Rep. Sahara Hayes

Maddy summaryHB 102, the Victim Privacy Amendments, protects crime victims' identities in Utah's public criminal justice records. It allows victims to request using initials instead of their full name in documents like court filings under certain circumstances. The bill also creates a searchable database of victim names (accessible only via court order) and classifies this database as a protected record under Utah's Government Records Access Act. These changes directly affect individuals involved in criminal cases who seek to limit public disclosure of their personal information.

Maddy summaryHB 194 establishes new ethics standards and complaint procedures for Utah's State Board of Education members. The bill creates a code of conduct requiring members to disclose conflicts of interest, avoid using official positions for personal gain, and follow specific rules about outside employment. It also sets up an independent ethics commission - appointed by board leadership - to investigate complaints, hold hearings with due process protections, and recommend disciplinary actions for violations. These rules directly affect elected members of the State Board of Education, who serve part-time while maintaining other careers. The bill does not appropriate new funding or change existing laws beyond the specified ethics provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 417 allows patients to use non-medical transportation (like family rides or public transit) for moving between healthcare facilities when their condition doesn't require ambulance transport. It requires hospitals to provide written notices explaining why ambulance isn't needed, potential insurance coverage issues, and cost details, and to help arrange the transport. Receiving facilities cannot charge for admission or readmission if the patient arrives within two hours of discharge without a medical condition change, and must hold the offered bed. The bill also protects hospitals from liability when non-medical transport is permitted under the specified conditions.

Maddy summarySB 297 clarifies who can provide mental health support in Utah public schools by updating definitions for "qualifying personnel" (including licensed school social workers, counselors, and psychologists) and "behavioral health support personnel" (non-licensed staff assisting students). It requires the State Board of Education to create guidance based on licensing rules from the Division of Professional Licensing, ensuring schools follow proper training and supervision standards. The bill also establishes how existing state funds for school-based mental health services must be distributed to school districts, with requirements for annual reporting and collaboration with local mental health authorities. It does not appropriate new money but specifies that funds cannot replace existing federal or state funding for mental health staff. The changes primarily affect public schools, school districts, and licensed mental health professionals working in educational settings.

Maddy summaryHB 112 updates Utah's political advertising rules to address modern communication methods. It explicitly includes social media platforms as venues for political ads and clarifies that if multiple people fund a single advertisement, all contributors must disclose their payments. The bill also authorizes election officials to impose fines for violations of these advertising rules. These changes apply directly to campaigns, political committees, and organizations running political ads on platforms like Facebook or X. The law does not appropriate funds or alter election timing.

Maddy summaryHB 479 requires Utah public universities to adopt policies addressing abusive coaching practices and report these policies to the Education Interim Committee. It also permits institutions to compensate student athletes directly for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL) using non-state funds - such as private donations - but prohibits using legislative appropriations or student fees for such payments. The bill defines key terms like "student athlete" and "NIL agreement," creates an audit requirement for the Board of Higher Education, and amends existing Utah Code sections to include new reporting obligations. This bill directly affects all degree-granting institutions in Utah, impacting how they handle athlete compensation and coaching conduct.

Maddy summaryHB 206 creates a pilot program to address chronic absenteeism in Utah public schools by offering financial incentives through my529 savings accounts. The program targets schools with high absenteeism rates (defined as missing 10%+ of school days), limiting participation to no more than five schools statewide (100 students per school). It appropriates $660,000 for fiscal year 2026 to provide $440 annually per student in incentives - $400 deposited quarterly into my529 accounts and $40 per student for school administration. The State Board of Education will oversee implementation, require data sharing with the Utah Educational Savings Plan, and report on program effectiveness by November 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 335 updates Utah's political advertising rules by explicitly including social media platforms as venues for political ads. It defines "electioneering communications" to cover ads on social media that identify candidates or judges within 45 days of an election, with a $10,000 spending threshold. The bill authorizes election officers to impose monetary fines for violations of these advertising requirements. This directly affects political candidates, campaigns, and organizations running election-related ads on social media or other platforms.

Maddy summaryHB 450 (Victim Privacy Amendments) allows crime victims to request that their initials - not full names - appear in publicly available criminal justice documents like court records. This protects victims' privacy by preventing their full identities from being easily accessible online or in public files. The bill also requires a searchable database of victim names (accessible only via court order) and classifies victim names as protected records under Utah’s Government Records Act. It directly affects individuals who are crime victims and appear in court documents, providing a practical privacy measure without altering criminal procedures.