If you've got some free time on Wednesday evening, go down to the Capitol and sit in on the House or Senate during the final few hours. They pass dozens of bills very quickly in an effort to get legislation enacted before they are constitutionally powerless on Thursday morning at 12:00:01 am. I call it "meat market democracy" because its raw and aimed at mass production. Its really a sight to see. Afterwards, everyone stands around shaking hands and pretending to like each other.
On a related note, this Salt Lake Tribute article declares HB 240 to be "all but approved" but don't let that lull you into a false sense of complacency. As of this afternoon, it is stuck in the Senate Rules committee. Without going into more detail than necessary, its possible for a bill to get stuck there and never get out.
Here's what you can do: write to a member of the Senate Rules committee and express your support for HB 240. Here are their names and email addresses. Its more effective if you live in their district, so if you do, say so.
- Lyle Hillyard, chair, District 25
- Curtis Bramble, District 16
- Chris Buttars, District 10
- David Gladwell, District 19
- Parley Hellewell, District 15
- Scott Jenkins, District 20
- Michael Waddoups, District 6
- Gene Davis, District 3
- Ed Mayne, District 5
If you're not sure which district you live in, here's a map of Senate districts. Its important to contact these Senators tomorrow morning early and get the bill out on Tuesday. If it makes it out of Rules on Wednesday, it may not get voted on before the end of the session on Wednesday night.
