HB 165 establishes security protocols for Utah's critical infrastructure (like power grids, water systems, and state data networks) by addressing risks from foreign adversary technology. It requires the Utah Cyber Center to create annual guidance for state agencies on assessing risks from foreign adversary tech, prohibits state contracts with such companies for critical infrastructure, and bans federally banned equipment. Agencies may request voluntary security assessments for existing or planned foreign adversary technology use, though recommendations are advisory only and don't mandate contract changes or technology transitions. The bill directly affects all state agencies operating critical infrastructure systems and takes effect May 6, 2026.
HB 171 clarifies that insurance plans must allow patients to select physician assistants (PAs) as primary care providers without higher costs or barriers. It amends Utah law to explicitly include PAs in insurance coverage requirements for primary care, ensuring they are recognized alongside physicians, obstetricians, gynecologists, and pediatricians. The bill requires insurers to cover PA services as primary care under the same terms as other providers, preventing higher premiums or copays for choosing a PA. This affects patients seeking primary care and insurance companies operating in Utah, with the changes taking effect May 6, 2026.
HCR 6 is a non-binding concurrent resolution supporting Utah's Housing Strategic Plan. It recognizes the plan as a way to combine fragmented housing policies across state agencies to increase housing supply and improve affordability amid rapid population growth. The resolution commits the legislature and governor to track the plan's implementation and results. This resolution does not allocate funds or create new laws but formally endorses the existing strategic approach to housing challenges.
HB 248 modifies Utah's family law system, primarily affecting individuals receiving or paying spousal and child support, as well as the Office of Recovery Services (ORS). It requires the ORS to hold meetings for support recipients and payers (with a sunset date), allows up to $35,000 in arrears to trigger driver license suspension, and mandates that a portion of child support payments after July 1, 2028, flow to families on public assistance. The bill also sets interest accrual on overdue child support starting July 1, 2027, and updates ORS reporting requirements with temporary sunset provisions. These changes aim to clarify support collection processes without appropriating new funds.
HB 23 requires Utah's Division of Corporations and Commercial Code to publish on its public website the contact details and website link of the state's designated protection and advocacy agency for service animal laws. This agency helps people understand existing rules about service animals in public spaces, such as restaurants or stores. The bill does not change service animal laws or create new requirements; it only makes information about existing resources more accessible online. It directly affects the public, businesses, and service animal handlers seeking clarity on current regulations. The change takes effect on May 6, 2026, with no new funding required.
HB 21 requires assisted living facilities in Utah to follow specific procedures when closing, selling, or changing their use. It mandates facilities to submit a detailed transition plan 120 days in advance, notify residents and their responsible persons at least 30 days before any move, and stop accepting new residents once planning begins. The plan must address resident needs, identify nearby relocation options within 60 miles, coordinate with care organizations, and include a timeline for safe transfers. This directly affects facilities, residents, and their designated representatives during facility transitions. The bill does not appropriate funds and focuses on procedural safeguards during closures or sales.
SB 15 removes two restrictions on how Utah counties can structure their local government. It repeals a rule preventing counties with 225,000+ residents from adopting a full-time county commission under an expanded government plan, and eliminates the requirement for voter approval when changing whether a county executive or legislative body operates full-time or part-time. This bill directly affects counties seeking to modify their government structure, giving them more flexibility without needing voter approval for those specific changes. The law takes effect in May 2026 and does not involve any new funding.
HB 97, titled "Medical Waste Amendments" (though it addresses medication distribution, not waste), requires health facilities like hospitals, urgent care centers, and surgical facilities to offer unused portions of specific medications to patients upon discharge if continued treatment is needed. The bill covers topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, dilation drops, or glaucoma treatments provided during procedures or visits. It mandates that these medications be labeled per pharmacy laws and requires prescribers to counsel patients on proper use, while exempting them from standard pharmacy counseling rules. This applies directly to patients receiving facility-provided medications during care, effective May 6, 2026.
HB 71 requires health insurance companies (covered insurers) to help enrollees access behavioral health services (like mental health and substance use treatment) in a timely manner when in-network providers aren't available. Insurers must publish and regularly update accurate provider directories, facilitate out-of-network care within 7 days (or 24 hours for emergencies), and follow specific rules for single case agreements to cover out-of-network services. The bill also extends these requirements to Utah's Medicaid program and directs the state to create a working group to study a statewide behavioral health provider directory. These changes apply to all insurers offering behavioral health coverage, effective July 1, 2026.
SB 39 reorganizes and updates Utah's existing investment zone designations, including convention center zones, housing and transit zones, and home ownership promotion zones. It specifically adds provisions allowing home ownership zones to include areas within school boundaries and removes outdated code sections. The bill primarily affects municipalities and counties that operate these zones by clarifying their boundaries and administrative rules. No new funding is allocated, and the changes focus on streamlining existing programs without creating new zones or financial obligations.
HB 53 amends Utah's Community Rehabilitation Program purchasing rules by requiring the Purchasing from Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board to submit an annual report to the Government Operations Interim Committee starting January 1, 2027. The report must include specific details like the number of contracts, total revenue, employment data for people with disabilities, and program success metrics. The bill extends the sunset date for the board's duties and updates technical provisions in existing law. This affects government procurement units that purchase goods/services from community rehabilitation programs and the Advisory Board itself. The changes focus on reporting requirements and administrative continuity, with no new funding or procurement mandates.
HB 65 updates Utah's State Construction Code to adopt newer editions of nationally recognized building standards, including the 2024 International Building Code, Energy Conservation Code, and Plumbing Code. It directly affects builders, architects, and local building officials by requiring compliance with these updated codes for new construction, renovations, and repairs starting July 1, 2026. Key changes include removing specific water heater regulations in certain areas and incorporating the 2024 code editions for safety, energy efficiency, and structural standards. The bill does not appropriate new funds and aligns Utah's code with current industry practices.
