BOUNTIFUL -- Three legislators and a state board of education member are hoping their constituents will ask questions, share concerns, as the legislative session draws near. On Thursday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m., at the South Branch Library, 725 S. Main, Bountiful, public input is being sought from State Representatives Sheryl Allen and Ann Hardy, State Senator Dan Eastman, and State Board of Education Pres. Kim Burningham. "It is very important to hear from our neighbors about tax reform," said Allen. "That is going to be the (big) topic of the session, to hear what their recommendations are." It's also hoped that many of those attending will have returned their survey forms to give officials a better understanding of the concerns from the public, she said.

Allen is going to be carrying a proposed amendment to the Utah Constitution on Guber-natorial Succession, clarifying whether the Governor or Lieutenant Governor's office has authority in that area.

"My other significant piece of legislation is trying to get permission to form a permanent trade commission, to review U.S. trade proposals because they can have a profound effect on state law," she said.

Allen used Internet gambling as an example of that, noting international court agreements where that would be allowed, currently, despite moral objections and any official "morals clause" the State of Utah might hold. "It's just a matter of time before that (horse racing, other gambling over the Internet) becomes available. It's not due to federal law, but trade agreements," she explained.

"If a company thinks it's been hurt because we (Utah) don't allow Internet gambling, by state law, they can take us to court. That's just one little snapshot of why we need to be concerned," Allen continued. "I'm working on trade agreements on electrical services, natural gas transportation and services, which affects our ability to regulate. A special commission would permanently keep an eye on this. I think in the future, this will be as big an issue as civil rights."

Hardy, meanwhile, is sponsoring an adoption bill, a cause she has tried to bolster over the years. "It clarifies what the rights of the unmarried father would be. They've been kind've muddled before," she said.

She's also hopeful that results from many of the surveys sent to constituents will be back, allowing legislators to have a better idea of what concerns voters.

Majority whip Eastman is sponsoring changes to the Guardian Ad Litem process, Division of Consumer Protection amendments, and action on issuance and display of license plates, as well as co-sponsoring several bills.

His standing committee assignments include education, workforce services and community and economic development and the senate ethics committee. His appropriations committees are executive, economic development and human resources and higher education.