Legislative Work

Sen. Iwamoto’s SB 199 Utah Protection of Public Employee Act Amendments passed unanimously.

 

In January 2015, Jani Iwamoto began her first term as a Utah State Senator, representing District 4.

She is currently running for a second term.

Following are highlights of her work in recent sessions:

 

 

 

 

Legislative Committee Assignments for 2018:

 

Standing Committees

  • Senate Rules Committee
  • Senate Ethics Committee
  • Education
  • Government Operations
    Natural Resources, Agriculture
    & Environment
  • Legislative Management (Leadership)
 Appropriations Subcommittees

  • Executive Appropriations (Leadership)
  • Executive Offices and Criminal Justice
  • Public Education
 Senate Confirmation Committees

  • Economic Development and Workforce Services
  • Education
  • Judiciary
  • Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
  • Natural Resources and Agriculture
Other Legislative Assignments

  • Commission on Stewardship of Public Lands
  • Federal Funds Commission
  • Legislative Water Development
  • Commission
  • Native American Legislative Liaison
  • Rural Development Legislative Liaison
 Interim Committees

  • Economic Development and Workforce Services
  • Education
  • Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
 Other Committees

  • Emergency Medical Services Committee (EMSC)
  • Chair – Utah Fall Prevention Alliance
  • Chair – water stakeholder group

 

Sponsored and Passed Legislative Highlights in 2018

(Partial list)

SB 57 – Police Service Animal Amendments
This bill provides for increased penalty for intentionally or knowingly killing a canine police officer (canine officers Aldo and Dingo were tragically killed in Millcreek. This bill was listed by the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (OLRGC) as one of the “Selected Highlights of the 2018 General Session.”

SB 199 Utah Protection of Public Employees Act Amendments
This bill amends provisions of the Utah Protection of Public Employees Act, eliminating confusion regarding compliance, and supporting a more transparent and objective process, particularly as it relates to our higher education system. This bill passed on the evening of the final day of session.

HB 38 Fireworks Restrictions Senate sponsor – This bill was a collaborative effort resulting in fewer discharge days, increased penalties and more local control.

Funded Appropriation request for a Statewide Pediatric Trauma Network This bill works to ensure that every child and youth injured in Utah receives the most appropriate care, utilizing a systems approach to care delivery and evaluation.

Funded Appropriation Request for Naturalization Initiative for New Americans This investment helps new Americans through the naturalization process, fulfilling their dreams and maximizing their contribution to our economy and society.

Sponsored and Passed Legislative Highlights in 2017
(Partial list)

SB 88 – Medicaid Housing Coordinator, and Funded Appropriation to assist seniors to be able to return to their homes or locate appropriate housing.

SB 98 – Excess Damages Claims This bill was a collaborative effort to provide for a way to account for more reflective medical inflation increases in certain recoveries.

SB 128 – Election Day Notification Amendments This bill gave election officials flexibility to add additional or make changes to polling places. This bill was listed by the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (OLRGC) as one of the “Selected Highlights of the 2017 General Session.”

SB 152 – Municipal Mayoral Term Amendments This bill allowed certain cities to set an alternative election schedule to fill the office of city mayor.

SB 214 – Public Water Supplier Amendments This bill on instream flows, led to the creation of a stakeholder group, chaired by Senator Iwamoto, that is looking into issues of water quality and water quantity, i.e. water banking, instream flows, split season approach to water use, etc.

Sponsored and Passed Legislative Highlights in 2016
(Partial list)

SB 185 Labor Remedy Amendments  This bill strengthens the remedies for compensation discrimination in Utah code.  This bill was listed by the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (OLRGC) as one of the “Selected Highlights of the 2016 General Session”

Funded Appropriation Request – ongoing appropriation for Outreach and Education Coordinator for anti-discrimination.

SB 140 – Home and Community Based Services Amendments  This bill directed the Department of Health to study the benefits and risks of pursuing several federal grants and programs related to serving individuals in home and community-based settings.

SB 192 – Study on Claims Exceeding Statutory Limit    This bill addresses the limitations of the present governmental immunity cap in the event of catastrophic personal injury cases.