Utah lawmakers are pushing to expand religious freedoms in schools, government and healthcare with a pair of bills unveiled on Friday

HCR15 from Rep. Mike Petersen aims to dramatically expand religious expression in public spaces. This includes the open expression of faith by public school teachers and students, and accommodating religious observances in government settings. The resolution also protects religious symbols in public places.

Petersen’s resolution does not single out any particular religion, but calls for “the fostering of respectful dialogue among diverse faith traditions.”

Last year, Petersen sponsored HB269, which would have required all of the state’s public schools to post the Ten Commandments. His proposal was watered down to add the Ten Commandments and Magna Carta to a list of documents that history teachers can use as part of the curriculum.

Also on Friday, Sen. Evan Vickers unveiled SB320, a bill that would give physicians the right to refuse to provide medical services if they conflict with their medical, moral, religious or ethical beliefs.

Federal law already provides protections for healthcare providers who refuse to perform abortions or sterilizations because of their religious or moral beliefs.

Vickers’ bill could allow healthcare providers to deny contraception, vaccinations or transition-related treatments for LGBTQ+ patients.

New bills that caught my attention

  • Sen. Todd Weiler is proposing the creation of a new "Prosecutorial Misconduct Commission" that will investigate complaints about prosecutors or their staff. Under SB318, the commission can investigate alleged misconduct in felony or Class A misdemeanor cases. They won't be able to directly discipline prosecutors, but they can refer an allegations of criminal conduct to law enforcement or forward any ethical violations to the state bar.
  • SB317 authorizes the state to enter into an interstate compact where Utah will recognize licenses for dieticians obtained in other states with reciprocal recognition for licenses issued in Utah.
  • SB324 from Sen. Kirk Cullimore slaps restrictions on the resale of "restricted" tickets to certain events. Those tickets cannot be resold for more than face value.
  • Rep. Tyler Clancy is proposing several protections for workers at warehouse distribution centers. HB544 requires employers to implement heat or cold risk precautions and prohibits employers from forcing workers to attend meetings about religious or political matters.

Afternoon headlines

Changes coming to Utah election bill that overhauls voting by mail. [Utah News Dispatch]

Utah Legislature moves steal Salt Lake City's street planning power. [Building Salt Lake]

Should Utah's profits from selling alcohol help fund housing? [Deseret News]

Utah passes bill to ban Planned Parenthood educators from schools. [Utah News Dispatch]

Utah takes step to ban candy and soda purchases on food stamps. [Deseret News]

Why Utahns will keep changing their clocks twice a year. [Tribune]

Utah law would hide direct payments to college athletes from public view. [Deseret News]

Utah Legislature passes bill to allow more access to adoption records. [Deseret News]

What's on Monday's agenda?

Committe hearings are only scheduled for the morning.

  • The Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee will consider SB290, which adds a requirement for Attorney General Candidates to be an attorney licensed to practice in the state.

    Last year, Republican Trent Christensen was a candidate for attorney general, but was not licensed to practice in the state when he filed.