1/30/2026
Hello Friends and Neighbors,
As we wrap up the second week of the 2026 General Session, I’m pleased to share progress on several bills I’ve sponsored that are moving through the legislative process. These bills reflect the needs and values of our district — supporting innovation in energy, preserving public lands, and strengthening Utah’s long-term prosperity. Thank you for following along and staying involved.
As always, you can track legislation, see agendas, and watch live sessions at le.utah.gov.
Legislation Update: Bills I’m Working On
Passed the House Floor
HB 78 – Nuclear Regulatory Amendments
House vote: 75–0–0
This bill creates the Nuclear Energy Regulatory Office under the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control. It provides a framework for Utah to manage licensing, compliance, and oversight of nuclear materials under federal guidance. With nuclear energy gaining national momentum, this ensures that Utah is prepared with its own responsive and responsible regulatory structure.
HCR 1 – House Concurrent Resolution on Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing
House vote: 71–3–1
This resolution expresses the Legislature’s support for advanced nuclear manufacturing and encourages the development of this emerging sector in Utah. It highlights the importance of safety, transportation infrastructure, and regulatory readiness, while signaling Utah’s interest in attracting future investment and innovation in clean energy.
Moving Forward in the House
HB 64 – School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments
Status: On House 2nd Reading Calendar
This bill creates a formal process for counties to nominate culturally or scientifically significant sites on school trust lands for possible preservation. It sets clear guidelines for how nominations are made, reviewed, and monitored —with special protections in place if a site is at risk. These lands matter deeply to Utah’s rural counties, both as cultural heritage and preservation for future generations.
HB222 —Limitations of Actions Amendments
Status: Passed Public Utilities and Energy Committee
This Bill clarifies that individuals and businesses cannot be held liable for damages or injuries caused by greenhouse gas emissions unless they directly violated a specific legal duty. It removes the previous requirement that a person must live or do business in Utah to qualify for this limited liability. The bill makes only technical and conforming changes beyond this core adjustment
Floor Sponsorship in the House
SB 20 – Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Technical Changes
Senate sponsor: Sen. Kevin Stratton | House sponsor: Rep. Carl Albrecht
This bill makes technical updates to Utah’s conservation and environmental statutes, improving clarity and coordination among agencies. These changes support consistent implementation of programs that benefit landowners, farmers, and water users across Utah.
SB 26 – Pest Control Amendments
Senate sponsor: Sen. Kevin Stratton | House sponsor: Rep. Carl Albrecht
This bill clarifies provisions related to pest control programs, particularly those that impact agriculture and public land. These updates ensure better coordination and enforcement in protecting crops, rangeland, and ecosystems.
Now on the Senate Reading Calendar
HB 66 – Soil Health Program Amendments
Status: Passed House | On Senate 2nd Reading Consent Calendar
Extends the Utah Soil Health Program through July 1, 2036. This provides long-term support for sustainable agriculture and land health strategies, helping Utah farmers and ranchers invest with confidence in their land’s future.
HB 67 – Lead Acid Battery Disposal Sunset Amendments
Status: Passed House | On Senate 2nd Reading Consent Calendar
Removes the sunset provision on the state’s lead-acid battery disposal system, keeping these safety measures in place without disruption. This bill protects public health and gives the Legislature time to assess future environmental needs.
HB 69 – Drinking Water Restructuring Amendments
Status: Passed House | Awaiting Senate Committee Review
Updates Utah’s drinking water governance model to clarify compliance and enforcement tools. It supports long-term oversight of critical infrastructure that impacts both rural and urban communities.
Committees and Caucus Leadership
As Chair of the House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee, I continue working to bring thoughtful, rural-focused policy to the forefront of the legislative conversation. I’m also actively serving on the:
- House Public Utilities and Energy Committee
- Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee
- Water Development Commission
- Federalism Commission
- Constitutional Defense Council
- Colorado River Authority of Utah
I also serve as Chair of the Rural Caucus, one of the most well-attended and longest-standing caucuses on the Hill. We focus on ensuring rural needs are heard and addressed in all areas of state policy.
Additionally, I serve on a Rural legislative Education Working Group focused on strengthening education delivery and facilities in rural areas. This includes supporting capital improvement funding, enhancing rural campus infrastructure, and ensuring students across Utah, no matter their ZIP code, have access to strong learning environments that prepare them for the future.
Stay Engaged
Your feedback helps shape the decisions we make here at the Capitol. I encourage you to follow live committee meetings, explore bills of interest, and stay connected through the official website: le.utah.gov.
Thanks again for your continued engagement. I’ll be back next week with another update.
