Senate

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Redistricting Committee is reviewing final proposals for new state Senate and school board boundaries.

SALT LAKE CITY — U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz hasn’t decided whether he’ll seek the Senate seat of fellow Utah Republican Orrin Hatch, but his movements in the upcoming week indicate he’s seriously considering it.

WASHINGTON D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch and Rep. Rob Bishop said Thursday they are co-sponsoring an amendment to the Constitution that would allow states to repeal laws and regulations implemented by the federal government.

The amendment has to be approved by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the states to become law.

The amendment reads: "Any provision of law or regulation of the United States may be repealed by the several states, and such repeal shall be effective when the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states approve resolutions for this purpose that particularly describe the same provision or provisions of law or regulation to be repealed."

WASHINGTON - Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Rob Bishop have introduced legislation to transfer three parcels of federally owned land in Box Elder County to the town of Mantua.

Specifically, The Box Elder Utah Land Conveyance Act would convey nearly 32 acres of land that could be used by the community for multiple purposes, including the potential development of a new city cemetery, a new town hall, fire station, park or elementary school.

SALT LAKE CITY -- A Senate bill repealing Utah's driving privilege cards used by thousands of illegal immigrants could be replaced by a measure to keep the cards but require background checks.

Republican Sen. Curt Bramble of Provo says the driving privilege cards protect Utah drivers because they allow a driver to get auto insurance.

He says most of the 40,000 people who use the cards are illegal immigrants.

Bramble says he plans to substitute a bill this week repealing the cards with one requiring background checks, photos and fingerprints for anyone getting the card.

Republican Sen. Steve Urquhart of St. George is the repeal sponsor. He says in a blog post he opposes the cards, even with stricter rules, because they attract illegal immigrants.

Urquhart says only four states offer the cards.

SALT LAKE CITY — Investments in Iranian businesses by Utah's retirement system would be prohibited through a bill going to the Senate floor for debate.