Rep. Jeff Burton

Maddy summaryHB 300 updates Utah's election procedures, primarily affecting voters and election officials. It requires voters with Utah driver's licenses or ID cards to include the last four digits of that card (or SSN) on mail ballot return envelopes, with signature verification allowed until 2029. Starting in 2029, voters without Utah ID or SSN must provide alternative ID copies or vote in person (with exceptions), and mail ballot requests will remain active for eight years unless canceled. The bill also directs the lieutenant governor to develop procedures for verifying voter registration records and investigating undeliverable ballots, while adding new duties related to federal jury list coordination.

Maddy summaryHB 412 revises membership rules for Utah boards, commissions, and councils. It removes restrictions limiting the number of same-party members on county and municipal boards, allows governors to appoint more same-party members on certain executive boards after consulting legislative minority leaders, and removes legislators from specific boards. The bill also includes a coordination clause with another bill (H.B. 360) affecting housing policies. These changes apply to various state boards and commissions governed by Utah code sections. The bill makes no funding changes and focuses solely on procedural appointment rules.

Maddy summaryHB 122 amends Utah's military affairs laws to improve access to education and support services for veterans and military families. It changes residency rules so veterans using VA benefits for tuition automatically qualify for in-state rates without needing one year of Utah residency, and clarifies that the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs must provide benefits to service members, veterans, and their families. The bill also allows the department to accept donations, form partnerships with military installations, and replaces outdated military easement laws. These changes affect veterans using education benefits, military families, and state agencies managing veteran services, with no new state funding required.

Maddy summaryHB 172 removes a requirement that employees must submit a written demand for unpaid wages at least 15 days before filing a lawsuit. This change directly affects workers seeking to recover owed wages by simplifying the legal process to sue. The bill amends Utah Code Section 34-27-1 to eliminate the written demand step while keeping the existing rule that courts must award attorney fees as costs if an employee wins their case. The law takes effect on May 7, 2025, with no new funding or major procedural changes beyond this streamlined process.

Maddy summaryHB 245 allows remote sales (by phone, mail, or internet) of cigars and pipe tobacco within Utah. It requires remote sellers to obtain licenses, post bonds, and pay taxes on transactions with Utah consumers, with criminal penalties for non-compliance. The bill also modifies the tax rate for cigars and updates related definitions and tax provisions in Utah law. This directly affects remote sellers of cigars and pipe tobacco, as well as Utah consumers purchasing these products online. The bill makes technical changes to existing tobacco tax codes without appropriating new funds.

Maddy summaryHB 375 modifies Utah's commercial driver license (CDL) requirements by updating disqualifying criminal offenses and adding a background check. Starting July 1, 2025, all CDL applicants must complete a fingerprint-based background check processed by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification and the FBI. The bill specifically disqualifies applicants convicted within three years of certain offenses, including reckless driving with road rage (Section 76-3-203.17) or specific traffic violations (Sections 76-3-203.5(1)(c) or 41-6a-210). This directly affects anyone applying for or renewing a Utah CDL, including new drivers and current holders needing updates.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Utah's congregate care program regulations to streamline background checks and protect program operations. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to determine within seven days whether to grant direct patient access after receiving criminal background reports, and allows the department to charge fees for certification applications. The bill also prohibits the Office of Licensing from restricting new admissions or altering program rights solely because a program operates under a conditional license or is appealing an agency decision. These changes directly affect congregate care facilities (like group homes for vulnerable adults or children) and individuals seeking direct access to residents.

Maddy summaryHB 215 amends rules governing Utah's Office of the Legislative Auditor General, directly affecting state agencies, local governments, and the Utah System of Higher Education that undergo audits. Key changes include clarifying how federal law conflicts with information requests (e.g., from the State Tax Commission), allowing the auditor to share draft reports with audited entities, and permitting the auditor to designate non-chief officers to respond to audits. The bill also explicitly authorizes the auditor to review the Utah System of Higher Education and restates the auditor's constitutional authority. These updates aim to streamline audit processes while maintaining legal compliance and accountability.

Maddy summarySB 186 amends Utah's regulations for tobacco and electronic cigarette products. It creates fines for retailers selling flavored e-cigarettes, increases permit fees for both general tobacco retailers and specialty tobacco businesses, and updates rules for inspecting stores and tracking e-cigarette products. The bill directly affects tobacco retailers who sell e-cigarettes, particularly those offering flavored products, and local health departments responsible for enforcement. Key changes include stricter penalties for violations, updated registry requirements, and coordination with another bill to maintain consistent legal references.

Maddy summarySB 88 creates a temporary 3-year pilot program (ending July 1, 2027) to reimburse Utah public schools for holding Veterans Day assemblies that include educational activities about veterans' service. It appropriates $960,000 from the Income Tax Fund for fiscal year 2026 to cover these reimbursements. Schools must submit proposals detailing how assemblies incorporated curriculum on veterans' service, and the State Board of Education will share best practices online. The bill directly affects Utah Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that hold qualifying Veterans Day assemblies during the 2025-2027 school years.