Rep. Ray Ward

Maddy summaryHB 599 amends Utah's social services funding to redirect interest earned from the Medicaid ACA Fund into the General Fund, freeing up $759,700 annually for 2026-2027. It adds immunosuppressive drugs to Medicaid's preferred drug list and transitions the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) into Medicaid, with dental services for CHIP beneficiaries to be provided through the University of Utah School of Dentistry. The bill also allocates funds from electronic cigarette taxes to support substance use treatment and prevention services. These changes directly affect Medicaid beneficiaries, CHIP enrollees (now covered under Medicaid), and individuals seeking substance use treatment.

Maddy summaryHB 247 redirects $125,000 annually from brine shrimp tax revenue to the Sovereign Lands Management Account instead of the Species Protection Account. This change affects how funds from brine shrimp harvesting are allocated, specifically directing a portion toward Great Salt Lake management projects under the Sovereign Lands Account. The bill does not create new funding but modifies existing revenue streams, with the remainder of brine shrimp tax revenue continuing to fund species protection efforts as before. It makes technical adjustments to Utah code sections governing these accounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Utah's state health plan (PEHP) to make specific changes to its drug coverage starting in 2027. It requires PEHP to include at least one non-opioid pain medication alternative for every opioid drug in its formulary (drug list), and prohibits using cost-sharing, prior authorization, or other extra steps to discourage patients from choosing these alternatives. The resolution aims to address coverage gaps that may lead patients toward opioids instead of safer options. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a law, and applies directly to PEHP's coverage policies.)

Maddy summaryHB 333 clarifies that adoption record access applies to all adoptions in Utah and allows birth parents (pre-existing parents) to petition a court to keep adoption records sealed after an adoptee turns 18. Adult adoptees (18+) can automatically access their original birth certificate, adoption report, findings of fact, and final decree without a court order. Birth parents may request a 10-year sealing extension of these records if they provide sworn evidence of reasonable fear of harm from the adoptee. The bill amends Utah Code § 81-13-103 and takes effect on May 6, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 170 requires healthcare providers and unlicensed midwives to administer vitamin K to newborn infants within 24 hours of birth. Parents may decline this administration by signing a form acknowledging the risks of not receiving vitamin K, which must be included in the infant's medical record. The bill defines key terms like "health care provider" and "unlicensed direct-entry midwife" and applies to all newborns in Utah. This directly affects newborns, their caregivers, and healthcare providers during delivery.

Maddy summaryHCR 14 is a Utah legislative resolution urging Congress to allow limited transfers of specific federally managed lands for affordable housing. It requests that Congress authorize the sale or exchange of unreserved federal lands located near existing communities and infrastructure (like roads and utilities) to support moderate-income housing development. The resolution emphasizes that such land transfers must prioritize responsible stewardship and avoid expanding development into remote or environmentally sensitive areas. It does not create new laws or allocate funds, but formally asks Utah's congressional delegation to support this approach. The resolution directly affects federal land management policy and Utah's housing strategy for moderate-income residents.

Maddy summaryHB 264 modifies Utah's prescription medication rules to streamline pharmacy operations. It removes the requirement for pharmacies to notify providers when substituting medications (as authorized by the prescription), allows prescription refills to remain valid for two years, and establishes new rules for standing prescriptions issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. Standing prescriptions must be limited to specific conditions, FDA-approved diagnoses, and clinically appropriate treatments. These changes primarily affect pharmacies, patients receiving refills, and healthcare providers who write prescriptions.

Maddy summaryHB 248 modifies Utah's family law system, primarily affecting individuals receiving or paying spousal and child support, as well as the Office of Recovery Services (ORS). It requires the ORS to hold meetings for support recipients and payers (with a sunset date), allows up to $35,000 in arrears to trigger driver license suspension, and mandates that a portion of child support payments after July 1, 2028, flow to families on public assistance. The bill also sets interest accrual on overdue child support starting July 1, 2027, and updates ORS reporting requirements with temporary sunset provisions. These changes aim to clarify support collection processes without appropriating new funds.

Maddy summaryHB 461 requires specific Utah authorities - including the Utah Inland Port Authority, Point of the Mountain State Land Authority, Utah Fairpark Area Investment and Restoration District, Military Installation Development Authority, and Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity - to publish detailed annual reports on publicly accessible websites. These reports must include property value changes, actual vs. forecasted tax revenue, maps of project areas, and how funds supported development goals. The bill mandates these disclosures by June 30 each year, with a follow-up notification to the Political Subdivisions Interim Committee by September 1. It focuses solely on transparency, with no new funding or policy changes, and applies to all existing project areas regardless of when they were established. The bill amends Utah Code sections to formalize these disclosure requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 470 requires municipalities to approve plan reviews for certain owner-occupied single-family home renovations, directly affecting homeowners making alterations to their primary residences. The bill allows these homeowners to hire a third-party inspection firm instead of relying solely on municipal inspections if the municipality cannot complete an inspection within three business days. Key provisions include setting a three-business-day screening period for application completeness and mandating written violation notices during inspections. The law makes technical updates to Utah’s building code but does not appropriate new funds or change fees.