HB 46 allows Utah's Driver License Division to share specific driver license information - such as a person's name, license number, and current residential address - with county assessors. This data can only be used to verify whether property owners qualify for residential property tax exemptions. The bill strictly prohibits county assessors from using this information for any other purpose. It makes technical updates to existing laws governing data sharing between the Driver License Division and county assessors.
HB 62 amends the legal descriptions of two Utah state highways - SR-73 and SR-145 - to correct outdated references in state law. Specifically, it updates SR-73's route to properly reference Route 85 and Route 145 in Saratoga Springs, and revises SR-145's description to align with current road connections. The bill makes no new policy changes, appropriations, or physical road modifications; it solely clarifies existing highway boundaries for administrative accuracy. This technical correction affects state transportation records and planning but does not alter road maintenance, funding, or public access. The changes take effect on May 6, 2026.
HB 45 updates Utah's State Fire Code to incorporate the 2024 editions of the International Fire Code and related National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. It makes technical corrections to existing code sections, adds new definitions (like "ambulatory surgical center" and "assisted living facility" types), and clarifies administrative procedures for fire code officials. The bill directly affects building owners, contractors, and fire code officials who must follow these updated references. No new funding is required, as it primarily aligns Utah's code with current national standards without creating new requirements.
Utah's legislature has introduced HJR 18, a joint resolution urging Congress to eliminate "marriage penalties" in federal tax and benefit programs. These penalties occur when married couples lose financial assistance or face reduced benefits compared to single individuals, potentially discouraging marriage - especially among low-income families. The resolution specifically asks Congress to adjust income thresholds, make household benefits proportional, and phase out "head of household" status to ensure equal treatment for married and single households. It cites studies showing marriage penalties deter 10% of benefit recipients from marrying and could increase marriage rates among low-income single mothers by 13.7% annually. As a symbolic resolution, it does not change Utah law but requests federal action to align state programs with revised federal policy.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses support for the continued federal management of Utah's public lands. It highlights the natural, historical, and cultural significance of these lands and acknowledges their economic contributions through recreation, tourism, and resource use. The resolution states that Utah's public lands should remain in the public domain and managed by federal agencies to preserve them for future generations. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or require funding but serves as an official statement of legislative sentiment.
This bill removes state laws that currently prevent government agencies from entering into contracts with companies that participate in boycotts of Israel or engage in economic boycotts. By repealing specific sections of Utah's public contracting code, the legislation eliminates requirements for public entities to certify contractors regarding their boycott status and removes penalties for interfering with state programs related to these restrictions. The changes would allow state agencies to make contracting decisions without considering whether a company is involved in boycotts of Israel or related economic actions. The bill takes effect on May 6, 2026, and does not allocate any new funding.
This bill modifies Utah's land use regulations to clarify how development agreements between counties and municipalities are handled. It directly affects local governments, property owners, and developers by establishing rules for temporary land use regulations and the relationship between county-approved development agreements and municipal rules. The key provisions prohibit municipalities from limiting rights granted in county-approved development agreements, require that such agreements take precedence over conflicting land use regulations, and restrict when municipalities can impose temporary restrictions on development. Additionally, the bill clarifies what terms can be included in development agreements and limits a municipality's ability to require these agreements for standard developments that already comply with existing rules.
HJR 20 proposes a constitutional amendment to require voter approval for most tax increases and government debt in Utah. If passed, it would mandate that taxpayers vote to approve any rise in tax revenue or new borrowing by state or local governments, limit annual spending without voter consent, and require refunds of excess tax revenue. The amendment also specifies that residential property must be assessed using sales comparison (standard home valuation method) and allows the legislature to exempt business personal property from taxes. This change would affect all Utah taxpayers and government entities by shifting key budgetary decisions to voter approval.
HB 460 amends Utah's candidate nomination rules by creating two distinct types of registered political parties. Primary nominating parties use signature-gathering to select candidates and appear on general election ballots with their party name, while convention nominating parties use internal conventions without signatures and their candidates appear without party identification. The bill repeals outdated provisions about "qualified political parties" and adjusts signature-gathering requirements for nominations. These changes directly affect political parties and candidates seeking office in Utah state elections.
HB 500 amends Utah's criminal trespass law to clarify how property owners must provide notice that entry is prohibited. It specifies four acceptable methods: personal communication, visible fencing/enclosures, posted signs, or livestock barriers. The bill updates penalties, making most trespasses a class B misdemeanor but elevating some to class A misdemeanor if occurring in dwellings or sensitive areas like sex-designated changing rooms. Property owners can also seek civil damages of up to triple the harm or $500, plus attorney fees.
This resolution formally recognizes Utah's Property Rights Coalition for over 20 years of work on land use policy. It acknowledges the Coalition's role in advocating for property rights, improving housing affordability, and streamlining development processes through legislative collaboration. As a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or funding, it expresses legislative appreciation for their efforts in promoting fair, predictable land use regulations.
HB 452 requires private businesses, organizations, or venues receiving $1 million or more in public funds (e.g., city grants or contracts) to provide free, secure storage for handguns owned by concealed carry permit holders on their publicly accessible property. This applies to specific locations like fairgrounds, housing zones, or revitalization areas, and entities must use Utah’s existing Bureau of Criminal Identification online system to verify permits. If a permit holder leaves a handgun unclaimed for over 24 hours, the entity must notify local law enforcement, who then take possession within five business days. The bill affects only large publicly funded entities, not standard service providers, and includes no new funding or fees.
