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MINUTES OF THE SENATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS

STANDING COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2006

ROOM W020, WEST OFFICE BUILDING, CAPITOL BUILDING



Members Present:        Sen. Parley G. Hellewell, Chair
                Sen. Allen M. Christensen
                 Sen. Gene Davis
                Sen. Karen Hale    
                 Sen. Bill Hickman
        
Staff Present:             Rich North, Policy Analyst
                 Nedra Duzett, Secretary

Public Speakers Present:    John Hughes, Editor, Deseret Morning News
                Tim Smith, Utah Media Coalition
                Ryan Mecham, Utah Property Rights Coalition
                Carl Hendrickson, Utah Association of Counties
                Michael Cragun, Deputy Director, Lt. Governor's Office
                Anjanette Lofgren
                Siena Hoefling
                Stephen Stone
                
A list of visitors and a copy of handouts are filed with the committee minutes.    

Committee Chair Hellewell called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m.

1.    S.B. 0026 Administrative Rules Reauthorization

    Sen. Stephenson explained that the bill reauthorizes all state agency administrative rules.

     MOTION: Sen. Hale moved to pass the bill out favorably. The motion passed unanimously with Sen. Christensen and Sen. Davis being absent for the vote.

2.    S.B. 0015 Grama Appeals Process and Document Request Amendments

    Sen. Thomas explained that the bill modifies the appeals process and document requests.

    The following individuals spoke against the bill:
        John Hughes, Editor, Deseret Morning News
        Tim Smith, attorney, Utah Media Coalition
        Ryan Mecham, Utah Property Rights Coalition
    
    Carl Hendrickson, attorney, Utah Association of Counties spoke in support of the bill.




     MOTION: Sen. Hale moved to delete lines 98 and 99 from the bill.

    The motion failed. Those voting in favor were Sen. Hale and Sen. Davis.

     MOTION: Sen. Hickman moved to pass the bill favorably with the understanding the issue of record requests will be considered on the Senate Floor.

    The motion passed with Sen. Davis voting in opposition, and with Sen. Hale being absent.

3.    S.B. 0047 Restoration of Voting Rights Amendments (B. Goodfellow)

    Sen. Goodfellow explained that the bill modifies provisions of the Election Code relating to restoration of voting rights and the right to hold office.

     Michael Cragun, Deputy Director, Lt. Governor's Office, spoke in support of the bill.

    The following individuals spoke against the bill.
        Anjanette Lofgren
        Siena Hoefling
        Stephen Stone

     MOTION: Sen. Davis moved to pass the bill out of committee for consideration on the Senate Floor.

    The motion passed with Sen. Hellewell voting in opposition to the motion and with Sen. Hale being absent for the vote.
    
     MOTION: Sen. Davis moved to adjourn.

    The motion passed unanimously with Sen. Hale being absent for the vote.

Committee Chair Hellewell adjourned the meeting at 9:35 a.m.

Minutes reported by Nedra Duzett, Secretary



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Sen. Parley G. Hellewell, Committee Chair