Rep. Andrew Stoddard

Maddy summaryHB 232 amends Utah's election laws to create two distinct types of registered political parties for candidate nominations. It establishes "primary nominating parties" (which use signature-gathering and appear on ballots with their name) and "convention nominating parties" (which use other nomination methods and do not display their party name on ballots). The bill requires all registered parties to choose one category, modifies signature-gathering thresholds for nominations, and removes references to "qualified political parties." These changes directly affect political parties and candidates seeking ballot access in Utah elections.

Maddy summaryHB 35 modifies Utah's Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registry by clarifying that the Department of Corrections (not county sheriffs) supervises sex offenders on probation. It requires the Department to conduct a risk assessment for every individual convicted of a sex offense needing registry registration and mandates annual reporting of these assessments to the State Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice until January 1, 2030. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of sex offenses who must register under Utah law. These changes aim to standardize supervision, assessment, and data collection for sex offenders without altering registration requirements or adding funding.

Maddy summaryHB 498 extends the deadline for gathering signatures on statewide referendum petitions from 40 to 60 days after the legislative session ends. This change directly affects citizen groups and organizations sponsoring referendums who must collect voter signatures to qualify proposals for the ballot. The bill also adjusts related deadlines to align with the longer signature period and modifies provisions about when legislation subject to a referendum takes effect. These procedural updates are made without fiscal impact or new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 242 modifies Utah's method for distributing presidential electors. It allocates one electoral vote per congressional district to the presidential and vice presidential ticket receiving the most votes in that district, and two statewide electoral votes to the ticket receiving the most votes across the entire state. The bill also requires political parties, independent candidates, or write-in candidates to notify the lieutenant governor if a presidential elector vacancy occurs. This changes how Utah’s six electoral votes are allocated in presidential elections, directly affecting voters and candidates in Utah's electoral process.

Maddy summarySB 148 modifies Utah court fees and administrative procedures. It eliminates filing fees for civil documents submitted by state agencies, counties, and other government entities, and removes fees for protective order requests through Utah's online court system. The bill also increases a small surcharge for online filings (excluding protective orders) and updates outdated language about bail and court terminology. No new funding is required, and the changes apply immediately to Utah's justice courts and courts of record.

Maddy summaryHB 164 clarifies traffic rules for drivers turning left at intersections. It states that a driver turning left does not have to yield to an oncoming driver who fails to stop at a stop sign or red light. The bill specifically amends Utah law to remove the obligation for left-turning drivers in this scenario, while maintaining that drivers must still yield when oncoming traffic is approaching safely. The change affects all drivers operating vehicles at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals. The law takes effect May 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 132 amends Utah's law regarding parental responsibility for minors possessing dangerous weapons. It changes the offense from a parent or guardian *knowing* a minor has a dangerous weapon to *recklessly allowing* it, making this a class B misdemeanor. The bill does not create new firearm storage requirements but adjusts the legal standard for parental liability. It directly affects parents or guardians of minors who possess dangerous weapons (including firearms) in violation of existing law. The amendment takes effect May 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 387 creates new criminal penalties for possessing, manufacturing, distributing, or selling machinegun firearm attachments in Utah. It specifically targets devices that convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons, making these actions illegal for all ages. For adults (18+), violations are classified as class B misdemeanors, while minors under 18 face third-degree felony charges. The bill directly affects anyone handling these attachments, with stricter penalties for younger offenders, and amends existing firearm laws to include this new category of prohibited items.

Maddy summaryHB 399 requires Utah school districts to collect and report chronic absenteeism data starting in the 2025-2026 school year, defining it as missing 10% or more of school days (excused or unexcused). Districts must track enrollment, absentee rates by grade, and individual absence details, then submit this to the state board for public publication. The state board must also conduct a study analyzing root causes of absenteeism - such as socioeconomic factors, transportation, mental health, and family issues - and identify evidence-based solutions for prevention and student re-engagement. A final report with findings and recommendations is due to the Education Committee by September 2026. This bill directly affects school districts, state education officials, and students impacted by chronic absenteeism.