As we approach the end of the 2026 Legislative Session, my focus remains on working hard to keep life affordable and the government accountable for every family in our community. We’ve passed meaningful legislation to lower costs and ease the burdens families are facing. We’re also taking proactive steps to safeguard our critical resources, increase innovation in education, and ensure our communities remain some of the safest in the nation. 

 

Your voice is the most vital part of this process, and I encourage you to stay involved as we head into the final week. You can read every bill, watch live floor debates, and view daily committee agendas in real-time by visiting le.utah.gov.

After they passed the House vote, I presented both HB 150 School-based Speech-language Pathologist Funding Amendments to the Senate Education Standing Committee and HB 124 Veteran Armed Forces Property Tax Exemption Amendments to the Senate Revenue and Taxation Standing Committee. Am incredibly excited to say that both passed with a favorable recommendation and a unanimous vote. HB 422 Public Infrastructure Districts Amendments also passed the House this week, with broad bipartisan support. Now on to the Senate!

I know the rising cost of living is the top concern for families in our community. As a Legislature, we are taking decisive action to provide relief. The state of Utah has reached a landmark agreement with industry partners to boost our fuel supply and, most importantly, lower prices at the pump.

Through H.B. 575, we are cutting through the red tape to boost our energy infrastructure. By streamlining the permitting process for pipelines and midstream facilities, we are clearing the way for millions of gallons of additional fuel to enter our market every single day. This isn't just about infrastructure; it's about basic economics: when you increase supply, you lower prices. While we build for the future, we are also delivering immediate savings. Beginning July 1, the state gas tax will be reduced by 15%, providing direct relief to your household budget every time you fill up. I am committed to a future where energy is reliable, taxes are low, and our state remains the best place in the nation to raise a family.

When you work hard for your paycheck, you should get exactly what you pay for at the checkout counter. Utah families should not have to worry about being overcharged due to inaccurate commercial pricing or faulty scales. Through H.B. 493, we are strengthening our state’s "Weights and Measures" protections to hold businesses accountable for pricing accuracy. By establishing a clear schedule of civil penalties for repeat violations, we are providing the Department of Agriculture and Food with the teeth it needs to protect your wallet. This is about common-sense enforcement and fundamental fairness. We are making sure that in Utah, the price you see on the shelf is the price you pay at the register.

In Utah, we believe the American Dream of homeownership should be within reach for every hardworking family, which is why we are taking bold action to lower the cost of new construction. Through H.B. 492, we have established the State Housing Infrastructure Partnership, a $100 million initiative designed to fund the "hidden" costs of housing—the essential roads, water lines, and sewers that often drive up home prices. We are removing development barriers and specifically prioritizing the construction of single-family starter homes. Our goal is to ensure that we aren't just building more houses, but are actively strengthening the foundation for Utahns to own their own piece of our great state.

Utah has unfortunately lagged behind the rest of the nation in judicial transparency. H.B. 540 marks a turning point in our commitment to ensuring all branches of government remain open and accountable to the people. This legislation creates a single, secure website where the public can search for and download public court records free of charge, removing the financial barriers that have long obscured our legal system. The bill requires financial disclosure requirements for judges, similar to those of other public officials. By opening the doors of our courtrooms, we are ensuring that Utah’s judiciary operates with the same openness as the executive and legislative branches, proving that in our state, the government truly belongs to the people.

A degree should prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce by ensuring graduates leave with the specific skills our economy demands. H.B. 373 establishes the Higher Education Research Funding Pilot Program, a strategic initiative that prioritizes research tied directly to Utah’s core industries and economic needs. We are creating a high-tech pipeline for innovation. This bill also advances the Utah First Credential Program, which provides students with stackable, industry-recognized certifications and scholarships that translate directly into high-wage jobs. We are modernizing higher education to be more agile and industry-aligned, ensuring that every dollar invested in research and tuition serves the dual purpose of student success and statewide prosperity.

We are launching the Gold Medal Schools Pilot Program to instill lifelong habits of physical fitness and nutrition in our elementary schools through H.B. 36. By rewarding schools that meet rigorous physical education criteria with a Gold Medal Recognition Award, we are encouraging students to engage in regular physical activity and choose healthy eating habits daily. This program doesn't just provide funding; it grants local schools the autonomy to create wellness policies that fit their specific community needs while holding them accountable through measurable health outcomes. We are investing in our children's physical well-being today to ensure a stronger, more vibrant Utah tomorrow.

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