Maddy summaryHB 305 amends Utah's legal definition of "cohabitant" in domestic violence and criminal law contexts. It clarifies who qualifies as a cohabitant by removing parent-minor relationships (like natural parents, adoptive parents, or step-parents to minors) and relationships between minor siblings from the definition. The bill also adds specific criteria for cohabitation, such as sharing a residence, having children together, or being in a consensual sexual relationship. These changes directly affect individuals involved in domestic violence cases who might claim "battered person mitigation" in criminal court. The bill makes technical updates to Utah Code Sections 76-2-409 (battered person mitigation) and 78B-7-102 (definitions) without changing funding or creating new programs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill redirects 25% of annual liquor sales profits from Utah's Liquor Control Fund to the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund. The housing fund, which supports income-targeted housing projects, will use these redirected revenues for grants and loans to preserve, rehabilitate, or build affordable housing. The change modifies existing transfer rules (amending Utah Code Sections 32B-2-301 and 35A-8-502) to require this annual allocation without new state appropriations. It directly affects the housing fund's funding stream and the affordable housing projects it finances.
Maddy summaryHB 225 modifies school zone speeding penalties by raising the speed threshold for first-time offenses from 30 to 35 miles per hour above the posted limit. Drivers convicted of speeding 35 mph or faster in school zones may now be required by a court to perform compensatory service, such as assisting crossing guards. This bill directly affects drivers who speed near schools, changing when mandatory penalties apply and introducing community service as an option. The key change reduces the speed threshold where penalties apply, shifting from 30 to 35 mph for first offenses. The bill is currently pending in the House after recent Senate review.
Maddy summaryHB 11 extends the operational deadline for Utah's Native American Remains Review Committee by five years, changing its sunset date from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2030. The bill does not create new policies but keeps the committee active to continue its work handling matters related to Native American remains. This is a technical adjustment to existing law (Utah Code 63I-1-209), with no new funding or substantive changes to the committee's responsibilities. The committee itself is the direct beneficiary of this extension.