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2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION REPORT: WEEK 6 |
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Week 6 at the Capitol |
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Hello friends,
It’s an absolute privilege and honor to represent our neighborhoods and to serve you. With just one week left in our 2026 General Legislative session, much has already been accomplished for Utah during the past six weeks. Collaboratively working with my fellow legislators, we have worked tirelessly to strengthen Utah’s future by passing laws that will lower costs and ease the burdens families are facing. We’re also taking steps to safeguard our critical resources, increase innovation in education, and ensure our communities remain some of the safest in the nation.
There’s still a lot to accomplish in our last week on Capitol hill. I invite you to engage and follow along with the process, in person or online at le.utah.gov, and if you have questions, please reach out. I would love to hear from you.
For the past 38 days, I haven’t been able to see my wife, Roxane, very much. She came to the Capitol to surprise me this week. It was wonderful! I’m so grateful for her support, work, and love which makes it possible for me to serve in the Legislature. |
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Locals on the Hill |
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House District 63 was well represented again this week at the Capitol. Neighbors friends, students, teachers, parents, and businesses participated in committee meetings, and advocating for our communities. I’m grateful for your involvement and assistance.
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Lowering Gas Prices for Utahns |
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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.
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Keeping Costs Low for Utah Families |
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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. |
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Building the American Dream |
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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. |
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Increasing Judicial Transparency |
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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. |
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Innovation in Higher Education |
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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. |
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Promoting Physical Fitness |
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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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Voting Record |
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Here is my voting record for the 6th week of the Legislative Session: |
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HOUSE FLOOR VOTES: |
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HCR 2 Yes HB 93 Yes HB 386 Yes HB 501 Yes HB 272 Yes HB 575 Yes HB 591 Yes SJR 1 Yes SCR 7 Yes SB 30 Yes SB 38 Absent for Public Education Appropriations meeting SB 55 Yes SB 59 Absent for Public Education Appropriations meeting SB 63 Yes SB 68 Yes SB 69 Yes SB 71 Yes SB 77 Absent for Public Education Appropriations meeting SB 80 Absent for Public Education Appropriations meeting SB 81 Yes SB 83 Yes SB 86 Yes SB 88 Absent for Public Education Appropriations meeting SB 96 Yes SB 98 Yes SB 109 Yes SB 112 Yes SB 125 Yes SB 131 Yes SB 145 Yes SB 155 Yes SB 160 Yes SB 161 Yes SB 164 Yes SB 166 Yes SB 195 Absent for Public Education Appropriations meeting SB 202 Absent for Public Education Appropriations meeting |
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COMMITTEE VOTES: |
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HJR 4 Yes HJR 26 Yes HJR 28 Yes HB 295 Yes HB 338 Yes HB 386 Yes HB 394 Yes HB 442 Yes HB 543 Yes HB 553 Yes HB 597 Yes
SB 11 Yes SB 45 Yes SB 63 Yes SB 80 Yes SB 125 Yes SB 145 Yes SB 149 Yes SB 150 Yes SB 166 Yes SB 175 Yes SB 183 Yes SB 218 Yes SB 227 Yes SB 230 Yes |
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I would love to hear from you! |
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District 63 Representative Stephen L. Whyte swhyte@le.utah.gov 385-271-8435 |
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