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Week 2 Summary

2015 Utah Legislative Session

Week 2 Summary

The 2015 General Session of the Utah State Legislature began on Monday, January 26.  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 Week 2:

Special Events at the Capitol

This week we had several visitors to the Capitol.  This included (photo below):
  • Many of the police chiefs throughout the State (including West Valley Police Chief Russo)
  • Congressman Jason Chaffetz. Every year, each member of Utah's congressional delegation reports to the state legislature during the legislative session.  
  • Students throughout the State.  This week was Diversity Day at the Capitol and it was wonderful to have so many students visit.
  • Labor Caucus - The Labor Caucus is composed of representatives from different trades throughout the State.  This includes teachers, painters, plumbers, electrical workers, engineers, etc.  Each week, the Labor Caucus meets at the Capitol and discusses bills that may impact their professions.  It was great to visit with them.


2015 Legislation

This last week we continued the process of voting on non-budget bills.  Of course, you can always watch the new reports.  But the best way to track any legislation is at the Legislature's website at http://le.utah.gov.  Here are a few of the more interesting bills that were discussed this last week:
  • The House unanimously passed a bill that will make it easier for younger Utahns to fish and hunt without a license. 
  • A bill passed unanimously through the Senate judiciary committee which prevents law enforcement from rifling through your electronic medicine cabinet without a court order. Read report here.
  • Divorced parents without custody could get more time with their children, according to a new bill unanimously approved by a House committee yesterday. Read report here.
  • Lawmakers are looking to allocate funding to a new program to train teachers how to better recognize and address dyslexia. Read report here.
Rep. Hall's Legislation

I have several bills this session, here are a few: HB93 protects communities from unfair school district splits. It basically prohibits cities from cherry-picking its best tax base and creating its own school district, leaving their less affluent neighbors high and dry.  This bill will protect all families, students and taxpayers within District 33. 

Here is a good news report regarding this bill: "In short, Hall is trying to take away the profit motive for splitting up a district and trying to avoid the creation of rich districts at the expense of poorer areas. . . . The plan will no doubt generate controversy, insomuch as any discussion of school district splits generate such discussions. But Hall should receive credit for approaching the issue from a different perspective that cuts to the core of education and education funding in the state." This bill would require local school boards to have their school board meetings within their geographical districts.  

I became aware over this last summer that a school board had an official meeting at Snowbird Ski Resort, miles away from their constituents.  I believe school board meetings should be within the geographical boundaries of the district so constituents can easily participate. Two news reports - Here and here. This is a follow-up from a bill that I passed in 2013.  The goal of this bill is to make make sure that courts spread out jury service to as many people as possible.  This will help prevent the situation where some get called for jury service every six months, while others go decades without getting called for jury duty.  Passed 70-0 in the House and is currently in the Senate.

Town Hall Meetings!

We had our first Town Hall meeting on Saturday, January 31.  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 18, 2014, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 28, 2014, 12:30 - 1:30 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! I am very interested in your perspectives. Your comments and thoughts are greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much.



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.



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 below).  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 atwww.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
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