Healthcare

signed · Utah · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 45: Kratom Adjustments

SB 45 repeals Utah's 2019 Kratom Consumer Protection Act and classifies alkaloids found in kratom as Schedule I controlled substances under state law. This change directly affects kratom users and businesses in Utah, removing previous regulatory protections and making kratom possession or sale illegal under state law. The bill amends Utah's controlled substances code to include kratom alkaloids in Schedule I, which prohibits use due to no accepted medical purpose and high abuse potential. This policy shift reverses prior regulations that allowed regulated sale and use of kratom products.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareClassifies kratom alkaloids as Schedule I controlled substances, restricting access to a substance sometimes used for health purposes, under Health and Human Services jurisdiction.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Utah · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 174: Exercise of Religious Beliefs and Conscience Amendments

SB 174 allows health care providers, institutions, and payers in Utah to refuse participation in certain medical services (like pregnancy termination disposal) based on religious, moral, or ethical beliefs. It requires providers who refuse such services to notify their institution and prohibits retaliation, discrimination, or adverse actions against them for exercising this right. The bill also shields these individuals from civil, criminal, or administrative liability and mandates health care payers to disclose services they won’t cover due to conscience objections. It defines key terms like "conscience" and "adverse action" to clarify protections and enforcement mechanisms. The bill makes no changes to funding and applies to all covered health care entities under Utah law.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareAllows refusal of abortion services, restricting patient access to care and opposing healthcare access expansion per bill's refusal provisions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Utah · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 527: Pharmacy Pricing Amendments

HB 527 amends Utah's pharmacy pricing rules to require pharmacy benefit managers to base reimbursement rates only on drugs rated "A" or "B" in the FDA's Orange Book (or similar ratings) that are not obsolete and generally available in the state. It clarifies key terms like "maximum allowable cost" and "rebate," and grants the Insurance Department authority to create implementing rules. This directly affects pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers, and insurers by changing how drug reimbursement rates are calculated. The bill does not appropriate funds or create new taxes.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareRestricts reimbursement to FDA-rated A/B drugs only, limiting covered medications and potentially reducing patient access to non-rated drugs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Utah · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 174: Sex Characteristic Change Treatment Amendments

HB 174 prohibits health care providers in Utah from administering cross-sex hormones or puberty blockers to minors after January 28, 2027, unless the minor was diagnosed with gender dysphoria before January 28, 2023. The bill amends Utah Code Section 58-1-603.1 to establish this ban, directly affecting minors seeking these treatments who do not meet the pre-2023 diagnosis requirement. It repeals a prior requirement for medical evidence reviews (Section 26B-1-239) and takes effect on May 6, 2026. The law applies to all minors under Utah's definition, with violations classified as unprofessional conduct for providers.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareRestricts access to gender-affirming medical treatments (hormones/puberty blockers) for minors, directly limiting healthcare options under specific conditions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Healthcare

failed · Utah · House Mar 7, 2026

HB 156: Blood Transfusion Amendments

HB 156 allows patients to use their own blood or blood from a designated donor (like a family member) for transfusions, unless it's an emergency, there's insufficient time to arrange it, or the healthcare facility already has a process for patient-provided blood. It prohibits healthcare facilities from blocking this option and provides liability protection for providers if injuries occur from using such blood, unless the provider was grossly negligent. The bill directly affects patients needing transfusions and Utah healthcare facilities, taking effect in May 2026. It defines key terms and aligns with federal blood collection laws, with no funding impact.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands patient access to blood transfusion options by allowing self-donated or family donor blood, prohibiting facility barriers, and protecting providers from liability.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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failed · Utah · House Mar 7, 2026

HB 193: Transgender Medical Procedures Amendments

HB 193 prohibits Utah government entities from using public funds to pay for certain surgical procedures related to transitioning from one's biological sex (defined as primary or secondary sex characteristic procedures). It requires government insurance plans that previously covered such transition procedures before May 6, 2026, to offer equivalent coverage for procedures to reverse those changes ("detransitioning"), to the extent possible. The bill takes effect on May 6, 2026, and does not appropriate new funds or affect private insurance. It directly impacts state and local government agencies, school districts, and other public entities using public money for health coverage.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareProhibits public funding for gender transition surgeries, restricting healthcare coverage for transgender patients while mandating detransitioning coverage as a secondary requirement.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Utah · House Mar 7, 2026

HB 295: Overdose Amendments

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands overdose reporting defense, allows treatment diversion for first-time drug offenses, reducing criminal penalties and promoting rehabilitation per bill's sentencing mitigating factor and dismissal provisions.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill enables court dismissal for first-time drug offenses when committing to substance abuse treatment, directly expanding healthcare access for substance use disorders.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Utah · House Mar 7, 2026

HB 277: Traditional Healing Amendments

HB 277 exempts traditional healing providers from state licensing requirements when offering services defined under Utah law and developed in consultation with Utah Native American tribes and indigenous communities. The bill amends Utah’s licensing code to explicitly include traditional healing as a licensed exemption under Section 58-1-307, clarifying that providers practicing traditional healing services do not need a state license. It makes no changes to funding or other requirements, focusing solely on removing licensing barriers for these practitioners. This directly affects traditional healing providers operating within Utah’s defined framework. The exemption applies only to services conducted in accordance with tribal consultations and existing legal definitions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves licensing barriers for traditional healers, improving access to culturally specific healthcare services without altering funding or coverage.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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