SB 24 repeals multiple healthcare-related laws and licensing acts in Utah by setting specific effective dates for their termination. Key provisions include repealing the Health Care Providers Immunity from Liability Act (effective July 1, 2036), massage therapy licensing laws (2029-2034), behavioral health treatment regulations (2027), and opioid supply restrictions (2032), among others. These changes directly affect healthcare providers, clinics, and licensed professionals operating under the repealed statutes. The bill takes effect May 6, 2026, with all repealed provisions ceasing to apply on their respective dates. No new funding is appropriated, and the changes eliminate existing legal protections or requirements for covered healthcare services.
SB 29 extends the expiration date for Utah's Child Care Advisory Committee from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2029, as specified in Utah Code Section 63I-1-235. This procedural bill directly affects the committee by allowing it to continue operating for an additional three years without needing reauthorization. The change modifies the existing sunset provision in the code, with no new funding or policy changes required. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and is now moving through the House.
HB 39 requires county sheriffs and Utah's Department of Corrections to implement independent oversight systems for all county jails and state correctional facilities. Specifically, it mandates that every county jail under a sheriff's jurisdiction must operate under independently administered standards and undergo regular independent inspections, with the same requirement applying to state facilities managed by the Department of Corrections. These provisions apply directly to county sheriffs, jail operators, and the Department of Corrections, adding new inspection requirements on top of existing standards. The bill makes technical updates to Utah law without appropriating new funds or creating new programs.
This bill designates the portion of Route 126 in Weber County as the George E. Wahlen Memorial Highway. It requires the Utah Department of Transportation to include this name on future state highway maps and install appropriate signage along the route. The legislation affects only the naming and signage of this specific highway segment and does not involve any funding or changes to traffic laws. It takes effect on May 6, 2026.
HB 42 establishes minimum cybersecurity standards for Utah's public schools (local education agencies) and expands the Utah Cyber Center's role to provide dedicated security services to schools. It requires schools to implement specific measures like multi-factor authentication, patch management, and endpoint detection systems, while mandating incident reporting to the Cyber Center. The law also directs the State Board of Education to develop implementation guidelines and creates new reporting requirements for cybersecurity breaches in educational settings. These changes directly affect all Utah public schools and their cybersecurity practices, aiming to strengthen protection for student and school data. The bill contains no new funding and amends several existing Utah Code sections related to education and cybersecurity.
SB 42 extends the repeal date for Utah's State Weed Committee from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2036. This procedural bill does not change the committee's structure or duties - it continues to advise on noxious weed programs with members from agricultural agencies, universities, and industry groups. The bill makes only technical adjustments to align the committee's termination date with other related statutes. It has no budget impact and does not alter existing policy or responsibilities.
HB 70 requires Utah's Department of Health and Human Services to implement a new electronic health record system for inmate care by 2026, based on a working group's recommendations. It makes funds for unexpected high-cost correctional health care non-lapsing (meaning they won't expire if unused), and mandates a treatment plan for all inmates with substance use disorders, including medication-based treatment. The bill also sets accreditation standards for correctional health facilities and allows parole boards to consider health examiner reports when deciding parole conditions. These changes directly affect inmates in Utah's correctional facilities, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Corrections.
HB 114 reorganizes Utah's laws on adult performances and materials by creating new standalone criminal offenses. It moves conduct like presenting pornographic performances in public places, aiding minors in such performances, and harmful performances near minors into separate charges, rather than grouping them under existing "distributing material" offenses. Penalties now vary by the actor's age (third-degree felony for adults, misdemeanors for minors), with specific fines and jail terms. The bill clarifies existing prohibitions - such as on school property or harmful material - without introducing new restrictions.
HB 49 requires the salary ranges and pay progression for law enforcement officers in Utah's Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to match those of peace officers in the Department of Public Safety, with similar experience and qualifications. This directly affects DNR law enforcement officers, ensuring their compensation aligns with comparable state law enforcement roles. The bill includes an exception allowing DNR leadership (majors and division directors) to have lower salary ranges than other division directors within the department. It makes technical updates to Utah Code Section 63A-17-110 and takes effect on May 6, 2026, with no new funding required.
HB 86 expands Utah's definition of "restricted persons" who cannot possess dangerous weapons. It adds two key categories: people found not guilty by reason of insanity for *any* criminal offense (not just felonies) and those found mentally incompetent to stand trial for *any* criminal offense (not just felonies). These changes directly affect individuals with specific mental health findings in criminal cases, broadening existing restrictions. The bill amends Utah Code Section 76-11-303 to include these provisions without new funding.
HB 56 allows vehicle owners to cancel registration for eligible vehicles (under 14,000 pounds gross weight) and receive refunds for registration fees and related taxes on a pro-rata monthly basis for the remaining registration period. It specifically excludes motorcycles, heavy vehicles (14,001+ lbs), off-highway vehicles, ATVs, recreational vehicles, and vintage vehicles from refunds. Owners who cancel registration but continue operating the vehicle face an additional $100 penalty. The bill modifies Utah’s vehicle registration code to implement these refund rules and clarify cancellation requirements. It does not appropriate new funds and affects owners of standard passenger vehicles who choose to deregister.
HB 64 creates a formal process for counties to nominate culturally or scientifically significant sites on Utah's school and institutional trust lands for preservation. It requires counties to submit detailed nominations - including maps, evidence of significance, public input, and preservation plans - within 24 months of receiving notice from the trust lands administration. The director must review nominations within 180 days, approve those meeting strict criteria (like limiting sites to 640 acres or excluding mineral resources), and maintain a public list of approved sites. This bill directly affects counties with trust lands and the administration, establishing clear procedures without new funding or altering existing historic preservation laws.
