Legislation

 

We believe that you should know if your interests are represented.

Below are the bills that your elected state representatives are considering in the 2021 Utah Legislative Session. The bill summaries below are linked to the bill pages on le.utah.org, where you can further explore information about the bills including the bill text and contact info of the bill sponsors. We are updating their status on a daily basis and are adding new bills all the time that are of interest to our priorities. You can keep track of them here, and we encourage you to tell us what you think of these bills and how they may impact you. To reach out to us, click on the “Contact” button on the menu at the top of this page.

All Current Campaigns

Health Care

HB 32, Sub 1: Health Care Worker Protection Amendments ℹ

Sponsor: Rep. R. Spendlove
Summary: This bill enacts provisions relating to the assault of an owner, employee, or contractor of a health facility.
This bill: enacts enhanced penalties for assault or threat of violence against an owner, employee, or contractor of a health facility; and creates an automatic sunset date for the provisions in this bill.
Status:

Governor signed, 3/23/2022

Stance: SUPPORT


HB 44: Business and Labor Reporting Requirements ℹ

 

Sponsor: Rep. J. Ferry
Summary: This bill removes expired reporting requirements.
This bill: removes expired reporting requirements related to: the Inland Port Authority community enhancement program; the cost of insulin manufacturing and factors that determine the price of insulin; hospital costs and workers’ compensation; the effectiveness of the Labor Commission and state law in addressing discrimination in matters of compensation; and education and training standards for state plumber and electrician apprenticeship programs; and makes technical and conforming changes.
Status: Governor signed, 3/15/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


HB 80: Diabetes Prevention Program ℹ

 

Sponsor: Rep. S. Harrison
Summary: Authorizes the Medicaid program to reimburse a provider for certain diabetes prevention services
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT


HB 116, Sub 1: Medical Billing Amendments ℹ

 

Sponsor: Rep. Winder, Mike
Summary: Prohibits a health care provider from seeking payment for a medical service or procedure from an individual or health benefit plan under certain circumstances — medical provider must send a bill to the individual or health benefit plan no later than 120 days after completion of service or procedure.
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING


HB 119: Rental Owner Duties Amendments ℹ

 

Sponsor: Rep. Dailey-Provost, Jennifer
Summary: Removes a provision prohibiting a renter from bringing a cause of action for owner’s failure to comply with certain requirements of the Utah Fit Premises Act (Allows a renter to sue a landlord for not providing safe conditions).
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING


HB 182, Sub 1: Local Health Department Order Amendments ℹ

 

Sponsor: Rep. Strong, Mark A.
Summary: Excludes state facilities and capitol hill complex from the authority and jurisdiction of a local health department pertaining to an order of constraint; prohibits a chief executive officer of a municipality from exercising emergency powers in response to a pandemic or an epidemic; enacts a provision indicating that the Disaster Response and Recovery Act preempts and supersedes any law of a political subdivision of the state pertaining to disaster and emergency response.
Status: Governor signed, 3/15/2022
Stance: OPPOSE


HB 195, Sub 1: Auricular Detoxification Amendments ℹ

 

Sponsor: Rep. Harrison, Suzanne
Summary: Provides circumstances for when a health care provider may perform auricular (ear acupuncture or acupressure points) detoxification
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


HB 200, Sub 1: Medicaid Waiver for Medically Complex Children Amendments ℹ

 

Sponsor: Rep. Eliason, Steve
Summary: If approved by CMS and as funding permits, beginning in fiscal year 2023 provides on an ongoing basis treatment for 300 or more qualified children than the program provides treatment for during fiscal year 2022; accepts applications for the program on a ongoing basis; requires periodic re-evaluations of an enrolled child’s eligibility and other applications or eligible children waiting for services in the program based on the additional eligibility criteria and allows the department to dis-enroll a child during re-evaluation.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


HB 201: Kidney Health Task Force ℹ

 

Sponsor: Rep. Wheatley, Mark A.
Summary: Creates the Kidney Health Task Force; requires the task force to provide recommendations on improve kidney health in Utah and to study kidney disease, including higher rates of the disease in minority populations, transplantation, and living and deceased kidney donation.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT


HB 212: Health Care Coverage Amendments ℹ

 

Sponsor: Rep. Dailey-Provost, Jennifer
Summary: Requires the Division of Medicaid and Health Financing to apply for Medicaid waivers or state plan amendments to provide wrap-around services to qualified individuals with a disability; requires qualified individuals who receive services under the waiver to make cost sharing payments according to a sliding scale established by the department; specifies certain percentages and maximum payment amounts for the sliding scale established by the department.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT


HB 220: Pregnancy and Postpartum Medicaid Coverage Amendments ℹ

 

Sponsor: Rep. Lesser, Rosemary T.
Summary: Requires the Division of Medicaid and Health Financing to request from CMS a Medicaid waiver or state plan amendment, or both, to: expand eligibility for the Medicaid program to certain pregnant women; and extend the duration of postpartum coverage.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT


HB 223: Diabetes Supplies Amendments ℹ

 

Sponsor: Rep. Dailey-Provost, Jennifer
Summary: Requires a health benefit plan that provides coverage for insulin pumps to cap the price of insulin pumps; requires a health benefit plan that provides coverage for continuous blood glucose monitors to cap the price of the continuous blood glucose monitors
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT


HB 236: Behavioral Health Amendments ℹ

 

Sponsor: Rep. Eliason, Steve
Summary: Creates a Collaborative Care Program administered by the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health that allows the state suicide prevention program to include a public education campaign and clarifies that the Governor’s Suicide Prevention Fund may be used for components of the state suicide prevention program
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


HB 247: Child Health Care Coverage Amendments ℹ

Sponsor: Rep. Collard, Clare
Summary: Deletes self-sufficiency requirements from certain Medicaid expansion provisions; requires the Department of Health to request approval of a Medicaid waiver or state plan amendment to create 12-month continuous eligibility for a child enrolled in the Medicaid Program
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT


HB 282: Abortion Modifications ℹ

Sponsor: Rep. Birkeland, Kera
Summary: Amends informed consent provisions relating to abortion; amends the requirements for the abortion information module created by the Department of Health; amends provides relating to viewing the abortion information module; amends statistical reporting requirements relating to abortions; amends and adds reporting requirements for physicians and facilitiesl requires the Department of Health to verify physicians and facilities comply with certain informed consent provisions relation to abortion; provides a civil penalty for a physician who fails to comply with informed consent provisions relating to an abortion
Status: FAILED
Stance: OPPOSE


HB 385: Hemp and CBD Amendments ℹ

Sponsor: Rep. Dailey-Provost, Jennifer
Summary: Allows industrial hemp producers to procure background through a federal system; identifies an unlawful act for a person to: distrbute, sell, or market a product that exceeds a concentration of THC; transport material outside the state that exceeds a concentration of THC; produce, sell, or use a cannabinoid product that is added to a conventional food or beverage, enticing to children, or smokable flower; allows for increased flexibility in dosage forms; provides for registration of a product class rather than individual products; repeals a provision related to an industrial hemp research certificate; repeals the involvement of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food in the regulation of hemp cultivation
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


HB 413, Sub 3: Medicaid Amendmentsℹ

Sponsor: Rep. Dunnigan, James A.
Summary: Amends provisions relating to the targeted adult Medicaid program; requires the Department of Health and Human Services to convene a working group to discuss the delivery of behavioral health services in the Medicaid program; and authorizes certain adjustments in the delivery of behavioral health services for individuals who are in the targeted adult Medicaid program if the department determines that certain requirements are met.
Status: Governor Signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


HB 442, Sub 2: Marijuana Definitions Amendments ℹ

Sponsor: Rep. Gwynn, Matthew H.
Summary: Modifies the definition of “marijuana” and modifies the description of ‘tetrahydrocannabinols”
Status: Governor Signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


HCR 9: Concurrent Resolution Recognizing Hepatitis Awareness Month and National Hepatitis Day ℹ

Sponsor: Rep. Dailey-Provost, Jennifer
Summary: Recognizes May 2022 as Hepatitis Awareness Month and July 28, 2022 as National Hepatitis Day
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT


HCR 11: Concurrent Resolution Honoring the Work of Primary Care Providers to the Citizens of Utah ℹ

Sponsor: Rep. Dailey-Provost, Jennifer
Summary: This resolution acknowledges and expresses gratitude for the ongoing work of primary care providers in Utah
Status: Governor Signed, 3/3/2022
Stance: SUPPORT


HJR 13, Sub 3: Joint Resolution Amending Court Rules of Procedure and Evidence to Address the Medical Candor Process ℹ

Sponsor: Rep. Nelson, Merrill F.
Summary: This joint resolution amends court rules of procedure and evidence to address the medical candor process
Status: House to Lieutenant Governor 3/15/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


SB 41: Behavioral Health Services Amendments ℹ

Sponsor: Sen. M. Kennedy
Summary: This bill addresses behavioral health treatment and services.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance:  FOLLOWING


SB 46: Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Amendments ℹ

Sponsor: Sen. D. Thatcher
Summary: This bill amends protections for medical cannabis patients.
Status: Senate/ enrolled bill to Printing, 3/11/2022
Stance: SUPPORT


SB 104: Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Amendments ℹ

Sponsor: Sen. Escamilla, Luz
Summary: Creates a state certification for community health workers; requires the Department of Health to administer the certification
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022Governor signed, 3/24/2022

SB 144, Sub 1: Genetic Privacy Amendments ℹ

Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, Michael S.
Summary: Amends restrictions on employers regarding requests or inquiries about genetic procedures; amends restrictions on health insurers regarding requests or inquiries about genetic procedures
Status: Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared, 3/1/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


SB 153, Sub 2: Medical Cannabis Governance Study ℹ

Sponsor: Sen. Davis, Gene
Summary: Requires the Legislative Management Committee to create a working group composed of members of two interim committees to study and make recommendations regarding a single state entity to oversee all medical cannabis regulation; requires the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of Health to report to the working group as requested.
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


SB 171, Sub 1: Behavioral Health Curriculum Program ℹ

Sponsor: Sen. D. Thatcher
Summary: Requires the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, within the University of Utah, to: coordinate with the State Board of Education to develop a youth curriculum on behavioral health; publish curriculum online; annual update and distribute to certain individuals and organizations in the state
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


SB 190, Sub 2: Medical Cannabis Act Amendments ℹ

Sponsor: Sen. Vickers, Evan J.
Summary: Clarifies the distinction between allowable hemp products and medical cannabis products based on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and THC analog concentration; requires certain retailers marketing hemp or cannabinoid product to include a statement that the product is not cannabis or medical cannabis, etc.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


SB 194, Sub 1: Medical Rationing Amendments ℹ

Sponsor: Sen. Fillmore, Lincoln
Summary: Requires the department to make rules regarding the procedure that the department must follow when adopting, modifying, requiring, facilitating, or recommending criteria related to the rationing of scarce health care resources
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


SB 195, Sub 2: Medical Cannabis Access Amendments ℹ

Sponsor: Sen. Escamilla, Luz
Summary: Adds acute pain for which a medical professional may generally prescribe opioids as a qualifying condition for a limited supply of medical cannabis; amends provisions related to advertising regarding medical cannabis; requires a recommending medical provider to consider a patient’s history of substance use or opioid use disorder before recommending medical cannabis, etc.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING


SJR 3: Joint Resolution to Terminate Public Health Orders Pertaining to Face Coverings ℹ

Sponsor: Sen. McCay, Daniel
Summary: Terminates public health orders of constraint that require the wearing of a mask or face covering in Salt Lake County, Summit County, Salt Lake City, or any other place in the state of Utah
Status: Senate to Lieutenant Governor, 3/15/2022
Stance: OPPOSE


Water
& Environment

 

HB 33: Instream Water Flow Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. J. Ferry
Summary: Provides that certain entities or individuals may file a change application to provide water for an instream flow or for use on sovereign lands; amends the process by which a change application for instream flow or use on sovereign lands is considered
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 131: Watershed Restoration Initiative

Sponsor: Rep. Bennion, Gay Lynn
Summary: Creates the Watershed Restoration Initiative within the Department of Natural Resources to manage, restore, and improve watershed ecosystems throughout the state by focusing on improving watershed health and biological diversity; water quality and yield; and opportunities for sustainable use of natural resources.
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 166, Sub 1: Water Facility Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Watkins, Christine F.
Summary: Modifies criminal and civil provisions related to water facilities; specifies that it is a crime to introduce water or another substance into, or take water from, a water facility
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 168: Preferences of Water Rights Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. C. Albrecht
Summary: Enacts a provision related to a temporary water shortage emergency with a delayed effective date; requires a study and addresses rulemaking authority
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 177: Water Well Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Ferry, Joel
Summary: The State Engineer may not on the basis of the depth of a water production well exempt the water production well from regulation under this title or rules made under this title related to the: drilling, construction, deepening, repairing, renovating, cleaning, developing, testing, disinfecting, or abandonment of a water protection well; or installation or repair of a pump for a water production well.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 189, Sub 3: Electric Vehicle Charging Modifications

Sponsor: Rep. Briscoe, Joel K.
Summary: Allows a property owner in a condominium association or community association to install and use an electric vehicle charging system; and allows a renter of a residential rental unit to install and use an electric vehicle charging system.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 232, Sub 1: Utah Lake Authority

Sponsor: Rep. Brammer, Brady
Summary: Creates the Utah Lake Authority; requires the authority board to adopt and implement a management plan for Utah Lake; requires the attorney general to provide legal services to the lake authority; provides a process for the adoption and amendment of a project area plan and a project area budget; provides for the Utah Lake Authority ot be paid certain sales tax revenue and other sources of revenue, and provides for the allowable uses of revenue; allows lake authority to issue bonds
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 240, Sub 2: Utah Lake Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Stratton, Keven J.
Summary: Modifies the authority given to the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, with respect to the disposal of Utah Lake land in exchange for the comprehensive restoration of Utah Lake; requires the approval of the Legislature and governor for disposal of Utah Lake land.
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 242, Sub 1: Secondary Water Metering Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Peterson, Val L.
Summary: Imposes requirements related to pressurized secondary water; provides for penalties for failure to comply with metering requirements; provides for grants to fund metering of certain pressurized secondary water services, and addresses rulemaking authority
Status: House/ to Governor, 3/10/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 244, Sub 2: Geological Carbon Sequestration Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Handy, Stephen G.
Summary: Authorizes the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining and the Board of Oil, Gas and Mining to establish regulations for the geologic storage of carbon through class VI injection wells to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 271: Water Releases Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Lisonbee, Karianne
Summary: Provides limitations on flow rates from a dam or reservoir on the Provo River and Weber River; operators may not increase the flow rate of the applicable dam or reservoir in an amount that is greater than 25% of the total flow every 15 minutes within a natural channel; done for recreational safety reasons and also to protect wildlife habitat along the rivers
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 272: Energy Storage Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Handy, Stephen G.
Summary: Creates a sales tax and use tax exemption for the purchase of energy storage equipment; extends the deadline for sales and use tax exemptions for certain electricity facilities and creates a pilot program for the purchase of energy storage assets.
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 281: Transplants of Wildlife Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Chew, Scott H.
Summary: Requires the adoption of a mitigation plan before transplanting certain animals. Animals who are too close to the city or that are causing problems at farms or ranches need to be relocated somewhere that they can thrive, but doing so requires understanding the species’ habitat and food needs
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 282, Sub 1: Water Wise Landscaping Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Wilcox, Ryan D.
Summary: Prohibits certain public or private entities from prohibiting water wise landscaping and authorizes certain water wise landscaping requirements
Status:
Governor signed, 3/23/2022Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 300: Car-Sharing Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Spendlove, Robert M.
Summary: Exempts motor vehicles shared through a car-sharing business platform from short-term rental taxes if the applicable sales tax was paid upon the purchase of the motor vehicle.
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 311, Sub 3: Alternative Fuel Heavy Equipment Tax Credit

Sponsor: Rep. Ballard, Melissa G.
Summary: Provides a corporate and an individual nonrefundable tax credit for the purchase of certain alternative fuel heavy equipmentl authorizes the Utah Inland Port to provide a matching grant to any person who qualifies for the tax credit
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 319, Sub 1: Jordan River Improvement Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Acton, Cheryl K.
Summary: Directs the Jordan River Commission to work with the Department of Transportation to provide signage where SR 201 crosses the Jordan River Trail and for DOT to help provide access to the trail near the highway
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 377: Water Rights Adjudication Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Kohler, Mike L.
Summary: In an action for an adjudication of water rights, allows the state engineer to serve a claimant with a request for additional information; if a claimant who is served with a request for additional information fails to respond, allows the state engineer to make a recommendation to the court based on the engineer’s existing knowledge, which may include recommending a disallowance of the claimant’s claim; allows the state engineer to seek an interlocutory judgment on water rights for which no contest is filed
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 394, Sub 1: Recycling Transparency Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Welton, Douglas R.
Summary: Requires a recyclable material hauler who bills customers through a political subdivision’s billing and collection system to provide, to the political subdivision, data about the end location of recyclable materials collected by the hauler; requires a political subdivision to publish recycling data in a newsletter and, if available, on the subdivision’s website.
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 404, Sub 1: Large Public Transit District Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Ballard, Melissa G.
Summary: Requires a large public transit district to compare costs of different types of available zero emissions propulsion systems for certain public transit projects.
Status: Governor Signed, 2/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 410: Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement

Sponsor: Rep. Wilson, Brad R.
Summary: The Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands shall prepare and maintain a comprehensive plan for the Great Salt Lake that recognizes the following policies: develop strategies to deal with a fluctuating lake level; encourage development of the Great Salt Lake in a manner that will preserve it, encourage availability of brines to lake extraction industries, protect wildlife, and protect recreational facilities; maintain the lake’s flood plain as a hazard zone; promote water quality management for the lake and its tributary systems; promote the development of lake brines, minerals, chemicals, and petro-chemicals to aid the state’s economy in appropriate areas of the lake; maintain the lake and the marshes as important to shorebirds, waterfowl, and other waterbird flyway system; encourage safe boating use; maintain and protect state, federal, and private marshlands, rookeries, and wildlife refuges; and provide public access to the lake for recreating, hunting and fishing.
Status: Governor Signed, 2/21/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 427: Wildlife Accident Protections

Sponsor: Rep. Owens, Doug
Summary: Amends a required annual report from the Department of Transportation to include analysis of wildlife migration
Status: Governor Signed, 2/21/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 429: Great Salt Lake Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Miles, Kelly B.
Summary: Enacts provisions requiring the Division of Water Resources to develop the Great Salt Lake Watershed Integrated Water Assessment, including: defining terms; providing for what the integrated water assessment may include and how it is to be development and implemented, including the creation of a work plan; requiring reporting; and requiring a study of the impact of certain best management practices associated with post-construction retention storm water permit requirements on the water budget of the Great Salt Lake.
Status: Governor Signed, 2/21/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 443, Sub 3: Utah Inland Port Authority Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Schultz, Mike
Summary: Modifies definitions applicable to code provisions governing the Utah Inland Port Authority, including modifying and expanding the definition of publicly owned infrastructure and improvements to include certain privately owned facilities; modifies provisions relating to the Authority policies and objectives; eliminates language making an intermodal facility owned by the Authority subject to a privilege tax; modifies provisions relating to the Authority board; removes a primary municipality’s property tax revenue from property tax differential, upon certain conditions; requires the primary muncipality, the primary municipality’s community development and renewal agency, and the Authority to enter into an agreement relating to the distribution of certain property tax revenue for specified purposes; modifies a provision relating to the Authority executive director; modifies allowable uses of property tax differential; authorizes the Authority to use property tax differential for business recruitment incentives and establishes provisions relating to the Authority budget; authorizes the Authority to use an automatic license plate reader system under certain circumstances; and makes technical and conforming changes.
Status: Governor Signed, 2/21/2022
Stance:

HCR 1, Sub 1: Concurrent Resolution to Work Together to Address the Climate, Public Lands, and Carbon Sequestration

Sponsor: Rep. Stratton, Keven J.
Summary: Recognizes certain challenges and concerns with current land and forest management practices and how those practices conflict with goals to slow and reverse climate change; encourages improved land management practices, including coordination with all relevant parties to reverse trends of carbon emissions with new and evolving technology, expand natural carbon sequestration, and improve health, safety and forest and ecosystem vitality
Status: Governor Signed, 2/22/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HCR 7, Sub 2: Concurrent Resolution Regarding Improving Air Quality Through Enhanced Zero Emission Fail

Sponsor: Rep. Ballard, Melissa G.
Summary: Addresses improving air quality through encouraging rail development and zero emission technology deployment
Status: Governor Signed, 3/3/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HCR 10: Concurrent Resolution Regarding an Interlocal Agreement Creating the Jordan River Commission

Sponsor: Rep. Acton, Cheryl K.
Summary: Supports the participation of the Department of Transportation on the Jordan River Commission
Status: Governor Signed, 3/3/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HJR 3, Sub 1: Joint Resolution Supporting Federal Carbon Fee and Dividend Program

Sponsor: Rep. Ward, Raymond P.
Summary: This Joint Resolution addresses pollution, its impact to the environment, and ways to efficiently promote clean air technology
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 89: Water Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Iwamoto, Jani
Summary: Modifies provisions related to the water conservation plan including: requiring goalsfor water conservation to be set; address, adopting, amending, submitting, or posting a water conservation plan; requiring rate structures to be submitted under certain circumstancesl addressing division powers, including rulemaking
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 97: Solid and Hazardous Waste Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Winterton, Ronald M.
Summary: Amends definitions to provide that a facility that receives only waste from the exploration or production of oil and gas is not considered a commercial nonhazardous solid waste treatment, storage, or disposal facility
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 110, Sub 1: Water as Part of a General Plan

Sponsor: Sen. McKell, Michael K.
Summary: Requires a water use and preservation element to be part of a municipal or county general plan with exceptions
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 136, Sub 2: Air Quality Policy Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Escamilla, Luz
Summary: Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to study and make recommendations on a diesel emissions reduction plan framework
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 137, Sub 3: Property Decontamination Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Mayne, Karen
Summary: Authorizes a municipality to designate and regulate the abatement of hazardous materials; modifies the municipality’s authority regarding municipal inspectors and enforcement of abatement ordinances — a municipality may require that an owner or occupant use the abatement services of a certified decontamination specialist to abate hazardous materials
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 174: Pollution Control Equipment Tax Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Vickers, Evan J.
Summary: Provides a schedule for valuing county assessed pollution control equipment that is used in connection with a petroleum refinery; addresses a taxpayer’s opportunity to appeal a valuation
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 188, Sub 2: Energy Efficiency Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Cullimore, Kirk A.
Summary: Expands the Clean Fuels and Vehicle Technology Program to be the Clean Fuels and Emission Reduction Technology Program; expands low-income assistance programs related to customers of an electrial corporation or gas corporation
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 203, Sub 1: Tire Recycling Fund Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Sandall, Scott D.
Summary: Requires a municipality that owns or operates a landfill more than 10 miles outside the municipality’s jurisdictional boundaries to deposit all revenue from the landfill into the Waste Tire Recycling Fund; requires the Division of Finance to disburse revenue received from municipal landfill operators to the county within whose boundary the landfill is located; and provides for the disbursement of surplus amounts in the Waste Tire Recycling Fund to qualified recyclers
Status: Became Law without Governor Signature 3/24/2022Became Law without Governor Signature 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 254: Government Records Access Revisions

Sponsor: Sen. Cullimore, Kirk A.
Summary: Exempts certain records related to a governmental entity’s security measures from the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA); classifies certain drinking water and wastewater data as a protected record under GRAMA
Status: Senate/ enrolled bill to Printing, 3/11/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SCR 2: Concurrent Resolution Highlighting Utah's Willingness to Cooperate with the Federal Partners for Efficient and Sustainable Management of Public Lands

Sponsor: Sen. Winterton, Ronald M.
Summary: Recognizes certain aspects of the management of the resources in the state of Utah have failed to properly preserve resources and protect citizens of the state; encourages greater cooperation and coordination between the state of Utah and relevant federal agencies to improve the management and protection of the resources of the state of Utah.
Status: Governor Signed, 2/17/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SCR 3: Concurrent Resolution Highlighting Utah's Rare Earth Mineral Position

Sponsor: Sen. Hinkins, David P.
Summary: This resolution recognizes the state of Utah’s unique position as an essential source for critical minerals and encourages cooperation between state and federal stakeholders to take full advantage of the essential critical minerals and rare earth elements found in the state of Utah
Status: Governor Signed, 2/11/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

Criminal Justice

 

HB 28: Offender Supervision Amendments

Governor signed, 3/22/2022

Sponsor: Rep. L. Lisonbee
Summary: This bill amends provisions regarding individuals subject to probation and parole.
This bill: allows a jail to hold a parolee or probationer under certain circumstances; clarifies information contained in the sentencing guidelines including: the information a court shall consider when an individual violates a provision of probation or parole; and a limitation on the guidelines recommending caps for periods of incarceration when an individual violates a condition of probation or parole; requires the department of corrections to detain an individual who violates a condition of probation or parole if the violation was a particular type of offense; requires a court to review costs that a defendant will be charged for supervisory services; clarifies which offenders, the department of corrections, a local government agency, or a private probation provider may supervise; requires the department of corrections to provide a victim notice regarding: the expiration of an offender’s probation or parole term; and the victim’s ability to obtain a continuous protective order; and makes technical changes.
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 29, Sub 2: Driving Offenses Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. C. Acton
Summary: This bill concerns offenses relating to the operation of a motor vehicle.
This bill: modifies definitions; modifies offenses and penalties concerning the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or while having any measurable amount of a controlled substance in the operator’s body;amends negligent driving offenses subject to enhancement under certain circumstances; adjusts offenses subject to driver license suspension and revocation; modifies eligibility and requirements for a plea of guilty or no contest in certain negligent driving offense situations; amends offenses subject to ignition interlock system requirements; modifies offenses relating to alcohol restricted drivers; to mobile homicide offenses exempted from probate disqualification; amends offenses subject to chemical testing and related procedures; and makes technical and conforming changes.
Status: Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared, 2/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 55: Juvenile Justice Services Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. C. Acton
Summary: Provides the Division of Juvenile Justice Services with rulemaking authority to establish the qualifications and conditions of services provided to minors terminated from the custody of the Division of Juvenile Justice Services and makes technical and conforming changes.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 65, Sub 1: Forensic Biological Evidence Preservation

Sponsor: Rep. B. King
Summary: This bill concerns the preservation of biological evidence obtained in connection with the investigation or prosecution of a felony offense
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 97: Identity Theft Reporting System Amendments

Governor signed, 3/22/2022

Sponsor: Rep. Burton, Jefferson S.
Summary: Repeals Identity Theft Reporting System (IRIS). The Office of Attorney General shall, on or before the effective day of this bill, delete all information received or maintain in relation to IRIS.
Status: Governor Signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 124: Forcible Entry Warrant Modifications

Sponsor: Rep. Gwynn, Matthew H.
Summary: Provides parameters for knock and announce and no-knock warrants and specifies the conditions under which they may be acquired and used
Status: House/ enrolled bill to Printing, 3/10/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 126, Sub 3: Division of Juvenile Justice Services and Department of Corrections Rulemaking

Sponsor: Rep. Romero, Angela
Summary: Requires the Division of Juvenile Justice Services to create rules regarding policies and procedures to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual assaults of minor in detention and secure care facilities; requires the Division of Juvenile Justic Services to create rules regarding collection and reporting of data regarding sexual assaults of minors in detention and secure care facilities.
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 134, Sub 2: Victim's Rights Revisions

Sponsor: Rep. Rohner, Judy Weeks
Summary: Requires the Division of Juvenile Justice Services to create rules regarding policies and procedures to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual assaults of minor in detention and secure care facilities; requires the Division of Juvenile Justic Services to create rules regarding collection and reporting of data regarding sexual assaults of minors in detention and secure care facilities.
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 159: Attorney General Prosecution Review Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Lisonbee, Karianne
Summary: Describes requirements applicable to a district attorney, county attorney, and a law enforcement agency to provide information and evidence to the attorney general when the attorney general conducts a de novo review of a case; and permits the attorney general to seek a court order to enforce timely compliance in regards to a de novo review.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 171, Sub 2: Custodial Interrogation Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Wilcox, Ryan D.
Summary: Addresses the use of false information about evidence or an unauthorized statement about leniency in a custodial interrogation of a child
Status: House/ to Governor, 3/10/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 175: Protection of Animals Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Romero, Angela
Summary: Allows the court to, when issuing certain protective orders in cases of domestic violence, enjoin the respondent from injuring, threatening to injure, or taking possession of certain animals.
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 194: Department of Corrections Education Services

Sponsor: Rep. Ballard, Melissa G.
Summary: This bill concerns educational and career-readiness programs for incarcerated individuals
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 226, Sub 1: Higher Education and Corrections Council

Sponsor: Rep. Snow, V. Lowry
Summary: Establishes the Higher Education and Corrections Council to advise the Utah Board of Higher Education, the Education Interim Committee, and the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee; makes recommendations regarding the delivery of education in the state’s correctional facilities; collect certain critical data; and provide an annual report
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 260, Sub 2: Law Enforcement Recording Release Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Wheatley, Mark A.
Summary: Requires that in certain situations, the release of the recording of a law enforcement incident that resulted in death or bodily injury, or when an officer fired a weapon
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 299, Sub 1: Juvenile Justice Changes

Sponsor: Rep. Snow, V. Lowry
Summary: Amends provisions related to teem substance abuse programs; amends the responsibilities of the Division of Juvenile Justice Services to address an initial medical screening or assessment of a child in detention requires that a minor be advised of his/her rights in detention and in a delinquency proceeding; and amends provisions related to restitution ordered by the juvenile court for minors.
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 360, Sub 1: Title 39a - National Guard and Militia Act

Sponsor: Rep. Peterson, Val L.
Summary: Recodifies Title 39, Militias and Armories, as Title 39a, National Guard and Militia Act; creates 8 new chapters; clarifies that the State Defense Force is not subject to federal activation
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 412, Sub 1: Probation and Parole Employment Incentive Program

Sponsor: Rep. Lisonbee, Karianne
Summary: Creates the Adult Probation and Parole Employment Incentive Program, to be administered by the Department of Corrections and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget; requires the department to track and report certain statistics and other information relating to adult probation and parole; creates a restricted account to hold money to be used for the employment incentive program; describes the criteria and calculations upon which employment incentive payments are made to the department and to adult probation and parole regions; and provides for disbursement of employment incentive payments and descrives the purposes for which the payments may be expended.
Status: Governor Signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 52: Sex Offender Registry Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Stoddard, Andrew
Summary: Allows for individuals on the Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry to enter a restricted area if accompanied by an adult; and changes the term “sex offender” to “registrant.”
Status: FAILED
Stance: OPPOSE

SB 56, Sub 1: Criminal Stalking Exemption Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Weiler, Todd D.
Summary: Creates an exemption in the criminal stalking statute for a law enforcement officer, government investigator, or licensed private investigator acting in an official capacity
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: OPPOSE

SB 65, Sub 2: Asset Forfeiture Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Weiler, Todd D.
Summary: If a property is owned by multiple people and one of those people is under a criminal investigation, the other innocent parties or “interest holders” may lay claim on the the property immediately if the property such as a computer, vehicle or home, is necessary for innocent parties to conduct legitimate business, work, attend school, provide necessary medical care, provide care of a dependent child or adult who is elderly or disabled, would leave individual homeless, or would otherwise provide a hardship as determined by the court.
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 102, Sub 3: Wireless Communication Device Use in a Motor Vehicle

Sponsor: Sen. Wilson, Chris H.
Summary: Prohibits an individual from using a wireless communication device to view or take a photograph while operating a moving motor vehicle; modifies provisions related to suspending an individual’s driver license upon a conviction of using a wireless communication devision while operating a moving motor vehicle
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 126: Officer Intervention and Reporting Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Iwamoto, Jani
Summary: Creates minimum standards for police misconduct; sets standards for intervention and reporting requirements in law enforcement agencies; requires the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council to establish and review minimum standards for reporting police misconduct; prohibits retaliatory action against a law enforcement agency employee who reports police misconduct
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 156, Sub 1: Protection Against Extortion Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Thatcher, Daniel W.
Summary: Expands sexual extortion to include extortion for money or other valuables
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 167, Sub 3: Sexual Exploitation Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Wilson, Chris H.
Summary: Adds the offense of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor to statutes that reference sexual exploitation of a minor, including: custody and visitation for an individual other than a parent; enhancements for offenses committed in concert with three or more persons or in relation to a criminal street gang; unlawful distribution of a counterfeit intimate image; penalties for repeat and habitual sex offenders
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 227, Sub 2: Consumer Privacy Act

Sponsor: Sen. Cullimore, Kirk A.
Summary: Provides consumers the right to: access and delete certain personal data maintained by certain businesses; and opt out of the collection and use of personal data for certain purposes; allows the Division of Consumer Protection to accept and investigate consumer complaints; authorizes the Office of the Attorney General to take enforcement action and impose penalties
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

Rural & Tribal

HB 25: Utah Rural Jobs Act Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. N. Abbott
Summary: This bill modifies the Utah Rural Jobs Act.
This bill requires each eligible small business that receives a growth investment to submit a document that directs and authorizes the State Tax Commission to disclose to the GO Utah office the eligible small business’s returns; addresses the method for allocating new annual jobs at an eligible small business that receives a growth investment from more than one rural investment company; establishes a deadline for each rural investment company to exit the program; and makes technical and conforming changes.
Status:
Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

 

HB 30: Student Tribal Regalia Use Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. A. Romero
Summary: This bill permits qualifying students to wear tribal regalia during a high school graduation ceremony.
This bill: provides that: a student who is enrolled, or is eligible to be enrolled, as a member of a tribe qualifying student may wear tribal regalia during a high school graduation ceremony; and a local education agency may not prohibit a qualifying student from wearing tribal regalia during a high school graduation ceremony; and defines terms.
Status:
Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 35, Sub 3: Economic Development Modifications

Sponsor: Rep.S. Handy
Summary: This bill modifies provisions related to economic development.
This bill: requires the Unified Economic Opportunity Commission, instead of the Business and Economic Development Subcommittee, to identify targeted industries for economic development in the state; modifies provisions related to the issuance of economic development tax credits by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity GO Utah office, including by: defining and modifying terms; limiting tax credit eligibility to certain projects involving targeted industries, located within rural counties or approved by the Unified Economic Opportunity Commission; repealing provisions allowing a local government entity or community reinvestment agency to receive a tax credit; allowing a local government entity to create an economic development zone for the purpose of incentivizing projects within the local government entity’s boundaries; allowing the GO Utah office to issue tax credits for projects that establish remote work opportunities in the state; requiring the GO Utah office to conduct an economic impact study to determine a business entity’s eligibility for a tax credit; establishing requirements for the GO Utah office to enter into a written agreement with a business entity, including factors for the GO Utah office to consider in determining the duration and amount of tax credit; related to the process for a business entity to claim a tax credit; and allowing the GO Utah office to make rules for purposes of administration; and makes technical and conforming changes.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 101: Rural Coworking and Innovation Center Grant Program Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Albrecht, Carl R.
Summary: This bill removes private companies from the list of entities that may receive a grant under the Rural Coworking and Innovation Center Grant Program within the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 172: Federal Land Disposal Law Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Brammer, Brady
Summary: Authorizes the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office to file and process federal land applications
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 206: Outdoor Recreation Related Education

Sponsor: Rep. Chew, Scott H.
Summary: Requires that the importance of gates or fences used for agriculture and how to close gates be part of hunter education and the off-highway vehicle safety education and training program
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 333, Sub 1: Economic and Workforce Development Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Hawkes, Timothy D.
Summary: Establishes the Economic Assistance Grant Program with the GO Utah office, for awarding grants to business entities implementing projects that promote economic opportunities in the state or provide certain services in the state; expands the GO Utah office’s Rural Opportunity Program, formerly the Rural County Grant Program, by allowing the office to award grants and loans to rural counties, rural municipalities, and business entities.
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HCR 4, Sub 1: Concurrent Resolution Calling for Protection of Archaeological Sites

Sponsor: Rep. Kwan, Karen
Summary: Describes the significance of archaeological sites in Utah; provides examples of laws that address the protection of archaeological sites; calls for the federal government to responsibly fund the protection of archaeologically significant sites on lands managed by the federal government, calls for the Department of Cultural and Community Engagement working with other government agencies to responsibly protect archaeological sites on state lands; and calls for education of the public.
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HCR 19: Concurrent Resolution Acknowledging and Highlighting the History, Culture, and Contributions of the Native American Peoples of Utah

Sponsor: Rep. Weight, Elizabeth
Summary: Recognizes the eight tribal nations with an ancestral home in Utah and highlights the benefits of learning about the diverse heritage and culture of each of these nations.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 68: Trespass Penalty Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Sandall, Scott D.
Summary: Imposes liability for civil damages against a person who is convicted of criminal trespass or of entering private land, without permission, while hunting or fishing; and adjusts the amount of civil damages that a person may be liable for when the person commits criminal trespass on agricultural land or range land.
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 160, Sub 1: Colorado River Authority of Utah Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Winterton, Ronald M.
Summary: Amends the membership on the Colorado River Authority of Utah; amends the Colorado River authority areas; requires authority to consult with tribes; and addresses rulemaking and resolution procedure requirements
Status: Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared, 3/8/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SCR 8: Concurrent Resolution Recognizing the Importance of the Agriculture Industry

Sponsor: Sen. Winterton, Ronald M.
Summary: Addresses how the agriculture industry affects the world, the state, emergencies, and the environment; discusses the characteristics of Utah agriculture now and into the future; addresses Utah’s agriculture community being unified in an effort to pursue a Decade of Agriculture
Status: Governor Signed, 3/4/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

Election Reform

 

HB 56: Voter Accessibility Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. M. Gwynn
Summary: Requires an election officer to provide accessible voting option for a voter with a disability; requires the director of elections to make rules regarding signature verification for individuals who are unable to sign their name consistently due to a disability; and requires that election notices include instructions for how a voter with a disability may obtain information on voting in an accessible manner.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

 

HB 67, Sub 1: Voter Roll Maintenance Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. M. Petersen
Summary: Requires the lieutenant governor and county clerks to take action regularly to update the official register of voters and provides instructions on the outside envelope for returning a ballot mailed to the wrong address
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

HB 90, Sub 3: Transparency in Lobbying and Disclosures Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. C. Pierucci
Summary: Requires a public officeholder to disclose the receipt of a gift provided or paid for by a foreign agent or foreign government; makes provisions of the Lobbyist Disclosure and Regulation Act applicable to a person who lobbies a local official or an education official
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

 

HB 91, Sub 2: Financial Disclosures Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. J. Teuscher
Summary: Provides that in-kind contributions and other contributions do not include survey results, voter lists, voter contact information, demographic data, voting trend data, or other information that is offered at no cost to a candidate or officeholder based on the candidate’s or office holder’s party, policy preferences or other criteria
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

HB 117, Sub 1: Victim Address Confidentiality Program

Sponsor: Rep. Pitcher, Stephanie
Summary: Addresses voter registration for individuals participating in an address confidentiality program; describes the eligibility and application requirements for program participants; describes the permitted uses for assigned addresses; permits disclosure to state and local government entities in certain circumstances; addresses immunity and the retention and destruction of records; and creates the Address Confidentiality Program Restricted Account.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

 

HB 178: Ranked-Choice Voting Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Winder, Mike
Summary: Requires ranked choice voting to be used in multi-candidate races in primary and general elections
Status: FAILED
Stance: OPPOSE

 

HB 185, Sub 2: Initiative and Referendum Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Robertson, Adam
Summary: Reduces the signature thresholds to qualify a local initiative or referendum for the ballot — from 7.75% to 6.25% of the active voters in at least 75% of the county’s participation areas; other percentages reduced for different sizes of cities or towns within a county.
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

HB 188, Sub 2: Voter Signature Verification Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Eliason, Steve
Summary: Provides guidance for determining when a signature submitted with a ballot corresponds to a signature in a voter registration record; establishes requirements for contracting a voter when the voter’s ballot is rejected; requires an election officer to provide an accessible voting option for a voter who is unable to sign their name consistently due to a disability.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

 

HB 218, Sub 1: Citizen Petition Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Teuscher, Jordan D.
Summary: Establishes a process for the electronic collection of signatures, in the presence of a signature gatherer using an approved device, as follows: for, at the discretion of the lieutenant governor, a statewide initiative, a statewide referendum, or a petition seeking the nomination of a register political party
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

 

HB 264, Sub 1: Municipal Alternate Voting Methods Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Welton, Douglas R.
Summary: Amends provisions relating to the Municipal Alternate Voting Methods Pilot: Replaces replaces references to the “canvassing phase” with the term “ballot-counting phase”; modifies provisions for determining a voter’s intent on an instant runoff voting ballot and when a vote is valid in an instant runoff race; modifies and clarifies recount procedures and requirements; and permits a canvassing deadline extension, when necessary, to conduct a recount
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

HB 267: Campaign Finance Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Strong, Mark A.
Summary: Amends the deadlines for municipal candidates to file campaign finance statements; adds a 24-hour grace period for municipal candidates to file campaign finance statements
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

HB 284, Sub 2: Primary Elections Modifications

Sponsor: Rep. Lisonbee, Karianne
Summary: Changes the following times, dates, and deadlines in relation to a regular primary election: the date of the primary election, the deadline for an election offiver to transmit election results to the lieutenant governor, the date of the statewide canvass, the deadline for filing a request for a recount, the deadline to contest the results of a primary election, the time during which a qualified political party is required to hold the party’s convention, the deadline for submitting signatures to qualify for the ballot, and the deadline by which the lieutenant governor is required to certify names for the ballot; also provides that for certain priary raices for offices where more than two candidates are seeking the nomination of the same political party for the same office, if one candidate does not receive more than a certain percentage of the votes cast in the race, the nominee will be selected in a runoff primary election between the two candidates who received the highest number of votes (bill is trying to overrule the ranked choice method recently adopted).
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

HB 313, Sub 2: Election Security Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Hawkins, Jon
Summary: Clarifies that it is unlawful to vote in the same election in Utah and outside of Utah; requires an individual who did not provide valid voter identification when registering to vote to provide valid voter indentification when voting; prohibits an election officer from soliciting, accepting, or using funds donated for an election by a person other than a government entity; requires video surveillance of unattended ballot drop boxes and institutes other requirements and security measures for ballot drop boxes. Requires the director of elections to make rules establishing the following: requirements for election officials regarding ballot security, including ballot custody, processing and tabulation; minimum standards for preserving the security of election equipment, including use, storage, and maintenance; software validation procedures to verify that voting system files have not been tampered with; and minimum requirements that a vendor must meet to be eligible to print ballots to be used in an election. Requires the lieutenant governor to conduct an annual voter registration audit; restricts access to election equipment and prohibits connecting certain election equipment to the internet; modifies a county clerk’s responsibilities; provides for the security of election equipment and information; requires increased record keeping for security purposes; requires an election official to check available sources to determine whether an individual registers to vote, or votes, in more than one state or precinct and addresses printing and mailing of ballots.
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

HB 371: Voting Revisions

Sponsor: Rep. Lyman, Phil
Summary: Removes a ballot drop box as a location where an individual may deposit a ballot; modifies voter registration forms; removes voting by mail as the primary voting method in the state and replaced it with in-person voting; addresses the form, handlingm depositing and tabulation of ballots; establishes an absentee ballot process for certain voters who are unable to vote at a polling place during early voting or election day; makes it unlawful to engage in voter harvesting; modifies the period of time for which certain election items must be preserved; requires an independent post-election audit and describes the requirements for that audit.
Status: FAILED
Stance: OPPOSE

 

HB 387, Sub 3: Ballot Processing Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Strong, Mark A.
Summary: Requires the posting of certain statistics relating to ballots and the schedule for processing ballots; modifies the qualifications for, and the access procided to, a poll watcher; requires the logging of certain information relating to replicated ballots; requires the separate storage of adjudicated ballots
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

HB 411, Sub 3: Voting Administration Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Petersen, Mike J.
Summary: Establishes a deadline to cure a rejected ballot and makes technical and conforming changes
Status: Governor Signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

HB 435, Sub 1: Elected Public Body Transparency Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Acton, Cheryl K.
Summary: Modifies the requirement for recording votes in the meeting minutes for a public body that has members who were elected to the public body; modifies a provision related to electronic meetingsl and makes technical changes.
Status: Governor Signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

 

HCR 3: Concurrent Resolution Supporting the Role of Electoral College in the Presidential Election Process

Sponsor: Rep. Hawkins, Jon
Summary: Highlights the importance of individual states in electing the President of the United States and addresses the advantages of the Electoral College over the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

HJR 5: Joint Resolution Highlighting the Success of the Municipal Ranked-choice Voting Pilot Program

Sponsor: Rep. Stenquist, Jeffrey D.
Summary: This joint resolution highlights the success of the Municipal Ranked-Choice Voting Pilot Program
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

SB 11: Local Election Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. J. Iwamoto
Summary: This bill amends provisions relating to cancelling a local election or a race in a local election
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

SB 18, Sub 1: Election Modifications

Sponsor: Sen. D. Thatcher
Summary: This bill modifies or repeals certain provisions relating to election administration to reflect current practice and to make technical changes
Status: Governor Signed, 3/3/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

SB 19: Election Revisions

Sponsor: Sen. D. Thatcher
Summary: This bill modifies provisions of the Election Code.
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

SB 32, Sub 1: Voting History Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. D. Thatcher
Summary: This bill amends provisions relating to voting history.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

SB 38, Sub 1: Ballot Amendments

Governor signed, 3/23/2022

Sponsor: Sen. D. Thatcher
Summary: Replaces a ballot title for an initiative or referendum with a short title and summary; establishes requirements for the short title and summary; provides for the ballot to include the short title of initiatives and referenda and to refer to a ballot proposition insert, included with the ballot, for a voter to review information relation to the initiatives and referenda
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

SB 170, Sub 2: Election Schedule Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Harper, Wayne A.
Summary: Modifies the deadlines by which a political party is required to provide certain notifications; modifies the period for filing a declaration of candidacy and a notice of intent to gather signatures; clarifies provisions relating to the residency requirement of a candidate
Status: Governor Signed, 2/14/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

SB 219: Election Funding Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Grover, Keith
Summary: Modifies the deadlines by which a political party is required to provide certain notifications; modifies the period for filing a declaration of candidacy and a notice of intent to gather signatures; clarifies provisions relating to the residency requirement of a candidate
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

 

Taxes

 

HB 41: County Property Tax Statement Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. S. Barlow
Summary: This bill addresses the annual property tax statement each county auditor prepares for the State Tax Commission and the State Auditor.
This bill: repeals the requirement that the county auditor annually provide the State Auditor a property tax statement; and makes technical changes.
Status: Governor signed, 3/15/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 53: Social Security Tax Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. W. Brooks
Summary: Expands eligibility for the Social Security tax credit by increasing the thresholds for the income-based phaseout: (1) Married, filing separately threshold from $25,000 to $31,000; (2) Single filing status from $30,000 to $37,0000; and (3) head of household filing status or joint filing status from $50,000 to $62,000.
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 164: Public Transit Fares

Sponsor: Rep. Briscoe, Joel K.
Summary: Prohibits a large public transit district from charging a fare to a passenger of a public transit service.
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 165: Food Sales Tax Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Lesser, Rosemary T.
Summary: Removes the state sales and use tax imposed on amounts paid or charged for food and food ingredients and excludes candy from the definition of food and food ingredients
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 199: Tangible Personal Property Tax Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Spendlove, Robert M.
Summary: Removes the requirement that a taxpayer file a signed statement after the first calendar year in which a taxpayer qualifies for a property tax exemption for tagible personal property if the taxpayer continues to qualify for the exemption in subsequent years.
Status: Governor signed, 3/15/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 203: Food Sales Tax Modifications

Sponsor: Rep. Rohner, Judy Weeks
Summary: Removes the state tax imposed on amounts paid or charged for food and food ingredients
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 221: Tax Credit for Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Sponsor: Rep. Harrison, Suzanne
Summary: Enacts a nonrefundable corporate and individual income tax credit for the purchase or lease of an alternative vehicle; provides a process for a taxpayer to assign a tax credit to the dealer; and requires the Air Quality Board to create a form to facilitate assignment of the tax credit
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 307: Earned Income Tax Credit Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Winder, Mike
Summary: Provides an earned income tax credit on a state-level to individuals with a low income who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. The state EIC would be 15% of the federal EIC.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 347, Sub 1: Property Tax Exemption Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Welton, Douglas R.
Summary: Modifies the definition of nonprofit entity for purposes of the exclusive use exemption
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 444, Sub 1: Income Tax Revisions

Sponsor: Rep. Spendlove, Robert M.
Summary: Modifies the tax obligations of pass-through entities and pass-through entity taxpayers
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 59, Sub 4: Tax Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. McCay, Daniel
Summary: Amends the corporate franchise and income tax rates from 4.95% to 4.85%; expands eligibility for social security benefits tax credit by increasing threshold for income-based phaseout; and enacts a state earned income tax credit and provides for apportionment of that credit.
Status: Governor signed, 2/11/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 61, Sub 1: Delinquent Property Tax Collection Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Harper, Wayne A.
Summary: Provides when the state, a governmental entity, or a local agency acting on behalf of a political subdivision may collect a delinquent property tax from the debtor’s overpayent or refund of income tax and provides the order in which a debtor’s incomes tax overpayment or refund shall be credited against a delinquent property tax.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 62, Sub 4: Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship Program Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Fillmore, Lincoln
Summary: Expands eligibility for the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship Program; modifies the duties and rulemaking authority of the State Board of Education in relation to the program; authorizes the scholarship granting organizations to prepared and distribute information about the program to parents who apply for a scholarship under the program; provides a one-year carry-back of the income tax credit for making a donation to the program.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 70: Social Security Tax Credit Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Mayne, Karen
Summary: Expands eligibility for the social security tax credit by increasing the thresholds for the income-based phaseout: (1) Married, filing separately threshold from $25,000 to $35,000; (2) Single filing status from $30,000 to $42,000; and (3) head of household filing status or joint filing status from $50,000 to $70,000.
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 81, Sub 3: Affordable Housing Tax Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Iwamoto, Jani
Summary: Prescribes a valuation method for determining the fair market value of real property subject to a low-income housing covenant; requires a county assessor to send a form approved by the State Tax Commission to each owner of real property subject to low-income housing covenant
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 90: Tax Administration Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Harper, Wayne A.
Summary: Clarifies that the parties to an administrative garnishment order issued by the State Tax Commission must file certain requests and motions in the district court
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 93, Sub 3: Business Tax Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Fillmore, Lincoln
Summary: Exempts supplies used in the course of business from personal property tax; and exempts certain tangible personal property consumed in the performance of a taxable service from sales and use tax.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 94: Taxpayer Tax Credit Modifications

Sponsor: Sen. Mayne, Karen
Summary: Expands eligibility for the taxpayer tax credit by including the taxpayer and, if filing jointly, the taxpayer’s spouse in the calculation of the Utah personal exemption
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 106: Electrical Facility Sales Tax Exemption

Sponsor: Sen. Ipson, Don L.
Summary: Enacts a sales and use taxe exemption for amounts paid or charged in connection with the construction, operation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of facilities owned by a distribution electrical cooperative or a wholesale electrical cooperative
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 200, Sub 2: Revisions to Property Tax

Sponsor: Sen. Harper, Wayne A.
Summary: Requires a business to include the business’s NAICS code when filing a signed statement related to the business’s taxable personal property; modifies the contents of a property tax notice; requires a county assessor to notify a taxpayer when the taxpayer qualifies for an exemption to the signed statement requirement related to the taxpayer’s business personal property
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 211: Income Tax Fund Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Stevenson, Jerry W.
Summary: Changes the name of the Education Fund to the Income Tax Fund — this is significant because these funds may now be appropriated to non-education related projects
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

Diversity
& Equity

 

HB 11, Sub 4: Student Athletics Participation

Sponsor: Rep. K. Birkeland
Summary: This bill addresses student athlete participation in gender-designated sports in the public education system.
This bill: defines terms; conditions student athlete participation in gender-designated sports in the public education system on the student’s birth certificate; imposes a hormone treatment requirement for a student athlete whose birth certificate is amended to reflect a male-to-female transition; requires a female student on testosterone therapy for a female-to-male transition to participate in male-designated sports; allows a female student to participate in male-designated sports when a female-designated equivalent is not available; and provides for severability.
Status: House to Lieutenant Governor, 3/28/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

 

HB 26: Renter's Credit Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. S. Eliason
Summary: This bill addresses the subtraction of certain utilities from rent for purposes of calculating the renter’s credit in the Property Tax Act.
This bill: provides the percentage that the commission shall deduct from rent when calculating a renter’s credit if the rent includes electricity, natural gas, or both.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 50, Sub 1: Intergenerational Poverty Mitigation Amendments

Sponsor: Rep.S. Handy
Summary: This bill amends provisions related to intergenerational poverty mitigation.
This bill: repeals: the Utah Intergenerational Welfare Reform Commission; the Intergenerational Poverty Advisory Committee; and the Intergenerational Poverty Plan Implementation Pilot Program; requires the Department of Workforce Services to prepare an annual intergenerational poverty report for inclusion in the department’s annual written report, formerly reported by the Utah Intergenerational Welfare Reform Commission; requires the Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, the Department of Health, the State Board of Education, the Department of Human Services, and the Administrative Office of the Courts to submit a report to the Department of Workforce Services related to intergenerational poverty mitigation for inclusion in the intergenerational poverty report; and makes technical and conforming changes.
Status: Governor signed, 3/15/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 60, Sub 2: Vaccine Passport Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. W. Brooks
Summary: Makes it unlawful for a place of public accommodation to discriminate against an individual based on the individual’s immunity status; with certain exceptions, prohibits a governmental entity from requiring proof of immunity status; with certain exceptions, makes it unlawful discrimination for an employer to require proof of immunity status; and prohibits a governmental entity or employer from requiring an individual to receive a vaccine if the vaccine is authorized for emergency use or undergoing safety trials.
Status: FAILED
Stance: OPPOSE

HB 63, Sub 3: Covid-19 Vaccine Exemptions

Sponsor: Rep. J. Hawkins
Summary: Requires an employer to relieve an employee or a prospective employee of a COVID-19 vaccination mandate if the employee or prospective employee submits a physician’s note stating that the employee or prospective employee was previously infected by COVID-19; and makes technical and conforming changes
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: OPPOSE

HB 127: Medical Practice Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Shipp, Rex P.
Summary: Prohibits a physician or surgeon from performing a transgenderal procedure on a minor
Status: FAILED
Stance: OPPOSE

HB 163, Sub 1: Driver License Testing Modifications

Sponsor: Rep. Moss, Carol Spackman
Summary: Amends provisions related to testing to obtain a driver license to allow a covered humanitarian parolee the same testing procedures provided to refugees and approved asylees
Status: Governor Signed, 2/22/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 230, Sub 2: Refugee and Immigrant Student Policies Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Dan N.
Summary: Requires the State Board of Education to create a repository for immigrant students’ and foreign exchange students’ transcripts; amends requirements when: an individual enrolling student in a school is unable to produce the student’s birth certificate and a student’s birth certificate does not accurately reflect the student’s age; amends requirements related to conditional enrollment when a school has not received a student’s complete immunization record.
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 238: State Holiday Modifications

Sponsor: Rep. Hollins, Sandra
Summary: Provides that Juneteenth National Freedom Day shall be observed on June 19 of each year as a holiday throughout the state
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 266: Trauma-Informed Research and Training Grant Program

Sponsor: Rep. Hawkins, Jon
Summary: Creates the Trauma-informed Research and Training Grant Program within the Department of Workforce Services; grant to be awarded for implemtentation of a statewide program to prevent and mitigate the impact of traumatic life experiences on state communities; program will research benefits that the service provides regarding social, economic and workforce functions of individuals.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 328, Sub 3: Driver License and License Plate Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Pitcher, Stephanie
Summary: At an individual’s request and subject to written verification, requires the Motor Vehicle Division to include the individual’s vehicle registration record information about the indiivdual’s invisible condition; allows an individual to request removal of information about his/her invisible condition; and requires Driver License Division to include an identifying symbol or sticker on the individual’s driver license or identification card to indicate an individual’s invisible condition.
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 364: Minimum Wage Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Collard, Clare
Summary: Requires an employer to pay a tipped employee at least minimum wage without computation of a cash wage obligation and tips or gratuities
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 440, Sub 3: Homesless Services Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Eliason, Steve
Summary: Modifies the membership of the Utah Homelessness Council within the Office of Homeless Services; establishes the Utah Homeless Network Steering Committee with the office and describes the membership duties of the steering committee; allows certain municipalities to receive funds from the Homeless Shelter Cities Mitigation Restricted Account to mitigate the impacts of homeless shelters; establishes a formula for the office’s disbursement of funds to municipalities to request account funds; requires the council to consider certain factors in determining whether to approve or deny a municipality’s request for account funds; removes provisions requiring the office to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding requests for account funds; requires certain councils of governments to annually prepare and submit to the office an overflow plan that establishes plans for temporary overflow shelters within the county during a limited period of time; requires the office to review the overflow plan to determine whether the plan is sufficient for the provision of services for individuals experiencing homelessness during a limited period of time; allows certain homeless shelters to expand capacity during a limited period of time under certain circumstances; prohibits municipalities from imposing certain capacity limits on homeless shelters during a limited period of time under certain circumstances; prohibits municipalities from restricting an entity from operating a temporary overflow shelter from a facility owned or operated by the entity during a limited period of time under certain circumstances; allows the office to contract with an entity to operate a temporary overflow shelter from a state facility during a limited period of time under certain circumstances; requires the office to make rules governing certain overflow plans and temporary overflow shelters; and makes technical and conforming changes.
Status: Governor Signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 462, Sub 2: Utah Housing Affordability Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Waldrip, Steve
Summary: Requires certain political subdivisions to adopt an implementation plan as part of the moderate income housing element of the political subdivision’s general plan; modifies the list of strategies that a political subdivision may select; or are required to select, for implementation as part of the moderate income housing element of the political subdivision’s general plan; requires certain municipalities to develop and adopt station area plans for specified areas surrounding public transit stations; requires certain political subdivisions to amend its general plan by a specified date if the general plan does not include certain provides related to moderate income housing; modifies requirements for a political subdivision’s annual moderate income housing report to the Housing and Community Development Division (division) within the Department of Workforce Services (department); allows a political subdivision to have priority consideration for certain funds or projects if the political subdivision demonstrates plans to implement a certain number of moderate income housing strategies; prohibits a political subdivision from receiving certain funds if the political subdivision fails to comply with moderate income housing reporting requirements; prohibits a political subdivision from imposing impact fees for the construction of certain internal accessory dwelling units; requires the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority to consult with the United Economic Opportunity Commission in planning the development of the point of the mountain land; modifies requirements for the public transit district to participate in a transit-oriented development; requires certain counties to prepare and submit a proposal to create a housing and transit reinvestment zone by a specified date; modifies local referenda signature requirements for local land use laws that relate o the use of land within certain transit areas; limits the referability to voters of local land use laws that relate to the use of land within certain transit areas; requires the division to develop a statewide database of moderate income housing units; requires the division to develop a methodology for determining whether a political subdivision is complying with certain moderate income housing requirements, to be submitted to and approved by the Commission on Housing Affordability by a certain date; modifies the membership of the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund Board; requires an entity that receives any money from the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund after a certain date to provide an annual accounting to the department; repeals certain limits on the amount of money the department may distribute from the Economic Revitalization and Investment Fund; establishes a Rural Housing Fund, to be used by the division to provide loans for certain moderate income housing projects in rural areas; allows the department to use a certain amount of money from specified funds to offset administrative costs; allows the Private Activity Bond Review Board to transfer certain unused allotment account funds to any other allotment account, and exempts such funds from certain set aside requirements; allows state entities, in addition to political subdivisions, to grant real property for certain developments that include moderate income housing; allows the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity to use funds from the Industrial Assistance Account to provide financial assistance to entities offering technical assistance to municipalities for planning; and makes technical and conforming changes.
Status: Governor Signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HCR 15: Concurrent Resolution Condemning Antisemitism

Sponsor: Rep. Owens, Doug
Summary: This resolution condemns antisemitic acts and statements as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values that define the people of the state of Utah
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HCR 16: Concurrent Resolution Recognizing Student Athletes' Right to Religious Freedom and Modesty

Sponsor: Rep. Pierucci, Candice B.
Summary: This resolution encourages all municipalities, public and private K-12 schools, universities, and organizations supporting youth athletic teams and activities to allow youth to wear religious clothing or headware or to modify their uniforms to accommodate religious beliefs or personal values of modesty without barriers or limitations
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HCR 20: Concurrent Resolution Encouraging Prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Sponsor: Rep. Acton, Cheryl K.
Summary: Recognizes the detrimental effects of an adverse childhood experience (ACE) and emphasizes awareness and community engagement to prevent adverse childhood experiences; describes certain ACEs and the potential detrimental effect of accumulated ACEs; highlights strategies to raise awareness about, prevent, and mitigate the effects of ACES; and encourages Utah’s communities to strengthen opportunities for individuals and families to learn about ACEs and connect with services and activities that reduce the potential for future negative outcomes.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HJR 7, Sub 2: Joint Resolution Honoring the Sikh Community

Sponsor: Rep. Collard, Clare
Summary: This joint resolution highlights the history and significant contributions of the Sikh community and expresses support for the Sikh community in the state
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HJR 11: Joint Resolution Supporting Services for Veterans

Sponsor: Rep. Burton, Jefferson S.
Summary: This joint resolution encourages the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs to submit a grant application for replacement and expansion of the Salt Lake Veterans Home
Status: House to Lieutenant Governor, 3/14/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HJR 15: Joint Resolution Recognizing the Employment First Initiative

Rep. Eliason, Steve Rep. Owens, Doug
Summary: This joint resolution recognizes the Employment First initiative as a means to preserve the dignity, self-esteem, and pride of individuals with a disability in Utah
Status: House/ to Lieutenant Governor, 3/10/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 58: Day of Remembrance Observing the Incarceration of Japanese Americans During World War II

Sponsor: Sen. Iwamoto, Jani
Summary: Designates an annual day of remembrance observing the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II
Status: Governor Signed, 2/17/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 71, Sub 1: Financial Education and Savings Plan to Benefit At-Risk Children

Sponsor: Sen. Fillmore, Lincoln
Summary: Creates the Parental Coaching to Encourage Student Savings Program within the Department of Workforce Services that provides: financial training to parents of certain children experiencing intergenerational poverty, to encourage parents to start saving money for their child’s higher education expenses and a financial contribution to the 529 savings accounts of certain children experiencing intergenerational poverty, if a parent successfully meets the requirements of the program; excludes financial contributions made by the Department of Workforce Services from qualifying for certain tax credits available to the owners of 529 savings accounts; requires the Department of Workforce Services to make rules to administer the program; creates the Parental Coaching to Encourage Student Savings Program Restricted Account; describes the reporting and other requirements of the Department of Workforce Services related to the program; requires local education agencies to provide written notification of the program to the parents of children attending Kindergarten and requires the Division of Finance to transfer a certain amount of money each year from Unclaimed Property Trust Fund to the Parental Coaching to Encourage Student Savings Program Restricted Account.
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 87: Court Fee Waiver Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Iwamoto, Jani
Summary: Allows court fees, costs or security to be waived for indigent individuals
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 95, Sub 3: Limitations on Employer Liability

Sponsor: Sen. Owens, Derrin R.
Summary: A cause of action may not be brought against an employer for negligently hiring an employee based solely on evidence that the employee has been previously convicted in this state or in another jurisdiction of an offense.
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 108: Indigent Defense Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Weiler, Todd D.
Summary: Allows the Indigent Defense Commission to award grants for indigent defense services; clarifies who is eligible for appellate defense services
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 117: Utah Antidiscrimination Act Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Kitchen, Derek L.
Summary: Amends the Utah Antidiscrimination Act to provide protection for a trait historically associated with race, including a protective hairstyle, including braids, locks, afros, curls, and twists
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 133, Sub 2: Food Security Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Escamilla, Luz
Summary: Creates the Food Security Council at Utah State University to coordinate state efforts in addressing food security
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 140, Sub 3: Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Harper, Wayne A.
Summary: Allows housing and transit reinvestment zones around light rail and bus rapid transit facilities; amends provisions related to the size limitations and number of allowed housing and transit reinvestment zones; requires equal participation by all local taxing entities
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 152, Sub 3: Community Association Regulation Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Harper, Wayne A.
Summary: Prohibits a housing association from prohibiting a unit owner’s display of a religious or holiday sign, symbol, or decoration; a for-sale sign or campaign sign. Specifies the content or design criteria of a political sign; prohibits an association from prohibiting water-efficient landscaping, adding an electric vehicle charging system; and amends provisions regarding solar energy systems
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 155: Guardianship and Conservatorship Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Weiler, Todd D.
Summary: Addresses a guardian’s authority to make and assist with a ward’s health care decisions; amends provisions related to the termination, removal, or resignation of a guardian of an incapacitated person
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 216: Modifications to Driver License Examination

Sponsor: Sen. Escamilla, Luz
Summary: Allows certain applicants for a driver license with limited English proficiency to take the written driver license examination in certain other languages
Status: Governor signed, 3/21/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 238, Sub 1: Homeless Services Modifications

Sponsor: Sen. Anderegg, Jacob L.
Summary: Establishes the COVID-19 Homeless Housing and Services Grant Program
Status: Governor Signed, 2/17/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SCR 6, Sub 1: Concurrent Resolution Encouraging Support for Internationally Adopted Individuals

Sponsor: Sen. Iwamoto, Jani
Summary: Encourages United States Congress and the President of the United States to support efforts related to legally adopted internationally born individuals and encourages certain state agencies to support adopted children in accessing adoption resources.
Status: Governor Signed, 2/17/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

Education

 

HB 15, Sub 2: Child Care Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. S. Pulsipher
Summary: Clarifies the Department of Health’s authority over municipalities and counties to regulate child care programs operated by licensed or certified child care providers; allows a community reinvestment agency to use the agency’s housing allocation to pay for the expansion of child care facilities within the agency’s boundaries; removes provisions limiting the number of children under two years old that a certified residential child care provider may care for; requires the Office of Child Care to provide grants to child care providers using COVID-19 relief funds.
Status: Governor signed, 3/15/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

 

HB 21, Sub 1: School and Child Care Center Water Testing Requirements

Sponsor: Rep. S. Handy
Summary: This bill addresses water quality for schools and child care centers.
This bill: defines terms; requires certain testing of water for lead at schools and child care centers; addresses funding for testing and certain actions; requires action if lead test results equals or exceeds a certain level;addresses rulemaking authority; addresses records that the division shall post; imposes sunset dates; and makes technical changes.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 79: State School Board Governance Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. M. Ballard
Summary: Reduces the size and modifies the membership of the State Board of Education; provides that members of the board are appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate; removes the State Board of Education from provisions of the Election Code
Status: FAILED
Stance: OPPOSE

HB 114, Sub 2: School Nursing Services Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Harrison, Suzanne
Summary: Revises Utah Code to define “School Nurse” as a registered nurse who holds a license under Title 58, Chapter 31b, Nurse Practice Act or a multistate license as defined in Section 58-31e-102; schools shall increase the number of school nurses from one for every 5,000 students to one for every 2,000 students.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 183: In-Person Learning Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Teuscher, Jordan D.
Summary: Suspends a test to stay program requirement; amends provisions regarding the computation of the case threshold that triggers the test to stay program requirement; clarifies when a student may return to school during a test to stay event
Status: Governor Signed, 2/2/2022
Stance: OPPOSE

HB 193, Sub 3: Full-Day Kindergarten

Sponsor: Rep. Waldrip, Steve
Summary: Requires local education agency governing boards to provide full-day kindergarten options for a kindergarten student
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 211, Sub 1: School Fees Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Robertson, Adam
Summary: Prescribes the fees an LEA may charge a secondary school student for a curricular activity or portions of a co-curricular activity; prohibits an LEA from charging a general fee, a fee for textbooks, or charge a student in grade 6 a fee for a remediation program
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 234, Sub 1: Public Educator Curriculum Transparency Requirements

Sponsor: Rep. Teuscher, Jordan D.
Summary: Requires local school boards and charter school governing boards to formally adopt curricula used within the local education agency; requires class syllabi to be made available and updated online including a description of associated learning materials used for student instruction; requires schools to make learning materials available for parent inspection at schools.
Status: FAILED
Stance: OPPOSE

HB 241: School Epilepsy Training Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Pulsipher, Susan
Summary: Requires a local education agency to provide training on seizures to teachers who teaches a studentwith epilepsy or other similar seizure disorder and an administrator at the school — to recognize the signs and symptoms of seizures and appropriate steps for seizure first aid
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 251: School Dropout Prevention Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Peterson, Karen M.
Summary: Requires a local education agency that meets certain criteria to provide dropout prevention and recovery services by either: a contracting third party or creating a dropout prevention and recovery plan
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 270: Parent Access to School Data Comparison

Sponsor: Rep. Peterson, Karen M.
Summary: Requires the Utah State Board of Education to provide an online school comparison tool to facilitate parents access to compare public school performance
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 274: Health Education Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Moss, Carol Spackman
Summary: Requires that the State Board of Education establish curriculum requirements that include instruction in: sexual assault resource strategies and sexual violence behavior prevention; amends provisions related to when a student receives health education instruction; requires LEA to review data, including data on sexual assault to inform LEA on policies on health education and, as appropriate, incorporate the data into health education.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 290: School Readiness Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Peterson, Karen M.
Summary: Modifies the eligibility requirements for a preschool student to participate in a high quality school readiness program; modifies requirements for lead teacher certifications in a preschool program that an eligible LEA or private provide runs as part of a readiness program
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 294: Charter School Admissions Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Pulsipher, Susan
Summary: Allows a charter school to give enrollment preference to: an individual whose sibling is currently enrolled in a charter school with an approved articulation agreement; for the 2022-2023 school year, a student who withdrew from charter school to attend an online school or home school previously because of Covid-19. Also requires that a charter school enroll a foster child residing in the same residence with a student current enrolled in a charter school
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 302, Sub 1: Educational Language Services Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Dan N.
Summary: Requires an LEA to adopt a policy facilitating assistance to students learning English and their parents; requires that a new Educational Interpretation and Translation Services Procurement Advisory Council to provide translators or translations of materials in the native language of the parents of students learning English
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 331, Sub 1: Hope Scholarship Fund

Sponsor: Rep. Pierucci, Candice B.
Summary: State Board of Education scholarship program to provide free tuition to private schools to K-12 students who have not received another grant or scholarship from them. $36 million appropriated annually and one-time $34 million for 2022 and $2 million for 2023. Qualified students are from impoverished families, as defined in the bill. Scholarship will pay for some additional fees but not all fees, such as travel associated with school activities.
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 332: Clean Air for Schools Program

Sponsor: Rep. Owens, Doug
Summary: Requires the State Board of Education to award grants to eligible local education agencies to provide portable air filtration systems to schools and creates reporting requirements.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 339: Paid Teacher Preparation Days for Curriculum and Classroom Transparency

Sponsor: (Rep. Teuscher, Jordan D.
Summary: Requires the State Board of Education to provide funding for a certain number of paid preparation days for teachers to improve curriculum and classroom transparency
Status: FAILED
Stance: OPPOSE

HB 346, Sub 2: Funding Independence in Foreign Language Education

Sponsor: Rep. Pierucci, Candice B.
Summary: Prohibits an institution of higher education from seeking or accepting funding support from a restricted foreign entity; requires Southern Utah University to establish the Helen Foster Snow Cultural Center, subject to legislative appropriations
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 355, Sub 1: Higher Education Financial Aid Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Peterson, Val L.
Summary: Changes the Public Safety Officer Career Reimbursement Program to a grant program; addresses the amount of money the Utah Board of Higher Education may use for administrative costs and overhead related to the Opportunity Scholarship Program; allows the board to establish criteria under which the board may forgive a loan made under the Terrel H Bell Teaching Incentive Loans program; removes the state requirement for financial aid applications to complete the federal form for selective service; directs the board to create educational pathways
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 366, Sub 1: Education Transparency

Sponsor: Rep. Stratton, Keven J.
Summary: Requires local governing boards to continue and encourage methods to ensure curriculum transparency
Status: FAILED
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 374, Sub 1: Sensitive Material in Schools

G

Sponsor: Rep. Ivory, Ken
Summary: Defines certain instructional materials as sensitive materials; prohibits sensitive materials in a public school; requires the State Board of Education to, in consultation with the Office of Attorney General, provide guidance and training to public schools on identifying sensitive materials; requires the state board to report to the Education Interim Committee and Government Operations Interim Committee on implementation and compliance with the certain provisions
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 386, Sub 1: Education Innovation Program

Sponsor: Rep. Welton, Douglas R.
Summary: Establishes a process for submitting an application and receiving LEA governing board approval for an innovation program; provides for the features of an innovation program, including alternative curriculum and alternative class schedule; specifies requirements for an innovation program application, including parental consent for student participation; provides a process for LEA governing board approval of an innovation program application; allows for a grant for additional costs related to an innovation program; provides for a review and assessment of the performance of an innovation program
Status: overnor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 390, Sub 1: Early College and Concurrent Enrollment Program Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Snow, V. Lowry
Summary: Aligns references to Advanced Placement courses, exams, and credit; amends requirements for a State Board of Education funding distribution formula for early college programs to prioritize funding to cover the cost of each early college program test for certain students; addresses LEA use of certain program funds for concurrent enrollment courses for certain students; allows an LEA to charge a restricted rate for indirect costs in concurrent enrollment programs
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 396, Sub 1: Paid Professional Hours for Educators

Sponsor: Rep. Moss, Jefferson
Summary: Requires the State Board of Education to provide funding to local education agencies for additional paid professional hours for educators;
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

HB 417, Sb 1: Online Course Access Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Birkeland, Kera
Summary: Requires the State Board of Education to use funds from an appropriation to the Statewide Online Education Program to pay for an online course for a high school student attending a school with fewer than 1,000 students.
Status: Governor Signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 420: Title IX Reporting

Sponsor: Rep. Birkeland, Kera
Summary: Requires certain schools to report information regarding student participation in interscholastic sports available to students enrolled at school; requires certain schools to include in the school’s report information regarding an action plan that the school creates to address a discrepancy in participation in gender-designated interscholastic sport; requires a local governing board to review the report in a public board meeting.
Status: Governor Signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HB 428, Sub 2: School Safety Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Hollins, Sandra
Summary: Requires a local education agency to: review information on harassment and discrimination with the LEA; adopt a plan for harassment- and discrimination-free learning; and report on the plan. In addition, requires the state board and an LEA to report data on the demographics of a victim of bullying, hazing, cyber-bulling, or retaliation
Status: Governor Signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

HCR 18: Concurrent Resolution Highlighting the Importance of Supportive Networks of Adults for Child Success and Opportunity

Sponsor: Rep. Weight, Elizabeth
Summary: Highlights the importance of a supportive network of adults for child success and encourages Utahns to build networks to support and create opportunities for children in the state.
Status: FAILED
Stance: SUPPORT

HJR 1: Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - State Board of Education

Sponsor: Rep. Ballard, Melissa G.
Summary: Proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to eliminate the requirement that State Board of Education members be election; and require that State Board of Education members be appointment as provided by statute; directs the lieutenant governor to submit this proposal to voters; and provides a contingent effective date of January 1, 2023 for this proposal.
Status: FAILED
Stance: OPPOSE

SB 78: School Board Expansion Requirements

Sponsor: Sen. Anderegg, Jacob L.
Summary: Modifies the size of a local school board based on student population in the local school district; considers size of board every 10 years; districts with fewer than 10,000 students shall have a board of five members; districts with 10,000 to less than 50,000 students shall have 7 board members, and beginning January 1, 2023, districts with 50,000 to less than 100,000 students shall have a board of nine members; five-member boards shall not elect more than three people per election year; seven-member boards shall not elect more than four members in an election year, and a nine-member board shall not elect more than five members in an election year.
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 127, Sub 1: Early Literacy Outcomes Improvement

Sponsor: Sen. Millner, Ann
Summary: Requires the State Board of Education to establish strategies and administer programs to improve early literacy outcomes in kindergarten through grade 3, including: providing statewide and regional support in literacy coaching and professional learning in early literacy; establishing a panel with expertise in the science of reading and the science of reading instruction; partnering with a private business or nonprofit organization to annual provide personal, home-use books to certain students; leveraging community engagement in literacy; etc
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 134, Sub 3: Special Education Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Bramble, Curtis S.
Summary: Requires a local education agency to provide special education in the least restrictive environment as determined by an eligible student’s individualized education program team; permits an LEA to provide special education to a student with disabilities regardless of whether other students in the class or setting are students without a disability.
Status: Governor Signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 172, Sub 1: Higher Education Student Assistance Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Vickers, Evan J.
Summary: Creates the Higher Education Student Success Endowment consisting of funds from the proceeds from the divestment of Utah Higher Education
Status: Governor signed, 3/22/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 191, Sub 2: Regulatory Sandbox in Education

Sponsor: Sen. Fillmore, Lincoln
Summary: Permits a district school or charter school to: create a plan to implement an innovative education program and apply to the State Board of Education for a waiver of state board rule
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 192, Sub 1: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Schools

Sponsor: Sen. Stevenson, Jerry W.
Summary: Requires the State Board of Education to make rules to develop and implement cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training as part of the health curriculum for students
Status: Governor signed, 3/23/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 226, Sub 3: Higher Education Data Privacy and Governance Revisions

Sponsor: Sen. Anderegg, Jacob L.
Summary: Enacts requirements for data protection and maintenance for the Utah Board of Higher Education, institutions, and third-party contractors
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 233: Military Servicemember Child Enrollment

Sponsor: Sen. Millner, Ann
Summary: Amends provisions regarding nonresident and open enrollment for children of military servicemembers to provide additional opportunity
Status: Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared, 3/8/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 244, Sub 2: Ethnic Studies Amendments

Sponsor: Sen. Cullimore, Kirk A.
Summary: Requires the State Board of Education to incorporate ethnic studies into the core standards for Utah public schools; local education agency is required to: adopt ethnic studies instructional materials and curriculum that align with core standards and integrate ethnic studies into regular school work for kindergarten through grade 12; also creates the Ethnic Studies Commission to student the contributions of Utahns of Diverse Ethnicities and recommend to the state board how to incorporate ethnic studies into core standards
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: SUPPORT

SB 245: School Turnaround Program Revisions

Sponsor: Sen. Anderegg, Jacob L.
Summary: Requires the State Board of Education to: identify the lowest performing non-Title I schools as springboard schools; accept applications to be designated as an elevate school from non-Title I schools that are implementing targeted support and improvement activities under federal requirements; permits the state board to hire or contract with individuals to conduct a needs assessment for springboard schools or elevate schools; repeals provisions related to turnaround school teacher recruitment and retention
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 251, Sub 1: Grow Your Own Teacher and School Counselor Pipeline Program

Sponsor: Sen. Riebe, Kathleen A.
Summary: Permits a local education agency to select certain teachers as candidates for a scholarship award through the Grow Your Own Teacher and School Counselor Pipeline Program; allows scholarship money awarded through the program to ne used for stipends for school counselor assistants
Status: Governor signed, 3/24/2022
Stance: FOLLOWING

SB 257: Divisive Concepts in Government and Education

Sponsor: Sen. Johnson, John D.
Summary: An educational or governmental institution or an employee of an institution may not: penalize an individual on account of the individual’s refusal to support, believe, endorse, embrace, confess, act upon, or otherwise assent to a divisive concept; require an employee to engage in training, orientation, or therapy that promotes a divisive concept or presents any form of stereotyping or blame on the basis of race, sex, or national origin. Nothing in this bill prohibts” the teaching and discussion of truthful, balanced, historically accurate, and unbiased concepts, including after the students have obtained a foundational understanding of the intent and constructions of the constitution; an impartial discussion of controversial aspects of history, if the discussion is based on original source documents and instruction on the historical oppression of a particular group of people based on race, ethnicity, class, nationality, religion, or geographic region, if the instruction is based on original source documents; or a discussion of a divisive concept if the concept is discussed as one of several concepts without any promotion, direction or compulsion
Status: FAILED
Stance: OPPOSE