Castle Country Radio is conducting weekly Legislative updates with Representative Christine F. Watkins while the general session is taking place this year. She will give a brief report on the dealings taking place on the hill twice a week, so she took time on Wednesday, Feb. 15 to speak over the telephone.

First on the agenda is to talk about the Social Media Usage Amendments that helps parents keep their kids safe while using social media platforms. “What this bill does is it’s trying to empower parents to safeguard their kids on social media and to fight back against these addictive algorithms and hold social media companies responsible for damages, and by the damages its what it does to our kids,” said Representative Watkins.  The biggest thing is it gives a private right of action so that any parents can collect attorney fees and damages from a social media company for harm incurred when they violate the requirement of this act. This is a big deal as you are unable to seek compensation for damages at this time. This has not passed the senate yet so Representative Watkins will keep listeners posted as it moves through the process.

The next topic for discussion is House Bill 301 – Transportation Tax Amendments.  This is in regards to the tax on our fuels which as increased over the last little bit so this bill will bring consumers a break at the pump. “So this will cut $0.02 a gallon off any of our motor fuel, and it will also increase vehicle registration fees, and it imposes a tax on the sale of electricity for electric vehicle charging. So everybody is going to feel something, somewhere, that $5.00 registration fee and all of this starts in fiscal year of 2024,” said Representative Watkins. This is run by leadership so Watkins feels like it’s a good bill and it will pass. Not only will this be a great tax cut but it will also help keep the roads maintained in the state.

Finally, House Bill 360 – Unclaimed Property Amendments. This has to do with unclaimed monies that has been sent to the state from various entities such as insurance companies and banking institutions. “So what this bill will do it will allow the Utah State Tax Commission to hook up with the Unclaimed Property Administrator for the state, and when you file your taxes, they will reach out and look to see if you have any money in that pot over there. You don’t have to file for it, if its under $2,000.00 they’ll just grab it and send it back to you,” explained Representative Watkins. If you would like to see if you have unclaimed property you can visit the website at https://mycash.utah.gov/

To stay informed on what is taking place at the Utah State legislature visit their website at https://le.utah.gov/