Utah Bills

SB 221, titled "Child Care Revisions," modifies Utah's regulations for residential child care providers. It requires licensure for providers caring for nine or more qualifying children and certification for those serving five to eight qualifying children. The bill prohibits certified providers from serving more than two qualifying children under certain ages, amends background check requirements, and updates inspection procedures for providers. These changes directly affect residential child care providers in Utah, setting clearer standards for safety and operational compliance without new funding.

HB 143 creates an annual one-week sales tax holiday for firearm safety devices (like gun locks) and firearm storage devices (such as secure cabinets). It also designates a "Firearm Safety Week" to occur during the same week as the tax holiday. The bill amends Utah's tax code to exempt these specific safety products from sales tax during that designated week each year, with no new state funding required. This policy directly affects consumers purchasing these safety items and businesses selling them, while the commemorative week aims to raise awareness about firearm safety.

HB 328 restricts overhead spray irrigation (above-ground sprinklers) in new and redevelopment projects within Utah's Great Salt Lake drainage area. The bill prohibits this irrigation method in most landscaped areas unless the project includes outdoor activity areas (like sports fields or parks) or existing undisturbed areas with pre-2024 irrigation. Municipalities must require compliance as part of land use approvals and include a notice about the prohibition in permits. Exclusions cover agricultural land, single-family homes, schools, and government properties, with the law taking effect January 1, 2026.

HB 399 requires Utah school districts to collect and report chronic absenteeism data starting in the 2025-2026 school year, defining it as missing 10% or more of school days (excused or unexcused). Districts must track enrollment, absentee rates by grade, and individual absence details, then submit this to the state board for public publication. The state board must also conduct a study analyzing root causes of absenteeism - such as socioeconomic factors, transportation, mental health, and family issues - and identify evidence-based solutions for prevention and student re-engagement. A final report with findings and recommendations is due to the Education Committee by September 2026. This bill directly affects school districts, state education officials, and students impacted by chronic absenteeism.

HB 513 creates the Utah Commission for Earthquake Preparedness to coordinate statewide efforts for earthquake safety. The commission, made up of 11 voting members (including agency directors, academic experts, business representatives, and legislators), will assess earthquake risks, develop annual action plans to reduce property damage and economic harm, and report progress to state officials. It must meet quarterly, prioritize risk-reduction strategies, and submit annual plans by January 1, 2031, when the commission will sunset. The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to staff the commission but provides no new funding, relying instead on existing nonlapsing appropriations for its operations.

HB 210 amends Utah's requirements for members of boards of trustees at degree-granting institutions and technical colleges. It requires all appointed board members to be Utah residents and updates qualifications to include specific service area residency or attendance history. The bill also mandates applicants provide additional application details and applies these changes to appointments made on or after May 7, 2025. These changes affect the composition of governing boards for Utah's public universities and technical colleges. The bill makes technical updates to existing code without appropriating funds.