This joint resolution amends Utah's civil procedure rules to change how courts handle sanctions and dismissals. It adds a new penalty option allowing courts to order charitable donations (instead of cash fines) for certain misconduct under Rule 11. It also updates Rule 41 to let defendants seek dismissal if named solely for representing another party in a related case, and permits awarding attorney fees to defendants in those situations. These changes directly affect lawyers, defendants, and courts handling civil lawsuits in Utah.
HB 332 prohibits local building authorities (such as those for counties, cities, towns, or school districts) from building, funding, or advancing any project that was previously rejected by voters in the same jurisdiction. The bill directly affects local governments and building authorities by preventing them from re-submitting the same or similar projects after a public vote rejected them. Its key provision, found in Utah Code 17D-2-303, bans such authorities from proceeding with these rejected projects on behalf of the creating entity. The law takes effect on May 6, 2026, and involves no funding changes.
SB 115 requires Utah courts to send quarterly reports of specific animal cruelty convictions (including dog fighting, animal torture, or service animal harm) to the Division of Child and Family Services. The reports must include offender details like name, address, and offense type, but explicitly prohibit using these reports to investigate child abuse cases solely based on animal cruelty convictions. This bill creates a reporting mechanism between courts and child welfare agencies for certain animal abuse cases, with no new funding or penalties. It would take effect on May 6, 2026, if passed.
SB 129 establishes Utah Civic Engagement and Service Day, observed annually on the first Friday in September. This new commemorative day aims to promote civic responsibility, community service, and constructive dialogue in response to political violence that occurred in Utah on September 10, 2025. The bill amends Utah Code Section 63G-1-401 to add this day to the state's list of recognized observances, with no funding or additional policy changes. As a procedural bill naming a commemorative day, it does not directly affect specific groups beyond encouraging statewide participation in civic activities.
SB 106 preserves current educator salary adjustments by removing a legal dependency on the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program's status. It ensures educators (including teachers, counselors, librarians, and specialists) receive a fixed $10,350 salary adjustment for fiscal year 2026, regardless of litigation affecting the scholarship program. The bill makes this change to prevent potential pay reductions if the scholarship program faces legal challenges. No new funding is appropriated, and the amendment applies to all school districts, charter schools, and Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.
HB 328 prohibits the use of overhead spray irrigation for nonfunctional turf (aesthetic turf not used for sports, recreation, or active community purposes) in new or redeveloped projects on specified land within the Great Salt Lake drainage area, effective January 1, 2027. It applies to property owners and developers of commercial, industrial, institutional, or multifamily projects in this region, excluding agricultural land, single-family homes, schools, and government properties. Municipalities must include warnings about the prohibition in land use permits and may inspect projects for compliance. The bill defines key terms like "nonfunctional turf" and "specified land" to clarify which developments and landscapes are affected.
HB 298 requires Utah's State Board of Education to create and maintain a public library of standardized school building designs for elementary, middle, high, and multi-level schools. School districts and charter schools must own and submit publicly funded designs to this library, while also using the library for new construction projects. The bill mandates life-cycle cost analysis, safety compliance, cost transparency, and competitive bidding for design fees, with designs required to meet accessibility standards and adapt to local needs. This directly affects all Utah public school districts, charter schools, and architects/engineering firms working on school construction projects.
SB 182 requires Utah county sheriffs to permit licensed attorneys to enter jails for client meetings under specific conditions. Attorneys must be licensed in good standing and inform the sheriff of their intent to meet a prisoner who is their current/former client, prospective client, or someone relevant to a criminal case. Sheriffs must provide a private meeting space during standard hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding holidays), though special circumstances may allow exceptions. The bill also allows sheriffs to designate staff to handle these requests and mandates public posting of designee contact details. This directly affects attorneys seeking jail access and sheriffs managing facility entry protocols.
HB 341 amends Utah's animal fighting laws to strengthen penalties for dog fighting, game fowl fighting, and attending such events. It clarifies that owning dog fighting equipment (like breaking sticks or treadmills) is evidence of intent to commit a crime, and creates new offenses for promoting or attending game fowl fights. The bill directly affects individuals who organize, participate in, or spectate dog or game fowl fights, including those allowing minors to attend. Penalties range from class B misdemeanors for first-time attendance or minor offenses to third-degree felonies for repeat dog fighting violations.
SJR 4 is a Utah joint resolution applying to Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically seeks to propose an amendment limiting members of Congress to a set number of terms in both the House and Senate. The resolution states it joins 22 other states that previously sought similar term limits but were overruled by the Supreme Court. This is a procedural application (not a law) that Utah’s legislature intends to maintain until two-thirds of states support the same request.
HB 322 designates a specific stretch of SR-198 in Utah County as the "Gail S. Halvorsen Memorial Highway," running from SR-164 in Spanish Fork south to the boundary between Spanish Fork and Salem cities. The bill requires the Utah Department of Transportation to update highway maps and install signage to reflect this new name. It does not involve funding, regulations, or changes to traffic laws, making it a purely commemorative designation. The change takes effect on May 6, 2026, honoring Gail S. Halvorsen through the highway name. This bill affects no specific individuals or entities beyond the highway signage and map updates.
HB 334 creates the Legislative Education Support and Professional Development Commission to study gaps in educator support systems. The commission will examine issues like communication between schools and policymakers, professional development opportunities, teacher liability insurance models, and recognition programs, with a focus on educators not covered by professional organizations. It will hold its first meeting before October 1, 2026, and submit recommendations to the Education Interim Committee. The bill does not change existing laws or allocate funding, as it establishes a study body to inform future policy decisions.
