2026 Session - Week 3

Friends and Neighbors, 

As we close out week three of the legislative session, the pace here on the Hill is picking up. Committees are hard at work, bills are moving through the process and there’s a real buzz in the Capitol. This is a time of thoughtful conversation, collaboration and action as we focus on shaping Utah's future. 

Utah continues to stand out as one of the fastest-growing states, attracting people from all walks of life because of our stunning landscapes, thriving economy, tight-knit communities and high quality of life. But with growth comes responsibility—the responsibility to protect the values and resources that make Utah unique. 

My commitment is to preserve and enhance what makes Utah such a great place to live and raise a family. That means ensuring our families have access to the resources they need to succeed, keeping taxes low and ensuring our education system remains competitive. 

Below you can read some of the highlights from this week!

Priority Spotlight: Building a Strong Education Foundation for Utah Students 

Reading is essential to a child’s development. It builds confidence, independence and critical and creative thinking skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Yet today in Utah, nearly half of our students are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade, a critical milestone. Research shows that when children fall behind in literacy early, every subject becomes more difficult, from math and science to history. The consequences can last a lifetime. 

Reading is essential to a child’s development. It builds confidence, independence and critical and creative thinking skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Currently, nearly half of Utah students are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade, a critical milestone. Research shows that when children fall behind in literacy early, every subject that follows becomes more difficult, from math and science to history. The consequences can last a lifetime. We have the ability to change that trajectory.  

Utah is committing to a bold goal: By 2030, 80% of students will be reading proficiently by the end of third grade. 

S.B. 241 Early Literacy addresses third-grade reading proficiency by identifying challenges early and providing practical, evidence-based support for students, educators and families. Key components include: 

• Personalized reading plans with early identification and targeted intervention 

• Evidence-based literacy instruction 

• Trained literacy professionals  

• Strong collaboration and transparency with parents  

If a child needs more time and support to build foundational reading skills, families and schools will work together to decide what is best for that student. In some cases, an extra year with focused reading support can help a child gain confidence and succeed in later grades and in life. This is never an automatic decision, and exemptions for students with disabilities, English learners, and children with unique needs ensure that every child receives individualized support to help them thrive. 

This bill reflects years of thoughtful policy and collaboration with educators, parents and literacy experts, grounded in a shared belief that every child deserves the strongest possible start in reading, learning and lifelong success. 

Helping students read is the most foundational investment we can make, not just for our schools, but for Utah’s economy and its rising generations—our future workforce, problem-solvers and communities. Investing early saves us all resources later. Targeted literacy support in early grades significantly reduces the need for potential educational and public intervention down the road.  

On the Hill  

A Tribute to Utah’s Service Members of the Year 

One of the most meaningful moments each year at the Capitol is the opportunity to honor those who protect our communities through military service. We had the opportunity to recognize Utah’s Service Members of the Year, exceptional men and women representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Space Force across active duty, National Guard and Federal Reserve service. Together, these honorees exemplify the very best of Utah’s military community. Their selfless service, leadership and sacrifice strengthen both our state and our nation. 

Outdoor Recreation Day on the Hill 

Outdoor Recreation Day on the Hill celebrates one of Utah’s defining strengths: unparalleled access to the outdoors. The event highlighted the continued growth of Utah’s outdoor recreation economy and reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to supporting the businesses, organizations and public land stewards who make outdoor experiences accessible to Utahns statewide. 

Outdoor recreation plays a vital role in Utah’s economy, workforce and overall quality of life. Few places in the world offer such a diverse range of outdoor opportunities so close to home. From skiing and hiking to mountain biking and boating and from exploring iconic national parks to treasured state lands, Utah truly has it all. These experiences enrich families, strengthen communities and foster a deep appreciation for the landscapes that define our state. As Utah continues to grow, sustained investment in outdoor recreation and responsible stewardship will ensure that future generations can enjoy the same remarkable outdoor experiences that are central to life in Utah. 

Tourism Day on the Hill  

Tourism is thriving in Utah, with dozens of beautiful natural landscapes to explore and small towns full of rich history. In 2024, the tourism industry generated over $13 billion in direct visitor spending, $2.5 billion in tax revenue and over 160,000 travel and tourism jobs.  

With five National Parks, 46 State Parks and 15 world-class ski resorts, Utah attracts visitors from all around the country and world. This strong tourism economy helps ensure Utah remains a place where Utahns and visitors can access world-class recreation and continue to enjoy all our state has to offer. 

Weber State Day: Honoring Excellence on the Hill 

We were honored to welcome Weber State University to the Capitol for Weber State Day on the Hill and to recognize the Alumni Emeriti, whose lifelong dedication continues to strengthen the Wildcat community. Weber State remains one of Utah’s most trusted workforce partners, preparing students to meet the needs of the state's growing workforce. With more than 7,500 graduates each year and a strong commitment to affordability, WSU continues to deliver record student success through nationally recognized support programs that help learners thrive. It was a true privilege to host WSU’s leadership at the Capitol and to celebrate the meaningful impact they make in communities across Utah.  

Celebrating the Champions of Wildcat Spirit 

We had the opportunity to honor the talented athletes from Weber State University’s Spirit Squad for their extraordinary season, placing both Weber State and Utah at the forefront of collegiate spirit sports. The Cheer and Dance teams delivered a historic 2025-2026 season, earning national titles across multiple divisions, securing Grand National Championships and bringing home Weber State’s first-ever Universal Dance Association Division I Hip Hop National Championship. Their remarkable success reflects years of dedication and talent, making Weber State a powerhouse on every national stage.  

Beyond this season’s victories, the Spirit Squad continues to build a strong legacy, from winning world championships and contributing to Team USA, to setting national scoring records. Their success reflects the leadership of coaches Summer Willis and Erica Williams Jordan, both of whom have shaped this program into the dynasty it is today. We congratulate the coaches, captains, and team members on their 2026 national championships and on proudly representing Utah. 

Delivering Energy Benefits for Utahns 

Rocky Mountain Power has announced a long-term agreement that strengthens Utah’s electric grid and expands reliable power capacity while keeping costs low for Utah families and businesses. One of the state’s largest energy commitments to date, the agreement will deliver 340 megawatts of reliable, always-available power to a new data center in Eagle Mountain. 

Under S.B. 132, large power users are required to fully cover the costs of their energy needs, ensuring those expenses are not passed on to Utah families. Because of these safeguards, the agreement is projected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits for customers and the state, helping keep Utah’s electricity among the most affordable in the nation. 

This agreement highlights how careful planning and policies can support economic growth, protect ratepayers and strengthen Utah’s energy future. 

Legislation Highlights 

Kratom 

Kratom, a substance made from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree, is often sold in gas stations and smoke shops and marketed as a “natural” remedy for pain, anxiety or opioid withdrawal. But its changing formulations and rising potency have created serious public health concerns in Utah and across the country.  

The Legislature is pursuing two complementary approaches aimed at getting ahead of those risks and closing loopholes that leave Utahns exposed to increasingly dangerous products. S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments would repeal the Kratom Consumer Protection Act and classify the main alkaloids in the kratom leaf (such as mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine) and related compounds as controlled substances, effectively banning the sale, possession and distribution of kratom products in the state. S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions takes a more targeted regulatory approach by focusing on 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) and closely related synthetic chemicals, classifying these high‑potency forms as controlled substances while still allowing only trace, naturally occurring amounts of 7‑OH in traditional kratom products, unless a full ban like S.B. 45 ultimately takes effect.  

Together, these bills reflect a shared goal: to treat kratom and its most dangerous derivatives as serious drugs rather than harmless supplements, crack down on synthetic or concentrated versions that are far more addictive and deadly than the natural leaf, and give Utah clearer tools to protect families as these products become more common and more potent in the marketplace. 

S.B. 62 School Funding Amendments  

Utah distributes education funding using Weighted Pupil Units (WPUs), which determine how dollars are allocated across public schools statewide. 

What It Does 

• Currently, WPU calculations are based on the prior year’s student enrollment, with adjustments made for estimated growth.  

• Instead of relying on last year’s enrollment numbers, this bill calculates WPUs using the current year’s October headcount, helping ensure schools are funded based on the students they are serving right now. 

Why It Matters 

• This bill helps ensure taxpayer dollars go where they’re needed most and allows any savings to be reinvested in priorities like special education, school safety and classroom support. 

S.B. 131 Charter School Eligibility  

As Utah communities grow and change, charter school enrollment boundaries that once made sense no longer always reflect how families live, commute and define their neighborhoods.  

What It Does 

• Updates how enrollment preference works for charter schools that use a random drawing (often called a lottery) when they have more applicants than available seats. 

• Allows eligible schools to expand their enrollment preference area from the current fixed 2-mile radius to the local school district boundaries. 

• Gives schools the option, not the obligation, to use this broader boundary when it better reflects their community. 

• Makes no changes to school funding formulas, does not create new charter schools and does not eliminate lotteries or guarantee admission for any student. 

Why It Matters 

• Many Utah communities now extend well beyond a 2-mile footprint, meaning families who consider a charter school their neighborhood school can still be excluded under current law. 

• S.B. 131 aligns enrollment policies with how families actually live, commute and participate in their communities, especially in fast-growing areas. 

• This bill provides a responsible option when neighborhood schools are full, helping students stay within their broader community while keeping parent choice, fairness and local control at the center of education policy. 

S.B. 129 Commemorative Day Amendments 

What It Does 

• Establishes Utah Civic Engagement and Service Day on the first Friday in September as a state-recognized commemorative day.  

• The day is intended to encourage volunteerism, community service and positive civic participation, particularly among students and local communities. 

Why It Matters 

• In the wake of acts of political violence in Utah, this bill offers a constructive path toward unity and healing through service. 

• It reinforces that civic engagement extends beyond politics and includes giving back. 

• By emphasizing service, the bill creates opportunities to bring people together around shared values rather than division. 

S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas and Mining  

What It Does 

• Supports a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Utah’s Division of Oil, Gas and Mining to improve coordination in the federal permitting process. 

• Encourages a cooperative review approach that allows the state to help evaluate applications early, reducing duplication and identifying noncompliant projects before they reach the federal level. 

• Affirms that federal authority remains fully intact and that the state would not issue federal permits, override federal standards or assume decision-making authority. 

Why It Matters 

• Before oil, gas or mining projects can move forward on federal land, companies must obtain permits, a process that often involves lengthy reviews by both federal and state agencies.  

• Lengthy permitting delays create uncertainty for workers, communities and businesses, even when projects already meet existing legal and environmental requirements.  

• This resolution focuses on improving the process so existing permit reviews move more efficiently, not changing the standards. 

• Better coordination allows permits to be reviewed more quickly while maintaining strong legal and environmental safeguards. 

• Streamlining existing processes supports responsible domestic energy and resource development, helping Utah and the nation move toward greater energy independence and long-term sustainability. 

S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments  

S.B. 164 consolidates all public-school construction oversight under DFCM to create one consistent, statewide system for permits, inspections and safety standards.  

What It Does  

• Transfers oversight of public-school construction from the State Board of Education to the Division of Facilities and Construction Management (DFCM). 

• Designates DFCM as the primary authority for permitting and inspections on all public school construction projects, including both school districts and charter schools. 

• Streamlines building permits with a single, statewide permitting process administered by DFCM. 

• Establishes uniform statewide standards for cost oversight, safety inspections, plan reviews and construction methods. 

Why It Matters 

• Ensuring new school buildings are safe and up to code is essential, especially since the state ultimately carries liability for these facilities.  

• A recent legislative audit found inconsistent compliance with required safety and inspection standards, putting students and taxpayers at risk.  

• Consolidating oversight under DFCM strengthens accountability and creates consistent, statewide construction and inspection standards.  

• A single oversight system helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures safety requirements are met across all districts and charter schools.  

• Streamlined processes and clearer cost controls can reduce construction expenses and help districts share best practices.  

• This update better protects students, safeguards taxpayer dollars and improves the long-term quality and safety of Utah’s public schools.  

H.B. 34 Victim Rights Amendments  

What It Does  

• Codifies the existing Victim Rights Coordinator role to help ensure victims have a clear, consistent point of contact to navigate the justice system. 

• Aligns statute with current practice without expanding victims’ rights, altering case outcomes or creating new costs. 

Why It Matters 

• Navigating the justice system can be overwhelming for victims; this bill helps ensure they receive clear information, reliable guidance and consistent support statewide. 

• By formalizing an approach that is already working, the bill promotes fairness, clarity and accessibility while helping victims get timely answers and assistance when they need it most. 

H.B. 21 Senior Care Facility Amendments  

What It Does 

• Strengthens protections for seniors and other vulnerable residents by improving notice and transparency requirements when a senior care facility plans to close, change ownership or change its use. 

• Requires senior care facilities to provide 45 days’ notice, instead of 30 days,when planning a closure, ownership change or change in use. 

• Prohibits facilities from accepting new residents once a closure or major change is known. 

• Requires facilities to notify residents and families and provide alternative care options within 60 miles.  

Why It Matters  

• Gives residents and their families more time to plan and secure safe, appropriate placements  

• Promotes stability, transparency and stronger protections for seniors and other vulnerable populations. 

S.B. 198 Water Project Management Amendments 

What It Does 

• Creates a single state office to manage major water projects so planning, construction and maintenance are handled in one place. 

• Gives cities and water districts a clear way to partner with the state on large water infrastructure projects. 

• Supports long-term planning, regular check-ins on system needs and opportunities to expand clean hydroelectric power tied to water projects. 

Why It Matters 

• Utah’s growth depends on a reliable water supply. 

• Helps ensure major water systems are planned, built and maintained responsibly so communities have dependable water. 

• It also helps protect taxpayer dollars by improving coordination, reducing duplication and making sure long-term water needs are addressed before they become emergencies. 

S.B. 37 George E. Wahlen Memorial Highway  

George E. Wahlen, a native of Ogden, Utah, was a Medal of Honor recipient whose bravery as a Navy corpsman at Iwo Jima earned him a place among Utah’s most revered heroes. His decades of service across World War II, Korea and Vietnam reflect a lifelong dedication to country and community. This Memorial Highway designation honors his enduring legacy and the profound impact he made on Utah’s military and veteran families. 

What It Does 

• Designates a portion of Route 126 in Weber County as the George E. Wahlen Memorial Highway.  

• Requires Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), to show this name on future state highway maps and to install highway signs marking this designation.  

Why It Matters 

• Honors George E. Wahlen, a Medal of Honor recipient and one of Utah’s most decorated veterans. 

• Serves as a visible tribute to a veteran who symbolizes courage, sacrifice and service for northern Utah and across the nation.  

• Helps Utahns and visitors to learn about and remember the extraordinary contributions through a public highway designation.  

Reinforces Utah’s commitment to honoring veterans and preserving their legacies for future generations.  

H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments  

What It Does  

• Clarifies where signs may be placed, who paid for them and prevents tampering with another candidate’s sign so voters see accurate information. 

Why It Matters 

• During recent elections, some signs were altered, blocked or left up long after voting ended, creating confusion and frustration for voters and communities. 

• This bill sets clear, fair rules so campaigns know the boundaries, voters can trust what they see and neighborhoods stay orderly during election season. 

Tax Header 

Utah continues to rank among the strongest economies in the nation and this session, we are focused on delivering meaningful tax relief while maintaining long-term financial stability. The goal is simple: help Utahns keep more of what they earn while continuing to invest in strong schools, reliable infrastructure and public safety. 

S.B. 60 Income Tax Rate Amendments 

• Reduces Utah’s state income tax rate from 4.50% to 4.45%. 

• Maintains Utah’s competitive tax climate, helping attract businesses and talent while promoting upward mobility for Utahns. 

S.B. 78 Property Tax Relief Amendments 

• Expands who can qualify for renter and homeowner property tax relief, and increases the amount of help available to those who need it most. 

• Updates and modernizes tax deferral programs, giving seniors more time before facing a tax sale and lowering interest rates on overdue taxes for older Utahns. 

• By simplifying and updating the system, more eligible homeowners and renters will know about available help and be able to access it. 

• Seniors on fixed incomes are some of those most affected by rising property taxes. This bill directs property tax relief to seniors and other vulnerable groups. 

• Focusing relief on those who truly need it helps stabilize the overall property tax system and, in the long run, prevent unnecessary tax increases for everyone. 

S.B. 116 Income Tax Rate Modifications  

What It Does 

• Creates an automatic income tax cut when state revenue grows faster than population and inflation, ensuring excess revenue is returned to Utahns. 

• When the state collects more revenue than it needs to meet its responsibilities, the excess is returned to Utahns through tax relief. 

• Rewards economic growth by allowing families to keep more of their hard-earned money. 

• Builds on Utah’s track record of tax relief, with more than $1.4 billion returned to Utahns over the past five years. 

Why It Matters 

• Utah has ranked the best state in the nation for three years running and the top state for economic outlook for 18 consecutive years, thanks in part to responsible budgeting. 

• S.B. 116 ensures Utahns benefit when the economy performs well, without sacrificing long-term financial stability. 

• Tax relief under this bill does not come at the expense of education or other priorities. 

• By tying tax cuts to population growth, S.B. 116 prioritizes Utah families’ wallets over government budgets and ensures that when the state collects more revenue than it needs to meet its responsibilities, those dollars go back to Utahns through tax relief. 

S.B. 65 Minimum Basic Tax Rate Amendments 

Utah’s tax system is designed to prioritize education while maintaining flexibility to meet other statewide needs. This bill updates how certain education-related property tax revenues flow through the state to improve budgeting flexibility while preserving school funding. The changes give lawmakers more flexibility to respond to changing budget demands without raising taxes or cutting education funding. 

What It Does 

• Updates how education property tax dollars move through the state budget so funding for schools and other priorities can be balanced more smoothly. 

• Routes property tax revenue to the state first, then returns the same amount to school districts—keeping school funding whole at current levels. 

• Ensures that funds routed through the state are placed in a separate, new account so they can be appropriated and tracked transparently. 

• Provides the state more flexibility to use income tax revenue to respond to changing needs while continuing to fully support public education. 

• Expands transparency by requiring a resident’s property tax notice clearly explains where the tax revenues go. 

Why It Matters 

• Utah’s income tax is constitutionally dedicated to education, which can limit the state’s ability to respond to other needs when that revenue grows faster than the rest of the budget. 

• S.B. 65 keeps school funding whole while giving more flexibility to help balance overall priorities, while income tax continues to support education. 

• It does not reduce school funding, change per-student funding or affect local control. 

• The bill also promotes fairness between districts by routing funds through the state so resources can be distributed more evenly, while ensuring every district receives the same funding it would have otherwise. 

S.B. 203 Local Option Sales Tax Amendments 

Cities near state parks often experience high volumes of emergency calls from visitors, placing significant strain on local public safety resources 

What It Does 

• Provides communities with a targeted tool to address growing public safety needs. 

• Allows certain cities, particularly those near large state parks, to adopt a small emergency services sales tax to support local public safety. 

• Gives cities flexibility to respond to increased emergency service needs without raising other taxes or cutting essential services. 

• Limits the use of revenue exclusively to police, fire and emergency medical services to ensure funds are focused on critical community needs. 

• Requires a public hearing before adoption, ensuring that residents can make their voices heard. 

Why It Matters 

• Strengthens emergency response for both residents and visitors without increasing property taxes. 

• The public hearing and voter approval requirements provide transparency and accountability, giving residents a voice in how emergency services are funded. 

• Helps small and growing communities maintain reliable, high-quality emergency services as visitation and population continue to increase. 

Utah is a state that doesn’t wait for the future to happen—we create it. By working together and seizing opportunities for smart growth, we can ensure that Utah’s future remains bright.  

Best, 

Ron Winterton