Senate OKs federalism-education bill

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The Senate on Wednesday approved a bill requiring all state and local agencies to designate an employee to receive training on federalism issues every other year.

HB120 stems from an unidentified court case in which sponsoring Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Saratoga Springs, said it was clear a state attorney was ignorant of 10th amendment principles about the independent powers and responsibilities of states.

Madsen told colleagues that the display in the courtroom was "an embarrassment" and the legislation is intended to ensure that performance isn't repeated.

Originally, the bill sponsored by Rep. Ken Ivory, R-West Jordan, would have required all attorneys employed by the state to receive annual training. The current version of the bill allows an agency to designate any employee to undergo the instruction. The bill must return to the House for consideration of an amendment.