MINUTES OF THE

HOUSE JUDICIARY STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING

20 House Building, Utah State Capitol Complex

March 11, 2015

Members Present:    Rep. LaVar Christensen, Chair

Rep. Merrill Nelson, Vice Chair

Rep. Fred C. Cox

Rep. Bruce Cutler

Rep. Brian M. Greene

Rep. Craig Hall

Rep. Brian S. King

Rep. Curtis Oda

Rep. V. Lowry Snow

Rep. Kevin J. Stratton

Rep. Mark A. Wheatley

Staff Present:            Mr. Gregg Girvan, Policy AnalystMs. Linda Black, Committee Secretary

NOTE:   A list of visitors and a copy of handouts are filed with the committee minutes.

Vice Chair Nelson called the meeting to order at 6:28 p.m.

2nd Sub. S.B. 297      Protections for Religious Expression and Beliefs about Marriage, Family, or Sexuality (Sen. J. S. Adams)

Sen. Adams explained the bill to the committee with the assistance of Robin Wilson, Professor of Law, University of Illinois, and Rep. L. Christensen.

Spoke for the bill:                   Bill Duncan, Sutherland Institute

                                                Gayle Ruzika, Utah Eagle Forum

                                                Michael Erickson, representing himself

                                                Laura Bunker, United Families International

Spoke against the bill:            Troy Williams, Executive Director, Equality Utah

MOTION:     Rep. Snow moved to pass the bill out favorably. The motion passed unanimously.

MOTION:     Rep. Cutler moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Vice Chair Nelson adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

_____________________________

LaVar Christensen, Chair