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Hello District 3!
We're officially halfway through the 2025 General Legislative Session, and we've already been able to accomplish so much for the people of Utah. From strengthening public safety to expanding education opportunities for students and securing Utah's energy future, we're working hard to tackle the issues that matter most to our communities.
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Week 4 Legislative Update
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Over the past few weeks, I presented two Requests for Appropriations (RFAs), as well as my bill HB373, Service Marketplace Platform Amendments, which presents a private-sector solution towards solving our childcare crisis in the state. I'm proud to say they were well-received by their respective committees, and I hope to see them advance further in the legislative process.
My first RFA was for an important program called BabyWatch, which provides early intervention services for children with disabilities from the ages of 0-3. I was proud to have many of the providers and therapists who provide these essential services across the State in attendance on the Hill as I presented this RFA. You can read more about this RFA here.
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My second RFA is for a Northern Utah Fire Inter-Agency Training Complex. This project is intended to provide a training facility, training course, and storage facility for the State of Utah to stage and store heavy wildfire equipment. Municipalities in Cache, Rich, and Box Elder Counties will benefit from this training complex, as well as the DNR in the State of Utah. This is an essential project to ensure our first responders are well-equipped and well-trained to respond to everyday emergencies, wildfires, and natural disasters in our area. You can read more about this RFA here.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as I will be presenting new legislation. First, I will be presenting a bill that will add desperately needed instruction to trainings already provided in our state to recognize opioid overdoses and the administration of Narcan— a life-saving drug that reverses the effects of these overdoses.
I am also excited to be introducing HB389, which provides tax credits to employers who provide childcare for their employees— another step in the right direction for solving our childcare crises in the State.
Finally, thank you to everyone who visited with me at the Capitol last week. It was a pleasure to meet with you and hear your thoughts on the work the Legislature is doing this year. It is an honor to serve the people of House District 3— one that I do not take lightly. Please feel free to reach out and share your thoughts, ideas, or concerns. Your voice matters!
Thank you,
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Jason Thompson
Representative, House District 3
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Update on Pending Legislation
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HB361 Opioid Overdose Training Amendments
- This bill provides training and education to recognize an opioid-related drug overdose and administer naloxone (Narcan).
- This bill has been assigned to the House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee.
HB373 Service Marketplace Platforms Amendments
- This bill allows daycare providers to hire independent contractors and establishes that daycare providers can use a service marketplace platform to do so.
- This bill has received a unanimous favorable recommendation from the House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee and is now on the House's 3rd Reading Calendar.
H.B. 389 Child Care Business Tax Credit
- This bill states that businesses that either pay for childcare services for their employees or build or expand childcare facilities can qualify for a tax credit. Additionally, if a company pays for childcare services at a qualified facility, it can claim a tax credit worth 20% of the costs. If a company builds, renovates, or expands a childcare facility, it can claim a tax credit worth 50% of the costs.
- This bill has been assigned to the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.
(Unnumbered) Electronic Cigarette and Inhaler Amendments
- I am still working on this bill with the Office of Legislative Research and General Council. I will keep you updated as the draft text comes out.
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I also had a nice visit with students from Logan High School. Our state's future is in good hands if our young people are like these students!
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I had the privilege of meeting with members of the Cache County Fire District, including Chief Nate Thompson and other brave members who risk their lives for our safety. I am honored to be working with them to get an appropriation for a training complex and the resources they need.
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It was such a great experience having the Cache County Council with me on the Hill this week. We are lucky to have such committed Councilmembers.
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My Legislative Page
To view my legislative page and information about my role in the Utah State House of Representatives, click here.
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