Image above: Representative Thurston stands with an award presented to him by the Utah Cultural Alliance and Utah Library Association.
To my constituents and friends,
Thank you all for being engaged and involved in the legislative process this year. The issues that my colleagues and I deal with every year at the capitol have such a big impact on the lives of all Utahns, and this year is no different. It’s always great to see involvement and input, and I encourage you all to stay informed and involved on the issues that we as a legislature are facing this year. You can watch committee meetings, as well as floor time debates and votes here.
Topic on the Hill: Energy
Last Monday, in lieu of Utah energy week, the house majority leadership released their energy plan for Utah. This approach will ensure that Utah energy stays reliable, dispatchable, and affordable. I express my commitment to advocating for energy policies that work for Utahns, not against them. You can hear about this plan through the house majority podcast or by listening to House Speaker Mike Shultz here.
Student Visits This Week
Image above: Representative Thurston and Senator McKell stand for a picture with PA students from their district.
Last week, I had two groups of students come up to the capitol. On Wednesday, Senator McKell and I got to meet with a group of PA students from my district. I loved the chance to talk to them and can’t wait to see what big things they’ll achieve in the workforce. On Friday, 7th-9th grade students from the American Preparatory Academy came by the capitol. I enjoyed getting the opportunity to talk to and answer questions from them, some of whom were constituents of my district.
Image above: Representative Thurston meets with students from the American Prep Academy.
Upcoming Town Halls:
Our first Bills and Bagels town hall was a success and I’m thankful for those of you who were able to make it. If you weren’t able to make it, don’t worry. There are still two town halls left. You can view the details below. I hope to see you all there and can’t wait to hear your thoughts and concerns!
Eggs and Issues
February 10, 2024 at 8-9:30 am
Utah Valley Hospital, Sorensen Tower
395 Cougar Blvd, Provo, UT 84604
Bills and Bagels
February 24, 2024 at 7:30-9 am
Nebo School District Office
350 S Main St, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
An Update On My Bills
Last week was a busy week for my bills. I had three bills pass the house floor and one that passed in committee.
Status: passed the house and is now in the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee.
HB 186- License Plate Requirements– Prohibits the issuance of personalized license plates that are indecent, obscene, or profane. This includes any references or implications to drugs or illicit narcotics, intoxicants, illegal activities, organized crime organizations, and gang or gang terminology.
Status: passed the house and is now awaiting introduction in the senate.
HCR 7- Concurrent Resolution Encouraging Repeal of The Jones Act– This resolution urges Congress to consider repealing The Jones Act, which requires that the domestic shipping of goods must be transported on ships that are built, flagged, owned, and crewed by the United States.
Status: passed the house and has been sent to the Senate Business and Labor Committee.
HB 216- Eliminating Minimum Time Requirements for Professional Training– Gets rid of the minimum time requirement for seven professions that still have one.
Status: passed the House Business and Labor Committee and is now awaiting a house floor vote.
Image above: Representative Thurston presents HB 216- Eliminating Minimum Time Requirements, in committee.
Norm in the News
Utah House OKs ‘sensitive materials’ bill governing removal of books from school libraries
