HB 327 amends Utah's laws governing automatic license plate readers (LPRs) used by government and law enforcement. It directly affects police departments, state agencies, and other public entities that collect license plate data. The bill replaces outdated rules with new requirements, including mandatory data security measures, limits on how long data can be stored, and restrictions on sharing data with other agencies. It also requires agencies to report how they use LPRs, ensuring transparency in their deployment. The law makes no changes to funding or creates new surveillance powers, focusing solely on standardizing existing LPR data handling practices.
HB 359 creates the Preceptor Fund to support clinical training for health care students in Utah. It allows health care providers (physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses) who supervise students in clinical settings to receive payments for providing at least 160 hours of training per student. The fund is financed solely through private donations, including mandatory donations during health care provider license applications. Providers can combine hours across multiple students to meet the 160-hour requirement, and the Department of Health and Human Services will establish rules for fund distribution. The bill takes effect in 2026 and requires no state appropriations.
HB 225 requires sellers of unincorporated real property in Utah to provide a written disclosure statement to buyers before a property sale. This statement explains that the property's boundaries might be affected by legal claims like adverse possession (taking over land through long-term use), boundary by acquiescence (long-standing agreement), or established right-of-way access. Both the seller and buyer must sign this disclosure at the time of conveyance. The bill affects all property transactions in unincorporated areas (outside city limits) and takes effect May 6, 2026. It does not change existing property laws but mandates this specific disclosure to inform buyers about potential boundary risks.
SB 207 prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, age, gender, or other protected characteristics in credit decisions by lenders and credit reporting agencies, and in insurance underwriting. It requires schools to grant excused absences for religious holidays and mandates state universities to reasonably accommodate students' religious practices during admissions, class attendance, exams, and academic requirements. The bill directly affects consumers applying for loans or insurance, public school students, and state higher education institutions. It amends existing Utah laws to clarify prohibited practices and enforcement mechanisms without appropriating new funds. The law aims to ensure equal access to financial services and educational opportunities while protecting individuals from bias based on irrelevant personal traits.
HB 282 amends Utah's tax code to redirect sales and use tax revenue previously earmarked for the Transportation Investment Fund of 2005 back into the state's General Fund. The bill changes Section 59-12-103 to ensure that specific tax revenues - originally designated for transportation projects - remain available for general state spending instead. This policy shift affects how the state allocates existing sales tax revenue, without creating new taxes or appropriations. The change applies to the tax base described in the amended statute, moving funds from a dedicated transportation fund to the broader General Fund.
SB 118 creates a $1.5 million grant for Utah public universities to improve student mental health services. It requires institutions to either establish peer coaching programs - where trained student volunteers provide non-clinical support - or use funds for other mental health services. Peer coaches, defined as student volunteers (not licensed professionals), can offer support like mentoring or resource referrals but cannot diagnose or provide clinical therapy. The grant, funded by reallocating existing income tax revenue, takes effect July 2026 and exempts peer coaches from liability for their non-clinical support.
HB 295, the "Overdose Amendments," updates Utah's criminal code to better address overdose situations. It expands the affirmative defense for reporting overdoses to include both the person experiencing the overdose and anyone who stays with them during the event. The bill also creates a new option for courts to dismiss first-time drug offenses if the individual commits to substance abuse treatment, and clarifies that reporting an overdose can be used as a sentencing mitigating factor for both parties involved. These changes aim to reduce criminal penalties for overdose-related incidents while encouraging treatment engagement.
SB 176 requires Utah state agencies to purchase electric-powered landscape maintenance equipment when replacing old gasoline-powered equipment for routine outdoor care (like mowing or trimming) on state government grounds. It applies specifically to properties in counties classified as first or second class with less than 50,000 square feet of maintained grounds. Exceptions allow exemptions if electric equipment is impractical due to terrain features or during emergencies. The law takes effect on May 6, 2026, and does not appropriate new funding.
SB 126 requires Utah public schools to include water safety instruction in physical education curriculum starting in the 2028-2029 school year. It mandates specific topics like safe water behaviors, pool safety, emergency response, and CPR training, while allowing exemptions for students with parental requests or IEPs that conflict with the instruction. Schools may offer swim lessons, lifeguard training, or swim instructor certification as physical education credits, either through school programs or partnerships with community facilities like recreation centers. The bill also establishes rules for verifying outside course completion toward credit requirements. This applies to all Utah public school students and takes effect July 1, 2026, with implementation beginning in 2028-2029.
HB 315 requires Utah public schools to include two specific videos in human growth and development instruction for students in grades 3-12: a high-definition ultrasound showing fetal organ development and a video depicting fertilization and pregnancy stages. It mandates that schools make all instructional materials available to parents upon request and directs the State Board of Education to publish approved materials, conduct compliance audits, and share audit results. The bill affects all local education agencies (LEAs) in Utah and their students, while giving parents access to curriculum content. No new funding is provided, and the policy focuses on specific educational content requirements within existing health curriculum standards.
SJR 7 is a joint resolution urging Utah's Governor to formally review the state's designation of the Disability Law Center (DLC) as its official Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency for individuals with disabilities. It does not change current law but encourages the Governor to assess whether the DLC effectively advocates for all disability types and functional capacities, including underserved groups, per federal requirements. The resolution outlines specific steps for a transparent review process, including public notice, a 45-day comment period, public hearings, and ensuring service continuity. It directly affects the Governor, the DLC, and Utah's disability advocacy system, with no funding or legal changes proposed.
HB 302 limits local government flag displays in Utah by requiring cities, counties, and other local entities to adopt only one official flag for government property. It allows additional ceremonial flags but mandates review by the Rules Review Committee for compliance. The bill specifies that only "exempt" flags (like the U.S. flag, state flag, or military flags) may be displayed in courthouses, airports, or transit facilities, while other locations may use official or ceremonial flags. Violations incur $500 daily fines, enforceable by the state auditor, with school districts exempt from certain restrictions.
