We are near the halfway point of the 2023 legislative session, and we’ve reached some important dates. Last Friday, Feb. 17, was policy cutoff, meaning that was the last day non-fiscal bills could be considered and passed out of their respective committees in the chamber in which they originated. Today, Feb. 24 is fiscal cutoff. The one exception to the rule is bills considered “necessary to implement the budget” which are not subject to the normal cutoff dates.
Starting on Monday, Feb. 27 we will be working day and night on the House floor voting on bills through Wednesday, March 8. After that, we’ll have a much better idea of what policies have a chance to become law.
Thank You for Taking Our Legislative Priorities Survey
Me and my 17th District seatmate, Rep. Kevin Waters, R-Stevenson, recently asked you to fill out an online survey. Here are the results of that survey.
It’s clear that public safety continues to be a priority in our district, and throughout the state. Nearly 32% of those who responded to our survey listed public safety as their top priority, and more than 55% chose it as one of their top three priorities. Together, with the entire House Republican Caucus, I share your concerns.
Public safety is still a major issue and House Republicans continue offering real solutions to make our communities safer. Click here to learn more about our efforts to confront substance abuse, get more officers on the street and allow them to pursue people who have committed crimes, address the rise in auto thefts, close encampments, and make drug possession a crime again.
Thank you for sharing your input. If you missed the opportunity to participate, you can still reach out to me by using the contact info listed at the bottom of this email. I look forward to hearing from you.
Update on My Legislation
Several of the bills I’m sponsoring are still alive.
House Bill 1112, which is one of the most important pieces of legislation to me this year, would allow judges to impose criminal penalties for negligent driving involving the death of a vulnerable victim. It would allow for a person to be found guilty of an offense when he or she operates a vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers, or is likely to endanger, any person or property and causes the death of someone using a public way. This bill passed out of the House Transportation Committee on Thursday and now waits for a vote on the House floor.
House Bill 1113 would require the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) to adopt rules for reviewing and vacating reprimands issued to certificated professional educators that did not involve a student. Currently, there is no process in place to vacate a reprimand on an educator’s certificate. I’m happy to see this bill move forward because I believe in redemption. HB 1113 is now in the Senate waiting for a public hearing.
House Bill 1073 would ensure that medical assistants who have fulfilled all the necessary requirements and qualifications, would receive their medical assistant certification promptly. The bill also adds additional procedures medical assistants can perform when they become certified. Like HB 1113, this bill has passed the House and is waiting for a hearing in the Senate.
Thank You and Please Stay in Touch
Thank you so much for allowing me to represent you in the Legislature. Please continue reaching out to me. I’m here to listen. If you’d like to set up a personal meeting with me, please click here.
It’s an honor to serve,