Utah Legislature

UPR broadcast live from the Utah State Capitol complex on this opening day of the session. Host Tom Williams spoke with legislative leaders on top priorities for this year.

Tribune reporters join us to talk about the latest news, including the Lt. Gov.'s office overflow of complaints regarding the state's anti-trans PAC.

In other news, the office overseeing Utah's beauty industry is looking to present a new plan that would create a new micro-license structure for specific specialties that would allow practitioners to jump into a specialty quicker, and more.

After uranium ore was transferred across the Navajo Nation in July with little warning, tribal leaders started looking for ways to address the issue. The solution: strengthen tribal law.

In other news, a new poll found that over half of Utah voters approve of Gov. Spencer Cox's decision to endorse former president Donald Trump. And, Utah lawmakers are looking to push forward legislation in January that would restrict cellphone use in all Utah schools and classrooms.

Elected judges, Utah Supreme Court term limits, increased ‘transparency’ for retention, all on the table for consideration, House Speaker Mike Schultz says. Senate president leaves door open for discussion.

Utah saw two separate, fatal road rage incidents this week, the latest in what officials say is an increasing number of aggressive driving cases in the Beehive State.

Out of over 12,000 hoax complaints, Utah Auditor John Dougall’s office has been investigating 5 that appeared ‘good faith.’ So far, 4 are unsubstantiated, but auditors sent letters to governmental entities ensuring compliance.

Utah lawmakers passed a bill that would prevent Great Salt Lake from qualifying for legal personhood, barring government entities from recognizing that nonhumans--like the lake--have legal standing. Join Tom Williams and panelists for discussion on this topic on this Great Salt Lake special.

Five Utah communities are trying to become cities. Two bills put forward during the legislative session would complicate the process.