just a few highlights from the week:

Budget

This first week, the legislature spent much of its time going over the State's budget. Each legislator is on at least one appropriations subcommittee. I am currently a member of the Infrastructure and General Government Subcommittee, which makes recommendations for approximately $1.6 billion of the State's overall budget, and deals with budget issues regarding the Utah Department of Transportation, the Department of Technology Services, the Department of Administrative Services, and capital facilities.

For the last week, our committee has carefully scrutinized their existing budgets, reviewed previous appropriations and then will determine if the expenditures are achieving the desired outcomes. Of course, we are always looking for any potential savings. This budgeting process will continue throughout the session.

Here's a snapshot of the budget from last year's Session.

Special Events at the Capitol

First Day / Swearing In

Monday was a great first day to the 2017 Legislative Session. Got sworn in (with my beautiful wife sitting next to me), voted on a few bills, witnessed the largest rally I've ever seen at the capitol. Democracy in action!

So humbled to represent the great residents of District 33. Thank you for the honor!

State of the State

The State of the State was given by Governor Herbert on Wednesday. The legislature looks forward to working together with the Governor to help keep Utah a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Visits to the Capitol!

One of our State's treasures is the State Capitol building. And visiting during the legislative session is the best time of year to visit. Lots of action happening every day. I would love to give your family / school group / church group / etc. a behind-the-scenes tour of the State Capitol. Give me a call/email and we'll make it happen. This week it was students from the West Valley campus of American Preparatory Academy. Thanks for. visiting!

Rep. Hall's Legislation

I have several bills this session, here are a few:

HB86 - Inactive Voter Amendments - I am the chief sponsor of this bill. On Thursday, this bill passed the House Political Subdivisions Cmte., unanimously, 12 - 0. It will now go to the floor of the House.

This is a relatively simple bill which helps make sure that voters don't get kicked off the voter rolls due to a technicality. I was asked by the Lt. Gov.'s Office to sponsor the bill and I am happy to help them achieve this goal.

HB132 - School Bus Safety Requirements - I am the chief sponsor of this bill. Passed the House Transportation Committee 7-3. Should be heard in front of the full House sometime this next week.

This bill would require seat belts in new school buses (model year 2017 buses and newer). I was first introduced to this issue when a friend of mine, while I was living in Texas, had a daughter who was seriously injured in a school bus that tipped onto its side while on their way to a soccer game. Two of her teammates died as a result of the accident.

I appreciate all the feedback I've received regarding this bill. I've been in close contact with the school districts discussing ways to improve the bill. Thanks to all those who have reached out. Here is an article regarding the bill: [SLTrib]

HB144 - Administrative Law Judge Qualifications - I am the chief sponsor of this bill.

Administrative Law Judges adjudicate items when a citizen has a dispute with a government agency. Currently there is no requirement for these judges to be law-trained. These judges deal with issues that are legally complicated (health code, insurance code, etc.) and I believe it is best practice for these individuals to graduate from law school before they rule on legal rights for Utah citizens.

Town Hall Meetings!

We had our first Town Hall meeting on Saturday, January 28. Thanks to those who attended and asked great questions. I have two more Town Hall meetings scheduled during the legislative session. All of the following Town Hall meetings will be at West Valley Library (2800 West 3650 South).

Wednesday, February 15, 2016, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 25, 2016, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Hope to see you there!

Please return your survey!

I have mailed a survey to constituents within District 33. The answers you provide to these survey questions are invaluable. Please, please, please fill it out and return! (Below is a photo of some of the paper surveys that have been returned!). I am very interested in your perspectives. Your comments and thoughts are greatly appreciated. You can also take the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RepHall201 7 if you prefer that method. Thank you so much!

Visits to Local Schools

I have made it a point to visit the local schools throughout District 33. Here is a photo of some of the most recent visits, including Granger High School, West Lake Junior High, and Hillsdale Elementary. I appreciate the principals sharing with me their successes and concerns. We have amazing educators in this State!

Ways to Contact Representative Hall

I make a concerted effort to reach out to all of my constituents. For that reason, I use as many different forms of communication as possible. Most of you have received mail from me. I also have frequent town hall meetings (more on that above). You can follow me online at www.votecraighall.com. For even more frequent updates, you can follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/votecraighall and/or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/hcraighall. You are also welcome to call my cell phone anytime. (801) 573-1774. I will be in many meetings throughout the legislative session, so if I don't answer right away, feel free to leave me a message and I'll try to call back as soon as possible. I will also be sending out regular updates via email. Probably the quickest way to get ahold of me is by email. My legislative email address is chall@le.utah.gov.

Thanks for your support. Contact me anytime.

Read all previous email newsletters here: http://bit.ly/YJCYy1

Representative Craig Hall

Legislative email: chall@le.utah.gov
Personal email: hcraighall@yahoo.com
Website: www.votecraighall.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/votecraighall
Twitter: www.twitter.com/hcraighall
Cell phone: (801) 573-1774