Sen. Lincoln Fillmore

Maddy summarySB 32 modifies Utah's class size reduction program by gradually narrowing the grade levels covered, shifting from kindergarten through grade 8 (2024-2025) to kindergarten through grade 3 (2028-2029 and beyond). It requires 50% of funds to be used specifically for reducing class sizes in kindergarten through grade 3, with an emphasis on improving student reading skills. The bill expands allowable uses of funds to include instructional coaches, reading specialists, special education staff, English learner staff, and paraprofessionals for targeted instruction. School districts must establish public policies defining minimum teacher-to-student ratios for each grade level and report on compliance.

Maddy summarySB 88 creates a temporary 3-year pilot program (ending July 1, 2027) to reimburse Utah public schools for holding Veterans Day assemblies that include educational activities about veterans' service. It appropriates $960,000 from the Income Tax Fund for fiscal year 2026 to cover these reimbursements. Schools must submit proposals detailing how assemblies incorporated curriculum on veterans' service, and the State Board of Education will share best practices online. The bill directly affects Utah Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that hold qualifying Veterans Day assemblies during the 2025-2027 school years.

Maddy summaryHB 88 modifies Utah's housing policy by changing reporting requirements for moderate-income housing and expanding housing options. It reduces the frequency of progress reports from annual to triennial for qualifying cities, while allowing accessory dwelling units (like in-law suites) and modular housing units in residential zones of urban municipalities. The bill directly affects cities classified as "specified municipalities" (e.g., larger cities or those with 5,000+ residents), requiring them to report on housing strategies but not imposing new funding. Key provisions include permitting accessory dwellings on single-family lots and prohibiting municipalities from banning modular housing in residential areas, with no new state funding allocated.

Maddy summaryHB 14 allows licensed emergency medical personnel (like paramedics and EMTs) to provide non-911 emergency medical services - such as at community events, clinics, or community paramedicine programs - under specific supervision rules. It requires companies employing these personnel to have a medical director, approved protocols, quality improvement processes, and proper documentation, while ensuring services stay within the personnel's scope of practice. The bill defines "direct supervision" (on-site physician) and "indirect supervision" (consultation-based) and prohibits advertising such services as a 911 alternative. It does not change existing 911 emergency response protocols or scope of practice for traditional emergency services.

Maddy summaryThis joint rules resolution (HJR 4) modifies internal legislative procedures for Utah's state legislature. It updates requirements for news media seeking press credentials, mandating annual training on discriminatory conduct and agreement to Legislative Management Committee Policy E. The resolution also renames the "Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee" to "Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee," removes outdated language, and corrects terminology across multiple rules. These changes affect legislative staff, committee operations, and media members needing access to legislative facilities, but do not create new public policy or appropriate funds.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Rules Resolution (SR 1) updates internal Senate procedures rather than changing policy. It requires senators to use a "motion to substitute" (not a "motion to amend") for significant changes like adding/removing bill sections or altering effective dates, while clarifying that minor verbal amendments must stay under 10 words. The resolution also corrects a numbering error and makes technical adjustments to four existing Senate rules. These changes affect only Senate members and staff during legislative debates and committee work.