Gary Herbert in UT legislative records

On Abortion: Collect information on reason for abortion, race, ethnicity

Analysis by ACLU-Utah: Some of the information in question includes the reason for seeking an abortion, stage of pregnancy, and the race of the woman seeking an abortion. It seems clear that this bill is a thinly veiled effort to restrict women's reproductive choices down the road.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 56-17-2 on Mar/12/13; Passed Senate 23-4-2 on Mar/12/13; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/13

On Abortion: Enacted new fees & inspections for abortion clinics

ACLU-Utah case to vote NO: H.B. 171 unfairly subjects Utah's three existing women's health clinics which offer abortions to twice a year inspections and higher government fees. Placing unnecessary regulations on physicians and the clinics in which they practice is bad public policy that stifles the doctor-patient relationship.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 47-25-3 on Mar/7/11; Passed Senate 22-6-1 on Mar/9/11; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/11

On Crime: Authorize construction of new state prison

• creates the Prison Development Commission and provides for its membership, duties, and operation;
• provides for Division of Facilities Construction and Management oversight of the prison design and construction project;
• enacts a local option sales and use tax for a city or town that has a new state correctional facility;
• authorizes the issuance of bonds for the prison project;
• creates a restricted account and capital projects fund for the prison project;
• provides a process for the choice of a new prison site; and

On Government Reform: Repealed restrictions on government records access

Deseret News summary: Utah lawmakers repealed a widely criticized law restricting access to many government records. The [repealed] bill largely exempted the Legislature and several forms of electronic communication, allowed for increased fees for records requests and erased language favoring openness. Gov. Herbert called the Legislature into special session to reconsider the bill after a huge public outcry galvanized the community. In a statement afterward, the governor said, "As the Legislature re-examines Utah's GRAMA statutes [for further changes, I hope they'll], protect the public's right to know, protect an individual/s legitimate right to privacy, and protect taxpayer dollars."

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 23-6-0 on Mar/7/11; Passed House 42-29-4 on Mar/7/11; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/8/11

On Gun Control: Vetoed concealed carry of guns without a permit

Analysis of support by Deseret News: Rep. Curt Oda said the bill simply allows those who can legally carry a gun to put a jacket on over their firearm, "It's not gun control, it's jacket control." Oda said the bill had overwhelming support from pro-gun organizations.

Analysis of veto message by Deseret News: Herbert vetoed the controversial "constitutional carry" bill. Herbert said his veto decision was supported by much of the law enforcement community. While he was passionate about Second Amendment rights, Utah needs gun policy that "sends a message that we have a quality of life that is sophisticated, and that we're not the wild and woolly West."

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-18-6 on 3/1/13; Passed Senate 22-7-0 on 3/13/13 ; Vetoed on 3/22/13

On Health Care: Restrict expansion of state Medicaid program

Analysis by Health Policy Project: March 2013: After a traditional expansion bill (HB 153) is withdrawn in committee, Utah legislature passes "Prohibition of Medicaid Expansion" (HB 391) requiring legislative approval for any Medicaid Expansion proposal or funding.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 27-0-2 on Mar/13/13; Passed House 51-23-1 on Mar/13/13; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert onApr/3/13

On Immigration: Create a guest worker program for some illegal immigrants

Deseret News summary:The bill allows illegal immigrants in the state prior to May 11, 2011 to be eligible for the guest worker permit, which Rep. Dave Clark said not just opens the door to illegal immigrants but opens the barn door.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 21-7-1 on Mar/4/11; Passed House 41-32-2 on Mar/4/11; Signed by Governor Herbert on Mar/15/11

On Principles & Values: Fund "In God We Trust" License Plates

• requires applicants for a new plate to make a $25 annual donation to the In God We Trust Freedom Celebration Support Restricted Account;
• creates the In God We Trust Freedom Celebration Support Restricted Account;

Legislative outcome: Bill passed House, 64-9, Feb. 4; bill passed Senate, 27-0, Feb. 15; bill signed by Gov. Herbert, March 21