Sen. Lincoln Fillmore

Maddy summarySB 65 amends rules for distributing minimum basic tax revenue to school districts. It requires the state treasurer to deposit county tax payments into a special fund and notify the state board within 35 days. The state board must then send school districts either the full deposit amount or their remaining unfunded program costs (whichever is less), but not exceeding the deposit. The bill also clarifies that the state isn't subject to certain notice requirements before implementing these tax rates.

Maddy summarySB 116 modifies Utah's individual income tax rates based on actual state revenue performance. It directly affects Utah taxpayers by setting a formula that lowers the tax rate by 0.01% for every $22.2 million (or more) the state collects in revenue above its forecasted amount. The bill requires the State Tax Commission to annually calculate and publish the adjusted rate, using specific revenue thresholds and cost-per-0.01% figures for fiscal years 2027-2036. This mechanism applies to tax years beginning in 2027 through 2038, with rates initially set at 4.5% for 2027-2028 and then adjusted annually based on revenue outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 400 requires municipalities in Utah's Great Salt Lake basin to adopt water-efficient landscaping rules for new construction by November 2027. It directly affects new development projects and local governments, banning requirements for small lawn areas (<8 feet) and mandating standards for plant selection, irrigation, and vegetative coverage. Key provisions include allowing regional water-use standards, requiring municipalities to report compliance to the Division of Water Resources, and permitting local reviews for water-wise designs. The bill makes no new funding changes and focuses on reducing outdoor water use through landscaping regulations rather than penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 234 creates a temporary "Alternative Statewide Testing Pilot Program" allowing Utah local school districts (LEAs) to use non-traditional testing methods instead of standard state assessments. The program requires the State Board of Education to select a testing provider through procurement, sets specific rules for participating districts, and mandates an annual report to the Education Interim Committee. The pilot is set to expire on July 1, 2027, and does not appropriate new state funds. This bill directly affects school districts opting into the pilot and the State Board of Education responsible for oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 170 amends Utah's laws to establish a clearer process for school district residents to hold referendums on certain school board decisions. Specifically, it allows voters who live within a school district to petition for a vote on laws passed by their local school board that increase taxes or create new taxes, subject to limited exceptions. The bill defines key terms related to referendums and makes technical updates to existing statutes, but does not appropriate new funding or create new financial obligations. This directly affects school district residents seeking to challenge tax-related decisions through a voter referendum.

Maddy summaryThis procedural bill (HJR 1) amends the Utah Legislature's internal operating rules. It defines terms like "minority leader" and "sunset bill," modifies journal publication requirements for the Senate and House, updates procedures for extraordinary sessions, and allows legislators to co-sponsor bills from the opposite chamber. The resolution also establishes specific handling rules for sunset bills (requiring the Senate to table House sunset bills on third reading and the House to refer Senate sunset bills to Rules Committee). As a procedural measure, it affects only legislative operations, not public policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks in 2026. It honors victims, first responders, and those affected by the attacks while encouraging Utah schools and local governments to hold educational events and ceremonies. The resolution urges public and private schools to conduct age-appropriate activities to foster understanding of the day's significance. It has no funding impact and serves solely as a commemorative statement, not a new law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJR 2) is a procedural rule change for Utah's legislature, affecting how lawmakers draft and handle resolutions. It requires legislators to use formal "citations" (not resolutions) to honor individuals, groups, or events - replacing the previous practice. The bill also defines "binding" vs. "nonbinding" resolutions and gives rules committees power to block resolutions that violate these rules. It makes technical updates to existing legislative procedures but does not create new policies or allocate funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Rules Resolution (SR 1) amends internal procedural rules for the Utah State Senate. It directly affects all senators, Senate staff, and individuals accessing the Senate chamber by clarifying definitions (such as "minority leader" and "minority party"), adjusting rules for extraordinary sessions, and modifying guest access procedures on the Senate floor. Key provisions include defining leadership roles, specifying when prior rules apply during sessions, and requiring senators to accompany invited guests to prevent disruptions. The changes focus solely on internal Senate operations with no funding or policy impact.

Maddy summarySB 262 modifies Utah's home ownership promotion zone program to expand how local governments can use these funds. It allows counties and municipalities to apply zone funds toward water infrastructure, street lighting, and environmental cleanup costs, and requires counties to follow land use rules for all pending and new applications. The bill also directs Utah Housing Corporation to create new rules for mortgage loans to first-time homebuyers and establish an incentive program for home insurance. These changes directly affect local governments managing zone funds and first-time homebuyers seeking mortgage assistance, without appropriating new state money.