Sen. Scott Sandall

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses Utah's longstanding friendship with Taiwan, highlighting shared values like democracy and religious freedom. It references historical ties dating to 1956 (including over 43,000 LDS missionaries serving in Taiwan) and current connections like $1 billion in annual trade and a driver license reciprocity agreement. The resolution encourages Utah's federal delegation to support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations. As a non-binding statement, it does not create new laws or policies but affirms existing cultural, economic, and educational partnerships between Utah and Taiwan.

Maddy summarySB 198 creates a new Office of Water Management within Utah's Division of Water Resources to oversee state water projects. It establishes the office's duties, requires a capital asset management plan, and mandates annual reports to two legislative committees starting in 2030. The bill affects state agencies, local political subdivisions, and special districts that manage water projects by creating a formal nomination process for projects to be administered by the new office. Key mechanisms include defining "water projects," requiring the Board of Water Resources to develop a nomination process, and setting reporting requirements for the office. The bill makes no new funding commitments and amends existing water management statutes to implement this structural change.

Maddy summarySB 231 modifies Utah's property tax system for large energy users (facilities with 100+ megawatts of cumulative electricity demand). It prohibits new tax increment financing agreements (a tool for funding development projects) for projects containing such "large load customers" after May 6, 2026, affecting cities, counties, and special districts. The bill also requires large load customers to notify county auditors and treasurers of their location. These changes adjust how tax revenue is distributed and restrict development funding for major energy consumers.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate resolution encourages Utah municipalities, developers, and builders to voluntarily integrate agricultural elements - like community gardens, orchards, or working farms - into new residential neighborhoods, promoting "agrihoods." It recognizes agriculture's historical and cultural importance to Utah while urging flexible planning to blend housing with food production, education, and community spaces. The resolution explicitly states it creates no legal requirements or mandates, instead expressing legislative support for these concepts. It targets local governments and developers as key stakeholders to consider during residential planning, without altering existing land-use laws or appropriating funds.

Maddy summarySB 140 adjusts Utah election procedures by modifying the lieutenant governor's deadline for creating the master ballot position list and aligning the signature submission deadline for U.S. Representative candidates with other similar candidates. It updates two code sections: one specifying how election officials order candidates on ballots using a randomized alphabet system, and another clarifying the timeline for candidates to gather signatures to qualify for the primary ballot. The bill directly affects candidates running for U.S. Representative and election officials managing ballot ordering. These changes ensure consistency with prior election law (S.B. 2001) and streamline the qualification process for federal candidates.

Maddy summarySB 2001, titled "Election Amendments," modifies Utah's election rules for the 2026 U.S. Representative race. It allows candidates to file a "notice of intent" to gather signatures before officially declaring candidacy and permits signature collection from any state resident (not just their district) for congressional petitions. The bill sets a specific filing window (March 9-13, 2026) for U.S. Representative candidates and requires them to withdraw from other offices before filing. These changes apply only to the 2026 election cycle and affect candidates seeking the U.S. House seat in Utah. No new funding is appropriated for this bill.

Maddy summaryHB 1001 amends Utah's Great Salt Lake management rules to update how the state handles infrastructure like berms at the UP causeway breach. It requires the Division of Natural Resources to adjust the adaptive management berm to maintain Gilbert Bay's salinity within target ranges, specifically raising it if the lake level drops to 4,190 feet or lower. The bill mandates the division to consult with the Great Salt Lake commissioner before modifying the berm and to create a plan to lower it within 18 months after raising it. This directly affects the Division of Natural Resources and its coordination with the Great Salt Lake commissioner in managing the lake's ecosystem and infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 1012 establishes Utah's temporary U.S. Congressional district boundaries while the 2021 map is legally blocked. It uses a specific electronic file ("SB1012_BEF.txt" with hash code 00c65d65ecbe52d5d4b89f5daa3449a2) to define the four districts, replacing the previous map for election purposes. The bill affects Utah voters and congressional candidates by setting the legal voting boundaries for elections starting in 2026. The boundaries are accessible online at le.utah.gov/Session/2025S1/documents/SB1012_BEF.txt, and no funding is provided. This is a procedural measure to maintain district lines during a legal dispute over redistricting.

Maddy summaryHJR 9 is a non-binding legislative resolution declaring Utah's position on Colorado River water usage. It states that Utah, as a state allocated 23% of the Upper Basin's water under historical compacts, should be allowed to use its Colorado River allocation anywhere within Utah's geographic boundaries - regardless of whether the water originates in the Upper or Lower Basin. The resolution cites Utah's reliance on this water for 60% of its residents and its commitment to staying within its allocation amid growth. It does not change water rights or impose new requirements, as it is purely a statement of policy position by the state legislature.

Maddy summarySB 336 modifies the legal structure and operational authority of Utah's Fairpark Area Investment and Restoration District. It broadens permissible uses for fair park land leases, allows the district to create a public infrastructure district that can levy property taxes and use bond funds for utility infrastructure development, and clarifies taxing authority between the district and host municipalities. The bill also establishes annual conflict of interest disclosure requirements for board members and designates the district as eligible to receive tax information from the State Tax Commission. These changes primarily affect the Fairpark district's management of its land, funding mechanisms, and relationships with local governments. The bill does not appropriate new funds but makes technical adjustments to existing statutes.