Sen. Brady Brammer

Maddy summaryHB 454 creates a new criminal offense for individuals who knowingly help others submit inaccurate public assistance applications (e.g., by including false information or omitting required details). This directly affects people who assist applicants for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, making it a crime if they do so to help someone receive benefits they don’t qualify for. Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies based on the value of the fraud (e.g., a second-degree felony for $5,000+ in benefits). The bill also adds this new offense to the list of crimes that can form part of a "pattern of unlawful activity" under Utah law. The changes amend existing Utah Code sections without appropriating new funds.

Maddy summaryHB 284 amends Utah's murder statute to clarify that a person can be charged with murder under "depraved indifference" without needing specific intent to kill a particular individual. It expands the list of predicate offenses (like aggravated child abuse, kidnapping, or armed robbery) that can trigger murder charges when someone dies during or immediately after committing those acts. The bill also modifies sentencing by requiring courts to consider special mitigation or affirmative defenses (like reasonable belief of justification) that could reduce a murder conviction to manslaughter. This change directly affects individuals charged with murder under these specific circumstances, particularly in cases involving the listed predicate offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 370 strengthens oversight of the Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registry by clarifying definitions and assigning specific monitoring duties to local law enforcement and the Division of Adult Probation and Parole. The bill requires the Department of Public Safety to create a monitoring program for sex offenders who cannot provide a residential address and to establish an online training program for those who work with offenders. It also mandates that courts issue arrest warrants for certain offenders upon finding probable cause, while creating criminal penalties for failing to comply with the new monitoring requirements. These changes aim to improve tracking and supervision of registered sex offenders through updated legal responsibilities and enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 270 voids non-compete agreements between employers and licensed healthcare workers in Utah, effective May 6, 2026. It specifically targets agreements that restrict healthcare workers - such as nurses, doctors, therapists, and counselors - from practicing in certain areas or for specific time periods after leaving a job. The bill also makes void certain nonsolicitation agreements between employers and healthcare workers under defined circumstances. This applies to all 35+ licensed healthcare professions listed in the bill, including advanced practice nurses, psychologists, and physical therapists, without creating new financial obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 425 restricts how Utah cities and towns can charge certain fees. It bars cities from imposing general fees for broadband internet or public safety services (like police/fire) on the public, with limited exceptions (e.g., fees for bonds issued before 2026 must end by 2027). Similarly, towns cannot charge general fees for public safety services, except for existing fees tied to agreements between towns or volunteer services, which must be renewed every three years. The bill also creates a new process for municipalities to establish transportation utility fees (for services like roads), requiring annual reviews, appeal mechanisms, and local referendums for new fees.

Maddy summaryHB 230 requires Utah county jails to help inmates serving six months or more obtain driver’s licenses or state ID cards before release, including coordinating with the Driver License Division and providing payment vouchers. It also mandates substance abuse treatment programs to share drug test results with probation/parole officers when inmates provide written consent, and directs the Department of Corrections to provide post-release housing resources, a secure online tool for attorney communications, and annual data on inmate incentives. The bill adds requirements for tracking parole housing and updates health information disclosure rules for probationers. These provisions directly affect inmates, county jails, probation/parole officers, and state correctional agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 250 establishes a state-run online retirement plan exchange for private employers in Utah, allowing them to compare and select retirement plans for their employees. The bill requires the state treasurer's office to create a publicly accessible platform listing qualified retirement plans, setting rules for plan types, presentation, and provider reporting. Retirement plan providers listed on the exchange must submit annual reports, and the treasurer can remove listings for noncompliance. The bill does not appropriate new funding and focuses solely on creating this comparison tool, directly affecting Utah private employers seeking retirement options for staff.

Maddy summaryHB 575 reduces Utah's motor fuel tax rate and requires refineries to report production data to the Office of Energy Development. The bill establishes new permitting rules for oil and gas infrastructure projects, including a 120-day processing timeline for applications and coordination between state agencies. These changes directly affect refineries, oil and gas companies building pipelines or storage facilities, and fuel consumers through tax adjustments. The bill appropriates $11.9 million for implementation in fiscal year 2027.

Maddy summarySB 233 updates Utah's process for evaluating judges. It directly affects judges on the Utah Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, as well as the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission. Key changes include requiring the Commission to study appeal reversals and report findings to lawmakers, allowing judges to speak at Commission meetings in specific situations, updating the performance survey content, and adjusting certification standards for judges. The bill reorganizes related laws but does not appropriate funds.

Maddy summaryHB 186 amends Utah's Judicial Conduct Commission procedures to clarify when certain records are protected and establish new filing requirements. It requires prosecutors and the Administrative Office of the Courts to file complaints with the Commission under specific circumstances, while mandating the Commission annually report certain information to the Legislature. The bill also makes technical changes to existing law but does not appropriate funds or create new financial obligations. These provisions directly affect judges, prosecutors, court officials, and the Commission itself by defining complaint protocols and transparency requirements for judicial conduct matters.