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Show IL 1A The Salt Lake Tribune alurda). January 18, 19 Senate Rushes to Get Historic Banking Bill to Governor untinucd t h rum nate ( oirmiittce It goi-- hi the full St nate which after dt bate fasts a preliminary vote to dt termme ondi tional approval If the lull survives that vole, the senators Usually wait at least a day before further debate and a final passage vote II vote tor this pit-e "f a St I ir-- i tor (InI, mi it allows bank' Irom .ill iai r "h i uui r v to do nU'im s in I tali - (.him- hr oi, ph 1087 II, lillri imi-siK- h i i" III i. H ou 01,1 of M ill- - Mill li f'i i II o' t lit re are bled I i, ill (sinks no rc'.'iK lions aga.vt a j u , t ions in (till b, out of m iio b ii I ni).' i fi Hu T : ion 1 but lion 1 don t bill M" d ", ''i n. ii ill 3 blit ' ed reserm viral Ij'Ain.ikt r ' vations .itioui voting ini i full with 'U' h lit! Ir stud - nr, vcaisjin thf 21 al'er NormalK Legi-laLi- Last year, the Legislature rejec ted a measure that would have allowed a financial institutions in Minnesota to be included in the Western region for the purpose of doing business in Utah The measure was hotly opposed by the ltah banking community as well ' ic bill passes out ol (old Shoulder (mh iN-Acci- Incumbent city council members in Utah can probably rest more easily a I 'tali House panel has tabled a bill to probably as good as killed dump ail four year rouneil teims lot r tenuies two-yea- tax" by voteis went nowhere before the House State and Local Affans Committee Committee members and lobbyists from Salt Lake City and the Utah League of Cities and Towns dismissed the representative's contention that holding council members to election every two years would " heighten "voter turnout and interest would that two-yea- detract from city institutions while leaving smaller less secure loans in the Utah banks. But Ms Wets said Utah regulators have the authority to oversee such r gov- ernment continuity and only double the campaign expenses for candidates However. Hep Cromar said budgets are getting out of hand in dynamic cities." and. because there is no formal recall process, voters need accelerated control over local govterms fail to ernments that four-yea- r accommodate By Paul Holly Tribune Staff Writer The Senate Health Committee bills Friday designed to aid l'tah citizens injured in nuclear accidents and limit what plaintiffs can suits sue for in Both bills will now be considered by the full Senate inebriated horse rider, because Ins muunt is considered a vehicle, can be charged with driving while intoxicated. But a bicycle rider, with one too many and weaving his or her way around town, cannot be so charged because to date it isn't legally considered a vehicle That was one of the examples of legal confusion over treatment of bike riders given in a legislative committee Friday by Col. Dennis Nordfelt. head of the Utah Highway Patrol The House Transportation and An Public Safety Committee ap The nuclear-incide- high-leve- Peter Scarlet Tribune Education Editor The employment of an internal auditor at the State Office of Education could sae the state much more than the $74,400 it would cost to hire an auditor ami his or her secretarial help Wayne Welsh, the legislative auditor general, Friday urged members ot the Legislature's Joint Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee to include the Ltah State Board of Education's request for an internal auditor Last spring, Mr Welsh's and the State Auditor's offices recommended Mich an auditor for the stale school office after conducting an audit of the e bill, l nuclear-wast- e Bill Seeking Pnd ol Contractors Division A bill tu do away with the Division of Contractors was tabled Fri day by the Senate Standing Committee on Business and Labor The bill, sponsored by Sen Dale Stratford. R Ogden, followed critical reports on the Division of Con- and 1985 bv the Office of Legislature Auditor The Division of Central tors has 30 employees and a budget of about $800.0011 The division sets standards for i mitrai tors investigates breathes of the n ntraetors' ethical code, poor workmanship and the finam iai status ot ( untrue-torThe division also arbitrates disputes between lot al autlioi rties. rustomeis ami i onlr.ietors The division obiains almost all of its funds from loensing foes huwevtr and the bill would have had a minimal impart on the state s general lond '1 he question is w In 'In wt is a state want to ront,riuo this kind n idorit e regulation when li shows it is doing no good" M n Stratford said in 1983 s v J In Utah House action Friday representatives spent considerable time weighing the value of including "irreconcilable differences ' in statutory divorce grounds - Max-field- 42-2- 8 lt ' c emu-tiona- cess Lake City, Rep Ted Lewis. said recognizing irreconcilable differences in divorce was inching closdivorces, which could er to "no-faul- chil- repository. spon- sored by Sen. Karl Swan, would allow l'tah citizens to sue private companies involved with nuclear materials released into the atmos-pherwithout having to prove negligence. The bill is an extension of a federal law that attaches strict liability (without having to prove negligence; to the nuclear industry and also puts limitations on the amount of claims that be recovered per incident c The Utah bill, according to its backers, would also allow Utah citizens to tap into an insurance fund set up by the nuclear industry to pay claims in the event of a nuclear accident Sen Ivan Matheson. City, committee chairman, said the issue is important because Utah is still one of the five final states being looked at by proved favorably a bill to end some- - confusion over the legal status of a bike riders being neither fish or fowl or in this case neither pedestrian or vehicle. The bill specifies bike riders will have all rights and duties of other vehicle drivers. That doesn't mean it would be considered a inotor vehicle, and have to be licensed, permitted on the freeway or undergo annual vehicle safety inspections. Bikes already have their own rules of the road to comply with, although many of them are the same as motor vehicles ported through the state to be placed in whatever location is finally chosen bill The medical-malpractic- e would limit a jury award for "pain and suffering" to $250,000 per claim The bill only affects what is called " damages The bill's sponsor, Sen. Haven Bar-losaid the measure was necessary to curtail a recent trend of large sums being awarded by juries. He said the trend is driving up the e insurcost of ance. which in turn is driving up the cost of medical care. But Charles Thronson, an attorney, said the facts don't back the claim that large damage awards are causing the rise in insurance costs. He blamed, instead, the insurance companies that he said have been increasing the price of premiums needlessly. The committee's action was actually a compromise between the two sides, since the approved bill was an amended version of a measure that would have limited damage awards to $100,000 medical-malpractic- Tnbjne SoH Photo bv Fronh Pof$choi Gunn McKay returns to political stomping grounds at Utahs Capi- - office at the request of legislators when controversy was swirling about the state school office and former State Superintendent G Leland The auditors' recommendation later last year won the support of Rep Jordan, one Lloyd Frandsen. of the appropriations subcommittees "Savings would outweigh the costs," Mr. Welsh told lawmakers It's important the state Friday. board, as policy makers, have a feedback mechanism that reports direct" ly back to them The state board's request envisions an internal auditor who would con-di- u t performance audits or check on By Carol Sisco Tribune Staff Writer Legislators were looking even harder for extra dollars Friday afternoon as they learned their analyst's Medicaid budget is $1 8 million out of balance, including $700,000 in state funds that could have bought $2.5 million in federal dollars. To accommodate the "oversight." fiscal analyst J. Winslow said he reduced the Medicaid budget by the amount of federal money the $700,000 would have bought. What it means is a $1.8 million shortage unless the Social Services and Health Appropriations Subcommittee can find $700,000 elsewhere. But Health Department officials pointed out that Mr. Winslows proposal was already $5.1 million below the governors recommendations and that his new figures increased that to $6 9 million. The governor recommends $175 million for Medicaid while Mr. Winslow proposes $168 million. Cuts could be made from Medicaid's three categories of eligible clients. Mr. Winslow said, but the impact would be felt elsewhere. Legislators also could cut from serveral optional programs but would save little by doing it. he said. Nearly $6 million could be saved if "optional" drugs were eliminated from the pharmacy program, the analyst said. "The impact here is you would have an awful lot of elderly and poor people paying for their own prescriptions," he said. "They can't buy the drugs for what we do. so they can't Sponsored by Rep done S. Walker. R Salt Lake City. House Bill '17 allows courts to order the evaluation of children by a licensed psychiatrist, marriage and family therapist or social wui her "This came out of the Families in Court Task Force which has met for two years to decide how we can better serve families in the courts." Rep Walker told the House Social Services Standing Committee In every case in which custody of minor children is placed at issue the court may demand an evaluation itself or on the motion of either parent " Judges feel the guidelines should be there Rep W.dkei said, explaining that Hlil 17 has the support of the iamilies in I tali Judicial Council, the Courts Ta-- k Force and the Salt Lake Countv Commission on Youth tol and enjoys a chat with Sen. Darrell Renstrom and intern Wendy Simmons. how board policy was being carried out in the state school office as well as keep an eye on finances. "The agency's size and its varied responsibilities dictate the need for an internal auditor." said Mr. Welsh, who pointed out many other state agencies of similar size and mission feature internal auditors. I've found that over the past 12 years or so, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind have had 20 or more audits," commented Rep John Arrington. The Ogden lawmaker expressed concern about the regularity of audits of the two schools, located in Ogden near the boundaries of his own legislative district kej.M lion." Social costs could be even higher, he warned "In terms of social costs, I lack faith in the system to maintain current services at reduced costs, Mr. Winslow said. "I think we would take a couple of steps backward." Mr. Winslow said he underfunded the Medicaid buy-in- " area, or the UM y;fo C. Wilfred Griggs sth Dov SENATE Bills Posted (Halyard) Provide for more frequent compilation of lury lists. By Senate 25-0- . SB4 (C E. Peterson) Set up qualifications for oppomtment of state superintendent of public Instruction. By Senate 23-SB! I (Overson) Provide oddltlonol compensation for trustees of water and sewage districts. By Senate 25-stuSB25 (Swan) Provide for dent membership on state and local boards Of education. By Senate 20-SB31 (Hlllyord) Provide unclolmed proper-t- v procedures. By Senate 21-SB41 (Corllng) License sonltarlons. By SB1 Senate 24-- S8107 (Corllng) Permit deputy county torneys to authorlre autopsies. By Senate at24-- HB189 (Carbeft, Sykes) Amend provisions for Interstate acquisitions and mergers, fry . House 65-By Senate Resolutions Passed (Nielsen, et al ) Congratulate the Snow College football team on being the 19(5 National Junior College Football Champions. . By House By Senate 25-Bills Introduced SB132 (Oversor) Expunge offense convictions after seven years. SB 133 (Bangerter) Allow public airports to receive money (rom the sale or use ot motor fuel for construction. Improvement, operation or maintenance purposes SB 134 (Hlllyord) Provide O Civil penalty (or violations ot radiation control progroms SB135 (Hiilvord) Authorlre the Bureau ol Radiation Control to Impound radioactive mater iols under specified conditions. HCR7 The parents would pay all costs for the evaluation, she said If people are indigent there's an implication that the state would pick up the cost. Rep. Ervin M. Skousen Lake City, indicated "There is no provision for that." Rep. Walker answered It they can t pay for the evaluation the judge can't order it It says each parent will pay in a proportion the judge finds equita" ble A motion to approve the bill passed unanimously Divorce laws already require the court to consider the best interests of the child and past conduct and demonstrated moral standards of each parent in determining custody. The court also may ask children who they want to live with but is not required to follow the c hi Id's recommendation No study will be done in cases whore parents have settled tha eusto-dissue among themselves. Rep Walker said Her bill ust allows the court to order an evaluation of the children when custody is an issue y s afford them. There's an enormous health cost." Another possibility was eliminatfacilities for ing intermediate-car- e the mentally retarded, Mr. Winslow said. But that just results in reimbursing them at lower rates for regular intermediate care. "You wouldn't save a lot," the analyst noted. "Including the training school, it would be about $2 8 mil- LEGISLATIVE Bill Allowing Child Evaluation In Custody Disputes Gets OK Whenever custody becomes an issue in a divorce, judges will be able to order an evaluation of children tu determine which parent they should Inc with under legislation approved by a House Committee Friday , Medicaid Budget $1.8 Million Out of Balance in llu (lourt Senate Panel Cable r create hardship for women and dren dependent on support (Ohio) in 1981 He said even if Utah is not chosen, nuc lear waste would still be trans- Auditor Sought for State Education Office tractors issued said Rep James Moss. for the sake of the family unit, divorce requires specific "justification " With grounds based on irreconcilable differences, he said, All you . the federal government for locating a Tipsy Horse Riding Is Illegal , But Drunk Bicycling Isn't By They finally passed House Bill 33 , sponsored by Rep. Richard R Provo vote, then by a forwarded it to the Senate tiss-Wrig- -- dent medical-malpractic- Hep Kevin C Cromar s idea tu enhance the accountability of mumei pal politicians with "the power to They maintained legislation designed to protect companies with a major employment or physical presence in Utah by requiring advance notice of takeover intent with the Utah Attorney Generwas initiated at the beal's Office quest of Kennecott, fearful that, with more than $1 billion in proceeds from the divestiture sale of Peabody Coal Co , it could be a ripe takeover target The law subsequently failed in Wo don t like e c j l.j', e to sav is utter anymore I Jon t set how any woman in thi' body could vote for this, Rep Moss said However. House Assistant Major Lake it v Whip dene Walker, ( it y said she doubted adding a mure general condition for divorce wui reate a rush of filings l Because divorces can lead to upht aval. Rep Walker said tne new condition "could make it a little less painful for the child in the pro- court tests when Kennecott was engaged in bitter proxy battle with Cun Corp prior to Kennecott being acquired by Standard Oil Co Committee Sends Malpractice, Bills to Senate Kill to Shorten Citv Council Term terms It was later disclosed however, the money Sen Matheson said he was worried larger banks from other states would come into l'tah and transfer the bigger. more secure loans to their other , It bother- - nif 'ha' v e re doing this o r4 uh M' said Si n i ini ar Burnell Iln.s thing has gone through ) I'tiufaster than an thing I've ever soon in transactions and can prevent the skimming off of the U tter ai counts The speedy passage of the banking bill Friday recollet ts a like measure rushed through the 1977 Legislature called the Utah corporate takeover law on rumors that ' the Arabs ' weie about to take over a major Utah lorn-pan- rounding states are taking measures to allow financial institutions from throughout the country to do business because of a needed influx of new It 1 'i-- manual Institutions Depart ' l feel good about h Mi Weis said she opposed that bill ta i a use she thought it was silly ' to include Minne c ta in the Western region She said the current bill was dif f rent because it includes banks from every state She also noted that sur- said Sen Ivan Matheson H Cedar City There could be ome problems dori t know about bewith it that cause 1 haven t read it May tie II re' gret this vote later , Till- t as trie ment HOUSE Bills Posted HB2 (Seiienert) Authorize court enforcement ol oppropr lotions conditions. By House HB33 (MoxUeid) include Irreconcilable dif-le- i ences os o ground for divorce By House HB84 (Wo'ker) Coordinate ludlclol proceedings In child obuse, neglect ond dependency coses Bv House 65-HBIIl (Frondsen) Provide that the State Board of Education is responsible tor the education of school-ojcchildren ut the sto'e hospital. By House . HBI 12 (Frondsen) Require entitles that receive po meats tor services provided to O school chl.u to register with the State Boord ot Education By House 56-Resolutions Posted HLR1 (Lewie VemofiuiNe Spencer W ot the Church ot Kimball, the late Jesus Christ ot Latter. da, Scnnts By House 60-By House 64 0 HfRJ (Lewis) CongiatuiRe and supdo1 for h--e new orgomiat.on e' the lDS hist pres .lency. By House 610 HCRe (Moss) Pecognije the efforts of Ot f and other Brigham Young University officials for Its Ramses II Exhibit . By House HCR8 (Reber, Lewis) Express condolences on the death of Richard P. Cond'e, former director ot the Mormon Tabernocle Choir By House 62-HJR3 (Taylor) Commend Summum Farm ond volunteers for efforts In feeding needy Bv House 59-HJR10 (Tuttle) Commend Gus Poulos lor his annual holiday driving ods Bv House 63-SJR2 (Pugh) Recognize Henry R. Pearson for his contribution to the Utoh Foundation. Bv Senate 27-By House 640. SJR6 (Renstrom) Commend the life ond service of the late M. Blaine Peterson, former Utoh congressman ond state legislator. By Senate 22-By House 61-Bills Introduced HB703 (SeHenelt) Allow (tie trier ol fact to find a defendant, otherwise factually guilty, to be not guilty based on on unlust application ot the law to that defendant s clrcum stances. HB204 (SeHenelt) Allow lawfully admitted aliens to possess weapons. HB205 (Merrill) Require educators tu re port student drug use to parents. HB206 (Merrill) Clarity exclusion ol drug ond alcohol focllltles for minors from definition ot mental health toclllhy. HB707 (Rees) Require corrective action for release of hazardous waste from a tocllity ond establish criminal penalties for trans porlutlon ot hazardous woste without o man Ifest HB708 IRecs) Authorize the Department ot Health to collect fees for dispf so' of hazardous wos'e in Utah. HB209 (Allord, Wyatt) Require county commissioner s to levy an ad valor em tax to pov for the cost of ossesslng, collecting ond distributing taxes for oil county purposes. HB7I0 (Dikes) Provide tor O voluntary check-o- ! on the Individual Income tox return form to provide supplemental tundlng for 0 dnss size reduction program. HB21 ' (Myrln) Forestry reorganization HB?l? (Moxdeid) Provide that there is a rebuttable presumption that o person cous-Ino custodial Interference acted without good cause HB2U (Vaxfleld) Provide standards fat establishing boundaries In octlons to quiet title Resolutions Introduced HCR9 (Schmutj, Chi Istensen) Comp lenient the Dixie College easketbaM team on berg the 1985 Notional Champions of the National Junior College Association hcr to (Cromar) Expressing opposition tu ft e siting of a nacieor woste repositoi y or further preparatory studies at Utah sites in Davis or i ovender conyons HjRiJ (MoodyJ Coll upon the U 4 Congress to prohibit the od.ertislng nt tr,hric(n pioducts 1 portion of state dollars that are used for matching federal funds in a 73-2 percent split. Many people think that Medicaid is driven by the economy, but that isn't necessarily so, according to Health Care financing Director Robert. Ogden. who oversees the Medicaid budget While 80 percent of the eligible clients are welfare parents and children. it only costs $1,245 to purchase medical services for each individual annually, Mr. Ogden said. The fastest growing area of eligibly is among the elderly and disabled populations, where costs are much higher, he said. The average senior citizen needs $6,376 yearly for medical services, he noted, and the disabled require $9,120 "The younger people are the ones who are laid off by the economy, Mr Ogden said. But they don't impact the program as much." Because more people are eligible for Medicaid each year and because the fastest growing numbers are the most expensive clients, Mr. Ogden said It is difficult to run the program without increased funds. "We can cut the price paid providers but not to the point that they don't want to see poor people, he said But when you get into talking about what services to cut and who is eligible, I don't think it is in my area or the department's to make the decision. It is up to the public." Concerning Utah State Training School's potential decertification and loss of $14 million annually. Mr. Ogdon said the total cost could be about $21 million when intermediate-car- e facilities that don't meet active treat ment standards are included. We want the Department of Social Services in the lead for development of a continuum of Medicaid services became theyre the experts," he said "We also want to enter an agreement with the feds to give us three years to get our master plan for the handi cappad implemented." "But I'm concerned that the ana lysfs budget cuts home health, physical therapy and speech and hearing therapy while we're doing it," Mr Og den s.imJ II we move into the com munity" we will use those services more "Ym've indicated significant un derfundmg by the analyst," com nientcd Sen LcRay McAllister, R Orem. Does that include the governors recommendation also?" "No sir," Mr. Ogden answered. "We would be very happy if we ended up with the governor's budget." Senate Hails Badgers Snow College's national junior-colleg- e championship football team was formally recognized Friday in a resolution adopted bv the Utah Senate and I (mse The resolution cited the Badgers' 11 n 193.') season The Ephraim. Utah, si hool (linohed the junior-collegh.impionship with a final win over Northeastern oklnlmme A&M in t h e Bowl |
