Lawmakers are considering a task force to look at redesigning the state flag for Utah, though not everyone thinks it’s something that needs to be done.
Sentencing enhancement modifications pass Utah Senate committee
A Senate committee approved a measure last week to modify certain sentencing enhancements.
Senate Bill 188, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Thatcher and Rep. Stephanie Pitcher, would change the applicable offenses for certain crimes committed with other people or by a criminal street gang.
The measure would determine that the enhancements could primarily be used in violent offenses against people and increase the required number of participants involved to three.
SB 188 would also allow judges to apply the enhancement at a sentencing, not a prosecutor.
The Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee approved the measure, which moves to the full Senate.
In one of the first significant moves in the chambers, the Senate unanimously passed SB11, a bill that would use about $43 million out of the $80 million already set aside for tax cuts to reduce income taxes for Utahns on Social Security and military retirement.
KUER
There’s a rare geological event happening right now at Great Salt Lake State Park: mirabilite mounds. It’s the only place in the United States you’ll be able to see them. This story and more in Friday evening s news brief.
Friday evening, January 22, 2021
State
Public To Be Allowed Back At The State Capitol
The public will be allowed to come to the Utah State Capitol in person starting Monday. In-person participation during the session was suspended because of pandemic precautions and due to safety concerns after warning of potential armed protests on state capitol grounds. People will still be able to monitor the session and weigh in virtually. Those who do come to the capitol will be required to wear masks and social distance and space will be limited in committee rooms.