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 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.
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 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 316 prevents health care providers from using nondisclosure clauses in contracts to stop patients from reporting misconduct to Utah's Division of Professional Licensing. The bill requires providers to give patients a specific model notice (created by the division) before signing such contracts, explaining patients' rights to report unprofessional or unlawful conduct. This notice must detail what constitutes misconduct, the reporting process, and include a reference to relevant laws. The law takes effect May 6, 2026, making nondisclosure clauses unenforceable after June 1, 2025, unless the required notice was provided. It directly affects patients seeking care and health care providers using such contractual clauses.
This resolution recognizes neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition causing withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed to substances like opioids in utero. It urges Utah's Department of Health and Human Services to improve data tracking on NAS cases, including details on substance type, treatment engagement, and health outcomes like hospital stays. The resolution requires the agency to report by 2027 on NAS trends, data system improvements, and recommendations for better care. It does not fund new programs or change laws but focuses on enhancing data collection to support evidence-based maternal and infant health policies.
HB 278 changes Utah's State Board of Education election process by making the position nonpartisan, repealing previous partisan requirements. It requires the governor to appoint vacancies with Senate approval and mandates a nonpartisan primary election starting in 2028 to narrow candidates before the general election. These changes apply directly to candidates and voters in statewide school board elections. The bill makes technical adjustments to existing election codes but does not appropriate funds or change voting procedures for other offices.
HB 355 modifies Utah's governmental immunity laws to allow private citizens to sue government entities for public or private nuisance claims. It specifically removes governmental immunity as a defense in these cases, meaning governments cannot avoid liability for nuisance issues like unsafe public infrastructure or environmental harm. The bill affects anyone who might bring a nuisance claim against a government agency, such as residents harmed by a dangerous public building or polluted water source. This change directly alters the legal process by enabling lawsuits that were previously blocked by immunity protections.
HB 305 increases the required bond amount for used motor vehicle dealers from $75,000 to $200,000. This change directly affects licensed used car dealers in Utah who must now secure a higher financial guarantee. The bill amends Utah Code Section 41-3-205 to reflect this bond amount increase, with no new state funding required. The measure aims to strengthen financial accountability for dealers handling vehicle transactions, though it does not alter other existing bond requirements or procedures.
HB 371 requires Utah's School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) to prioritize multiple purposes and sustainable use when managing trust lands held for public schools and institutions. It prohibits SITLA from issuing grazing permits for land that could be used for grazing, ensuring these lands are actively utilized rather than left vacant. The bill amends existing laws to formalize these management principles and clarify permit terms based on fair market value. These changes directly affect SITLA, land users, and beneficiaries of trust lands, with no new funding required.
