House clears long consent calendar; advances transportation, licensing, labor items

The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 1 moved a long slate of bills through its time‑certain and consent calendars, approving measures on public expression, education program sunsets, advanced air mobility and labor definitions while also circling a lengthy public‑notice measure for additional review.

Senate Bill 18, the Public Expression Protection Act, was presented by Representative Malloy as a measure designed to prevent lawsuits that aim to chill speech in digital and other communications environments; the sponsor said a successful motion to dismiss under the bill would require courts to award attorney fees and costs. The House passed SB 18, 71‑0, and returned it to the Senate for further consideration.

House Bill 182, presented by Representative Walter, repeals the interventions for reading difficulties program and moves its sunset from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2023; Walter said the change will allow 2023 funds to be spent in the current fiscal year and estimated a $350,000 savings this year. The House passed HB 182, 70‑0.

First substitute Senate Bill 24, a framework bill for advanced air mobility presented by Representative Kay Kristofferson, includes definitions for 'vertiports,' coordinates licensing with local governments and grants rulemaking authority to UDOT as industry needs evolve. After debate and no recorded amendments, the bill passed 59‑12 and was returned to the Senate.

Senate Bill 30 adjusts the Road Usage Charge program so funds are placed in a restricted, non‑lapsing account to pay program costs; Representative Kristofferson described the change as an accounting and administration measure. SB 30 passed 68‑1.

First substitute Senate Bill 73 clarifies tipped‑employee definitions to account for fast‑casual restaurants and codifies point‑of‑sale tip pooling under Utah Code section 34‑41‑04. Representative Clancy said many restaurants already operate this way and the bill simply codifies the classification; the House approved the substitute, 68‑2.

Several other bills passed on the consent calendar with minimal floor debate, including first substitute SB 20 (military installation development authority amendments), SB 9 (agricultural advisory board sunset extension), SB 10 (wildlife sunset‑related amendments), SB 12 (hearing instrument specialist licensing), SB 21 (retirement/special entities amendments) and SB 32 (administrative appeals amendments). The House also accepted multiple committee reports and the Rules Committee’s recommendations assigning dozens of bills to standing committees.

Representative Thurston moved to 'circle' first substitute SB 43, a roughly 300‑page senate bill, to give members and local governments time to review its contents; the motion to circle passed, postponing immediate consideration.

The House recessed until 2 p.m. after completing the morning calendar.