Keeping watch

As you’ve probably heard, we were pleased to see 34 of the 48 bills we supported approved at the 2018 Utah State Legislative General Session and 12 of the 16 bills we opposed did not pass. Each week during the 45-day session, we met at the Capitol with interested representatives from Utah’s local and special service districts and determined the Utah Association of Special Districts’ stand. More than 210 bills were monitored and, in the process, many were amended or substituted and designated as Bills to Support or Track.

Since then, we’ve kept watch as provisions of the approved bills approach their effective date. Most go into effect on May 8; if not, a different date is given. We’ve also completed an analysis that will help you sort through the new legislation and determine which ones apply to your operations. Some, such as House Bill 66, have a broad focus. Drafted and suggested by UASD and sponsored by Stephen G. Handy, the bill says that an odd number of trustees on a local district board is no longer required once it has 9 or more members. Others, such as House Bill 38, regarding firework regulations, are of special interest to law enforcement and fire departments.

• Our UASD 2018 Bill Review details many of the bills that will impact some or all of Utah’s local and special service districts. The analysis is not all-inclusive; some listed affect counties and municipalities as well and others that are not included may apply to certain local and special service districts as well. Click here if, after reading the listed summaries, you want to a specific bill in its entirety.

• One of the benefits of membership in UASD is reaching out to someone in the know with any questions about the legislation. We can also help you get the training you need to meet any new state statutes that apply to your district. Feel free to contact us with any concerns. While we encourage you to consult an attorney when appropriate, our association’s general counsel, Mark H. Anderson, is also available at 801-323-2234 or mhanderson@fabianvancott.com.

• Preparing for what’s to come is a year-round effort at UASD and we encourage you to stay on top of coming legislation as well. Watch for notice of upcoming interim legislative sessions, beginning in May. And save the date for our annual convention, coming Nov. 7-9, 2018, to the Davis Conference Center in Layton. While we’re still nailing down the details, it always offers informative speakers, presentations, and training opportunities. Check our social media often as we update on the conference and other significant events.