Rep. Tiara Auxier

Maddy summaryHB 110 repeals the "WPU value rate" (a component of property tax rates that funded public education) from Utah's combined tax rate structure. This change affects how school district funding is calculated but does not reduce overall education funding, as it explicitly preserves existing appropriations to the Teacher and Student Success Program. The bill makes technical updates to coordinate with related tax rate legislation (S.B. 37) and amends specific Utah code sections governing tax rates and education funding calculations. It does not appropriate new money or alter current education budget allocations.

Maddy summarySB 35 amends Utah's Statewide Online Education Program to improve funding for small public high schools (under 1,000 students) that struggle to offer advanced courses like AP, IB, or concurrent enrollment due to enrollment size, geographic isolation, staffing limits, or budget constraints. It requires the state board to create a prioritized funding system based on these needs, implement an annual assessment to adjust funding, and mandate schools receiving funds to report on course usage, student participation, and achievement. The bill does not appropriate new money but modifies how existing funds are distributed and requires annual reports to the Education Interim Committee. It takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 297 amends Utah's expungement laws to clarify and update procedures for clearing criminal records. It defines key terms (like "automatic expungement"), modifies which offenses are ineligible for automatic expungement (excluding some drug offenses), and requires that a "certificate of eligibility" be valid at the time of filing a petition. The bill also updates rules for notifying the state criminal records agency, adjusts venue for expungement petitions, and aligns with related laws about offender registries. These changes directly affect individuals with eligible criminal records seeking to expunge convictions or arrests, particularly those involving sex offenses, child abuse, or protective orders.

Maddy summaryHB 462 creates the Rural School Sports Facilities Grant Program, which provides $4.39 million in state funding for fiscal year 2026 to help rural public schools construct or renovate sports facilities. Local education agencies (like school districts) can apply for these grants, and the Utah State Board of Education will manage the program and report on it when requested. The bill directly affects rural schools by addressing infrastructure needs for athletics, without changing existing education funding formulas or eligibility criteria. This is a targeted funding initiative focused on improving physical education and sports opportunities in underserved rural communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Utah's Foreign Judgment Act to require that postjudgment interest on foreign judgments filed in Utah after May 7, 2025, use the same interest rate established under Utah law (Section 15-1-4). It directly affects creditors and debtors involved in cases where foreign court judgments are enforced in Utah courts. The key change ensures consistency by mandating that the interest rate applied matches Utah's standard postjudgment rate from the date the foreign judgment is officially recognized ("domesticated"). The bill takes effect on May 7, 2025, with no new funding required.

Maddy summaryHB 511 requires local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) to seek voter approval via an "opinion question" before raising property tax revenue. If they do this, they are exempt from standard truth-in-taxation notice and hearing requirements. The bill also limits how much new revenue a local government can collect from increased property values due to new construction or development. These changes apply to property tax rate increases under specific Utah code sections and aim to give voters more direct input on tax hikes while simplifying the process for governments that choose to seek approval.

Maddy summaryHB 552 prohibits local building authorities from proceeding with projects (including construction, acquisition, improvement, or financing) that were previously rejected by voters in the county, city, town, or school district that created the authority. It specifically blocks any project, portion of a project, or a substantially similar project from being advanced after a voter rejection. This directly affects local building authorities and the communities they serve by requiring them to respect prior voter decisions. The bill takes effect on May 7, 2025, with no funding changes or additional provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 472 requires assisted living facilities planning to close, sell, or change use to create a detailed transition plan 120 days in advance. Facilities must submit this plan to Utah’s licensing division and notify residents, their designated contacts, and the ombudsman at least 60 days before the change. The bill prohibits facilities from accepting new residents once they begin the transition process. It also mandates clear written notices explaining the reason, timing, and relocation options for affected residents, ensuring their safety and preferences are addressed during transitions.