Rep. Jordan Teuscher

Maddy summaryHB 223 updates Utah's process for collecting signatures on petitions by requiring all electronic signature devices to scan voter ID data (like driver's licenses) and operate offline by 2028. Starting January 1, 2030, petition sponsors and circulators must use electronic signatures exclusively, banning manual signature collection entirely. The bill also clarifies security standards for devices and mandates annual reports from the lieutenant governor to the Government Operations Committee. These changes directly affect initiative/referendum petition sponsors and candidate nomination circulators, streamlining the verification process while phasing out manual methods.

Maddy summaryHB 415 modifies Utah's State Construction Code to allow property owners to alter, add to, or repair existing structures without bringing them up to current new-construction safety standards - unless the work would make the structure less safe than before. This primarily affects homeowners, contractors, and property managers renovating older buildings, reducing compliance burdens for minor updates. Key provisions include new exceptions for bedroom window egress (allowing existing smaller windows to remain) and clarifying that renovations don’t require full code upgrades unless safety is compromised. The bill also adds definitions for terms like "Accessory Dwelling Unit" and "Energy Storage System" but contains no funding or major new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 107 creates a sales tax exemption for the purchase price of a lower-priced vehicle when a person buys and sells two vehicles in separate transactions. It requires buyers to pay registration fees by the end of the month following expiration (with late penalties) and makes new registrations effective in the same month as the previous registration. The bill eliminates the "cure period" for tax violations and redirects penalties from vehicle tax violations to the state General Fund. It primarily affects Utah residents who trade vehicles, simplifying tax treatment for such transactions without adding new state spending.

Maddy summarySJR 5 amends Utah's civil procedure rules to clarify how cases are transferred to the Business and Chancery Court. It requires district courts to transfer a case to this specialized court if a party requests it within 21 days of appearing in the case, unless the transfer would harm the interests of justice. After 21 days, courts may consider the plaintiff's original venue choice and factors like cost, delay, and fairness before deciding. This change applies to civil cases that meet the jurisdictional requirements for the Business and Chancery Court.

Maddy summaryHB 2001 repeals H.B. 267, the 2025 General Session law that modified public sector labor union regulations in Utah. This bill has no new provisions or financial impact - it solely removes the previous legislation. The repeal takes effect on February 8, 2026, unless overridden by a two-thirds vote in both chambers (which would change the effective date). It directly affects the legal framework governing public sector unions by undoing the prior amendments. The bill was signed by the governor on December 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1005 requires counties in Utah operating under a "county executive-council" or "council-manager" government structure to elect county council members by geographic district instead of at-large. Starting October 15, 2025, most counties must adopt a district map ensuring each council member represents a specific area where they reside and is elected by local voters, with exceptions for counties already having 65% district representation. Counties failing to comply face penalties including lawsuits by voters, suspended room tax revenue, and state auditor intervention beginning January 1, 2026. The bill also establishes deadlines for map implementation, defines district requirements, and makes technical updates to Utah Code sections governing county government.

Maddy summarySB 271 prohibits the commercial use of AI-generated content that simulates or recreates an individual's personal identity (like voice, likeness, or appearance) without their consent. It directly affects businesses and developers creating AI tools that could impersonate people for advertising, fundraising, or selling products. The law defines "personal identity" to include AI recreations, bans distribution of technology primarily designed for unauthorized commercial impersonation, and exempts news, entertainment, and public interest content. Individuals harmed by violations can seek court orders, financial damages, and attorney fees through civil lawsuits.

Maddy summaryHB 356 requires counties in Utah with a council-manager form of government (classified as third through sixth class) to elect council members by single voter districts instead of at-large elections. The bill establishes a process where counties must form a districting commission using the latest census data to create districts with balanced populations (under 10% deviation), contiguous boundaries, and no divided voting precincts. Counties must adopt a district map by June 1, 2025, and candidates must reside in the district they seek to represent, with council members elected by majority vote within their district. This applies specifically to 37 Utah counties operating under this governance structure.

Maddy summaryHB 502 modifies how existing county sales tax revenue is distributed for transportation and infrastructure projects in Utah. It establishes new rules for allocating 0.2% county sales tax revenue between counties, cities/towns, and public transit districts based on population and location of transactions. The bill also creates an un-funded "affordable housing infrastructure grant program" for local governments to support infrastructure for affordable housing projects. These changes apply specifically to counties of the first class and adjust existing tax distribution mechanisms under Utah law. The bill does not appropriate new funds but reorganizes the allocation of currently collected revenue.

Maddy summarySB 294 creates a new legal framework for "special deposits" in Utah - funds held by banks for specific purposes like escrow, security deposits, or employee benefits. It establishes rules requiring these deposits to serve a "permissible purpose," prevents banks from using funds for unrelated debts, and mandates deposits terminate after five years unless renewed. The bill also includes safe harbor protections for mortgage modifications that don’t harm junior lienholders. These changes directly affect banks, depositors, and beneficiaries managing special deposits in Utah.