This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2005, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on Tuesday signed the last of the recently passed bills of special-session legislation, making law a new drug offender reform program and a new funding method for expanding the Salt Palace Convention Center. Huntsman now has signed all 14 bills passed during the special session. Among those signed Tuesday is approval to bond for $4.5 million for a new Veteran's nursing home in Ogden if the federal government ponies up its $8.5 million share, and fixing a clerical error in a previous bill that provided $18 million for tourism promotion. Huntsman on Monday signed the most controversial legislation and the reason for the special session: a resolution essentially telling teachers to give priority on educational measures to Utah rules and not to the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Utah lawmakers have criticized the federal act as taking away local authority over education. Huntsman signed legislation that would dole out $4 million from state coffers to help with adding space to the Salt Palace. Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County previously were to foot the entire tab for the expansion, but after objecting to the cost, lawmakers came up with state funds. In signing the Drug Offender Reform Act, Huntsman also starts a "revolutionary" program to screen, assess and treat prison inmates for drug abuse problems. While the pilot program is a watered down version from the one proposed during the general session earlier this year, supporters have applauded the move as a good start.
- Thomas Burr
Bills signed Tuesday
* HB1002, dealing with health-care provider contracts.
l HB1003, providing payment for legal aid given to domestic violence victims.
l HB1005, requiring a printed ballot in new voting equipment.
l HB1006, changes membership in several legislative task forces.
l HB1007, allowing bonding to help pay for a veteran's nursing home.
l HB1009, providing for raises for several executive branch staffers.
l HB1010, modifies how municipal service funds can be used.
l HB1011, approving a new funding formula for expanding the Salt Palace.
l SB1001, changes to the property tax public notice and hearing.
l SB1002, provides funding for tourism efforts.
l SB1003, modifies property tax law with regard to county service areas.
l SB1004, approves a pilot drug offender reform program.
