Hello Friends and Neighbors, We’ve reached the midway point of the 45‑day 2026 Legislative Session, and the pace at the Utah State Capitol has been intense. Lawmakers have introduced more bills in the first half of this session than at the same point last year, and while a record number of proposals are moving through committees, only a portion has advanced to final passage so far. I remain focused on common‑sense priorities that matter most: keeping costs low for families, holding government accountable, empowering rural communities, and ensuring Utah remains the best place to call home. As always, you can follow daily calendars, committee hearings, and live floor debates at le.utah.gov.
Bills Sent to the Governor’s Desk
As of February 12, 2026, 53 bills have passed both legislative chambers and advanced to the Governor for consideration, including early budget bills and key policy measures. This progress allows the Legislature to shift focus toward remaining policy priorities and district-driven legislation during the second half of the session.
Legislative Focus
This session, the Legislature is working hard to bring the same openness and accountability to our judicial system that we expect from all branches of our state government. Lawmakers are working collaboratively with the Judiciary on proposals aimed at making more court proceedings and records accessible to the public online and establishing financial disclosure requirements for judges so Utahns can better understand possible conflicts of interest. These efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring that the courts operate in a way that is understandable and transparent for everyday Utah families, while still respecting privacy and the rule of law.
Legislative Update: Bills I’m Working on
On the Governor’s Desk
- HB 69 – Drinking Water Restructuring Amendments
Enhances clarity around enforcement and compliance tools tied to Utah’s drinking water oversight. - HB 66 – Soil Health Program Amendments
Extends the repeal date of Utah’s Soil Health Program, ensuring continued support for land stewardship. - SB 26 – Pest Control Amendments
Updates provisions related to statewide pest control programs that help protect agriculture and natural resources. - SB 20 – Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Technical Changes
Makes technical updates in conservation and environmental statutes to improve implementation and coordination. - HCR 1 – House Concurrent Resolution on Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing
Expresses the Legislature’s support for advanced nuclear manufacturing and signals Utah’s openness to innovation in this sector.
Passed the House Floor
- HB 376 – Land Management Funding Amendments
Creates the Utah Forest Restoration Institute at Utah State University, funds its operations, and strengthens statewide coordination, research, and emergency response for watershed and forest restoration projects.
- HB 369 – Agriculture and Food Amendments
Updates multiple Department of Agriculture and Food statutes by revising board memberships, creating new funding accounts, adjusting disaster‑relief and water‑optimization provisions, modifying livestock brand definitions, and repealing outdated sections to streamline agricultural regulation.
Moving Forward in the House
- HB 145 – School Excused Absence Amendments
Updates the definition of a valid school absence by expanding allowable reasons, clarifying exclusions, and making related technical changes in compulsory education statute.
Floor Sponsor in the House
- SCR 4 – Concurrent Resolution for Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining
This resolution supports the effort to formalize a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to enhance the efficiency of the permit review process for oil, gas, and mining operations on BLM lands.
- SB 135 – Nuclear Reprocessing Amendments
Authorizes the Office of Energy Development and the Utah Energy Council to coordinate, assess, and report on nuclear fuel recycling and to pursue development of a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, while making related technical updates to state energy statutes.
In the Senate
- HB 67 – Lead Acid Battery Disposal Sunset Amendments
Removes the sunset on the state’s lead‑acid battery disposal system to prevent any lapse in environmental protections. - HB 78 – Nuclear Regulatory Amendments
Establishes a state regulatory framework for nuclear energy and materials oversight to align Utah with emerging nuclear technologies. - HB 64 – School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments
Creates a structured process for counties to nominate culturally or scientifically significant trust lands for preservation. - HB 222 – Limitations of Actions Amendments
Clarifies liability standards related to greenhouse gas claims and makes conforming changes. - HB 238 – Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning
Updates renewable energy, shifts community clean energy programs to an opt‑out model, and requires the Public Service Commission to participate in Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators while reporting annually on impacts to Utah customers.
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 Caucus
I also serve as Co-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.
