As Legislature finishes sessions, coronavirus taskforce created

 

By Derrin Owens, Rep. District 58

03-12-2020

 

Rep. Derrin Owens (middle) meets with Yaxin Lan (left) and Logan Hooper from Wasatch Academy as they were honored at the 48th Annual Utah All-State High School Art Show.

 

With mixed emotions I’m sending this final legislative update as a member of the Utah House of Representatives. It has been an honor to serve the residents of Sanpete and Juab counties in this capacity for the last five legislative sessions.

I have learned much and feel prepared for the next adventure. Sen. Ralph Okerlund is not seeking re-election and he has encouraged me to run for his seat. We all owe this good man and his family a debt of gratitude for his service to Senate District 24. I will be filing as a candidate for senate March 13.

On Monday, Governor Herbert announced the creation of the coronavirus task force—made up of health care providers and state and community stakeholders—and the state’s plan to mitigate COVID-19 and minimize disruption in Utah. We are confident in the task force’s efforts and encourage everyone throughout the state to take the advised precautions outlined by the CDC and task force. To find current and accurate information on COVID-19 in Utah, follow @CoronavirusUtah on twitter and visit Coronavirus.utah.gov

Each day, as we begin floor time, a prayer is offered and the pledge is recited. This week, I was honored to have Burgess Owens come as my guest to the Capitol to offer the prayer. Burgess is a 1982 super bowl champion and he is a candidate for Utah’s 4th Congressional District and my “Brother from another Mother”.

Klaudia Stan Nielson joined me on the Hill this week! Ten years ago, she immigrated from Romania after finishing law school. She is passionate about the American dream and the freedoms that we have in this land. Klaudia is an inspiration to us all. She currently lives in Fountain Green with her husband, Chad Nielson.

I was again impressed this week by the talent we have in our district. On Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting Yaxin Lan and Logan Hooper from Wasatch Academy. These two students were on the hill to be recognized for their achievements in the 48th Annual Utah All-State High School Art Show.

 

Here is the status of my legislation to date:

 

H.B. 21: Intergenerational Poverty Plan Implementation Program Extension: This bill has been passed by both the Senate and the House and is filed with the Governor.

H.B. 103: Utah Promise Program Scholarship Program Amendments: This bill has been passed by both the Senate and the House and is filed with the Governor.

H.B. 161: Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact: This bill is currently on the Senate 3rd Reading Calendar. It is in its final stages and once presented and voted on by the Senate, it will hopefully be sent off for filing with the Governor.

H.B. 304: Citizen Feedback Program: The bill was heard in the House Government Operations Standing Committee. It was passed out favorably and is now on the House 2nd Reading Calendar.

H.B. 389: Emergency Medical System Amendments: This bill has been introduced to the Senate and is now on the Senate Rules Committee. It will be assigned to a committee and will continue on with the Legislative process.

H.B. 398: Plant Pest Emergency Control: This bill was presented on the House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee and is now on the House 3rd reading calendar.

H.B. 434: Funding for Necessarily Existent Small Schools and Rural Schools Amendments: This bill was presented in the Education Committee. It was passed out with favorable recommendation and will be sent to the house for consideration and debate.