Rep. Jim Dunnigan

Maddy summaryHB 457 requires unincorporated areas surrounded by cities (called "islands") in second-class counties to automatically annex into neighboring municipalities by July 1, 2027, unless local leaders exempt them. Counties must provide notice to residents before annexation and can allow non-contiguous annexation areas on official maps. The bill updates Utah’s annexation rules without adding new funding, affecting second-class counties and residents/businesses in these unincorporated areas. It clarifies definitions and processes for automatic annexation under existing local government structures.

Maddy summarySB 150 creates a formal process for reviewing whether healthcare practitioners (like nurses or therapists) should be allowed to use new technologies in their practice. It requires Utah's Office of Professional Licensure Review to conduct these "scope of practice reviews" when requested by legislators, healthcare employers, or professional groups. The office must convene advisory groups including affected practitioners, assess if the technology improves care access, outcomes, or costs, and then submit a report to the Business and Labor Committee. The bill does not change current practice standards but establishes a structured method for evaluating potential expansions to healthcare occupations' scope.

Maddy summaryHB 498 amends Utah's App Store Accountability Act to strengthen protections for minors. It requires app stores to implement clearer age ratings, provide detailed content descriptions to parents, and obtain verifiable parental consent before allowing in-app purchases for users under 18. The bill adds new rules for pre-installed applications (excluding core device functions) and defines "minor accounts" requiring parent affiliation. These changes directly affect app store providers, developers, and parents managing children's mobile device usage, with enforcement handled by Utah's Division of Consumer Protection.

Maddy summaryHB 280 regulates third-party litigation funding in Utah by creating clear distinctions between funding for individuals ("consumer maintenance") and businesses ("commercial maintenance"). It extends consumers' right to cancel funding agreements (rescission), restricts foreign entities from providing such funding, and prohibits funding providers from influencing case decisions or settlements. The bill also requires businesses to disclose outcome-based funding agreements in court and holds funding providers jointly liable for costs if a case fails. These changes primarily affect individuals in personal injury or wrongful death cases and businesses using litigation funding, aiming to increase transparency and protect consumers from predatory practices.

Maddy summaryHB 414 amends Utah's definition of "public health setting" to explicitly include hospitals. This change allows dental hygienists working in hospitals to practice without requiring general supervision from a dentist (meaning a dentist doesn't need to be physically present on-site). The bill directly affects dental hygienists employed in hospital settings by expanding their scope of practice within those facilities. It does not appropriate funds or change other licensing requirements, focusing solely on clarifying where hygienists can work independently. The amendment takes effect May 6, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 38 amends Utah county government procedures to clarify administrative processes and update election requirements. It requires counties to seek voter approval for moving county seats, mandates elections on optional government structure changes at least 180 days after a legal report, and modifies county recorder fees and record-keeping rules. The bill removes a bonding requirement for county financial officers, updates election notification rules for disqualified candidates, and repeals outdated provisions like criminal penalties for personnel management violations. These changes directly affect all Utah counties and their residents by streamlining county operations and voter engagement processes.

Maddy summaryHR 7 modifies Utah House committee procedures to clarify processes for legislative sponsors and committee operations. It requires sponsors to present their legislation in person at committee hearings (with limited exceptions), defines "sponsor's supporting information" as a two-page PDF document with a disclaimer (not part of the bill), and changes how committee chairs handle responses to motions. The bill also clarifies that nonbinding resolutions (like tributes) must follow specific scheduling rules and updates technical details in existing House rules. These changes directly affect House members, committee chairs, and legislative staff during committee meetings.

Maddy summaryHB 58 modifies Utah's insurance code to update regulatory processes and requirements. It requires insurance companies and title producers to pay examination costs, report wire transfer issues, and provide closing protection letter details to consumers. The bill mandates quarterly financial reports for insurers, increases liability coverage for title producers, and adds new reporting rules for public adjusters. These changes directly affect insurers, title insurance producers, and consumers by altering financial reporting, operational standards, and consumer disclosures. The bill makes technical updates to 30+ insurance code sections without appropriating new funds.

Maddy summaryHB 560 creates a new regulatory framework for ambulance membership organizations in Utah, which are entities that provide emergency medical transportation services through membership contracts. The bill establishes licensing requirements, annual reporting, reserve fund rules, and surety bond obligations for these organizations, while clarifying that their membership contracts are not considered "accident and health insurance." It specifically prohibits these organizations from selling contracts to individuals enrolled in Medicaid and sets requirements for members who later enroll in Medicaid. The bill directly affects ambulance membership organizations and their members, particularly those who rely on or transition to Medicaid coverage. No funding is appropriated for this legislation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SCR 8) honors the Utah Parent Teacher Association's 100th anniversary and recognizes its century-long work supporting families and education in Utah. It acknowledges the organization's role in promoting parent engagement, advocating for public education, and advancing initiatives like school safety, healthy lunches, and early childhood programs. The resolution encourages all Utah citizens to actively participate in supporting the state's children and youth. As a ceremonial resolution with no funding or policy changes, it serves solely as symbolic recognition of the organization's contributions.