- Ron Winterton
- Feb 28
- 13 min read
Friends and Neighbors,
As we conclude the sixth week of the legislative session and look ahead to the final week, we are working to balance the state budget while continuing to review policy proposals. The remaining work includes final committee hearings and extended floor debates as bills approach their final votes. From strengthening Utah families to expanding opportunity across our great state, these discussions center on policies that will shape Utah’s future for the better.
The importance of this work is reflected in recent economic news for our state.
Utah ranks No. 1 in the nation for household income growth. A recent report shows that our state’s median household income, adjusted for inflation, grew from $52,602 to $93,421 between 1970 and 2023—an increase of nearly 80%! While other states have grown little or even regressed in their household incomes, this data places Utah right at the very top.
In Utah, we pride ourselves on being a family-friendly state, and this data bears that out. A higher salary means greater access to opportunity for parents and children alike.
This growth did not happen by accident. Our diverse investments in technology, aerospace and defense, healthcare and education have created vast economic mobility for the citizens of Utah. While balancing our budget, we will continue to ensure that this upward trend continues and Utahns can build their future here.
Priority Spotlights
Tax Cuts for Utahns as the Economy Grows
As elected officials, one of the most important duties we have each year is building Utah’s state budget. These decisions require careful deliberation, knowing that it falls on our shoulders to employ your taxpayer dollars responsibly. This year, we are excited to deliver tax relief to Utahns while also meeting our obligations to education, public safety and the essential services families rely on.
Over the next 18 months, Utah’s economy is expected to generate more than $750 million in new state tax revenue, a year-over year increase of 4.8%. This growth doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a sign that Utah families are working, businesses are expanding, and our economy remains resilient. That growth is more than sufficient to support half a billion dollars in state tax cuts made in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress, and we are continuing to work on additional responsible tax relief this session.
This year, we have also invested more than $275 million in new spending from the General and Income Tax funds. Nearly $225 million of that goes directly to public education, a 4.2% increase in education funding. That means more resources in classrooms, stronger support for teachers and a continued commitment to giving every Utah child the opportunity to succeed.
Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, and while that growth increases demand for services, it also makes responsible budgeting even more important. A bigger population should not mean bigger government. We are now working to streamline government and improve efficiency by identifying 5% in budget savings across agencies. This means reviewing programs, cutting unnecessary spending and ensuring taxpayer money is used wisely.
Long-term stability requires discipline, but thanks to this positive revenue update, we can avoid some of the most difficult budget cuts while moving forward with many of the recommendations identified by subcommittees.
Our goal is simple: keep Utah on a solid financial footing, support our schools, roads, and public safety, and provide tax relief to the families who earned it. Careful budgeting and a strong economy have made it possible to lower taxes for the sixth year in a row while still funding the services our communities rely on.
Religious Freedom
The freedom to live according to our beliefs is one of the most personal freedoms we have as Americans. Religious freedom protections are one of the reasons Utah remains a strong, stable place to live. No one should be told that deeply held religious beliefs, or lack thereof, must be left at the door of their school or profession. This session, we’re continuing our thoughtful, balanced approach to religious liberty, one that respects the beliefs of individuals while promoting fairness and stability for everyone who calls Utah home.
HCR 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom
Recognizes religious freedom as a foundational constitutional right and affirms that protecting it for people of all faiths, and those of no faith, strengthens Utah’s unity and civic culture.
When individuals know their freedom to live out their faith is protected, they feel confident building their lives, families and businesses here.
Affirms the right of students and teachers to express their faith lawfully and respectfully in public spaces, while encouraging reasonable accommodations for religious observance.
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools
Adds to K–12 civics education a study of the historical role of religion and religious liberty in American constitutional government and citizenship.
Affirms that school districts focus on academic instruction, but allows instruction on religion and religious liberty, including philosophy, history, comparative religion and religious texts.
Provides optional topics such as Colonial history, religious refugees, Declaration of Independence, women’s suffrage, reform movements and opposition to totalitarian ideologies.
Requires school districts to ensure that students can express their religious beliefs in schoolwork without discrimination or penalty.
Adds to bachelor's degree graduation requirements an understanding of the role of religion in US history.
S.B. 174 Exercise of Religious Beliefs and Conscience Amendments
Protects healthcare professionals from being forced to participate in procedures that violate sincerely held religious or moral beliefs.
Requires advance notice and reasonable scheduling so patient care can still be arranged.
Does not apply to transportation workers or emergency department screening services.
Creates a consistent process for handling these situations and helps prevent discrimination or liability for those exercising their rights, without disrupting the broader healthcare system.
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation
Protects college students who have assignment conflicts due to religious beliefs or conscience so they may participate in higher education without feeling forced to compromise their beliefs.
Extends existing religious-freedom protections to include deeply held beliefs of conscience, not just religious affiliation.
Creates a clear appeals process with a neutral reviewer if an accommodation is denied.
Supports viewpoint neutrality so campuses remain places of open inquiry where students can participate fully without penalty for their beliefs.
On the Hill
Celebrating 137 Years of Snow
Snow College has been a cornerstone of education in Central Utah for 137 years. This week, we welcomed faculty, staff, alums and students to the Senate for a glimpse of the legislative process at work.
As one of the oldest colleges in the West, Snow’s story is woven into Utah’s history. Today, it’s home to around 6,000 students, offering certificates, associate degrees and, since 2018, two bachelor’s degrees.
I’m grateful for all Snow College does to shape Utah’s future. Our universities help train the next generation of leaders, and it’s always an honor to host them at the Capitol. Go, Badgers!
Remembering Charlie Kirk
We recently welcomed representatives from Turning Point USA to recognize the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk and his influence on civic engagement among young Americans.
As co-founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk helped build a nationwide student movement focused on constitutional principles, free markets and civic participation, with an active presence across Utah, including at Utah Valley University. During his visit to campus in September 2025, he encouraged students to engage thoughtfully in the political process and to value open dialogue.
His life was tragically cut short in an act of political violence. The Utah Legislature condemns political violence in all forms and reaffirms the importance of respectful civic engagement and free expression. We extend our sincere support to his family, including his wife, Erika Kirk, and recognize the continued efforts of Turning Point USA students across Utah who remain committed to civil discourse and principled leadership.
UVU Brings Wolverine Pride to the Rotunda
Utah Valley University (UVU) brought the Wolverine spirit to the Capitol for their Day on the Hill! Staff, faculty and students from various programs and majors filled the rotunda with energy and excitement. Their culinary arts institute presented a beautiful display. These talented, driven individuals showcase the very best of UVU. I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences that the university provides, and it was a privilege to have them at the Capitol. Go, Wolverines!
Legislation Highlights
H.B. 291 Security and Land Restriction Amendments
Utah’s land, water and infrastructure are central to our security and long-term prosperity. This bill updates state law to make sure hostile foreign governments cannot quietly gain influence or control over those critical assets through complex ownership structures.
What It Does
Protects Utah land, water and critical infrastructure from control by hostile foreign governments.
Lowers the ownership threshold that triggers “restricted foreign entity” status from 51% to 25%, making it harder for foreign actors to hide control through partial or layered ownership.
Strengthens enforcement and due process by requiring the Department of Public Safety to notify suspected entities, give them 30 days to show they are not restricted and assist in coordination when prohibited land interests must be sold.
Why It Matters
Utahns expect the state to safeguard land, water and key infrastructure from control by hostile foreign actors.
By tightening ownership rules, closing loopholes and improving enforcement, this bill helps ensure foreign entities cannot quietly gain control of critical assets while still providing clear notice and due process protections.
H.B. 165 Critical Infrastructure Amendments
Utah's water systems, electrical grids and emergency communications keep our communities running safely every day. This bill builds on a successful pilot program to protect those critical assets from foreign cyber threats before they can cause harm.
What It Does
Protects emergency communications, water systems and electrical infrastructure from cyber vulnerabilities that foreign adversaries could exploit.
Expands the Department of Technology Services' pilot program to identify and fix weaknesses in operational technology, such as water pumps that can be hacked remotely.
Why It Matters
A cyberattack on our infrastructure could disrupt power, water or emergency services with serious consequences for Utah families. Protecting these systems now is far less costly than recovering after an attack.
By staying proactive and supporting smaller communities, this bill keeps Utah's critical infrastructure secure and our communities resilient.
S.R. 4 Encouraging the Integration of Agriculture into Residential Development
What It Does
Supports the incorporation of agricultural elements such as community gardens, orchards, small farms and edible landscapes into new residential developments.
Clarifies for cities, counties and developers that the Legislature welcomes creative planning that mixes agriculture with housing.
Why It Matters
Agriculture is part of Utah’s heritage. Integrating agricultural elements into our neighborhoods can help preserve those traditions as communities grow.
Incorporating food-producing spaces can strengthen neighborhoods by improving our access to fresh food, supporting local farmers and creating shared spaces that bring Utahns together.
S.B. 218 Constable Modifications
Constables are sworn peace officers who serve the courts. They deliver legal papers such as eviction notices, subpoenas, and court summons. They may also assist justice courts by providing courtroom security, transporting individuals in custody, and carrying out court-ordered actions. Constables have been part of Utah’s justice system since statehood and support local courts and communities.
What It Does
Creates a statewide licensing system for constables and places regulatory oversight under the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).
Beginning January 1, 2027, individuals hired by a city or county to serve as a constable must hold a state-issued license.
Establishes a Constables Licensing Board to set standards, review qualifications, handle complaints and oversee disciplinary actions.
Clarifies contracting rules for cities and counties and preempts local regulation to ensure consistent statewide requirements.
Why It Matters
Constables perform essential, day-to-day functions in the court system by delivering legal notices and carrying out court orders. Oversight of the position, however, has varied across jurisdictions.
The bill preserves the roles and duties of constables while creating a clearer, more transparent regulatory structure for local governments and the public.
Statewide licensing helps ensure constables exercising legal authority are properly trained, accountable and operating under consistent standards that protect residents and communities.
S.B. 256 Identity Protection Modifications
What It Does
Applies Utah’s defamation laws fully to noncommercial AI-generated content.
Strengthens identity protections by recognizing an exclusive right to consent to the use of someone’s name, image, voice or likeness.
Establishes additional procedural safeguards that protect Utahns and strengthen legal response to AI defamation.
Before suing over defamatory deepfakes, individuals must notify a publisher and allow 10 days to remove the harmful context. If removed, damages are limited to proven financial losses, but failure to remove allows full defamation damages.
Prohibits the distribution or sale of tools whose primary purpose is to replicate someone’s identity without permission.
Why It Matters
Utah continues to lead nationally in building responsible, balanced and privacy-respecting AI policy.
Deepfakes and AI-generated impersonations can seriously damage reputations, relationships and careers. This bill ensures Utahns have real legal protection when harmful fake content spreads.
Existing non-commercial defamation standards were established before the inception of AI. This bill closes the gap so Utahns are fully protected from both traditional and digital defamation.
Maintains strong free-speech safeguards with exemptions for parody, satire, news, artistic works, political commentary and other legitimate expression.
H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments
What It Does
Requires cities, school districts and certain local entities to publicly announce during the month of May if they are considering a property tax increase, rather than waiting until the end of the budget process.
Requires these entities to prepare two tentative budgets: one showing operations without a tax increase, and one showing what services or changes would be funded with a tax increase.
Allows the State Tax Commission to deny a tax increase if the entity fails to meet Truth in Taxation requirements.
Why It Matters
Many Utahns have expressed the concern that it appears tax increase decisions are already made by the time they attend a Truth in Taxation hearing. This bill ensures that the conversation happens earlier and more openly.
Showing both versions of the budget lets taxpayers clearly see what they’re paying for, helping to improve transparency and public participation.
Both local officials and the public benefit from a clearer timeline, which makes the entire budget process more transparent, predictable and accountable.
H.B. 296 Water Commitment Amendments
What It Does
Creates a clear pathway for water providers to be part of Great Salt Lake solutions as they plan for their cities and Utah’s long-term water future.
Allows major water providers such as Central Utah Water and Jordan Valley Water to include the Great Salt Lake in their conservation plans, if they choose.
Updates state law so these plans can reference the availability of water to help the lake, without requiring any provider to do so.
Why It Matters
Utahns care deeply about the Great Salt Lake. It supports our air quality, economy, wildlife and way of life.
This bill gives local water experts a flexible tool to utilize as we continue working to protect the lake.
Supports ongoing statewide efforts to keep our water resources healthy without adding new burdens on water districts or residents.
S.B. 67 Law Enforcement Quota Amendments
What It Does
Reinforces Utah’s 2018 ban on police quotas by prohibiting point-based systems that pressure officers to issue tickets.
Allows departments to use interaction-based performance measures, so an officer can make a stop, provide education or a warning and still meet expectations.
Protects accountability by withholding certain state grant funding from agencies that violate the quota ban and authorizes the Attorney General to review concerns.
Why It Matters
Although quotas were previously banned, reports suggested some agencies used point systems that functioned like quotas under another name. This bill closes that loophole.
It helps ensure Utahns are not subjected to unnecessary stops and promotes fairness and trust in community policing.
It also supports officers by removing pressure to “hit numbers,” allowing them to rely on their training, judgment and public safety priorities in each situation.
H.B. 248 Family Law Modifications
What It Does
Makes practical updates to Utah’s family law statutes to help ensure child support reaches the children it is intended to support.
Clarifies that existing court-ordered alimony continues according to the divorce agreement, even after child support obligations end.
Allows a portion of child support collected in public-assistance cases, such as families on welfare, to go directly to the child’s household instead of payments being held by the state.
Strengthens enforcement for significant (over $35,000) unpaid child support balances.
Charges 6% interest on overdue child support payments, just like other debts to the state.
Why It Matters
Child support is meant to meet a child’s daily needs, such as housing, food, school expenses and healthcare
H.B. 248 closes gaps in the system so payments more consistently reach the child’s household, while maintaining fairness and clear expectations for both parents.
By improving accountability and clarifying court orders, the bill helps reduce conflict, support family stability and use public resources more effectively.
H.B. 51 Adoption Amendments
What It Does
Strengthens safeguards in Utah’s adoption system to better protect children, birth parents and adoptive families. It updates Utah’s adoption laws to provide families a clear, more reliable process from start to finish.
Requires all adoption agencies be nonprofit organizations by 2027, keeping the focus on supporting children and families.
Puts stronger guardrails in place so birth parents don’t feel pressured, especially when emotions are high, giving birth parents a 72-hour period after birth to reconsider relinquishing rights to the child.
Gives birth parents more time and access to helpful resources so they can make the decision that is right for them and prohibits incentive-based advertising.
Improves transparency so families can understand each step and feel confident along the way.
Why It Matters
Adopting or placing a child is one of the biggest decisions a family can make, and the process works best when it is clear, consistent and compassionate.
In recent years, gaps in state law have led to inconsistent practices. Utah has been in multiple investigative reports and has been described as an “adoption tourism” state due to weak safeguards, underscoring the need for clearer protections and standards.
H.B. 51 creates uniform statewide requirements to ensure adoptions are ethical, transparent and centered on the well-being of children. Families can feel reassured knowing Utah’s adoption process is guided by strong protections.
This gives birth parents time and meaningful support to make decisions during a difficult and emotional time, while providing adoptive families with confidence that the process is fair and properly regulated.
By strengthening protections and increasing accountability, the legislation helps restore public confidence and ensures Utah remains a safe, responsible place for adoption for everyone involved.
H.B. 108 Minors in State Custody Amendments
What It Does
Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to review each child in the state custody to determine eligibility for federal benefits.
For example, if a child loses a parent, the review would ensure that the child doesn’t miss out on support they may be eligible for, including survivor, disability or military-connected benefits.
Directs that the benefits the child qualifies for be placed into a protected account belonging to the child.
Limits the portion of the state's funds that may be used for immediate care from 75% to 25%, so that most funds are preserved for the youth.
Helps create savings so the young person has financial support as they enter adulthood.
Why It Matters
Many children in foster care qualify for federal benefits but never actually receive those funds. This bill ensures they have an advocate to help them access and save that money.
Supports youth leave foster care as they enter adulthood with financial stability by providing savings for housing, transportation, education and living expenses.
Promotes responsible stewardship of public resources while helping young people transition to independence with a financial foundation and opportunity.
ICYMI:
Mother of son who died of kratom overdose makes ask of Utah lawmakers
'Culture of innovation': University of Utah to host U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Utah Gov. Cox signs agreements to expand oil production and water security
Utah launches single online portal for multiple state services
UDOT plans $621M expressway to ease northern Utah County traffic
I appreciate the many messages and conversations I’ve had with constituents throughout the session. Your input helps guide the decisions made at the Capitol, and I encourage you to stay engaged and follow the issues that matter most to you. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent our district and to serve the people of Utah.
Best,
Ron Winterton
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