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Show 2003 Legislative Update Compiled by Elizabeth Middleton, Senior Associate Editor, Special Topics In keeping with the tradition of Utah's Health: An Annual Review this section includes an update of the activities of the 2003 General Session of the Utah State Legislature that are pertinent to public health and health care. Following the dismal FY 2002-FY 2003 and the six special sessions of the legislature, the outlook for FY 2004 appears promising. The budget restraints and "spend downs" that plagued the legislature last year have not continued this year. Rather, revenue enhancements have resulted in increased funds appropriated to health care programs. Funding Issues for FY 2002-2003 Because of the economical challenges of FY 2002 and the decrease in revenues that have affected the nation and the state, the financial outlook for FY 2003 looked grim. Following the 2002 General Session, it was necessary for Governor Leavitt to call six special sessions of the Legislature to balance the budget to meet the needs of FY 2002 legislation as well as balance that of FY 2003. It was estimated the revenue shortfall would total $117.3 million for FY 2003. With a total revenue shortfall for FY 2002 and FY 2003 of $685.2 million. The total sum of appropriations for the state of Utah for FY 2003 is $7.7 billion dollars. This is assuming a 0.3% decrease from the FY 2003 revised budget. On addition, the amount from one-time sources decreased considerably from $71.1 million to $42.3 million such as the tobacco settlement fund. Factors affecting the revenue shortfall include a decline in the economy, the threat of a war with Iraq, and the increasing cost of health care. While the economic growth for Utah is still sluggish, the economic outlook for Utah is slightly more optimistic, estimating a 2.2% growth in revenues. 2003 Health Policy Legislative Bills Descriptions of some of the legislative bills that relate to public health or health policy that were passed during the 2003 General Legislative Session will be discussed below. These bills have been categorized into five different categories: Public Health, Health Care, Health Care Coverage and Access, Regulation and Strengthening of Providers, and Mental Health. Each paragraph for the individual bills gives the name of the sponsor, the last action on the bill, a brief description of the bill as written by the Legislature, and that date which was provided by the 2003 Legislature web site. All passed bills and latest actions can be viewed on the 2003 Legislature web page at www.ie.state.ui:.us/-2003/2003.him. In addition, a list of some of the health related bills that were defeated are provided. Public Health HB 64S1 Public Water Systems Amendments Sponsor: Representative Roger E. Barrus (R-18). Last Action: March 17, 2003 Governor Signed This act modifies the Safe Drinking Water Act by allowing voters in a county, municipality, or water district the option to vote to add fluorine to or to cease adding fluorine to the public water supply. HB 80 Special Service District Amendments Sponsor: Representative Eli H. Anderson (D-l). Last Action : March 21, 2003 Governor Signed This act modifies provisions relating to Independent Special Districts to authorize special service districts to provide emergency medical and ambulance services under certain circumstances. HB 137S1 Residential Facilities for the Disabled Amendments Sponsor: Representative Greg J. Curtis (R-49). Last Action: March 21, 2003 Governor Signed This act modifies the Utah Municipal Code and provisions relating to counties. The act modifies the permissible and required provisions of a county or municipal ordinance relating to residential facilities for persons with a disability. The act authorizes a limit on the number of occupants of a residential facility for persons with a disability, authorizes an ordinance to provide for residential facilities for persons with a disability to be excluded from a zoning area under certain circumstances, and authorizes the creation of a security plan for certain residential facilities for persons with a disability, if consistent with other applicable law. The act also makes technical changes. HB 182 Air Conservation Act Amendments Sponsor: Representative Michael T. Morley (R-66). Last Action: March 15,2003 Governor Signed This act modifies the penalties provision of the Air Conservation Act by making a knowing violation of asbestos work practices a third degree felony. The act also makes certain technical changes. HB 308 Health and Human Services Boards and Commission Amendments Sponsor: Representative Jack Seitz (R-55) Last Action: March 19, 2003 Governor Signed This act amends the Human Services Code, the Health Code, and the Judicial Code. The act amends provisions related to advisory boards and committees within, or staffed by the Department of Health or the Department of Human Services. The act consolidates or repeals certain committees. The act authorizes the Board of Services for People with Disabilities to establish a fee schedule with respect to certain services. The act permits DCFS to collect fees for drug testing when ordered by the court. This act has an effective date of May 6, 2003 (except sections 78-45-7.13, which takes effect on November 11, 2003.) SB 95 State Emergency Medical Services Amendments Sponsor: Representative John L. Valentine (R-14) Last Action : March 15, 2003 Governor Signed This act modifies the Utah Emergency Medical Services System Act. The act establishes a statewide database for the collection and distribution of information regarding the location of commercially owned fully automated external defibrillators. The act authorizes the Department of Health to work with community agencies to promote education Utah's Health: An Annual Review Volume IX 140 |