JFeb. 2025 | Vol. 5 Iss. 2
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CAPITOL HILL IS A BUZZ AS LEGISLATORS ARE WELL INTO THE SESSION By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
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he Utah State Capitol was packed on Jan. 21 as the 2025 Legislative Session began. From now until March 7, hundreds of bills will be discussed – some passed, others defeated – as lawmakers do their best to represent the state. “It’s exciting to start over,” said Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross. “You never quite know what the session will bring.” Energy, education and transportation will probably be the top three biggest topics, he said. “There will be a lot of discussion on election reform too. There are about 30 bills (on that) in the House. Some I think are OK and some are unnecessary in my opinion.” Weiler said he hopes the session isn’t a repeat of last year’s, with controversial bills like transgender bathrooms, etc. “It can be divisive and hurtful to some segments of the community.” However, some lawmakers have already proposed legislation surrounding transgender rights, with a rally taking place on the Capitol steps the first day. He’s also excited to see a change in the policy on cell phones in the classroom. “It would default to not allow them in schools. Districts could override it but the default would be for them to be banned. Evidence shows they are a disruption and that they impede learning.” Education is always at the top of the list during the session. “Across Utah, students fill college classrooms, preparing for careers that will shape their lives and livelihoods,” said House Speaker, Mike Shultz in his opening remarks. “But, for many, that dream is delayed. A traditional fouryear degree increasingly stretches into five years or more, and the cost of that extended education can weigh heavily on students and their families.” Continued page 5 Senate President J. Stuart Adams welcomes back the senators. Adams said the future is bright for the state. Photo by Alex Jenkins
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Farm Meadows soil subsidence funds
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Military Memorial Wall Project
page 15
Fire spinners delight audiences