Rep. Doug Welton

Maddy summaryHJR 6 is a non-binding resolution encouraging Utah public schools to prioritize student well-being by increasing physical activity and reducing screen time during the school day. It specifically urges schools to expand physical education, outdoor recess, and unstructured play while recommending thoughtful limits on digital device use - especially for younger students - to support mental health. The resolution, addressed to school leaders and state agencies like the State Board of Education, does not appropriate funds or create new requirements, but rather offers recommendations based on research linking reduced screen time to improved youth mental health outcomes. It follows concerns about rising youth anxiety and the displacement of outdoor play by digital learning tools.

Maddy summaryHB 266 designates a specific segment of Route 198 in Utah County - from Main Street in Payson to Main Street in Santaquin - as the "Sgt. Billy D. Hooser Memorial Highway." The bill requires Utah's Department of Transportation to update official highway maps to reflect this name and install commemorative signs along the route. This is a commemorative naming bill with no funding or policy changes beyond the highway designation. It takes effect on May 6, 2026, and directly affects the identified highway segment in Utah County.

Maddy summaryHB 93 creates the Goshen Bay Waterfowl Management Area on state-owned lands near the Great Salt Lake, designated for conservation and public use. The bill authorizes the Wildlife Board to manage this area to protect waterfowl and other wildlife habitat, enhance wetland ecosystems, and provide recreational opportunities like hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It directly affects the Wildlife Board (which will manage the area) and the public who access the site for outdoor activities. The bill makes technical updates to existing Utah law (23A-6-403 and 23A-12-301) to formally establish the area without appropriating new funds.

Maddy summaryHB 12 amends Utah's definition of "recreational infrastructure project" to explicitly include trail/facility improvements and equipment acquisitions that enhance access for disabled or adaptive users. This change directly affects state parks, outdoor recreation projects, and grant applicants seeking funding under existing infrastructure programs. The key mechanism expands eligibility for infrastructure grants by adding specific language to the definition, ensuring accessibility upgrades qualify for funding. The bill makes no new funding commitments but clarifies what projects can be supported through current grant processes. It takes effect May 6, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 6 is a state budget bill allocating $333.6 million for Utah's transportation and infrastructure operations in fiscal year 2026, and $3.8 billion for fiscal year 2027. It specifies funding sources including $54 million from the General Fund for 2026 and $165 million from the General Fund for 2027, covering agency operations, capital projects, and infrastructure needs. The bill directs funds to state agencies like the Department of Transportation and specifies allocations for projects such as the Ogden office building and capital improvements, without changing policy or directly affecting citizens.

Maddy summaryHB 177 requires Utah's Division of Waste Management to study how to improve glass recycling statewide, focusing on current methods, potential expansion areas, and specific strategies like adding drop-off locations, funding recycling facilities, expanding curbside collection, and public education. The study must include an inventory of existing practices and recommendations for increasing glass recycling, with findings due to the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee by September 2025. The bill does not allocate funding or create new regulations but mandates a time-limited study with a repeal date of July 1, 2026. This bill directly affects state agencies conducting the study and future policymakers reviewing its recommendations, but it does not change current recycling rules or directly impact residents or businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 298 expands Utah's Volunteer Emergency Medical Service Personnel Insurance Program to allow additional small communities to participate. Specifically, it enables fifth-class cities and towns in second-class counties to join the program, which previously limited participation to certain qualifying communities. This change makes health and dental insurance benefits available to more volunteer EMTs and paramedics who lack employer-provided coverage. The program helps recruit and retain volunteers by offering affordable insurance options without new state funding. No other policy changes or funding are associated with this amendment.

Maddy summarySB 178 prohibits students in Utah public schools from using cellphones, smart watches, or "emerging technology" during classroom hours. It directly affects all K-12 students in Utah public schools, with exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, IEP accommodations, or using the SafeUT Crisis Line. Local schools may create their own exemption policies, and the State Board of Education can develop model policies to guide implementation. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not appropriate funding.

Maddy summarySB 9 authorizes specific revenue bonds for three state projects without appropriating new state funds. It permits the University of Utah to issue up to $65 million in bonds for the Huntsman Cancer Institute Vineyard Campus (repaid via clinical revenues) and Utah State University to issue up to $100 million for the 800 East Residence Hall (repaid via housing fees). It also authorizes $85 million in bonds for a warehouse and club store for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (repaid via sales revenues). The bill specifies that universities and the department cannot request state funds for operations or maintenance, and requires a pre-implementation report to the Appropriations Committee. The bonds must be repaid using project-specific revenues, not general taxpayer money.

Maddy summaryHB 20 recodifies Utah's property tax relief code to improve organization and clarity. It restructures existing provisions on property tax relief, tax deferral, abatement, and military exemptions into a new, unified code structure. The bill adds a General Provisions section to clarify procedures for each type of tax relief while making technical adjustments to code references. This reorganization does not change eligibility or benefits for taxpayers but simplifies how tax relief programs are administered. The bill was signed into law by the governor on March 25, 2025.