- Ron Winterton
- 2 hours ago
- 14 min read
Friends and Neighbors,
With the legislative session now in full swing, week two brought time spent refining policies to benefit our state. We welcomed Aerospace and Defense Day on the Hill, highlighting Utah’s ever-growing role in national security, advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation. As Utah continues to grow, we’re continually focused on investing in education, protecting our constitutional rights, improving public safety and ensuring that our state remains a place where families and businesses can thrive.
Utah’s legislative session lasts just 45 calendar days, with only 33 working days. This structure was designed to keep government limited and prioritize issues that matter most. It can feel overwhelming to follow every bill and know how it might affect you. Below is a summary of key bills passed this week and how they could impact you and your community.
Utah has always been built by people willing to dream big and work hard. That same spirit is on display this session as we continue moving our state forward.
Priority Highlights
S.B. 134 Court Amendments
Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. While that growth brings many benefits, it also places added demands on essential public services, including our courts.
Over the years, Utah has added district court judges to respond to population growth. However, our appellate courts and Supreme Court have remained unchanged for decades:
The Utah Supreme Court has remained unchanged since 1917.
The Utah Court of Appeals has remained unchanged since 1987.
As Utah’s population has grown and legal issues have become more complex, these courts are now managing significantly heavier caseloads. This has led to delays, backlogs and longer wait times for decisions that directly affect Utah families and businesses.
What It Does
S.B. 134 takes a system-wide approach to addressing these challenges by increasing capacity:
Supreme Court: Adds two justices (from 5 to 7)
Court of Appeals: Adds two judges (from 7 to 9)
District Courts: Adds three judges each in Districts 3, 4 and 5.
Judicial Support: Provides additional law clerks, judicial assistants and support staff to support the work of the judiciary.
Why It Matters
Supreme Court: 34 states have seven or nine justices on their state supreme courts. States similar in size to Utah all have seven to nine justices, except Utah.
Court of Appeals: Utah currently has more than 488,000 residents per Court of Appeals judge, well above the regional norm of 300,000 to 350,000.
District Courts: Adding judges in high-need districts will help reduce wait times for case processing and ensure timely access to justice across the state.
Statewide System Resources: S.B. 134 addresses these challenges by adding judges, clerks and staff to expand overall capacity. This will reduce case backlogs and speed up case resolution, helping ensure Utah’s courts continue to serve the public effectively.
S.B. 69 School Device Revisions
Phones in classrooms are more than distractions; they’re hurting learning and mental health. Students without phones learn 62% more and score over a letter grade higher. Technology has its place, but not at the expense of student focus and mental health.
What It Does
This bill protects the classroom as a sanctuary of learning from the first bell of the day to the last. The classroom should be a phone-free zone in order to create a focused, intentional and productive learning environment.
Reasonable exceptions remain in place for emergencies and medical needs, and local school districts retain the flexibility to make adjustments that best serve their communities.
Restores balance in the classroom, supports teachers, strengthens student engagement and gives kids their focus and their childhood back, while giving parents confidence that learning comes first.
Why It Matters
Phones are increasingly disrupting classrooms, affecting student focus and negatively impacting mental health.
Some schools in Utah have already implemented a bell-to-bell policy and the early results show the positive impact it has had. At Granger High School, physical altercations were nearly cut in half, students recorded 62% more information in class and test scores increased by a full letter grade and a half.
The goal is to empower school districts, teachers, students and parents to create a more focused and productive learning environment.
Twenty-five years ago, our country woke up to a morning that changed everything. On September 11, 2,977 innocent lives were taken, and families across America were forever altered. Behind every number is a name, a story and loved ones who still carry that loss today.
In the midst of unimaginable tragedy, we also witnessed the very best of our nation. First responders, emergency personnel and ordinary citizens showed extraordinary courage, compassion, and sacrifice, reminding us what it means to serve something greater than ourselves.
To ensure this moment in history is never forgotten, the Senate passed S.C.R. 2, encouraging communities across Utah to mark September 11, 2026 with ceremonies, moments of silence and gatherings that bring people together. The resolution also urges schools to teach this history in meaningful ways so the next generation understands not just what happened, but why it still matters.
We remember 9/11 not only to honor those we lost, but to recommit ourselves to unity, resilience and freedom, the values that carried us through that dark day and continue to define who we are as Americans.
Aerospace and Defense Day
Utah’s aerospace and defense companies had the opportunity this week to showcase their latest innovations during Aerospace and Defense Day on the Hill. I was glad to meet many of the leaders and visionaries who continue to push this industry forward and keep Utah at the forefront of national innovation. Aerospace and defense play a vital role in our state’s economy and in supporting the nation’s security. As a legislature, we remain committed to fostering growth, encouraging innovation and supporting the continued success of this important sector.
Charter Day on the Hill
This week, we also celebrated Charter Day on the Hill as part of National School Choice Week. The event brought together students, educators and families from public charter schools across Utah to highlight the learning environments that help students thrive. It was a pleasure to welcome these schools to the Capitol and see firsthand the creativity, commitment and community spirit that define their work. Utah’s charter schools play an important role in expanding educational opportunities for families, and we value their contributions to our public education system.
Legislation Highlights
S.B. 135 Nuclear Reprocessing Amendments
What It Does
Recognizes nuclear fuel recycling as a potential clean energy opportunity.
Authorizes the Office of Energy Development (OED) to coordinate with public, private and federal partners on the possible development of a nuclear fuel recycling facility in Utah.
Instructs the Utah Energy Council to provide guidance and conduct preliminary assessments on nuclear fuel recycling.
Allows the OED to serve as a liaison between private entities and local communities where a facility might be considered.
Why It Matters
Utah is one of only two states with salt cavern geology capable of safely storing nuclear waste, creating a unique opportunity to lead in advanced nuclear energy production and cutting-edge nuclear waste reprocessing.
Much of today’s spent nuclear fuel can be recycled and reused for clean, reliable energy production, helping to eliminate the need to store harmful nuclear waste.
Positions Utah to strengthen energy reliability, expand workforce opportunities and support economic growth.
S.C.R. 1 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Nuclear Energy
What It Does
Supports Utah pursuing expanded Agreement State status with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Full Agreement State status would allow the state to safely and efficiently manage certain nuclear materials locally instead of relying entirely on federal oversight.
Allows Utah to take on greater responsibility for regulating additional nuclear materials and activities under existing federal law.
Encourages the governor to submit a letter of intent to begin the Agreement State process with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Recognizes the role of the Department of Environmental Quality and other state agencies in coordinating with federal partners throughout this process.
Why It Matters
Agreement State status gives Utah greater control and oversight of nuclear-related activities happening within the state.
Current federal regulations add unnecessary red-tape and slow down Utah’s goal of advancing nuclear energy production.
Increased state involvement improves coordination with industry and federal partners while maintaining strong safety and environmental standards.
This resolution supports Utah’s long-term energy strategy by positioning the state to responsibly manage advanced nuclear technologies.
S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions
Kratom use and products are evolving, and certain highly potent compounds related to kratom pose a significant public health risk.
What It Does
S.B. 48 focuses on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a highly potent compound related to kratom that can be manufactured and added to other products.
Classifies 7-OH and other closely related chemicals as controlled substances to prevent unsafe, high-potency forms from being sold or distributed.
Allows limited trace amounts of naturally occurring 7-OH found in traditional kratom products to remain legal, unless in the event of a complete kratom ban.
Helps Utah keep pace with how kratom products are changing and being sold.
Why It Matters
While kratom is sometimes used for pain relief or other purposes, 7-OH is more addictive, stronger and far more dangerous.
Deaths associated with 7-OH have occurred all over the nation and are increasing.
Because 7-OH can be synthesized and concentrated, it can appear in products that are more dangerous than traditional kratom.
The bill focuses on removing the most dangerous versions of kratom from the marketplace while prioritizing public health and safety.
Taking action to better regulate it helps prevent further harm as these high-potency products become more widely available.
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments
What It Does
Adds a tax on the sale of kratom products similar to taxes already applied to Spice, Hemp, CBN, CBG and THC products.
Uses tax revenue to support the Department of Agriculture’s enforcement efforts, including inspections of businesses selling these products.
Helps ensure products like kratom, hemp, CBN and similar substances sold in Utah meet established safety standards.
Includes a coordinating clause so that if kratom is banned in other legislation, the tax would no longer apply.
Why It Matters
This tax structure was created to fund inspections and oversight following the entry of unregulated products into the marketplace.
As kratom has become widely available, regulators are encountering similar concerns, including unsafe or unapproved substances being mixed into products.
Without adequate funding, enforcement agencies lack the resources needed to ensure products are safe and compliant.
Establishing a tax provides accountability, improves public safety and helps Utah respond to emerging products before risks escalate.
This approach strengthens oversight now while setting a framework for addressing similar substances in the future.
S.B. 161 Evaluations in Guardianship Amendments
S.B. 161 updates procedures used when a court is considering whether a person may need a guardian, focusing on medical evaluations, privacy protections and access to information during the process.
What It Does
Clarifies that a person’s HIPAA medical privacy rights are not changed or reduced simply because they are involved in an incapacitation hearing, even when there are concerns about their ability to make or communicate health-care decisions.
Updates the qualifications and standards for health-care providers appointed by courts to assess individuals alleged to be incapacitated.
Requires that reports prepared by court-appointed health-care providers be formally filed with the court so all parties have access.
Clarifies that reports from court-appointed visitors must also be filed with the court.
Why It Matters
Individuals involved in incapacitation proceedings deserve clear protections for their medical privacy and legal rights.
Consistent standards for court-appointed evaluations help ensure assessments are accurate, professional and fair.
Requiring reports to be filed with the court promotes transparency and ensures all parties have timely access to important information.
These updates strengthen due process and clarity in court proceedings that can have significant personal and legal consequences.
S.B. 173 Cryptocurrency Amendments
This bill aims to add protection for Utahns from scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs.
What It Does
Requires cryptocurrency kiosks, think ATMs, to be licensed and regulated, like other financial services.
Establishes limits on certain transactions to reduce fraud risk.
Caps the fees these machines can charge.
Requires warnings before a transaction so people know about common scams.
Authorizes the Attorney General to enforce cryptocurrency consumer protection laws.
Why It Matters
Scammers are increasingly using crypto to steal money from Utah residents.
Once money is sent through crypto, it’s usually impossible to recover lost funds.
Clear warnings and fee limits help protect consumers from unknowingly sending money to scammers.
Licensing and oversight bring accountability, ensuring operators follow the same consumer protection rules as other financial services.
Stronger enforcement authority allows the Attorney General to better investigate scams and hold bad actors accountable.
These safeguards help protect Utah families and communities from financial losses tied to fraud and deception.
S.B. 195 Workforce Development
What it Does
Creates a statewide Youth Apprenticeship Governance Council to coordinate programs across education, workforce and industries.
Allows Utah to participate in the federal Workforce Pell Grant program, providing short-term, high-demand job training for students.
Streamlines program oversight by allowing data sharing, interstate agreements and delegated approval authority to the Utah Board of Higher Education.
Updates definitions, privacy protections and technical code sections to ensure consistent and secure.
Why it Matters
Utah’s growing economy depends on students who are well prepared with real world skills.
The Workforce Pell Grant program gives students better access to career training that matches Utah’s workforce needs.
Expands access to federal financial aid for training that leads directly to good jobs.
Improves coordination and efficiency so new workforce programs can launch and operate more effectively across the state.
Strengthens privacy safeguards and ensures agencies use consistent standards when supporting students and employers.
S.B. 51 School Safety Modifications
What It Does
Establishes a process for the State Board of Education to collect and share information about credible student threats between local education agencies when a student transfers schools.
Allows schools to flag serious safety concerns so the School Safety Center is aware of potential risks.
Creates a structured threat assessment process to evaluate and document threats that may pose a risk to students, staff or school property.
Protects student privacy by limiting access to authorized school staff and, if needed, law enforcement.
Provides immunity for good-faith reporting to encourage accurate and timely communication.
Why It Matters
Helps schools have the information they need about students’ safety concerns when transferring, improving protection for everyone.
Improves communication between schools to prevent dangerous situations from falling through the cracks.
Helps schools respond to credible threats more effectively while protecting student privacy and due process.
Supports broader school safety efforts and complements recent legislation focused on collaboration and student reintegration.
Strengthens Utah’s commitment to keeping students, educators and school communities safe.
S.B. 90 Occupational Licenses for Veterans and Service Members
What It Does
Creates a clear pathway for veterans and service members to use their military training and experience to qualify for Utah occupational licenses.
Allows the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to recognize relevant military experience toward licensure requirements, while maintaining public safety standards in place.
Applies to active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists and veterans.
Why It Matters
Veterans come back to civilian life ready to work with valuable experience, but face delays because their military training is not consistently recognized by civilian licensing agencies.
When military training isn’t recognized, those who served our country can lose income and employers can miss out on skilled workers
S.B. 90 removes red tape while preserving licensing standards, helping Utah connect skilled and experienced workers with jobs more quickly.
Builds on Utah’s commitment to support military families by ensuring military service does not create unnecessary barriers to civilian careers.
S.J.R. 8 Opening New Pathways to Law School for Utahns
What It Does
Lays the foundation for a new law school at Utah Valley University focused on flexibility and opportunity.
Expands legal education options for working professionals, parents and others balancing careers, families or other responsibilities.
Focuses on individuals seeking a career change or advancement in public service.
Complements existing law schools by opening new pathways through a flexible, non-traditional law school model, similar to the structure many master’s programs offer.
Why It Matters
Traditional law school schedules make legal education unrealistic for many Utahns. This program would offer evening and weekend classes designed for working professionals and non-traditional students.
The curriculum would prepare students for practical legal careers in public service, including roles such as public defenders and legislative drafting attorneys.
By strengthening Utah’s legal workforce, this creates new opportunities for Utahns to advance their careers, bring lived experience into the legal profession and serve their communities without putting their jobs, families or stability at risk.
S.B. 21 Geothermal Amendments
Utah is growing fast, and that means we need more reliable, affordable power to support our families, businesses and communities. Fortunately, the West Coast has high geothermal potential. Geothermal is a clean, always-on energy source that delivers electricity around the clock, regardless of time of day or weather, helping keep energy costs stable as demand increases.
What It Does
S.B. 21 ensures Utah’s laws keep pace by updating state code, protecting water and property rights, and strengthening oversight so geothermal development happens responsibly in a way that safeguards Utah’s land, resources and communities.
Why It Matters
New geothermal projects in Utah are putting our state on the map as a leader in next-generation energy production.
We are expanding homegrown power, reducing reliance on out-of-state energy and creating high-paying jobs here at home. These are issues Utahns consistently rank as a top priority: lower energy costs, energy independence and strong local job opportunities.
Elections
Utah has long set a high standard for secure, reliable elections. This session, we’re continuing the work to keep it that way. As our state grows, we remain committed to strengthening transparency, refining election processes and ensuring that every Utahn can have full confidence in the integrity of our election system. Legislation aims to build on Utah’s strong foundation of secure, reliable elections by increasing transparency.
S.B. 153 Voter Registration Records Amendments
What It Does
Improves election data integrity by assigning unique voter ID numbers and enhancing procedures for removing deceased voters.
Makes core voter registration records public by default, aligning with federal election law.
Establishes a clear "at-risk” designation for individuals with documented threats, such as domestic violence victims, law enforcement and military members, which will keep their records private.
Currently, accessing voter data can cost more than $1,000. This bill would cap the fee at $200, ensuring fair and transparent access.
Prevents misuse by giving clear warnings to anyone requesting the data, and imposing criminal and civil penalties for violations.
Why It Matters
Locked doors don’t create confidence; open doors do. In Utah, we are committed to open, trustworthy elections so it is easy to vote and hard to cheat.
Previous rules limited public verification and created a larger financial barrier to voter files.
Allows citizens, watchdogs, journalists and campaigns to more easily verify information. This will build trust, transparency and accountability in our election process.
S.B. 140 Election Adjustments
What It Does
Sets a clear deadline and timeline for the election office to produce the statewide randomized master ballot order, so candidate names are listed fairly and consistently across all ballots.
Establishes a consistent signature submission deadline for candidates seeking election to the U.S. House in 2026, providing greater clarity in the election process.
Supports S.B. 2001 Election Amendments, which adjusted congressional filing deadlines to provide candidates clarity and election officials time to prepare.
Why It Matters
By clarifying how and when ballots are set and how candidates qualify, S.B. 140 helps make sure no candidate gets an accidental advantage simply from name placement.
Predictable dates and deadlines mean that candidates and voters all have the same expectations, reducing confusion and improving election confidence.
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
ICYMI
Voter ID, oversight and transparency among changes in Utah’s 157-page election bill
Here are the members of Team USA going to the Milan-Cortina Olympics
Lawmakers give recommendations to bill tightening cell phone restrictions in Utah schools
California’s politics turned this small Utah town into a global energy hub
Utah to buy US Magnesium plant for $30M — an 'incredible opportunity' for the Great Salt Lake
As always, thank you for following along. Check out some key moments from week two below!
Best,
Ron Winterton
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