Rep. John Arthur

Maddy summaryHB 313 updates Utah's licensing rules for landscape work. It requires the Division of Professional Licensing to define "landscape work" and specify which licensees can perform it. Landscaping licensees must complete 6 hours of continuing education every two years, including an additional 3 hours focused on water conservation (like drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation) and fire risk management (such as fire-resistant landscape designs). The bill affects current and future landscape contractors who need to renew their licenses under these new education requirements, effective May 6, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 497 adjusts Utah's public education funding formula to provide additional support for schools experiencing enrollment declines. It requires the Office of Legislative Fiscal Analyst to calculate and add funding to the Minimum School Program when enrollment drops, specifically increasing the weighted pupil unit value based on projected enrollment-related budget reductions. This change directly affects public schools with declining student enrollment by ensuring their funding levels are adjusted to account for reduced revenue from the Uniform School Fund. The bill updates existing code (53F-9-201.1) and takes effect on July 1, 2026, without appropriating new funds.

Maddy summaryHB 478 updates Utah's landlord-tenant laws to clarify obligations for both landlords and renters. It requires landlords to provide 60 days' written notice before rent increases (except for month-to-month leases or low-income housing), disclose all fees and rent estimates upfront in writing, and limit late fees to $75 or 10% of rent, whichever is greater. The bill also mandates written move-in inspections and specifies that landlords must detail all non-rent costs (like utilities) before a lease is signed. These changes directly affect all residential landlords and renters in Utah by standardizing communication and financial disclosures in rental agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 278 changes Utah's State Board of Education election process by making the position nonpartisan, repealing previous partisan requirements. It requires the governor to appoint vacancies with Senate approval and mandates a nonpartisan primary election starting in 2028 to narrow candidates before the general election. These changes apply directly to candidates and voters in statewide school board elections. The bill makes technical adjustments to existing election codes but does not appropriate funds or change voting procedures for other offices.

Maddy summaryHB 364 requires Utah school districts and regional education service agencies to hire a full-time certified teacher librarian by July 1, 2031. The librarian must manage library collections, develop curriculum, help schools comply with state laws on library materials, and provide professional training to teachers on literacy and library skills. The State Board of Education will distribute funds (if appropriated by the legislature) to support these positions and set minimum qualifications. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, with no funds currently allocated in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 198 repeals a provision tying educator salary adjustments to the funding status of Utah's Fits All Scholarship Program. The bill removes the condition that would have reduced salary adjustments from $10,350 to $5,175 if the scholarship program was not funded, ensuring all eligible educators receive the full $10,350 adjustment for fiscal year 2026 regardless of the scholarship program's status. It affects school districts, charter schools, regional education service agencies, and Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind that employ educators covered under the bill (including teachers, counselors, librarians, and specialists). The change takes effect July 1, 2026, with no new funding added - only a technical adjustment to the existing salary calculation mechanism.