Rep. Mike Petersen

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Utah healthcare facilities to provide parents or legal guardians full access to minors' electronic medical records, unless exceptions apply (such as a minor's consent for specific treatments, a court order, or if the parent isn't legally authorized under state/federal law). It mandates electronic health record vendors to ensure systems support this access and authorizes the attorney general to enforce compliance with fines up to $10,000 per day. Facilities must also provide paper records free of charge upon request if electronic access is restricted. The law takes effect May 6, 2026, and aligns with federal privacy standards.

Maddy summaryHB 204 requires Utah colleges and universities to reasonably accommodate students' sincerely held religious or conscience-based requests, such as excusing absences from exams or offering alternative assignments. It mandates institutions to establish clear policies for handling these requests, including requiring prior notice from students, maintaining confidentiality, and designating neutral reviewers for denied requests. Accommodations cannot fundamentally alter course requirements or negatively impact academic standards. The bill also requires institutions to publish their policies online and coordinate with related legislation (S.B. 207).

Maddy summaryHCR 4 is a symbolic concurrent resolution (not a law) passed by Utah's legislature to express support for religious freedom in public spaces. It encourages public school students and teachers to openly express their faith, protects religious symbols in government areas, and promotes respectful dialogue among different faiths. The resolution does not create new legal requirements or change existing laws, as it explicitly states "Money Appropriated: None" and focuses on endorsing constitutional principles. It references historical documents and recent Supreme Court rulings (like *Kennedy v. Bremerton*) to frame its support for religious expression in public life.

Maddy summaryHB 54 requires all Utah watercraft operators (motorboats and sailboats) to complete an annual safety course before operating on state waters. The course covers personal flotation devices, operating under the influence, safe navigation, and invasive species prevention, and must be completed in under 20 minutes. Operators must carry proof of current completion (valid until December 31 of the year they complete it), and rental businesses cannot lease watercraft without verifying this proof. Violations are classified as infractions, and the law takes effect January 1, 2027. The bill does not replace existing personal watercraft safety requirements.

Maddy summarySB 259 designates certain days of religious significance as "state holy days" (like Easter Sunday), clarifying these are not legal holidays unless specifically named. It makes Easter Sunday a legal holiday but specifies it is not observed on the preceding Friday or following Monday. The bill also allows state employees to use their personal preference day to observe any state holy day or for other purposes. This legislation amends Utah’s existing holiday code without creating new paid days off, focusing on reclassifying observances and clarifying holiday scheduling rules.

Maddy summaryHB 95 amends Utah's Election Code to improve public access to campaign finance disclosures. It requires the lieutenant governor to add a searchable feature on the official disclosure website, allowing anyone to look up contributions or expenditures made by a specific person across all filings. The bill mandates that campaign finance statements be posted publicly within one business day of filing, and other reports within three business days. This change takes effect on January 1, 2026, directly affecting voters, candidates, political parties, and campaign finance watchdogs seeking transparency.

Maddy summaryThis resolution approves the dissolution of the North Logan and Hyde Park justice courts, requested by both cities due to operational challenges. It directs that caseloads from these courts will transfer to the First District Court in Cache County upon dissolution. The resolution requires legislative approval (as mandated by Utah law) and specifies an effective date no later than April 1, 2025, for the courts' termination.

Maddy summaryHB 299 adjusts how election deadlines are calculated in Utah's Election Code, affecting election officials and voters who must meet these timelines. The bill clarifies and modifies specific time-related provisions, including adding Election Day and Easter Sunday as legal holidays (if H.B. 351 and S.B. 259 pass), to ensure deadlines align with these holidays. It makes technical changes to multiple election code sections without altering voting rules or requiring new funding. The bill focuses on procedural accuracy in deadline scheduling rather than substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 236 amends Utah's County Career Service Council provisions to clarify that councils may award reasonable attorney fees to employees who win appeals. It also specifies that appointments to fill mid-term vacancies must serve only the remaining term of the predecessor, not a full three-year term. These changes apply directly to county career service councils handling employee appeals related to discipline, transfers, or dismissals. The bill makes minor technical adjustments to existing code (Section 17-33-4) without adding new costs or procedures. The changes take effect May 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 15 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by Utah's legislature expressing support for religious freedom in public spaces. It encourages public school students and teachers to openly express their faith, supports religious symbols in public areas, and promotes accommodating religious observances in government and community settings. The resolution also calls for fostering respectful dialogue among different faiths, citing historical and legal precedents like the First Amendment and recent Supreme Court rulings. It has no funding or binding requirements and directs copies to local school boards and government bodies for awareness. This resolution does not change existing laws or create new obligations.