Utah Bills

SB 140 adjusts Utah election procedures by modifying the lieutenant governor's deadline for creating the master ballot position list and aligning the signature submission deadline for U.S. Representative candidates with other similar candidates. It updates two code sections: one specifying how election officials order candidates on ballots using a randomized alphabet system, and another clarifying the timeline for candidates to gather signatures to qualify for the primary ballot. The bill directly affects candidates running for U.S. Representative and election officials managing ballot ordering. These changes ensure consistency with prior election law (S.B. 2001) and streamline the qualification process for federal candidates.

SJR 5 amends Utah's civil procedure rules to clarify how cases are transferred to the Business and Chancery Court. It requires district courts to transfer a case to this specialized court if a party requests it within 21 days of appearing in the case, unless the transfer would harm the interests of justice. After 21 days, courts may consider the plaintiff's original venue choice and factors like cost, delay, and fairness before deciding. This change applies to civil cases that meet the jurisdictional requirements for the Business and Chancery Court.

HCR 1 is a non-binding resolution expressing Utah's support for the advanced nuclear manufacturing industry and declaring the state's desire to host such manufacturing. It commits Utah to helping technology companies address safety challenges in nuclear manufacturing, transportation, and waste management, while welcoming innovative nuclear firms to the state. The resolution does not create new laws, appropriate funds, or directly affect specific entities, but signals legislative backing for the industry's development.

HB 47 requires all vehicle owners to maintain liability insurance *while operating* a vehicle on Utah highways (not just when registered). This directly affects all drivers, including nonresidents who stay in Utah over 90 days, who must meet Utah's insurance requirements during their stay. The bill amends Utah Code Section 41-12a-301 to clarify that insurance must be active whenever a vehicle is driven on public roads, with exceptions for off-highway vehicles, e-bikes, scooters, and school buses under specific conditions. It does not appropriate funds or change existing registration fees. The key change shifts the requirement from registration to active operation.

This concurrent resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks in 2026. It honors victims, first responders, and those affected by the attacks while encouraging Utah schools and local governments to hold educational events and ceremonies. The resolution urges public and private schools to conduct age-appropriate activities to foster understanding of the day's significance. It has no funding impact and serves solely as a commemorative statement, not a new law.

This bill (HJR 2) is a procedural rule change for Utah's legislature, affecting how lawmakers draft and handle resolutions. It requires legislators to use formal "citations" (not resolutions) to honor individuals, groups, or events - replacing the previous practice. The bill also defines "binding" vs. "nonbinding" resolutions and gives rules committees power to block resolutions that violate these rules. It makes technical updates to existing legislative procedures but does not create new policies or allocate funding.

HB 5 is a funding bill that allocates $1.3 billion in state funds for Utah's Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality agencies for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It directly affects the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, providing specific appropriations for its programs like Animal Industry, Invasive Species Mitigation, Plant Industry, and Marketing. The bill details funding sources (including General Fund and Income Tax Fund) and includes limited provisions for non-lapsing funds to cover specific operational needs like equipment, training, and projects. It does not create new policies but authorizes spending for existing agency operations.

SB 4 is a base budget appropriation bill that allocates funding for Utah state government operations during fiscal years 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026) and 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It provides a total of $1.82 billion for operating and capital budgets in fiscal year 2027, including $220.8 million from the General Fund, and specifies funding for state agencies like the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services, Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, and Department of Cultural and Community Engagement. The bill details specific allocations for agency programs, such as tourism marketing, economic development grants, and cultural services, with most funds coming from state revenue sources. This budget bill directly affects state agencies by funding their ongoing operations and programs for the upcoming fiscal years.

SB 6 is a state budget bill allocating $333.6 million for Utah's transportation and infrastructure operations in fiscal year 2026, and $3.8 billion for fiscal year 2027. It specifies funding sources including $54 million from the General Fund for 2026 and $165 million from the General Fund for 2027, covering agency operations, capital projects, and infrastructure needs. The bill directs funds to state agencies like the Department of Transportation and specifies allocations for projects such as the Ogden office building and capital improvements, without changing policy or directly affecting citizens.

HB 6 is a state budget bill that allocates funding for Utah's criminal justice system for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It appropriates $1.35 billion for 2027 (including $949 million from the General Fund) and $27.8 million for 2026 to support agencies like the Governor's Office, Attorney General's Office, and Board of Pardons and Parole. Key provisions include funding for factual innocence payments ($95,000), jail reimbursements ($412,900), indigent defense services ($283,400), and non-lapsing funds for casework acceleration ($5 million) and children's justice centers ($1 million). The bill specifies how funds may be used and includes intent language to prevent certain appropriations from expiring at year-end.

HB 7 is the Social Services Base Budget for Utah’s fiscal years 2026 and 2027, providing $8.6 billion in total funding to state agencies, primarily the Department of Health and Human Services. It directly affects programs like Child and Family Services, Medicaid, mental health services, and health care administration by allocating specific funds - such as $1.588 billion from the General Fund for 2027 and $53.38 million for legal cost reporting. Key provisions include requiring the Health and Human Services Department to report to lawmakers by May 2026 on attorney fees for child welfare services, including historical costs and funding gaps. The bill establishes concrete budget allocations for operations, capital projects, and specific initiatives without changing program eligibility or creating new requirements.

SB 1 allocates $44.5 million for Utah's public higher education institutions for fiscal year 2026 and $3.08 billion for 2027, funding operations, instruction, research, and specific programs. It directs funds from the General Fund, Income Tax Fund, and other sources to institutions like the University of Utah (including its School of Medicine, cancer research, and hospital) and Utah State University (covering veterinary medicine, dentistry, and career education). The bill specifies detailed budget breakdowns for departments such as academic support, student services, and initiatives like the Poison Control Center. This funding directly supports the day-to-day operations and strategic priorities of Utah's public universities.