Utah House of Representatives Report
Representative Carl Albrecht
April 1, 2024
For Utah
The 2024 General Session is behind us – and we passed historic policies that will benefit our statecommunities. This includes innovative solutions to lower the rising cost of housing, protect our state’s invaluable natural resources, invest in future generations, increase safety in our communities, and protect our energy supply.
A few funding highlights include:
- $830 million invested in Utah public Education
- Over $100 million invested in Public Safety for our communities
- $30 million invested in Utah’s Water Resources
- $55 million in Transportation Innovation
- $20 million towards improving Housing Affordability
These investments will preserve Utah’s high quality of life for generations to come. To learn more about how we’re working for you at the State Capitol go to https://house.utleg.gov/for-utah-2024-legislative-session-accomplishments/.
Cutting Government Waste
This year, the Utah House made good on our promise to trim excess in state government. We cut 50 boards and commissions and raised the barrier for the creation of more government bodies. That’s 110 fewer Gubernatorial appointees and a savings for all Utahns.
In his 1964 speech, President Ronald Reagan quipped, “No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. So governments’ programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth.”
Not in Utah.
Between H.B. 532 & H.B. 534, we re-examined over 400 boards and commissions that oversee and regulate everyday life – combining, trimming Boards and Commissions, and eliminating unneeded bureaucracy. This is ongoing work, and we promise to stay diligent. Good governance requires accountability and the efficient and effective use of taxpayer funds.
Snow-Capped Mountains, Conservation, and Legislation
Good news – Utah’s mountains are stuffed with snow and our reservoirs are nearing capacity. On average, state reservoirs are sitting at 83% before spring runoff. Last year, reservoirs statewide were around half full. Get more information at https://water.utah.gov/utah-water-conditions-update-march-2024/
Here’s a helpful way to think about it: “Our reservoirs are our water savings account,” according to the Director of the Division of Water Resources. “This critical infrastructure provides us with the water security we have today.”
During the Session, the House passed historic changes to water law which will help Utah continue to thrive when the hydrology is good – and when it’s not. The Governor highlighted a number of these bills at an annual spring runoff conference in Cache County.
As warmer weather approaches, you can find helpful tips to save water at https://conservewater.utah.gov/
Energy Security for Utah
We passed several bills to protect Utah’s ability to produce reliable, affordable, and dispatchable power. Please review the following bills to see what was accomplished. HB48, HB124, HB 241, HB374, HB317, SB224 and SB161. These bills protect existing coal and natural gas generating facilities for many years to come.
Lands and Stewardship
We invested $2.5 Million in the Shared Stewardship Program for wildfire prevention and protection. We also enacted policies that promote responsible development of our Natural Resources.
Tax Cut
Continuing work from previous years, we also reduced the income tax rate from 4.65% to 4.55%, or a $170 Million total Reduction.
KSL TV: UDOT using detection and alert system to prevent wrong-way driver crashes
KUER: Even rural areas, like Millard County, are feeling Utah’s spike in immigration cases
ABC 4: New Utah laws address hunter attire, taxidermy, shed hunting, and more
Deseret News: Applications for Utah’s inaugural K-12 voucher program have already eclipsed number of available scholarships
KSL: Utah passes ‘Bentley’s Law’ putting convicted DUI drivers on the hook for child support
San Juan Record: Health district secures $30 million from State of Utah to rebuild San Juan Hospital in Monticello
Utah News Dispatch: Utah dropping front license plate requirement. When can drivers ditch them?
KSL TV: Mountain View Corridor completion project passes committee, heads to Congress
KSL: School security, water among 74 bills signed by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox
Cache Valley Daily: Commissioner for GSL says he thinks legislature gets it when it comes to conservation
St. George News: We are so thrilled’: UDOT receives $86 million grant to fund new I-15 underpasses in St. George
Fox 13: Governor Cox signs bill to better support families of crime victims
Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Utah House of Representatives. It’s an honor to serve.
Respectfully,
Representative Carl Albrecht
435-979-6578
