Legislative actions

Some actions taken Wednesday morning by the Utah Legislature

• A bill that would divert $15 million in restaurant tax revenue from Salt Lake County to the suburbs passed out the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee on a 5-3 vote Wednesday morning.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, would redirect all of the county's restaurant-tax revenue and give it to cities, based on population and point-of-sale figures. For Waddoups, it's an issue of fairness. He says the county gives too much money to Salt Lake City for tourism, arts and recreational facilities — ultimately hanging the suburbs out to dry.

Waddoups said he plans to amend the bill so the county can continue paying debt service on the Salt Palace and South Towne Expo Center.

The bill would also require the county give the Utah Restaurant Association $250,000 a year to promote eateries.

• A bill that allows judges to include household pets in protective orders unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee. HB342's sponsor, Rep. Scott Wyatt, R-Logan, said the change in law will help women who might be reluctant to leave abusive relationships because of what might happen to their pets.

• Those who commit identity fraud are the target of a bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Morgan, D-Salt Lake. HB131 would subject perpetrators of identity fraud to a minimum civil penalty of $50,000. The bill passed the House Judiciary Committee with the only opposing vote coming from Rep. Mark Wheatley, D-Murray.

• A bill that would deputize some law officers to enforce certain immigration laws got a nod from the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Standing Committee.

Sponsor Rep. Glenn Donnelson, R-North Ogden, said under the substitute version of HB105, Utah's Department of Public Safety would enter into an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security for some deputies to volunteer to receive federal training, and enforce immigration laws during routine stops.

Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake, expressed strong opposition to the bill, saying it would create a climate in which undocumented crime victims would be unlikely to seek help from authorities. The bill now moves to the House floor.

• A bill that would take money from the state's general fund and dedicate it to funding transportation passed 9-5 out of the House Transportation Committee.