OTHER ISSUES

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

The Legislature corrected an unintended consequence in state liquor laws that often led to increased consumption. Restaurants and private clubs will now be able to increase the amount of the primary liquor in mixed drinks from 1 ounce to 1.5 ounces. In addition, so-called "alco-pops" - flavored drinks that contain 3.2% alcohol – will be sold only out of grocery and convenience stores and into state liquor stores.

ENERGY

The Chamber supported the passage of SB 202, Energy Resource and Carbon Emission Reduction Initiative, by Sen. Curt Bramble. The bill passed with overwhelming support. It requires, beginning in the year 2025, that 20% of an electrical corporation's or municipal electric utility's adjusted retail electric sales come from qualifying electricity, including renewable energy resources, if cost effective. It also requires plans and reports concerning an electrical corporation's or municipal electric utility's progress in acquiring qualifying electricity.

TAXATION

Sales Tax Increase

The state of Utah had a $775 million surplus in one-time and ongoing new monies — the third largest surplus in state history — yet the Utah Legislature still adopted a small statewide sales tax increase of 0.05%, increasing the sales tax rate from 4.65% to 4.70% . About $22 million of the increase will be used to address transportation “chokepoints.” It will also be used to pay for the $18.7 million health care tax credit. The increase was described by legislative leaders as a "tax shift."