Capitol Pulse 2000


A summary of UNA's position on key legislative issues

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The 2000 legislative session is over. The following bill summary will identify which bills the Government Relations Committee took a position on or reviewed and where they are now at the end of the session. The Following explanation of terms will help to understand the bills final status as stated here.

The term "enrolled" refers to the process that presents bills to the governor for signing. The governor can choose to sign a bill, veto a bill, or do nothing with a bill. If he signs a bill it becomes law. If he chooses not to sign a bill it becomes law in 45 days without his support. If he vetoes a bill it is rejected and must go through the process again to be refined next year if the sponsor so chooses.

Bills may be sent to the "Rules Committee" of either the House or the Senate during any part of the legislative process. The bill is sent to be reviewed and edited if possible. The bill may be brought out of the Rules Committee at any time during the session. If the bill remains in Rules until the session is over, its status is referred to as "the bill died in Rules." This means the bill was not passed by the legislature.

The term "time expired" is used here to group together bills that began the legislative process and were currently in the process when the legislative session ended. They were not passed or failed by the legislature.

The Capitol Pulse 2000 is divided into sections as follows. Click the button near the section listing to jump to any of these sections. Or, click this button for more information about how to read this page. Instructions

To Be Reviewed   Bills Reviewed, Limited Time to Consider
Bills to be reviewed by the UNA governmental relations committee.


House Bills  House Bills
Bills before the Utah House of Representatives on which UNA has taken a formal position.


Senate Bills  Senate Bills
Bills before the Utah Senate on which UNA has taken a formal position.


No Position  No Position
Bills reviewed by the UNA governmental relations committee on which no position has been taken.


Other Issues  Other Issues
Non-bill public policy matters on which the UNA governmental relations committee has taken a position.


Bills Reviewed, Limited Time to Consider

All these bills have been sent back to the Rules Committee. For more information about any of these bills, you can visit the Utah State Legislature's Numbered Bills Page (in a new browser window) by clicking this button   Other Issues



H.B. 94 Use of Tobacco Funds for Smoking Cessation
H.B. 159 Hospital Bills Reflection of Hospital Provider Assessment
H.B. 254 Insurance Department-Health Insurance Reporting Requirements
H.B. 271 Repeal of Hospital Provider Assessment
H.B. 278 Informed Consent for Genetic Testing
H.B. 279 Rural Access to Health Care Providers
H.B. 408 Management Plan for Tobacco Settlement Proceeds

S.B. 50 Health Care Benefits - Grievance Review Process
S.B. 54 Directives for Medical Services
S.B. 96 Medical Claims Amendments
S.B. 140 Tobacco Prevention and Treatment Endowment
S.B. 204 Study of Health Insurance Industry
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House Bills

Bill No. H.B. 12 Sponsor Karen W. Morgan
Title Use of Settlement Proceeds for Tobacco Prevention
Description An act relating to the Tobacco Settlement Account; designation that 25% of tobacco settlement payments, not to exceed $8,000,000 in any one fiscal year, be used to fund a statewide tobacco prevention, reduction, and control media campaign and community outreach program; imposing reporting requirements; requiring that interest be earned on the account; appropriating $8,000,000 from the tobacco settlement account to the Health Department for the program for the program for fiscal year 2000-01; and providing an effective date.
UNA Position 1-25-00 Monitor
Status Rules Committee
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Bill No. H.B. 14 Sponsor Patrice M. Arent
Title School Safety Plans
Description An act relating to public schools; requiring each local school board to adopt and implement a comprehensive emergency response plan; providing that the plan shall include prevention, intervention, and, response components; requiring inservice training for district school building staff; and providing for annual certification of each plan.
UNA Position 1-25-00 Actively Support
Status Enrolled
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Bill No. H.B. 35 Sponsor Judy Ann Buffmire
Title Catastrophic Mental Health Insurance Coverage
Description An act relating to insurance; defining terms; requiring that health insurance policies apply the same lifetime limits, annual payments limits, and out-of pocket limits to mental health conditions as apply to physical health conditions; permitting the use of managed care and other devices to ensure that treatment is medically necessary and clinically appropriate; applying existing laws to health maintenance organizations that use preferred provider contracts in providing mental health services; requiring that services be provided by licensed therapists and facilities; permitting employers to seek a hardship exemption; imposing duties on the commissioner to adopt rules, enforce the act, and conduct a study; and providing a repeal date.
UNA Position 1-25-00 Actively Support
Status Enrolled

Bill No. H.B. 46 Sponsor Brent H. Goodfellow
Title Disease Testing Amendments
Description An act relating to disease testing for emergency medical services providers; requiring certain persons to submit to immediate testing based upon the EMS provider's determination of probable cause; providing for court suppression of testing results; and making technical corrections.
UNA Position 1-18-00 Monitor
1-25-00 Support
Status Time Expired

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Bill No. H.B. 72 Sponsor David L. Hogue
Title Utah Telehealth Commission
Description An act relating to health; defining terms; establishing the Utah Telehealth Commission; establishing the duties and responsibilities of the commission; extending rulemaking authority; permitting the commission to establish voluntary telehealth networks and related user fees; permitting the commission to establish a telehealth grant program; making conforming amendments; clarifying the use of department appropriations for telehealth in fiscal year 2000-01; and providing an effective date
UNA Position 1-11-00 Monitor
1-25-00 Actively Support
Status Enrolled

Bill No. H.B. 77 Sponsor Ron Bigelow
Title Controlled Substances Amendments
Description An act relating to criminal law and controlled substances; amending the schedule of controlled substances to include GHB; scheduling Ketamine; and changing the schedule of Rohypnol.
UNA Position 02-01-00 Support
Status Enrolled

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Bill No. H.B. 81 Sponsor A. Lamont Tyler
Title Controlled Substances Precursor Amendments
Description An act relating to controlled substances and professional licensure; providing that an iodine solution containing a specified percentage of iodine or greater is subject to regulation as a precursor; designating red phosphorus as a precursor, and exempting certain manufacturing and academic purposes that use red phosphorus; and designating anhydrous ammonia as a precursor, with specified exceptions.
UNA Position 02-01-00 Monitor
Status Enrolled

Bill No. H.B. 95 Sponsor David M. Jones
Title Weapons Amendments
Description An act relating to weapons amendments; enacting provisions for background checks for all purchases or transfers of firearms at gun shows or events; providing penalties; and permitting a fee.
UNA Position 02-08-00 Support
Status Rules Committee

Bill No. H.B. 169 Sponsor Ron Bigelow
Title School Safety Programs
Description An act relating to public education; requiring the State Board of Education, through the state superintendent of public instruction, to survey and inventory the programs and practices being used by school districts to deter school violence and make public schools safe; and requiring a report, to include findings and recommendations.
UNA Position 1-25-00 Monitor
Status Governor Signed

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Bill No. H.B. 173 Sponsor Perry L. Buckner
Title Forfeiture Relating to Sexual Offenses Against Children
Description An act relating to criminal conduct; providing for the forfeiture of computers and computer equipment used in the sexual exploitation or abuse of a minor; and specifying use of forfeiture proceeds.
UNA Position 1-11-00 Monitor
Status Failed in Senate

Bill No. H.B. 175 Sponsor Nora B. Stephens
Title Legislative Audits of Child Welfare System
Description An act relating to the Child Welfare Reform Act; amending provisions relating to internal and legislative audits of the Child Welfare System and the Division of Child and Family Services.
UNA Position 1-11-00 Monitor
Status Enrolled

Bill No. H.B. 176 Sponsor Gary F. Cox
Title Weapon Restrictions for Mentally Ill Persons
Description An act relating to public safety and human services; eliminating the requirement that the person be an "immediate" danger to himself and others; and requiring the Bureau of Criminal Identification to check court records for current commitments as part of a background check for the purchase of a firearm.
UNA Position 1-11-00 Monitor
Status House held for reconsideration

Bill No. H.B. 185 Sponsor Mary Carlson
Title Health Insurers-Coverage of Emergency Medical Services
Description An act relating to insurance; establishing a prudent layperson standard for coverage of emergency medical conditions; and providing an effective date.
UNA Position 1-11-00 Support
Status Enrolled

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Bill No. H.B. 186 Sponsor Mary Carlson
Title Health Insurers- Referral to Specialist Process
Description An act relating to insurance; requiring and insurer to establish a process for standing referrals to health care specialists; and providing an effective date.
UNA Position 1-11-00 Monitor
Status Enrolled

Bill No. H.B. 228 Sub 2 Sponsor Rebecca D. Lockhart
Title Health Insurance Provisions--Interim Review
Description An act relating to the legislature; requiring the Business, Labor and Economic Development Interim Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee to identify and review certain Health insurance provisions to determine whether the provisions should be continued, modified, or repealed.
UNA Position 02-15-00 Actively Oppose
Status Enrolled

Bill No. H.B. 229 Sponsor David Ure
Title Breast Implant Surgery
Description An act relating to health; defining terms; imposing duties on the Department of Health to prepare an informed consent form for breast implant surgery, a post-surgery report, and a post-surgery survey; requiring health care providers to provide informed consent before performing a breast implant surgery; requiring health care facilities to submit a post-surgery report to the Department of Health; and making conforming amendments.
UNA Position 02-01-00 Oppose
Status Rules Committee

Bill No. H.B. 237 Sponsor : Matt Throckmorton
Title Abortion by Gynecologist
Description An act relating to abortion; requiring abortions in Utah to be performed by a gynecologist; providing an exception; and making technical corrections
UNA Position 02-01-00 Oppose
Status Rules Committee

Bill No. H.B. 245 Sponsor : Bill Wright
Title Improving Safety in Public Schools
Description An act relating to public schools; providing that a student, who has been expelled from school for a firearm, explosive, or flammable material violation, and the student's parent shall meet with the local school board with in 30 days after the expulsion to determine what would be in the best interest of all parties regarding the student's schooling options.
UNA Position 02-15-00 Oppose
Status Enrolled

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Senate Bills

Bill No. S.B. 7 Sponsor Pete Suazo
Title Donation of Prescription Drugs or Devices-Liability Protection
Description An act relating to the judicial code; extending immunity from civil suit to a drug outlet or health care provider that distributes a prescription drug or device to a needy person at no charge, in good faith, and for a charitable purpose.
UNA Position 1-11-00 Monitor
Status Enrolled

Bill No. S.B. 9 Sponsor Paula F. Julander
Title Equity in Prescription Coverage
Description An act relating to insurance; requiring health insurance policies that cover prescription drugs to cover FDA-approved prescription contraceptive articles and related outpatient services; creating an exemption for religious organizations; and providing an effective date.
UNA Position 1-11-00 Actively Support
Status Tabled (Failed)

Bill No. S.B. 15 - Amended Sponsor L. Steven Poulton
Title Use of Tobacco Settlement Revenues
Description An act relating to state affairs in general; requiring that tobacco settlement funds be allocated in the following order: $5,500,000 for the Children's Health Insurance Program, $10,000,000 for tobacco prevention, $5,000,000 to the State Board of Regents for the Huntsman Cancer Institute University of Utah Health Sciences Center , and the remainder to the permanent state school fund; directing the appropriation of funds for fiscal year 2000-01; repealing the hospital provider assessment; imposing an annual reporting requirement; and providing an effective date.
UNA Position 1-25-00 Monitor
Status Enrolled

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Bill No. S.B. 16 Sponsor Paula F. Julander
Title Child Firearm Access Prevention Amendments
Description An act relating to the criminal code and the judicial code; creating a crime for negligent storage of a firearm with exceptions and a penalty; requiring a licensed firearm dealer to provide written warning of possible prosecution and civil suit for negligent storage of a firearm and providing a criminal penalty; creating a civil cause of action for negligent storage of a firearm; providing definitions; providing discretion for prosecutor and arresting officer; establishing a damage cap; and providing a statute of limitation.
UNA Position 1-11-00 Monitor
Status Time Expired

Bill No. S.B. 45 Sponsor Robert F. Montgomery
Title Tobacco Settlement Account Appropriation
Description An act relating to state affairs in general; requiring that the hospital provider assessment tax be reduced to the extent tobacco settlement monies are appropriated for the Children's Health Insurance Program; appropriating funds from the tobacco settlement account for the fiscal year 2000-01; and providing an effective date.
UNA Position 1-25-00 Monitor
Status Tabled (Failed)

Bill No. S.B. 86 Sponsor John L. Valentine
Title Emergency Medical Services Amendments
Description An act relating to health; expanding the training programs recognized by the state for fully automated external defibrillators; and extending immunity to health care providers who provide instructions on the use of fully automated external defibrillators.
UNA Position 02-01-00 Support
Status Enrolled

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Bill No. S.B. 87 Sponsor Millie M. Peterson
Title Firearm Amendments-House of Worship and Private Residences
Description An act relating to weapons; removing the notice requirement for firearm in a house of worship or private residence; and amending related provisions.
UNA Position 1-18-00 Monitor
Status Time Expired

Bill No. S.B. 92 Sponsor Paula Julander
Title Nurse Midwives-Extension of Sunset Date
Description An act relating to occupations and professions; extending the sunset date for the Nurse Midwife Practice Act.
UNA Position 02-01-00 Support
Status Enrolled

Bill No. S.B. 108 Sponsor Howard C. Nielson
Title Diabetes Treatment and Management-Managed Care
Description An act relating to insurance; requiring the commissioner to establish minimum standards of coverage for Diabetes; and providing an effective date.
UNA Position 1-18-00 Actively Support
Status Enrolled

Bill No. S.B. 115 Sponsor Robert F. Montgomery
Title Trauma System Amendments
Description An act relating to health; defining terms; establishing a statewide trauma system; creating the trauma system advisory committee; establishing the duties of the Department and extending rulemaking authority; establishing a statewide trauma registry; requiring the submission of data to the registry; requiring the department to provide technical and, in some instances, financial assistance to mandatory reporters; imposing confidentiality requirements and extending immunity for reporting; establishing trauma center designations and permitting hospitals to voluntarily apply for such designations; requiring the department to study the effectiveness of the statewide trauma system; making conforming amendments; and providing an effective date.
UNA Position 02-08-00 Support
Status Enrolled

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Bill No. S.B. 157 Sponsor Paula Julander
Title Nurse Practice Act Amendments
Description An act relating to occupations and professions; amending the make-up of the Board of Nursing; eliminating the statutory requirement that examinations be taken within a prescribed time period; amending the licensing requirements of a nurse who graduates from a nonapproved nursing program; amending the renewal requirements of advanced practiced registered nurses; amending the administrative procedures for suspending a license because of impairment; and an effective date.
UNA Position 02-01-00 Actively Support
Status Enrolled

Bill No. S.B. 158 Sponsor D. Edgar Allen
Title Fluorine Added to Water—Expansion to Second Class Counties
Description An act relating to environmental quality; authorizing commissioners of second class counties to pass a resolution to place the issue of adding fluorine to drinking water on a general election ballot; providing for exemptions; and making technical changes.
UNA Position 02-08-00 Actively Support
Status Enrolled

Bills With No Position

These bills have been reviewed and considered by the Government Relations Committee. They have officially been given no position.

H.B. 10 Council on Sexual Victims and Offenders - ExtensionEnrolled
H.B. 55Insurance Department review of Health Insurance LegislationRules Committee
H.B. 60Sexual Offense AmendmentsEnrolled
H.B. 74Sexual Offenses Against MinorsEnrolled
H.B. 89Professional LicensingEnrolled
H.B. 96Rural Health Care Provider AmendmentRules Committee
H.B. 161 Background Checks for Weapons PurchaseEnrolled
H.B. 230 Insurance Department- Health Policy ResponsibilitiesTime Expired
H.B. 267 Tobacco Manufacturers Responsibility Act AmendmentsEnrolled
S.B. 8 Investigation of Polygamist ActivitiesTime Expired
S.B. 41 Privacy of Financial InformationEnrolled
S.B. 43 Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing AmendmentsEnrolled
S.B. 94 Nursing Care Facilities Assessment AmendmentsEnrolled
S.B. 95 Access to Rural Health Care Facilities AmendmentsEnrolled
S.B. 107 Professional Corporation Act AmendmentsEnrolled
S.B. 109 Child Abuse Database InformationEnrolled
S.B. 138 Sunset Date for Health Policy CommissionEnrolled
S.B. 141 Providing Tobacco to MinorsEnrolled
S.B. 164 Medical Exclusions in Individual Health Insurance Policies Enrolled
S.B. 258 Health Care AmendmentsTime Expired

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Budget and Appropriation Issues/Non Bill Legislative Issues

Children's Justice Centers Appropriation

A coalition of agencies including Primary Children's, Utah Department of Health, The University Of Utah Health Science Department of Pediatrics, the Attorney General's Office, and the Children's Justice Centers, is seeking an appropriation to change the delivery of child protection services currently offered throughout the state. Currently, suspected child abuse victims are transported to Primary Children's where they are evaluated and treated. Many children can not make it to Primary Children's and are not appropriately diagnosed.

The new recommendation is to hire, train, and station nurse practitioners at selected Children's Justice Centers throughout the state so the suspected physical and sexual abuse victims can receive medical evaluations in their communities. Only the most serious cases would need to be referred to Primary Children's Medical Center.

We as nurses in our state our advocates for all of our patients especially the children in this state. Please contact your state senator and representative. Their contact information is on the state legislative page, which you can reach by clicking this button  Utah State Legislature Home Page


Governor Mike Leavitt has included $5000,000 for school nursing in his proposed state budget. Legislators on the Joint Appropriations Subcommittee for Public Education and the Executive Committee are now debating on how they believe the budget should be allotted. We need nurses to write their legislators on these Committees and explain to them how important School Nurses are to our children and the State of Utah. Thank you for your support. For an in-depth researched explanation of this issue, click this button   School Nursing Funding
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