SB 119 requires Utah's State Board of Education to develop free, open educational resources (OER) for public schools in kindergarten through grade 8. These resources must align with Utah core standards, reflect state values, be accessible for students with disabilities, and avoid bias, including digital and print materials. The bill directs the State Board to create a centralized platform for these resources, consult with schools and parents during development, and report on progress to the legislature. It does not mandate school districts to adopt the OER, and the bill affects all Utah public schools serving K-8 students.
HB 292 clarifies that water right subordination agreements - written arrangements where a water rights holder agrees to let another right take priority - do not create long-term property interests subject to Utah's rule against perpetuities. This affects water rights holders, state engineers, and anyone involved in water rights transactions, as it removes uncertainty about these agreements triggering the rule. The bill defines key terms like "water right" and "person with control of a water right," and explicitly states these changes apply retroactively to past agreements. It makes no new financial commitments and is a technical legal clarification, not a policy shift.
HB 127 repeals a requirement for Utah's Department of Health and Human Services to develop a community education program about female genital mutilation. The bill removes Section 76-5-703 from Utah law, ending the obligation to create this specific educational initiative. It takes effect on May 6, 2026, with no new funding or program changes. This is a procedural repeal with no direct impact on individuals or new policy implementation.
HJR 13 proposes amending Utah's constitution to create a special process for voters to decide whether a judge should remain in office if the Legislature determines the judge engaged in misconduct, incompetence, or violated their oath. It would allow the Legislature to trigger this special retention election even if the judge might face impeachment or disciplinary action under other constitutional provisions. The special election would replace a regular retention vote if both were scheduled for the same year, while judges would still face regular retention elections every 6-10 years depending on their court. If approved by voters, this amendment would take effect on January 1, 2027.
HB 283 amends Utah's dairy regulations to establish new rules for raw milk production and sales. It requires all producers and markets selling raw milk or raw milk products to register annually with the state department, submit detailed operational plans, and comply with veterinary care and labeling standards. The bill prohibits raw milk sales through restaurants or commercial kitchens, mandates regular herd health checks, and outlines procedures for handling foodborne illness outbreaks. It directly affects raw milk producers, small markets, and consumers purchasing raw milk for personal use within Utah. The law repeals outdated sections and adds new requirements without appropriating funds.
HB 285 requires Utah cities and counties to consider how new development affects wildlife habitats, movement, and migration corridors when creating or updating their long-term land use plans. It also mandates the Utah Department of Natural Resources to provide local governments with relevant wildlife information to support these planning decisions. This applies to all municipalities and counties as they adopt or revise general plans and land use regulations. The bill makes technical updates to existing state code without adding new funding or regulatory requirements.
SCR 4 is a Utah concurrent resolution supporting the state's effort to formalize a cooperative agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to streamline permitting for oil, gas, and mining operations on BLM lands. It urges the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining to negotiate an MOA that would allow the state to review technical aspects of permit applications - like drilling plans - while ensuring the BLM retains final decision-making authority. The resolution aims to reduce permitting delays and save BLM staff time by leveraging Utah’s local expertise in geology and resource management. This affects oil, gas, and mining operators seeking permits on federal lands, as well as Utah’s state agencies and the BLM.
HB 239 creates the Commission on Unincorporated Areas for counties classified as "first class" in Utah. The commission, composed of mayors from specific cities and appointed officials, will develop plans to determine which unincorporated areas should remain outside municipalities and which should eventually be annexed by existing cities. It requires counties to provide staff support and mandates the commission to consult with local governments, school districts, utilities, and property owners during planning. The bill establishes a process for adopting, modifying, or repealing these plans, with modifications requiring a two-thirds vote of the commission. This directly affects county governments, municipalities, and service providers operating in unincorporated areas of first-class counties.
HB 297 requires Utah public universities to obtain legislative approval before entering into agreements with private capital firms related to intercollegiate athletics. The bill restricts contracts involving ownership interests, control rights over athletic programs, or revenue-sharing arrangements tied to athletics. Exceptions include standard sponsorships without revenue sharing, charitable gifts, and traditional debt financing. Universities must also provide athletic program financial records to the state auditor upon request. This bill directly affects Utah’s public colleges and universities operating athletic programs.
HB 254 modifies Utah's plea in abeyance process for certain first-time offenders. It requires prosecutors to offer plea in abeyance to individuals under 18 charged with specific misdemeanors like retail theft, underage alcohol possession, or minor drug possession, provided they have no prior convictions. The bill also changes compensatory service rules, allowing defendants to perform community service (credited at $12/hour) instead of paying fines or fees for eligible offenses, with strict documentation requirements. These changes apply directly to defendants facing low-level criminal charges who meet the eligibility criteria. The bill makes no changes to victim restitution or court fees for certain offenses.
HB 281 amends Utah's workers' compensation law to address cannabis use by injured workers. It creates a presumption that reduces or denies compensation if an employee’s injury is linked to cannabis use, specifically when THC levels exceed 20 nanograms per milliliter of whole blood. Employees can challenge this presumption by providing evidence, such as proof of test inaccuracy, medical verification, or showing passive inhalation (if THC is below 20 ng/ml). The bill clarifies definitions of cannabis compounds (excluding CBD and others) and applies to workers’ compensation claims involving cannabis-related injury contributions. It does not appropriate funds or alter existing testing procedures beyond the new THC threshold.
SCR 3 is a Utah legislative resolution urging the U.S. government not to resume explosive nuclear weapons testing. It directly addresses the federal government, referencing Utah's historical exposure to radioactive fallout from Nevada tests and citing international consensus (187 countries supporting the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty) and 75% U.S. public opposition. The resolution emphasizes that the U.S. already maintains nuclear safety through the Stockpile Stewardship Program and that restarting tests would escalate global nuclear arms races. As a symbolic measure with no funding or legal effect, it does not change federal policy but formally expresses Utah's position.
