The House Government Operations Committee will hear two controversial election related bills on Tuesday afternoon.

Rep. Jefferson Burton's HB300 makes radical changes to the state's vote-by-mail system. Under the proposal, anyone who receives a ballot in the mail could no longer mail it back. Instead, they would be required to return the ballot to a polling location, where they would have to show ID.

I told you previously about Rep. Karianne Lisonbee's HB332, which would give access to Utah's voter rolls and other personal information to a company using "quantum technology." That provision is written so that only Jay Valentine, an election conspiracy theorist who has ties to MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and disgraced lawyer Sidney Powell, would meet that qualification.

Afternoon headlines

Union bill in limbo: Senators consider ditching compromise for controversial original version. [Utah News Dispatch]

Utah leaders share joint message for Sundance Institute, urging it to keep film festival in state. [Deseret News]

Mike Lee backs efforts to change how Utah submits mail-in ballots. [KSL]

Are HOA's headed for more state oversight? Should they be? [Deseret News]

New legislation pushes for efficient use of federal land in energy development. [Deseret News]

"Solidarity" with Utah's immigrants prompts some businesses to shut down for a day. [Tribune]

Utah political leaders acknowledge possible tariffs would have an impact, but back Trump's decisions. [Fox 13]

What's on tomorrow's agenda?

  • The House Revenue and Taxation Committee will consider a bill to make it easier for lawmakers to cut taxes. HB216 from Rep. Norm Thurston requires state budget officials to determine if a change in federal tax law would lead to an increase of more than 0.5% in revenues for the state. If they determine that will happen, they will make recommendations on how the state can "negate" that increase – which will probably be a tax cut.
  • The Senate Education Committee holds a hearing on SB178, which bans students using cell phones, smart watches or "emerging technology" in class.
  • The House Political Subdivisions Committee takes up Rep. Doug Owens's HB119, which prohibits homeowner associations from blocking the installation of solar panels on a house in certain circumstances.

New bills that caught my attention

  • Rep. Candice Pierucci's HB393 prohibits foreign nationals from making campaign contributions, contributing to a ballot proposition effort or independent political expenditures.
  • HB395 - Rep. Doug Welton wants to require the state board of education and local education authorities to study the financial impacts of implenting new legislation.
  • Bring your own blood? Rep. Kristen Chevrier's HB400 makes it legal for a patient to provide their own "blood product" for a surgery that is scheduled in advance.
  • Chevrier also wants to ban public schools from serving foods that have certain additives like titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil or certain dyes.
  • Rep. Colin Jack's HB401 makes it illegal for an "adult-oriented" live performance to be done in the presence of a minor.