Rep. Rex Shipp

Maddy summarySB 33 amends Utah's water rights recording process to allow grantors and grantees to sign water rights addenda using electronic signatures or faxed copies instead of original wet signatures. This affects individuals and entities recording property transfers involving water rights, specifically those using deeds executed on or after July 1, 2011. The bill updates Section 57-3-109 to permit these signature methods and makes minor technical adjustments to the existing process. It does not change water rights law or funding but streamlines administrative recording procedures for county recorders and the state engineer. The changes take effect May 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 141 modifies Utah's adoption evaluation requirements by creating three specific exceptions to the standard preplacement adoptive evaluation. It exempts prospective adoptive parents in cases where: (1) the child is related to the prospective parent (e.g., stepparent, grandparent, or cousin); (2) the prospective parent was previously married to the child's legal custodian and lived with the child for 180+ days; or (3) the child has lived with the prospective parent for one year prior to adoption filing. The bill does not change the core evaluation requirements for most adoptions but clarifies when the evaluation is not needed. This affects prospective adoptive parents in these specific family situations, streamlining the process for those cases under existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 240 modifies Utah's property tax rules for urban farms by making it easier for land to qualify for lower agricultural assessment rates. It allows farms to qualify based on annual sales revenue (minimum $1,000 per quarter-acre) instead of only crop production, removes the requirement for annual renewal applications, and clarifies that only part of a property may qualify for the lower rate. Farmers must now submit documentation to county assessors proving sales or production meets thresholds, but no additional fees or funding are involved. The changes apply to all qualifying urban farms in Utah counties with adopted urban farming ordinances, streamlining the process for existing and new participants.

Maddy summarySB 126 bans the release of chemicals from aircraft in Utah for solar geoengineering (artificially reducing solar radiation to cool the Earth). It directly affects aircraft owners and operators by prohibiting this activity, with violations classified as class A misdemeanors. The bill creates a public online system for reporting suspected geoengineering and requires the Department of Transportation to forward credible reports to the Utah Attorney General. It defines "solar geoengineering" to exclude weather modification activities and makes no changes to airport operator responsibilities. The law takes effect May 7, 2025, with no budget impact.

Maddy summaryHB 153 establishes new regulations for hunting guides, outfitters, and spotters in Utah. It requires these professionals to register with the Division of Wildlife Resources, creates a dedicated Guide, Outfitter, and Spotter Fund, and outlines prohibited activities with associated penalties. The bill repeals existing licensing requirements previously handled by the Division of Professional Licensing and clarifies definitions related to wildlife hunting activities. These changes directly affect individuals and businesses providing guided hunting services.

Maddy summaryHB 162 restricts how Utah counties of the third through sixth class can use local sales taxes originally designated for public safety. It prohibits using these funds for salaries, vehicles, or operations/maintenance of public safety services, but allows spending on infrastructure like jails or buildings. Counties that already budgeted funds for public safety salaries before 2025 may continue this practice until December 31, 2027. The bill directly affects county governments managing these local tax revenues, shifting allowable spending toward physical infrastructure rather than personnel costs.

Maddy summaryHB 213 changes Utah's voting system by requiring voters to actively request mail ballots starting in 2026, shifting from the previous automatic mail ballot system. It limits mail ballots to voters who specifically request them or are covered under the Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act (military/overseas voters), while prohibiting mail ballots for those who opt out or fail to vote in general elections. The bill mandates an online ballot request system managed by the lieutenant governor and updates voter registration forms to inform voters about these changes and how to request mail ballots. These revisions directly affect all Utah voters participating in elections, altering how mail ballots are distributed and received.

Maddy summarySB 275 requires health care providers offering stem cell therapy using placental tissue or perinatal stem cells (not approved by the FDA) to provide patients with a specific written notice before treatment. The notice must be in 40-point type on standard paper, displayed prominently in the office, and included in advertisements. Providers must also obtain a signed consent form detailing the therapy's FDA status, alternatives, risks, and benefits. This bill directly affects providers performing unapproved stem cell therapies and aims to ensure patients receive clear, standardized information about their treatment options.

Maddy summaryHB 147 updates Utah's rules for preventing invasive mussels (like zebra mussels) from spreading through waterways. It clarifies definitions of terms like "vessel" and "invasive mussel," exempts certain government agency vessels from inspection fees, and revises how annual aquatic invasive species fees are collected by removing outdated language. The bill affects all boat owners and operators launching vessels on Utah waters, including those using public ramps or facilities. It makes technical adjustments to existing code without adding new costs or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 45 amends Utah law to clarify responsibilities for owners and operators of irrigation ditches and canals. It requires them to maintain facilities with "reasonable and ordinary care" to prevent property damage or injury, while explicitly stating this does not create strict liability. The bill allows individuals who pay third parties for damage caused by a ditch/canal owner’s negligence to recover those costs. It also adds specific immunity protections for owners when trails along water facilities are properly maintained under local plans. The changes apply to irrigation infrastructure, directly affecting agricultural water systems and property owners in Utah.