HB 554 modifies Utah's debt collection rules to streamline how government entities recover unpaid amounts. It directs the State Tax Commission to apply corporate tax overpayments toward debts under the Crime Victims Restitution Act, allows collections without a court judgment, and standardizes definitions for "accounts receivable" (including fines, restitution, and taxes). The bill also permits the State Debt Collection Fund to retain up to one year's expenses annually and makes technical updates to multiple statutes. These changes primarily affect taxpayers with outstanding debts and government agencies collecting public funds, with no new state funding required.
HB 603 clarifies how property is divided during Utah divorces by defining "marital property" to include assets acquired during marriage, mixed pre-marital assets, and property protected by a spouse during marriage. It establishes that marital property is presumed to be divided equally between spouses, unless exceptional circumstances exist - such as one spouse undermining the other's finances or wasting marital assets. The bill affects divorcing couples in Utah by setting clear rules for dividing debts, assets, and spousal support, requiring courts to specify debt responsibility and beneficiary updates in divorce decrees. It makes technical updates to Utah Code sections governing divorce proceedings but does not appropriate funds or create new programs.
HB 528 requires Utah school districts to report specific open enrollment data - including school capacity, enrollment numbers on key dates, and nonresident student requests - to the State Board of Education. The State Board must then publish this data online, including school-specific enrollment rates and contact information for open enrollment staff. This affects all Utah public school districts and makes enrollment transparency requirements more accessible to families and the public. The bill does not change enrollment standards but mandates standardized reporting to improve visibility into district enrollment patterns.
HB 511 amends Utah's procurement code to define "resident supplier" and require state agencies to give preference to these suppliers when purchasing goods or services. It mandates that agencies create procedures ensuring resident suppliers on approved vendor lists have greater opportunity to compete for contracts compared to non-resident suppliers. The bill also requires bidders to certify if they qualify as resident suppliers, with agencies encouraged to favor such bids in small-purchase processes. These changes directly affect Utah state procurement units and businesses competing for government contracts under small-purchase rules.
HB 604 prohibits certain local executive officials from serving on municipal or county legislative bodies in their own jurisdictions. It bans county executives, county managers, and mayors/managers (whether elected or appointed) from holding legislative seats in the same area they lead, directly affecting current and future officials in these roles. Existing violations (where officials were already serving in conflict as of May 6, 2026) are temporarily allowed until January 31, 2027, or a replacement is sworn in, whichever comes first. The bill takes effect May 6, 2026, with the exception clause set to expire July 1, 2027.
SB 285 creates a new "Uninsured Children Dental Care Restricted Account" within Utah's General Fund and appropriates $5 million for fiscal year 2027 to fund dental care for uninsured children. The bill directs the University of Utah School of Dentistry's Oral Health Assistance Program to provide these services across all counties. Funds are nonlapsing for FY2027-28, with excess amounts over $200,000 lapsing to the General Fund starting FY2028-29. This bill directly affects uninsured children in Utah by expanding access to dental care through a dedicated funding mechanism.
HB 479 modifies Utah's election code to change how mail ballots are handled and accessed. Starting in 2029, voters must actively request mail ballot delivery and return by mail every eight years - otherwise, they will not automatically receive mail ballots. The bill also requires two poll workers to be present at ballot drop boxes, mandates ID verification at drop boxes, and extends emergency ballot access to voters with disabilities who cannot travel. These changes affect all Utah voters who use mail ballots or drop boxes, with the key policy shift being the requirement for periodic voter confirmation of mail ballot preferences.
HB 510 modifies Utah's process for creating new preliminary municipalities (areas seeking to become incorporated towns). It requires applicants to coordinate with counties for 18 months before filing a feasibility request, mandates independent consultants to use objective, area-specific data from the past decade, and extends the feasibility study timeline. Applicants must now include property improvement warranties, certify development plans align with feasibility studies, and meet updated bond or deposit requirements. The bill directly affects individuals or groups seeking to form new municipalities and their interactions with county governments, with no new funding or significant cost changes.
HB 561 updates Utah's vehicle laws to clarify that mini-motorcycles are legally treated the same as motorcycles. This means minors riding mini-motorcycles must now follow the same rules as motorcycle riders, including needing proper driver licenses, registration, and insurance. The bill also adds provisions allowing law enforcement to impound motorcycles involved in certain traffic violations. These changes directly affect minor riders of mini-motorcycles and impact how law enforcement handles related traffic offenses.
HB 506 amends Utah's assisted living facility regulations to protect residents by limiting when facilities can discharge or transfer them and creating a formal appeals process. It requires facilities to provide written notice of discharge/transfers, allows residents or their representatives to appeal to the state department within 30 days, and prohibits discharge during an appeal unless health/safety is at immediate risk. The bill specifies five allowable reasons for discharge (e.g., facility closure, resident safety threat, or failure to pay) and mandates a hearing within 30 days (or 7 days for expedited requests) before a decision is made. These changes directly affect assisted living residents and their representatives, ensuring greater transparency and due process in facility decisions.
HB 529 proposes creating an elected Secretary of State position for the 2028 general election, transferring most duties currently held by Utah's Lieutenant Governor to this new office. Key provisions include moving election oversight, redistricting responsibilities, municipal administration, management of the state seal, and regulation of lobbyists and notaries to the Secretary of State. The bill requires a prior constitutional amendment to establish the office and includes technical updates to relevant Utah Code sections. It does not appropriate funds and is contingent on the constitutional amendment's passage.
HB 489, the Water Infrastructure Amendments, requires local governments in the Great Salt Lake basin to prioritize low impact development (like permeable surfaces and rain gardens) over retention basins for storm water management, unless no feasible alternative exists. It mandates that detention basins in the basin be designed to release water as quickly as possible without compromising flood control or drainage capacity. The bill also establishes a process for independent review of storm water design disputes, with costs shared equally between applicants and local governments. These changes directly affect municipalities, counties, and developers operating within the Great Salt Lake basin under Utah’s storm water permitting system.
