This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Paper: Hillary Clinton set to launch presidential bid within weeks. Lawmakers hopeful to pass some compromise on Medicaid expansion. Medical marijuana bill goes up in smoke.
Happy Tuesday. Since we all know that Hillary Clinton is running for president, the only real remaining question is when she'll make it formal and say she's in. Well, it appears likely in just a few weeks. The Guardian newspaper says Clinton is likely to launch her campaign in April and has been staffing up in Iowa ready to go for it. [http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/09/hillary-clinton-iowa-staff-campaign" target="_blank">Guardian]
Topping the news: Lawmakers said yesterday they are still hopeful that the Senate and the governor can find a compromise with the House over Medicaid expansion. [Trib] [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/5040-time-fleeting-for-possible-medicaid-expansion-deal" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> A bill that would have legalized medical marijuana in the state was defeated in the Senate last night by only one vote. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2271536-155/utah-senators-defeat-medical-marijuana-bill" target="_blank">Trib] [http://fox13now.com/2015/03/09/medical-marijuana-dies-in-senate-with-a-14-15-vote/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://kuer.org/post/medical-marijuana-bill-defeated-senate" target="_blank">KUER] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623845/Utah-Senate-narrowly-defeats-medical-marijuana-bill.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Some 33 percent of Utahns don't want a hike in the gas tax while the rest are split on what size of an increase they'd support, a new poll shows. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/5045-utahns-overwhelmingly-want-lawmakers-to-raise-gas-taxes" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> Another poll shows more than 60 percent of Utahns favor the "right to die" legislation. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/5044-more-than-6-in-10-utahns-favor-right-to-die-legislation" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> And, the same survey says, 66 percent of Utahns support legalizing medical marijuana. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/5038-66-of-utahns-support-legalizing-medical-marijuana" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
Tweets of the day: From @https://twitter.com/utpolcapitol" target="_blank">UTPoliticalCapitol "@RepPatriseArent motions to circle the wagons...I mean, the buggy whip code...I mean bill."
From @https://twitter.com/RobertGehrke" target="_blank">RobertGehrke "You know, if this doesn't pass, you can probably get a Tesla in California when you go pick up your weed (after Madsen's bill dies)."
Happy Birthday: To Tribune Editor and Publisher Terry Orme.
Tune in: Gov. Herbert's education adviser Tami Pyfer, Utah Education Association president Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh and 2014 Teacher of the Year Allison Riddle join Jennifer Napier-Pearce to discuss the education budget, booming enrollment numbers and tech solutions. Watch Trib Talk live at 12:15 p.m. MDT on http://sltrib.com/" target="_blank">sltrib.com.
From Capitol Hill: After a Democratic lawmaker tried to bring the Healthy Utah bill directly to the House floor after it was already voted down in committee, House leaders drafted a change to the House rules that will require a two-thirds majority to bring back a bill that died in committee. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2270332-155/house-changes-rules-after-dems-attempt" target="_blank">Trib] [http://kuer.org/post/house-republicans-propose-rule-change-after-democrats-force-vote-healthy-utah" target="_blank">KUER]
-> Meanwhile, Senate leaders are accusing House leaders of avoiding a Senate hearing on the House's health care proposal, Utah Cares. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623844/House-plays-keep-away-from-Senate-with-Healthy-Utah-alternative.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A bill that would allow Tesla to move forward with opening its new Utah dealership — and open the door for other manufacturers to sell cars without franchises — was killed in the House yesterday, putting Tesla in a tough spot. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2270870-155/house-rejects-online-sales-bill-putting-tesla" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Here's an update on several issues that have made it to the final days of the Legislature, including the gas tax, clean air and sexual abuse. [http://fox13now.com/2015/03/09/updates-on-gas-tax-sex-abuse-clean-air-and-other-important-bills-to-watch/" target="_blank">Fox13] But there are a few pressing issues that are pushing the deadline, including health care, anti-discrimination and air quality. [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/time-is-running-out-in-the-2015-legislative-sessio/34033/tNviKzky9UKuc9M16u7fuA" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> The House passed a bill yesterday to set the process for the Prison Relocation Commission, giving it until Aug. 1 to pick a location. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2271091-155/bill-to-set-prison-relocation-process" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Here's a detailed look at the five sites that are currently under consideration: [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2254864-155/new-utah-prison-site-prospects-owned-by" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Meanwhile, advocates are urging lawmakers to focus on improving the system, not just constructing a new building. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623810/Advocates-urge-lawmakers-to-improve-system-not-just-new-prison.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://www.standard.net/Government/2015/03/09/Coalition-of-advocates-underscores-need-for-criminal-justice-reforms.html" target="_blank">StandardExaminer]
-> The House and Senate each passed different versions of solutions to transportation funding yesterday, with one proposing a gas tax hike by a set amount and another proposing to change the tax into a percentage. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2270278-155/house-senate-pass-competing-gas-tax" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623808/Utah-Senate-passes-bill-to-raise-gas-tax-5-cents-per-gallon.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/utah-senate-passes-increase-to-state-gas-tax/30980/R7R7P9yOq0q47gmlus184A" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> The House narrowly passed a bill yesterday tweaking last year's Count My Vote compromise. The bill would let a party's delegates choose the party's nominee if no one in the primary election got more than 40 percent of the vote. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2271259-155/house-barely-passes-tweak-to-new" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623847/House-narrowly-passes-fix-to-Count-My-Vote-compromise.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Another idea floating around would allow voters to choose second, third and fourth candidate picks for an instant runoff primary election. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/5043-lawmakers-mulling-instant-runoff-voting-in-primary-elections" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> Hundreds of teachers, school administrators and parents rallied in the Capitol rotunda today for a 6.25 percent increase to the weighted pupil unit funding their schools. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2271168-155/rally-fails-to-sway-lawmakers-on" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623842/Educators-rally-expressing-dissatisfaction-with-proposed-funding-for-schools.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://fox13now.com/2015/03/09/hundreds-rally-at-capitol-in-support-of-more-education-funding/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/teachers-rally-for-education-funding-at-state-capi/69982/L8aOBzjIJE-74uZATutvew" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> The House unanimously passed a bill that would broaden the definition of aggravated sexual abuse of a child to include victims up to 18 years old in cases where the offender holds a special position of trust. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2269370-155/house-votes-to-broaden-aggravated-child" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/bill-to-extend-statute-of-limitations-for-sex-offe/25906/4P18exWd4EOKe3xUhVfKoQ" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> With its aggressive marketing campaign, some question whether the Digital Learning Alliance is helping schools or education technology vendors more. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2260562-155/is-parade-of-ed-tech-bills-aimed?fullpage=1" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The House passed a bill yesterday that would make it illegal for anyone under 14 to get a tattoo, even if his or her parents approve. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2271092-155/house-oks-bill-to-ban-tattooing" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623831/House-passes-bill-to-outlaw-tattoos-for-minors-under-14.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A committee recommended a bill yesterday that would clarify an appropriate balance between allowing parents to opt their children out of standardized testing and sustaining the state accountability system. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623784/Lawmakers-educators-consider-consequences-of-opting-children-out-of-testing.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> The House Education Committee voted in favor of SB195, which would require State School Board candidates to be chosen through a partisan election. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623779/Committee-recommends-partisan-State-School-Board-bill-for-House-debate.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A section of Interstate 15 in Utah County may be named in honor of Utah's former Speaker Becky Lockhart, according to a bill unanimously passed by the House yesterday. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2269455-155/house-votes-75-0-for-lockhart-highway" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623783/House-approves-bill-naming-portion-of-I-15-after-late-speaker-Becky-Lockhart.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Powdered alcohol could be banned in the state, according to a bill passed by a Senate committee yesterday. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623774/Utah-House-panel-endorses-bill-banning-powdered-alcohol.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://www.standard.net/Government/2015/03/09/Bill-to-ban-powdered-alcohol-advances-to-House.html" target="_blank">StandardExaminer]
-> The Senate narrowly rejected a bill yesterday that would increase fines for air quality violations. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2269935-155/bill-to-increase-air-quality-fines" target="_blank">Trib]
-> A new resolution advancing through the Legislature says grazing and mineral extraction are the best use for Cedar Mesa and San Rafael Swell. Critics are saying the land should be protected under the Antiquities Act. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2258169-155/legislative-resolution-drilling-is-best-use" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Changes strengthening the state's regulations on e-cigarettes passed the House yesterday and will move on to the Senate. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2271497-155/house-passes-bill-to-regulate-e-cigarettes" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623850/House-passes-bill-to-regulate-e-cigarettes-onto-Senate.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> The Senate advanced a bill yesterday that would allow residents of unincorporated Salt Lake County to vote to determine their city or township status. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2271235-155/metro-township-bill-advances-for-unincorporated" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The Senate passed a bill that would allocate millions of dollars of funding for some of the state's universities and key buildings. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2270211-155/funding-advances-to-renovate-usu-stadium" target="_blank">Trib]
-> House committees pulled a few bills yesterday addressing surveillance and body cameras, while advancing one regarding no-knock warrants. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623846/Lawmakers-scuffle-over-bills-to-tighten-police-body-camera-surveillance-rules.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> The Senate advanced a bill last night to put state regulation on ride-hailing services such as Lyft and Uber. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2271620-155/bill-advanced-to-regulate-lyft-uber" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The House unanimously passed a bill yesterday that would deprive former Attorney General John Swallow of his state pension if he is convicted of a crime. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2270972-155/house-unanimously-backs-bill-that-could" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Street legal ATVs may be allowed to travel on any road aside from freeways with a new bill advanced by the Senate yesterday. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2270442-155/bill-advances-to-allow-atvs-on" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Despite a veto threat from the governor, the Senate passed a bill Monday that would allow anyone over 21 to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2271525-155/senate-advances-bill-to-allow-carrying" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623848/Got-gun-Senate-passes-bill-saying-you-dont-need-a-permit.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> And here's today's Legislature schedule: [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2270075-155/utah-legislature-tuesday-march-10" target="_blank">Trib]
In other news: Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, president of the National League of Cities, introduced President Barack Obama to the annual conference yesterday and urged Congress to work on legislation to help communities. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2268894-155/salt-lake-citys-ralph-becker-introduces" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/salt-lake-city-mayor-introduces-president-obama-at/19702/VHQZPGlWlkyfix_siKO8nw" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> Friends, family and former constituents paid their respects yesterday to the late Deedee Corradini, the first and only female mayor of Salt Lake City. [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/utahns-lay-former-slc-mayor-to-rest/12260/wSPWbcUmokGbDwLtuNsAfg" target="_blank">ABC4] [http://www.standard.net/News/2015/03/09/Former-mayor-lauded-for-service-vision-and-fighting-spirit-1.html" target="_blank">AP]
-> Although Utah's proposed seasonal wood-burning ban is off the table for now, it isn't the only state concerned about the pollution that comes from wood burning. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623772/States-burn-over-wood-smoke-rules.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> The bridge on 1300 South in Salt Lake City will be closed for six months while crews renovate the viaduct. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2270457-155/1300-south-bridge-to-close-for" target="_blank">Trib] [http://fox13now.com/2015/02/15/crews-to-begin-renovation-on-1300-south-viaduct-in-march/" target="_blank">Fox13]
-> Three Dixie State University students are suing their university, saying their rights to free speech were violated when the university denied them permission to put up political fliers. [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/students-file-lawsuit-against-dixie-state-universi/18143/K8RIzWwZrE-_YbgdY41Rqg" target="_blank">ABC4]
Nationally: To the dismay of the White House, Utah Sens. Mike Lee and Orrin Hatch joined dozens of fellow Republicans in sending a letter to Iran's leaders, telling them that whatever deal President Barack Obama strikes with the country about its nuclear program could be reversed when he leaves office in two years. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2270184-155/utahs-mike-lee-orrin-hatch-sign" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/10/world/asia/white-house-faults-gop-senators-letter-to-irans-leaders.html?_r=0" target="_blank">NYTimes] [http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-03-09/republicans-warn-iran-and-obama-that-deal-won-t-last" target="_blank">Bloomberg] [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-31796235" target="_blank">BBC] [http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/09/politics/republicans-letter-iran-nuclear-deal-obama/" target="_blank">CNN] Some senators voiced concerns that the letter will backfire by turning the issue into a partisan debate. [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/iran-letter-could-backfire-gop-dissenters-say-115922.html?hp=t4_r" target="_blank">Politico]
-> A federal judge signaled Monday that it may be awhile before the court acts on a request from the Obama Administration to stay an order blocking the president's executive actions on immigration. [http://www.politico.com/blogs/under-the-radar/2015/03/judge-delays-ruling-on-unblocking-obama-immigration-203730.html?hp=l3_3" target="_blank">Politico] [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/09/obama-executive-action-immigraton_n_6831506.html" target="_blank">HuffPost] [http://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/09/politics/immigration-action-ruling/" target="_blank">CNN]
-> While Utah lawmakers discuss medical marijuana, several members of Congress, including Sen. Rand Paul, are set to introduce a bill today that would legalize medical marijuana under federal law, but only in states that have also decided to legalize it. [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/senate-medical-marijuana-bill-115904.html?hp=b1_l3" target="_blank">Politico] [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/09/senate-medical-marijuana-_n_6834534.html" target="_blank">HuffPost] [http://thehill.com/regulation/legislation/235098-senate-bill-would-legalize-medical-marijuana-in-some-states" target="_blank">TheHill] [http://time.com/3738038/medical-marijuana-congress/" target="_blank">Time] [http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/03/09/in-a-first-senators-plan-to-introduce-federal-medical-marijuana-bill/" target="_blank">WaPost] [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/mar/9/inside-the-beltway-rand-paul-cory-booker-kirsten-g/" target="_blank">WaTimes]
Where are they?
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— Thomas Burr and Erica Palmer
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