- Ron Winterton
- Jan 23
- 7 min read
Friends and Neighbors,
Utah’s story is shaped by people who stand firm in their values and communities united in purpose. That unity has helped make Utah a national leader in education, energy and innovation. We don’t just face challenges, we rise above them.
Utah’s strength comes from generations who believed in hard work, responsibility and building something greater than themselves. That same pioneer spirit still defines our state today, reflected in Utah being recognized nationally for opportunity, resilience and quality of life.
Building on this legacy, we remain guided by enduring values of family, faith and service. Just as generations have forged the way to a stronger Utah, we will keep climbing together toward an even brighter horizon.
Day One of the 2026 General Session
Utah is a national leader in many areas: ranked #1 overall, #1 for economic outlook, #1 for social mobility and #4 for education. Opening day celebrated Utah’s role in America’s 250 years of liberty and the values that continue to shape our state.
Many individuals gave their time and talents to make the first day of the session meaningful. We were especially honored that Darin Hoover led us in the pledge of allegiance. Darin is the Gold Star father of Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover, who was tragically killed in action during the 2021 Afghanistan airport attack. Also joining us was Connor Zaharis, an engineering student at the University of Utah, who performed the national anthem on the piano. Members of the Utah National Guard posted the Colors, and Elder Patrick Kearon of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offered the opening prayer. We were also grateful to welcome leaders from Utah’s higher education and business communities as we celebrated the important work they do across our state.
After 250 years, America remains a beacon of hope for the world, and we are proud that Utah is helping carry that legacy forward. Together, we will continue building a brighter future for Utah, for America and for generations to come.
Your Voice
Your voice helps shape the future of our state. As your senator, I welcome your input on the policies you support and those you oppose.
I’m fortunate to have an intern assisting me with the busyness of the session. If you would like to meet with me, please contact my intern Katie at kstansfield@le.utah.gov or 385-441-0602.
I look forward to working with my colleagues this session as we develop policies that strengthen Utah’s future.
On the Hill
A Tribute to Utah’s Past, Present and Future
The North Capitol Building is officially open! This milestone honors the vision, dedication and spirit of Utahns—past, present and future.
For over a century, Utahns have invested in our Capitol, seeing it as more than a building; it is a symbol of our shared values, our republic and our bright future. The North Building celebrates a vision cultivated across generations, shaped by our early leaders.
Those leaders imagined Utah’s future, building with confidence that today’s work would serve tomorrow’s needs. They constructed a Capitol larger than their immediate needs required, and now, with the North Building, we carried on that vision.
The North Capitol Building is more than a space; it’s a place of learning, engagement and inspiration. Highlights include:
A laylight with 89 panels and over 14,700 pieces of stained glass, celebrating Utah’s people, places and stories.
Secure storage for the state’s art and historical treasures.
Over 300 additional public parking spaces.
New conference center.
Home to the future Museum of Utah.
The North Building also consolidates administrative functions, improving efficiency and connectivity for both employees and the public. Thoughtful design features, like bus drop-off zones, clear pathways and smooth circulation, make visiting easier than ever. I invite you to come see the new building in person.
View photos of the North Capitol Building here.
State of the Judiciary
On the first day of the legislative session, Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Durrant delivered the State of the Judiciary address. He discussed the importance of checks and balances in our government system. As Durrant stated, lawmakers have a significant role in identifying areas for improvement. He emphasized the shared commitment of the Legislature and the judiciary to good governance and to serving the people of Utah. While healthy disagreements are a natural and important part of our system, mutual respect between branches of government strengthens public confidence and, in turn, helps Utah continue to grow stronger.
Utah Tech University Day on the Hill
This week, we welcomed Utah Tech University to the Capitol for their Day on the Hill. During our Senate floor recognition, we were joined by many Utah Tech students and faculty leaders. Utah Tech provides a unique educational experience for students in Southern Utah. As the university with the most affordable tuition rate in Utah and an incredibly low student-to-faculty ratio, Utah Tech provides a personal education experience for over 13,000 students. Go Trailblazers!
State of the State: Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary and Our Founding Principles
The governor delivered his State of the State address, calling on Utahns and lawmakers to recommit to civic virtue, moral character and the habits of self-government. As our nation celebrates its 250th year, it is important to remember these principles and the role they have played in shaping both our lives, our communities and our government. I share his sentiment and look forward to the work ahead to preserve that promise for generations to come.
Legislation Highlights
S.B. 27 Assault or Threat of Violence Amendments
What It Does
Assaulting a police officer is a crime under existing Utah law.
S.B. 27 clarifies and expands the crime to include assaults of an off-duty police officer or a police officer’s family.
Why It Matters
Officers can be targeted for their profession even when they are off duty or out of uniform.
Extending these protections promotes the safety and security of officers and their families.
Strengthening the statute helps deter targeted or retaliatory assaults and reinforces accountability for those who commit violence against law enforcement.
S.B. 15 County Forms of Government Amendments
What It Does
Removes barriers by letting large counties choose the government structure that works best for them.
Allows large counties with an expanded county council form of government to select part-time or full-time commissions under optional government forms.
Makes it easier for larger counties to have full-time, professional county commissioners while preserving flexibility for smaller counties.
Why It Matters
Many Utah counties have experienced significant population growth and increased responsibilities, but outdated state rules can prevent local governments from adapting their leadership structures to meet demands.
This legislation gives local voters the power to choose the leadership structure that best fits their county.
Helps ensure county governments can operate efficiently, remain accountable and adapt to their size, growth and community needs.
S.B. 30 Human Trafficking, Exploitation and Smuggling Amendments
What It Does
This bill updates Utah’s human trafficking statutes, both labor and sex trafficking, with clearer and more practical language.
S.B. 30 establishes a more effective penalty structure by increasing penalties for individuals who knowingly exploit or traffic vulnerable people, and applying lower penalties when the conduct is committed recklessly rather than intentionally. This ensures that deliberate offenders face the strongest consequences.
The bill also protects good-faith employers, especially those using lawful migrant labor, while creating new accountability for individuals who knowingly benefit from trafficked labor, an area previously unaddressed in Utah law.
Why It Matters
Over time, Utah’s trafficking laws have become a patchwork of definitions so broad that they both hinder the prosecution of real traffickers and create uncertainty for honest employers. This bill directly addresses that problem.
With clearer definitions, prosecutors can more effectively target human traffickers, while law-abiding employers can operate without fear of unintended liability.
These reforms bring fairness and consistency to Utah’s trafficking laws. S.B. 30 strengthens protections for trafficking victims, increases accountability for offenders and enhances safety across our communities.
S.B. 46 Water Wise Landscaping Amendments
What It Does
Limits non-functional turf on new state construction projects to 20% or less and prohibits it in park strips.
Requires waterwise landscaping on new state construction projects, including a requirement that at least 50% of landscaping be covered by trees, tall shrubs or functional turf.
Updates state outdoor water standards by requiring smart irrigation systems for non-recreational turf, rather than basic overhead spray irrigation.
Why It Matters
Utah is the second-driest state in the nation and faces frequent drought conditions, making water conservation on state-owned property a necessary step to protect long-term water supplies.
Reduces unnecessary water use on public property and helps conserve limited water resources as Utah continues to face drought and growth pressures.
Encourages more durable, low-water landscaping by prioritizing trees and shade over excessive turf, lowering long-term irrigation needs.
Supports Utah’s water conservation goals, including reducing outdoor water use to help secure supplies for a growing population.
S.B. 22 Minor Driving Hours Amendments
What It Does
Clarifies that a stepparent or foster parent can supervise a minor with a learner permit.
Why It Matters
Updates existing statute, which previously limited supervision to biological parents, to recognize stepparents and foster parents as authorized supervisors for learner's permit driving.
Provides families with greater flexibility for support, especially in situations where traditional definitions may not reflect real life caregiving goals.
Promotes code consistency to remove unnecessary barriers for families working to help young drivers succeed.
Check for Unclaimed Property
Did you know Utah holds millions of dollars in unclaimed property belonging to individuals and families across the state? Unclaimed property can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payments, or other funds that belong to you.
Utahns can easily search for and claim their property for free by visiting mycash.utah.gov. It only takes a few minutes and could put money back in your pocket.
Your Guide to Getting Involved in the Legislative Process
Public participation plays an important role in shaping strong policies for all Utahns. That’s why we’ve created a webpage designed to help you easily follow the issues that matter most to you and take part in the legislative process. These video tutorials will walk you through how to navigate the legislative website, le.utah.gov, and make the most of its many resources.
Learn more about how you can stay connected, view committee agendas and bills, participate and more at: senate.utah.gov/getting-involved.
Best,
Ron Winterton
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