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Show What the lawmakers didn't explain to you might surprise you Now that the legislature has adjourned, and "it's all over but the shouting," as they say, there is time to review the bills that were, in fact passed. Many of them are very important and will improve the quality of life for Utah residents. Local legislators were successful in introducing and getting the passage of many important bills. Some of the legislation passed, based on a brief synopsis of the bills, seems to be highly unusual. The effects of this legislation is yet to be known. I For example, one seemingly unusual bill is SB 107, which repeals the anatomical gift act. Without further explanation, this would make one wonder what is considered to be an anatomical gift. Another that needs more explanation is HB258, which provides for the regulation of "moon walks." Is this aimed at Michael Jackson? One more unusual bill was HB14, which amended prohibitions against free distribution of chewing tobacco, while HCR8, increases the awareness of the harmful effect of tobacco by issuing a tobacco-free challenge to six Western states. Many of the bills listed here allow for changes that may be important. impor-tant. HB17, establishes additional qualifications for for certification of sheriffs. HB18, requires legislative approval before construction of radioactive-waste treatment or disposal facilities. HB39, enacts restrictions re-strictions and requires state registration for automated telephone-solicitation telephone-solicitation dialing systems. HB40, provides four-year terms for each I county commissioner. I A bill introduced in the house, HB50, will charge the mentally I retarded a $5 fishing-license fee. HB43, Defines the duties of owners I and renters to maintain premises in fit condition. HB54, provides a J 24 hour no-contact requirement after domestic violence. Local law I J enforcement officers feel this will help alleviate escalating problems I I in domestic violence cases. I The State Industrial Commission was authorized to modify the state minimum wage with the passage of HB65. Automobile owners were given more clout with HB77, which permits consumers to initiate in-itiate legal action to enforce motor-vehicle warranties. HB81, Amends the offense of impersonating a peace officer. Current owners of coyotes and raccoons are exempt from HB95, which prohibits holding coyotes and raccoons in captivity. If signed into law, HB114, may increase the cost of crimes for criminals in Utah. The bill provides conditions for ordering state convicts to pay for their care in correctional programs. HB 139, requires all drivers to use seat restraints on children. Another bill introduced that may help protect children is HB145, which suspends privileged-communication rights between spouses in cases of child abuse or neglect. Those who are paying child support will be affected by HB 149, which will immediately withhold income for delinquent child-support payments after Nov. 1, 1990. HB148, requires parents' Social Security numbers at the time of a child's birth bir-th for child-support recovery. I One new bill, HB 183, may have law enforcers worried. It provides for temporary concealed weapons permits in limited circumstances. Moving to bills introduced in the Senate, SB73, provides good-Samaritan good-Samaritan protection for ski-patrol personnel. Thanks to the passage of SB 104, Indian rice grass will now be designated as the state grass. Caveat Emptor may be the watch word now that SB 1 63 has passed. It provides that a negotiation marked "paid in full" does not establish I an accord unless the payee agrees in writing. I Drivers-ed teachers in the school may soon have a new duty with the passage of SB254 which will certify them as driver-license examiners. ex-aminers. Convicted sex-offenders will be treated with a new method due to SB133, which provides and exemption allowing sexually explicit materials to be used for treatment of criminal offenders. These were just a few of the hundreds of bills that were passed in the recent legislative session. Some were special interest bills, others were passed for the good of all the people, and still others are questionable. ques-tionable. If you found legislation you did not approve, there may still be hope. Governor Norman Bangerter now has three weeks to sign or reject re-ject the bills. |