Rep. Jill Koford

Maddy summaryHJR 7 proposes amending Utah's constitution to allow the legislature to exempt up to 60% of the fair market value of residential property from property tax (previously capped at 45%). If approved by voters, this would directly reduce property tax bills for most Utah homeowners by lowering the taxable portion of their primary residence. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election, with implementation set for January 1, 2027, if passed. This change modifies Article XIII, Section 3 of the Utah Constitution, specifically updating the statutory exemption limit for residential property.

Maddy summaryHB 150 updates eligibility for Utah's Salary Supplement for Highly Needed Educators program to explicitly include speech-language pathologists and technicians working in designated high-needs school assignments. It also adjusts funding for teaching supplies, providing $500 per classroom teacher position for pre-K through grade 6 and $250 for grades 7-12. The bill makes technical changes to existing funding distribution rules without appropriating new money, clarifying how school districts calculate payments. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, and directly affect school districts, charter schools, and educators in qualifying roles.

Maddy summaryHB 441 requires sellers or closing agents to provide property sale details - including sales price, parcel number, and transfer date - to the Multicounty Appraisal Trust within 10 days of closing for most property transfers. It excludes residential sales (single-family or two-to-four unit homes) and specific transactions like family gifts, tax sales, or eminent domain from this requirement. The bill clarifies that sales price information shared with county assessors or the State Tax Commission is not considered a "private record," allowing county assessors to use this data to support property valuations and appeals. This affects real estate professionals, sellers, and county assessment offices, with no new funding or significant procedural changes beyond disclosure requirements.

Maddy summarySB 22 clarifies who can supervise a minor with a learner permit while driving in Utah. It explicitly allows stepparents and foster parents to supervise, adding them to the list of eligible supervisors alongside parents, legal guardians, and approved instructors. This change affects Utah minors aged 15-17 who hold a learner permit and need a licensed adult in the front seat to drive. The bill amends Utah Code sections 53-3-204 and 53-3-210.5 to include these definitions and provisions, with no new funding or significant policy changes beyond the supervisor eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill simplifies property tax exemption applications for Utah veterans who are disabled or killed in action, and their surviving spouses or minor children. It requires counties to accept a single application for the exemption unless a veteran's disability rating changes or the claimant changes. Counties can no longer demand repeated proof of disability beyond the initial filing, and the exemption covers 100% of property value for eligible veterans (with 10%+ disability) or survivors of veterans killed in action. The changes apply retroactively with no new state funding required.

Maddy summaryHB 1001 amends Utah's Great Salt Lake management rules to update how the state handles infrastructure like berms at the UP causeway breach. It requires the Division of Natural Resources to adjust the adaptive management berm to maintain Gilbert Bay's salinity within target ranges, specifically raising it if the lake level drops to 4,190 feet or lower. The bill mandates the division to consult with the Great Salt Lake commissioner before modifying the berm and to create a plan to lower it within 18 months after raising it. This directly affects the Division of Natural Resources and its coordination with the Great Salt Lake commissioner in managing the lake's ecosystem and infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 308 amends Utah's driver's license rules to allow minors under 18 with learner permits to be supervised by a non-parent adult in specific situations. It directly affects teenagers aged 15-17 who hold learner permits and need a licensed adult to ride beside them while driving. The key change adds a new option: a responsible adult aged 21+ who isn't a parent can supervise if the minor's parent/guardian isn't licensed, the adult has written authorization from the parent, and the adult is licensed. This update modifies existing Utah Code Section 53-3-210.5 and takes effect May 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 428 modifies Utah's school funding structure by requiring school districts to use tax rates certified by the State Tax Commission, Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, and Legislative Fiscal Analyst. These certified rates (the "minimum basic tax rate" and "WPU value rate") ensure districts generate sufficient revenue for basic school programs, with the state covering shortfalls using funds from the Public Education Economic Stabilization Account. The bill does not appropriate new money but directs existing account funds to stabilize school budgets during revenue shortfalls. This directly affects all Utah public school districts and their local property tax levies.

Maddy summaryHB 446 amends Utah code to clarify severance tax calculations for minerals extracted near the Great Salt Lake, ensuring taxable value is based on market prices for unaffiliated sales. The bill updates feasibility assessment requirements for lake-related activities, modifies rules for adaptive management berms, and defines the Great Salt Lake Commissioner’s duties. These changes primarily affect mineral extraction companies operating in the area and state agencies managing lake conservation efforts. The bill makes technical adjustments without appropriating new funds or changing environmental protections.

Maddy summaryHB 333 amends Utah law to allow students with severe allergies to possess and self-administer epinephrine nasal spray at school under specific conditions, directly affecting students with anaphylaxis. The bill updates definitions in school health codes to include "epinephrine nasal spray" as a permitted medication, distinguishing it from injectable forms. Key provisions clarify that schools must permit student self-administration of this nasal spray type during allergic reactions, while maintaining requirements for trained staff. This change expands access to emergency allergy treatment without requiring a school nurse's direct involvement in all cases.