KAYSVILLE — During a quick business trip to Kaysville City Hall, Gov. Gary Herbert turned nine bills into law, while at the same recognizing a group of Davis lawmakers responsible for the legislation.
All of the bills signed, in the Kaysville City Council chambers on Friday, make “subtle” but important changes to Utah’s laws, according to Herbert.
The ceremonial bill-signing trip by Herbert was one of about half-dozen trips the governor will make across the state to sign bills and recognize lawmakers for their hard work during the 2011 Legislative session.
“Our legislators are the unsung heroes of the state,” Herbert said.
Among the bills signed on Friday include Senate Bill 256, a teacher evaluation “pay for performance” bill sponsored by Sen. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and Senate Bill 146, a bill “codifying” the impact fees cities assess, sponsored by Sen. Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton.
Adams and Stevenson, along with Rep. Roger Barrus, R-Centerville, Rep. Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville and Rep. Julie Fisher, R-Fruit Heights, attended Friday’s event that drew a crowd of about 30 people.
Stevenson said SB 256 codifies the impact fees cities assess, making them “easier to understand, easier to administer.”
“Over the years it has become very confusing,” said Stevenson.
Stevenson, the former mayor of Layton, which was one of the first cities in the state to implement impact fees for new development, sponsored the legislation.
Adams was equally proud of SB 256, a bill recognizing and rewarding teachers through an evaluation process.
“I have a passion for the teachers in the state,” Adams said.
Wilson, a freshman legislator, was also recognized for his work in sponsoring House Bill 52, which protects the rights of victims of a crime.
“A lot of good things came out (of this year’s Legislative session),” said Wilson, who was presented the pen used by Herbert to sign his bill as a keepsake.
Kaysville Mayor Steve Hiatt said he was pleased Herbert selected Kaysville to hold one of the ceremonial bill signings.
“We are so grateful to have him here,” Hiatt said of Herbert, who also made a brief surprise appearance at Kaysville Elementary for a DARE graduation.
However, Friday was not Herbert’s first visit to Kaysville. Herbert made a special visit to Kaysville on Jan. 4, 2010, to give Hiatt the mayoral oath of office.
“I have a great appreciation for local government. It really is where the rubber meets the road,” Herbert said.
Comments