Sen. Lincoln Fillmore

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state registration system for health care staffing platforms (like apps connecting workers with facilities). Starting January 1, 2026, these platforms must register with Utah's licensing division, pay annual fees up to $500, and verify workers' licenses, background checks, and insurance before shifts. It prohibits platforms from requiring non-compete agreements or charging workers for referrals. The law directly affects staffing platforms, ensuring they meet basic standards while protecting workers' ability to use multiple platforms.

Maddy summaryHB 191 allows Utah public high schools to award academic credit for courses completed using approved "instructional packets" (self-paced learning materials). It requires local education agencies to follow specific packet requirements and mandates the State Board of Education to review and approve all such packets before they can be used for credit. The bill also creates a new annual reporting requirement for the State Board on how these packets are implemented across schools. This directly affects high school students seeking flexible learning options and public school administrators managing course offerings. The bill makes technical updates to education code sections but does not appropriate new funding.

Maddy summarySB 13 allows qualified rental businesses (those meeting specific NAICS codes with over 51% revenue from heavy equipment rentals) to charge renters a 1.5% recovery fee on heavy equipment rentals. This fee must be separately itemized on invoices and is not subject to sales tax, though it cannot be charged to government entities. The bill requires businesses to use collected fees to offset their own property taxes on heavy equipment, while mandating the State Tax Commission to study the fee rate by September 2027 and report findings to the Legislature. It takes effect January 1, 2026, with no new state funding required.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Senate procedural rules to streamline operations. It directly affects senators and Senate staff by clarifying processes like technical corrections to legislation, committee recommendations for calendars, and rules for cosponsoring bills. Key changes include requiring senators to get permission to cosponsor bills, clarifying how legislation moves through calendars, and allowing electronic participation for voting. The bill makes no policy changes affecting the public and focuses solely on internal Senate workflow procedures. It has no fiscal impact and affects only Senate internal operations.

Maddy summaryHB 43 extends the expiration dates for multiple Utah public education programs that were scheduled to end. It amends Utah Code Section 63I-1-253 to delay repeals for programs like the School Security Task Force (extended from 2025 to 2029), USTAR Researchers (2028), SafeUT Commission (2030), and several higher education councils and pilot programs. The bill makes technical adjustments to these sunset dates without creating new programs or appropriating funds. This affects state education initiatives and administrative bodies operating under the listed code sections.

Maddy summarySB 73 amends Utah's process for statewide initiatives by requiring sponsors to publish their initiative applications in the same manner as constitutional amendment proposals. It updates application rules to mandate a clear description of how proposed laws would be funded, including tax impacts and revenue sources. If sponsors fail to meet the publication requirement, the initiative cannot be submitted or votes counted. These changes aim to improve transparency and ensure initiatives provide detailed funding information before appearing on the ballot.

Maddy summaryHB 381 amends Utah's high school graduation requirements by adding a mandatory 3.5-unit social studies requirement, including at least 1.0 unit focused on American constitutional government and citizenship. It removes a previous civics test requirement and provides alternatives, such as completing a civic-focused course or participating in Junior ROTC, to fulfill part of the social studies requirement. The bill directly affects Utah public high school students in grades 9-12, changing their graduation pathways. It also extends deadlines for school districts to adopt instructional materials related to these requirements.

Maddy summarySB 37 amends Utah's school funding system by requiring school districts that impose the combined minimum basic tax rate to send all revenue generated from that tax directly to the state. It replaces previous rules about state and local contributions toward the basic school program, ensuring state funding covers the full cost of the program for these districts. The bill also repeals outdated provisions related to local tax contributions and makes minor technical adjustments to existing laws. This change affects school districts using the combined tax rate, shifting how their property tax revenue is handled and distributed. The bill does not appropriate new funds but alters the existing revenue flow between districts and the state.

Maddy summarySCR 2 is a non-binding resolution encouraging Utah schools and communities to support child independence through specific practices. It urges school districts, administrators, and teachers to adopt the "Let Grow" program, which promotes unstructured play and self-directed activities. The resolution also asks the State Board of Education to integrate childhood independence into public school standards and encourages local governments to create environments where children can safely explore and play independently. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but rather expresses legislative support for research-backed approaches to child development. This resolution directly affects Utah public schools and local communities through voluntary program adoption.

Maddy summarySB 165 amends Utah law to clarify and regulate how cities can provide broadband internet services to residents and businesses. It directly affects Utah municipalities operating their own broadband networks by defining key terms, setting operational requirements, and establishing reporting rules for bonding and public disclosure. The bill modifies existing code sections to address selling surplus broadband capacity beyond city boundaries and ensures transparency in municipal broadband operations. It does not appropriate new funds and focuses on procedural clarity rather than creating new services or financial obligations.