HB 575 reduces Utah's motor fuel tax rate and requires refineries to report production data to the Office of Energy Development. The bill establishes new permitting rules for oil and gas infrastructure projects, including a 120-day processing timeline for applications and coordination between state agencies. These changes directly affect refineries, oil and gas companies building pipelines or storage facilities, and fuel consumers through tax adjustments. The bill appropriates $11.9 million for implementation in fiscal year 2027.
SB 162 adds a sales tax to online digital content, including subscription-based streaming services like Netflix or Spotify. It affects companies providing digital video/audio services and their customers who purchase these subscriptions. The bill clarifies that transactions already subject to a multi-channel video service tax remain exempt from this new tax. These changes update Utah's sales tax rules for digital services without requiring new state spending.
SB 112 modifies Utah's Exemptions Act to protect certain federal tax refunds from being seized by creditors. It specifically allows individuals with unsecured debt to keep the full amount of federal income tax refunds linked to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, whether the refund is refundable or reduces their tax liability. This change directly affects low-income Utah residents who rely on these credits, ensuring these refunds remain exempt from collection efforts. The bill makes no other policy changes beyond this targeted exemption and technical updates to existing law.
SB 185 amends Utah's Child Welfare Parental Representation Program to expand support for attorneys representing parents in child welfare cases. The bill directly affects parental representation attorneys, particularly those serving indigent parents, by removing the requirement that they must be contracted with the program and allowing the program to provide education, support, and grants for indigent defense services. Key provisions include enabling the program to administer existing interdisciplinary representation services, manage its budget based on prior-year spending (instead of estimated needs), and provide guidance on attorneys' professional duties. The changes aim to streamline program operations without new state funding, effective May 2026.
HB 236 requires local governments (like cities and school districts) proposing property tax increases to follow specific transparency steps. It mandates that these entities make a public statement about considering a tax hike before approval and submit two budgets: one without the proposed tax revenue and another including it if approved. The bill also clarifies the State Tax Commission's power to reject increases that don't meet these requirements. This directly affects how local taxing entities plan and present property tax changes, aiming to increase public accountability without new funding.
HB 410 establishes the Great Salt Lake Preservation Program and its governing board to manage water leasing specifically for preserving Great Salt Lake. It appropriates $5 million (nonlapsing) for the program, creates streamlined leasing processes for water dedicated to the lake, and authorizes the board to enforce leases and address violations. The bill defines key terms, requires reporting by the board and state engineer, and sets a sunset date for the program. It directly affects water rights holders and entities leasing water for Great Salt Lake preservation, focusing on concrete administrative and funding mechanisms.
HB 447 allows remote sales (online, phone, mail) of cigars and pipe tobacco in Utah while establishing new regulatory requirements. It directly affects remote sellers of these products, requiring them to obtain licenses, post bonds, collect state taxes, and comply with reporting rules. The bill creates specific licensing and tax collection mechanisms for these transactions, with criminal penalties for non-compliance. It does not appropriate new funds and updates Utah's tobacco tax code to include these remote sales channels. The law applies to all consumers purchasing cigars or pipe tobacco online within Utah.
SB 16 amends the process for agricultural businesses to claim tax refunds on motor fuel used for nonhighway farming activities. It requires claimants to retain original invoices as proof and limits each business to one annual refund claim. The bill specifies that refunds are processed only after commission approval of the claim. This directly affects farmers and agricultural operations purchasing fuel for off-highway use, streamlining their existing refund procedure without creating new tax credits.
SB 60 lowers Utah's corporate and individual income tax rates from 4.5% to 4.45% for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. It directly affects corporations operating in Utah and residents filing state income taxes. The bill reduces the tax rate on both corporate franchise income and individual state taxable income, with the change applying retroactively to the 2026 tax year. No new state spending is involved, as the bill only adjusts existing tax rates.
SB 73 requires online platforms providing content deemed harmful to minors to implement age verification systems. It imposes an excise tax on these platforms, with revenues funding mental health programs and enforcement through the Division of Consumer Protection. The bill creates two dedicated accounts for these funds and grants the Division authority to investigate violations, impose fines, and establish verification standards. Platforms failing to comply face civil penalties, while approved verification methods receive a safe harbor from liability.
