Only two bills directly related to bicycling were introduced during Utah’s 2012 legislative session:
SB164 “Transportation Funding Amendments” would have allocated $1 million to help West Jordan and Sandy build a tunnel under 9000 South for the Jordan River Parkway Trail. Unfortunately the Senate Workforce Services and Community and Economic Development Committee was hesitant to use transportation funds for anything other than “highways,” so they removed that portion from the bill. A previous SaltCycle post covered this in detail.
HB327 “Operation of Bicycles on Highways” would have provided “that the operator of a motorcycle, moped, or bicycle facing a steady circular red or red arrow signal may cautiously enter the intersection to proceed straight through, turn right, or turn left” after waiting 90 seconds and waiting for traffic to clear. Even though 13 other states (and Paris) currently allow this, the bill stalled in the House Transportation Committee. More: Salt Lake Tribune
Three other transportation-related bills are worth mentioning:
HB104 “Local Highway Authority Regulatory Powers” would have nullified Salt Lake City’s anti-idling ordinance. Despite opposition the bill was still passed by the House. Fortunately, before passing the bill, the Senate amended it to allow anti-idling ordinances, if the ordinance “is primarily educational,” “provides that a person must be issued at least three warning citations before imposing a fine,” and “has the same fine structure as a parking violation.” Once Governor Herbert signs the bill into law, the changes will go into effect May 8, 2012. More: Salt Lake Tribune Editorial (previous to being amended) - Salt Lake Tribune (post amendment) - Deseret News
HB266 “Driver Education Amendments” has allowed those 19 years of age or older to obtain a driver license without completing an approved course in driver training; however, all other requirements (written exam, learner permit, road test, etc.) would remain the same. The argument for the change is that it typically costs $300 to $500 for a driving class, but only time will tell if less education will still be safe. Once Governor Herbert signs the bill into law, the change will go into effect July 1, 2012. More: Salt Lake Tribune - Deseret News
SB195 “Transportation Safety Revisions” strengthened the wording of the statutes regulating railroad grade crossings. This bill is in reaction to the recent rash of accidents at UTA and Union Pacific grade crossings in Utah. Once Governor Herbert signs the bill into law, the changes will go into effect May 8, 2012. More: Salt Lake Tribune - Deseret News
And finally two pieces of legislation dealing with air quality:
HB70 “Air Quality Task Force” would have created a legislative task force to study air quality in Utah. Despite some opposition the bill was still passed by the House. Unfortunately the bill was never advanced by the Senate. More: Salt Lake Tribune - Deseret News
SR3 “Air Quality Senate Resolution” urges “the State Board of Education and the Driver License Division to include, in their curriculum for driver education, instruction on ways to improve air quality and the harmful effects of vehicle emissions.” Since this is a resolution rather than a bill, it is non-binding and only encourages change rather than mandating it.
If anyone is aware of any bills that belong on this list or is in need of help with legislative issues, feel free to contact Mike Christensen at mrc at cascadepeak dot com.
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