Copy
Utah Legislature Week 1 Summary!
Craig Hall - Utah House of Representatives, District 33




2018 Utah Legislative Session

Week 1 Summary

The 2018 General Session of the Utah State Legislature began on Monday, January 22.  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 the week:

Budget

This first week, the legislature spent much of its time going over the State's budget.  Each legislator is on at least one appropriations subcommittee. I am currently a member of the Infrastructure and General Government Subcommittee, which makes recommendations for approximately $1.6 billion of the State's overall budget, and deals with budget issues regarding the Utah Department of Transportation, the Department of Technology Services, the Department of Administrative Services, and capital facilities.  

For the last week, our committee has carefully scrutinized their existing budgets, reviewed previous appropriations and then will determine if the expenditures are achieving the desired outcomes. Of course, we are always looking for any potential savings. This budgeting process will continue throughout the session.  

Here's a snapshot of the budget from last year's Session.  


Special Events at the Capitol
 
  • First Week Highlights

There's not much "warming up" to the legislative session.  Early in the week, I presented a few bills, voted on more, met up with other governmental officials, had my beautiful wife pay a visit to the floor of the House, had a chance to visit with the Governor and his wife, researched bills, etc., etc.  

So humbled to represent the great residents of District 33. Thank you for the honor!

 
  • State of the State

The State of the State was given by Governor Herbert on Wednesday.  The legislature looks forward to working together with the Governor to help keep Utah a great place to live, work and raise a family.  

 
  • 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. This week it was students from the West Valley campus of American Preparatory Academy. Thanks for. visiting!



Rep. Hall's Legislation

I have several bills this session, here are a few:
  • HB43 - Blood Testing Amendments - I am the chief sponsor of this bill. On Thursday, this bill passed the floor of the House 72-0.  Off to the Senate!
This bill was prompted from the encounter we saw over the summer between a law enforcement officer and a University of Utah nurse. The bill was worked on extensively over the last several months and would require a law enforcement officer to secure a warrant before they get a blood draw. Here's an article regarding this bill:  [SLTrib]

  This was a bill brought to me by the Utah Health Department.  If an out-of-state individual dies in Utah, a Utah death certificate must be issued.  However, if that out-of-state family uses an out-of-state funeral home, there have been some difficulties getting the death certificate signed.  This bill resolves this issue.
 
  • HB113 - Candidate Filing Amendments - I am the chief sponsor of this bill. Passed the House Political Subdivisions Committee 9-0. Should be heard in front of the full House sometime this next week.
This bill fixes the situation we saw in the race for Congression District 4 this last fall.  One candidate wanted to file for office, but he was in China teaching a class during the filing period.  He called the Lt. Gov's office and asked how he could file. He was told he could not file because the statute says he must file "in person."

This bill allows an individual who is out of state to file remotely through the use of a audio/video connection.  This is a no-brainer bill that provides more access to the ballot.
  • HB133 - Employment Amendments - I am the chief sponsor of this bill. Has been assigned to the House Business and Labor Committee.
Think it's a good idea for government employees to hire and/or supervise their dating partner?  Me neither.  This would prevent such situation. See story here. Should be heard in committee sometime this week.

Town Hall Meetings!

We had our first Town Hall meeting on Saturday, January 27.  Thanks to those who attended!.  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 6, 2018, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 24, 2018, 2:00 - 3:00 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! (Below is a photo of some of the paper surveys that have been returned!). I am very interested in your perspectives. Your comments and thoughts are greatly appreciated.  You can also take the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RepHall2018 if you prefer that method.  Thank you so much!




Visits to Local Schools

I have made it a point to visit the local schools throughout District 33.  Here is a photo of some of the most recent visits, including Rolling Meadows Elementary, West Lake Jr. High, Hillsdale Elementary and Granger High School.  I appreciate the principals sharing with me their successes and concerns. We have amazing educators in this State!



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 above).  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 at www.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

Legislative email: chall@le.utah.gov
Personal email: hcraighall@yahoo.com
Website: www.votecraighall.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/votecraighall
Twitter: www.twitter.com/hcraighall
Cell phone: (801) 573-1774
Copyright © 2018 Craig Hall - Utah House of Representatives, District 33, All rights reserved.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp