Legislature kicks off session
Deseret News 18Jan99
By Bob Bernick Jr., Jerry Spangler and Lucinda Dillon: Deseret News staff writers

Lobbyist rules get early consideration

The Utah legislative session opened with prayers by two General Authorities of the LDS Church. Elder Marlin K. Jensen gave the opening prayer for the Utah State House. Jensen gained notariety last year as the LDS Church's spokesman in calling for greater political diversity among Mormons. Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave the opening prayer in the Utah State Senate.

Among the issues that will be considered by the legislature are polygamy and ethics reform because of recent problems with the Salt Lake Organizing Committee's (SLOC) bid for the 2002 Olympic Games. On polygamy, the legislature is considering two bills raising the minimum marriage age and strengthening shelters for women and children trying to escape abusive polygamist relationships.

The Olympic issue will be much more difficult because the SLOC is a private group, and not subject to outside review. Lawmakers are trying to find ways of getting the SLOC to hold open meetings and open its books to the public.