‘Smile, you’re on camera!’ The constitutional dangers of PhotoCop
Photo policing raises a tangle of ethical questions. Is it fair to ticket the owner of the car regardless of who was driving? Is it legal to use facial recognition for ticketing?
PhotoCop? Warning: Constitution Questions May Be Larger Than They Appear
The Deseret News recently published an opinion piece advocating for the legalization of PhotoCop devices in Utah—cameras to automatically record and punish violators of the law.
Not Every Bill Passes in Utah, And That’s Good
In the end, we do more than just encourage legislators to pass a variety of good policies. Libertas Institute also serves as a watchdog for legislation that will negatively impact the rights and lives of Utahns
The Year of the (Modest) Tax Cut
A number of changes and reductions to tax burden of Utahns made it through the Legislature in 2022, but what were they?
Blow Dry Bars: Another Successful Example for Licensure Reform
This legislation does not put customers in any danger, but it does create the ability for more individuals to become employed and avoid all of the challenges surrounding the lengthy licensing process.
The Revolution Continues
So, as you celebrate the Fourth of July, just remember that the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution were not an ending point, but a beginning.
A Mix of Tax Cuts for Utahns in 2021
Going into the 2021 session, legislative leaders were committed to a tax cut of at least $80 million, but that number ended up being closer to $100 million. Though there were proposals for a broad income tax rate cut, the...
School Attendance Reforms Put Parents Back in the Driver’s Seat
These bills not only help protect parental rights (as dictated in Utah’s Constitution), but they also provide important support to Utah’s children. Routines and normalcy have been disrupted and it would be wise to give families...
A Win for Free Speech at Utah Universities
While private universities have the right to impose limits on the free speech opportunities of their students, government-funded universities must allow students to exercise their rights to speech without any intervention unless...
These two Utah bills would give property tax relief to seniors
The earning potential for an individual in the middle of their career is much different than that of a retiree. Income drops and becomes fixed instead of steadily increasing. This leads to homeowners who are “house rich” and...