SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah lawmakers are a third of the way through their annual 45-day legislative sprint. They will have a brief respite on Monday as they take the day off to honor President’s Day.
But on Tuesday, they’ll be back in full force with more than a dozen committee hearings already scheduled.
As the Utah Legislature heads into its fourth week, here are five things to know about what’s coming up:
COCKFIGHTING
A bill that raises the penalty for cockfighting from a misdemeanor to a felony won preliminary approval from the Utah Senate on Friday. Sen. Gene Davis, a Democrat from Salt Lake City, ran a similar bill last year that died on the last night of the session. Several senators on Friday objected to the bill, saying the violation would be too harsh. Davis and others argue that the practice is a felony in surrounding states, making Utah a magnet for the sport. The Senate voted 16-10 on Friday to move the bill forward for a final vote by that chamber early next week. Davis’ bill would then need to work its way through the House.
SPEED LIMITS
Drivers may soon see more stretches of Utah highways with a speed limit of 80 mph. A bill from Taylorsville Republican Rep. Jim Dunnigan is zooming through the Legislature and could soon be on Gov. Gary Herbert’s desk. Utah already has several stretches of highway, mostly in rural areas, where drivers can legally hit 80 mph. Dunnigan’s proposal frees up the state transportation department to decide if the speed should be raised in more areas. The full Utah Senate is set to take up the bill next week.
SWALLOW INVESTIGATION
The Utah House has wound down its $3.8 million investigation of former Attorney General John Swallow, who resigned late last year. Swallow, a Republican, was dogged by allegations of misdeeds and shady dealings with businessmen. He denied any wrongdoing and said he’ll clear his name. He has not been charged with any crimes, but members in the Republican-controlled House are working on proposals they hope will prevent a similar situation. Dunnigan, who chaired the committee that investigated Swallow, said the first of four planned proposals could be ready as early as next week. The bills will tackle campaign reporting and finance, evidence-tampering and legislative powers, among other issues.
PRISON RELOCATION
Utah lawmakers are expected to again discuss the possibility of relocating the longtime state prison in Draper. Officials have been kicking the idea around since the 1990s, but earlier this month, a committee studying the issue voted to recommend the move. They can’t go forward with possible new locations and building plans until the Legislature signs on and sets aside some money. Rep. Brad Wilson, a Kaysville Republican who sat on the prison-relocation committee, is working on a resolution for lawmakers to support the move. The bill could appear in the week ahead.
BREATHALYZERS
Rep. Greg Hughes’ pending bill to put Breathalyzers and similar devices in Utah bars created a bit of a stir on Friday. Hughes, a Draper Republican, held a news conference to make it clear he’s not aiming to require the devices in bars_nor would patrons be required to use them. The idea is to offer the devices for younger drinkers who are still learning their limits with alcohol. Hughes is still working out details, such as how to incentivize use of the devices and how to ensure bars won’t be liable for drunk drivers. He hopes to have the measure ready next week.
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