There may be several explanations to the trends:
1. Technology and processes have become ironed out to allow for more information and bills to be heard in the limited amount of time provided.
2. The number of controversial bills has declined overall and the increase is represented by "technical" bills that simply adjust minor aspects of the code. Not every bill is new law but rather the tweaking of a current one.
3. Legislators are asleep at the wheel.
Having been there, I doubt the third option is really the answer. Although, cynics everywhere are probably nodding and ribbing each other in agreement even at the suggestion.
Regardless, this is an very interesting trend. These high numbers could reflect the more regulated environment we are living in. More regulation requires more frequent adjustments.
I would like to see the number decrease. I have limited my bill proposals to around 5 per session. If everyone passed 5 bills per session it would put us at 505 a year. However, we have some "high achievers" at the Hill who run 40 or so bills, and that throws the numbers off.
I hope we keep our powder dry for the serious issues and spend some time repealing some laws as well next year.
Having traveled in several states, I like seeing that various states have a law requiring drivers to clear emergency and other stopped vehicles by changing lanes away from them. Can Utah have such a law so that the Highway Patrol troopers don't have to erect warning signs to keep traffic from hitting them while they are performing their duties?
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