It’s week 3 of the 2022 Utah Legislative Session, and many bills are steadily working their way through the legislative process. Be sure to check out our bill tracker for the latest updates and additional fact sheets and information on the bills we are following this session.
Here’s the week 3 highlights:
HB 220 – Pregnancy and Postpartum Medicaid Coverage Amendments
Sponsor: Rep. Rosemary Lesser
This bill would expand the Medicaid program for postpartum women up to 200% of the federal poverty level for 1 year after giving birth. Investing in maternal health is an investment in Utah’s future. This bill would mean better access to health care for new mothers during the time when they are most at risk. HB 220 helps address gaps in perinatal coverage, which will improve the health and economic stability of Utah families and our state as a whole.
The United States has the worst outcomes for moms of all developed nations. Maternal deaths have been increasing since 2000, and the problem is even worse for Black women, with maternal mortality rates 3x higher than their white peers. Half of the births nationwide are covered by Medicaid and postpartum deaths commonly occur beyond the 60-day Medicaid coverage window.
Learn more about this bill and the issues at stake on this fact sheet from Utah Health Policy Project.
TAKE ACTION: Contact members of the House Business and Labor Committee and ask them to support Utah moms and families by VOTING YES to HB 220 – Pregnancy and Postpartum Medicaid Coverage Amendments.
HB 77 – Contraception for Inmates
Sponsor: Rep. Jen Dailey-Provost
You may remember this bill (HB 102) from last year when it successfully passed and became law. This year’s bill removes the sunset period so that inmates in Utah’s jails can continue to receive contraception while incarcerated.
HB 77 passed the House Health and Human Services committee this week and is now awaiting a vote from the full House, which may happen as soon as TODAY.
TAKE ACTION: Contact your representative TODAY and ask them to VOTE YES on HB 77 – Contraception for Inmates.
Here are updates on the bills we told you about last week:
HB 162 – Period Products for Schools
Sponsor: Rep. Karianne Lisonbee; Floor Sponsor: Sen. Ann Millner
This bill requires all Utah school boards to provide period products in school facilities and is quickly on its way to becoming law thanks to bipartisan support. This week it passed the House and has moved on to the Senate Education Committee. You can learn more about this bill on the Policy Project website.
TAKE ACTION: Contact the Senate Education Committee and ask them to VOTE YES on HB 162 – Period Products for Schools.
SB 105 – Family Planning Services Amendments
Sponsor: Sen. Derek Kitchen
Senator Kitchen’s bill would expand Medicaid coverage for contraception to Utahns who fall in the coverage gap and who earn 250% or below the Federal Poverty Level. Check out our bill tracker for more information and talking points about this bill.
SB 105 is still awaiting a hearing in the Senate Business & Labor Committee.
TAKE ACTION: Contact the members of the Senate Business and Labor Committee and ask them to VOTE YES on SB 105!
HB 92 – Medical Practice Amendments
Sponsor: Rep. Rex Shipp
This unconstitutional anti-trans bill makes it unprofessional conduct for a health care professional to provide gender-affirming health care for a minor. The bill has not yet been heard in committee, so if you haven’t already, please take action. Here's Equality Utah's fact sheet for more info.
TAKE ACTION: Contact the House Health and Human Services Committee and ask them to VOTE NO on HB 92 – Medical Practice Amendments.
That’s it for week 3! Thank you for making your voice heard in the legislative process!
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