Legislative actions

Action taken this morning by the Utah Legislature:

• A resolution expressing concern about video game violence passed out of the House Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday.

HJR15, sponsored by Rep. Scott Wyatt, R-Logan, takes the place of HB50, which would have made it a felony to expose minors to ultra violent or adult themed video games.

• The Utah House of Representatives could again hear a proposal to repeal in-state tuition for qualified undocumented students, as part of a comprehensive bill.

The House Law Enforcement Committee voted this morning in favor of HB437, which would exclude undocumented immigrants from in-state tuition and other non-federally mandated benefits. Earlier this session, a bill to repeal the in-state tuition was voted down in the House. HB437 moves to the Rules Committee, which releases bills to the floor for hearings.

• With a 26 -1 vote, senators approved a bill that would a allow motorist to be ticketed for "careless driving."

SB17 bill defines careless driving as being distracted by something such as a cell phone, or attending to personal hygiene. To be ticketed for careless driving, a motorist would have to be stopped for another driving offense first.

The bill now goes to the governor for his signature.