Rep. Jon Hawkins

Maddy summaryUtah's legislature passed SCR 10, a concurrent resolution expressing the state's commitment to advancing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies like air taxis and drone deliveries. The resolution highlights Utah's aerospace innovation history, its geographic and regulatory advantages for AAM testing, and sets a goal to establish an operational AAM system and vertiport network by the 2034 Winter Olympics. It emphasizes collaboration with federal agencies (like the FAA and DOT) without appropriating state funds, instead focusing on policy leadership and coordination. The resolution serves as a formal statement to showcase Utah as a model for AAM development to federal partners.

Maddy summaryHB 354 creates a new criminal offense for damaging or interfering with public emergency alert devices designed to notify law enforcement during emergencies and help locate individuals needing assistance. The bill defines "rescue tracking equipment" as public devices that alert authorities and track locations for emergency response, and prohibits destroying, disabling, or tampering with them if it hinders their function. Violations are classified as class B misdemeanors, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or fines. This law directly affects anyone who intentionally damages or disrupts these emergency devices, ensuring they remain functional for life-saving assistance. The bill amends Utah Code Section 76-6-106.4 and takes effect May 6, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 537 exempts sales of tickets for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games from Utah's sales and use tax. This directly affects ticket buyers purchasing tickets for these specific events. The bill amends existing tax code sections to add Olympic tickets as a defined exemption, making them tax-free like other listed exemptions (e.g., certain food sales or religious institution transactions). The exemption applies only to tickets for the 2034 Games and does not involve new state spending.

Maddy summaryHB 542 repeals Utah's existing requirement for government agencies to implement "zero trust architectures" under Section 63A-16-214. This provision, enacted in 2023, mandated specific cybersecurity protocols for state agencies. The bill removes this requirement without replacing it with new rules. It takes effect on May 6, 2026, impacting how Utah state agencies manage cybersecurity compliance. The repeal has no associated funding or new implementation mechanisms.

Maddy summaryUtah's HJR 27 is a joint resolution urging federal lawmakers to establish a national regulatory framework allowing banks and credit unions to safely custody digital assets like cryptocurrencies. It states current regulatory gaps prevent traditional financial institutions from offering secure custody services, increasing risks of fraud and hacking for customers. The resolution specifically calls for federal permission for these institutions to partner with regulated crypto firms and provide custody options. This would keep digital asset management within Utah's regulated financial institutions rather than offshore exchanges, aligning with Utah's fintech leadership.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses Utah's support for developing new technologies to help victims of human trafficking and domestic violence discreetly request assistance, particularly at transportation hubs like bus and train stations. It specifically highlights how traffickers often operate in such locations and suggests innovations like alert systems in public restrooms could allow victims to safely contact help without detection. The resolution does not create new programs or allocate funding but formally declares the state's backing for these technological solutions. It aims to encourage the development of tools addressing these critical safety issues without imposing new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 360 prohibits Utah public schools from joining athletic associations that require students to sit out (impose ineligibility) after transferring due to open enrollment, school choice programs, or documented bullying. It directly affects public schools, athletic associations, and students who transfer under these specific circumstances. The bill bans associations from denying athletic participation based on these transfer reasons, while also clarifying documentation requirements for non-citizen students and homeless youth. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, with no new state funding required.

Maddy summaryHB 541 modifies Utah's liability laws for state-owned or state-financed winter sports facilities, such as those used for the 2002 and 2034 Winter Olympics. It limits operators' liability for injuries caused by "inherent risks" of winter sports (like weather, terrain, or equipment failure not due to gross negligence) and requires operators to notify participants of these limitations. Operators may also include liability caps in participant agreements, with specific monetary limits that can be adjusted over time. This aims to protect the financial stability of these facilities, which support Utah's winter sports economy and Olympic legacy.

Maddy summaryHB 542 reorganizes Utah's economic development structure by repealing the Unified Economic Opportunity Commission and its committees. It transfers $1.9 million from the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity to the Utah Board of Higher Education for fiscal year 2026, specifically for the Administration fund. The bill also amends multiple Utah Code sections related to economic development, housing affordability, and broadband access, including renumbering provisions for the Utah Broadband Center and Access Act. These changes streamline agency responsibilities and redirect funding toward higher education administration without altering core housing or development policies.

Maddy summarySB 333 creates a framework for Utah municipalities and counties to establish "major sporting event venue zones" around stadiums or arenas. It allows these local governments to capture property tax and local sales tax increases generated within the designated zone, and to impose an additional resort communities sales tax in these areas. Revenue from these taxes must fund public infrastructure, transit, or venue improvements, with a specific exemption for construction materials used in venue remodeling. The bill requires approval from a state committee and the Governor’s Office before implementation.