It’s been a productive week here in the Utah House, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done to keep our communities safe, support families, and strengthen our state. From improving public safety, protecting Utah families from financial risk, and promoting accountability, we’re focused on practical solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.
The best part is that the legislative process is open and transparent. nyone can watch proceedings live or after the fact at le.utah.gov. You can also view daily agendas, read bills, and follow along as we work on the issues that matter most to Utah. Your voice matters, and staying informed is the first step in shaping our state’s future.
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Protecting Taxpayers Through Greater Transparency
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Property taxes matter to every homeowner in our community, and you deserve complete clarity about how those decisions are made. H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments, which passed the House with unanimous support, strengthens transparency and accountability by ensuring that when a local government is considering a property tax increase, they clearly state that intention in a public meeting, adopt a tentative budget based only on existing revenues, and provide a straightforward comparison showing exactly how any additional dollars would be spent. I am happily cosponsoring Representative Karen Peterson's HB 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments; I appreciate her vital work to bring greater transparency to the public about the process of taxation! While property taxes are determined by our cities, counties, and special districts, I will continue advocating for low taxes while protecting the essential services our communities depend on.
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Am very pleased to state that my bills HB 150 School-based Speech-language Pathologist Funding Amendments and HB 177 ROTC Resident Student Status passed the vote in the House of Representatives and are on their way over to the Senate for their vote.
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I had the opportunity to co-host the Great Salt Lake Get Together with Representative Paul Cutler. We were able to have some great conversations and answer some questions about the current state of the Great Salt Lake. My two bills, HB 348 Dedicated Water Amendments and HB 410 Water Leasing Amendments are currently on the House third reading calendar and will soon be voted upon by the House of Representatives. Currently, they have broad bipartisan support, and I am very excited about these bills moving forward in the process to becoming laws.
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One of my favorite parts of being a legislator is getting the opportunity to meet with students from all over House District 10. This past week, I was able to meet with students from Ogden High School, the Great Salt Lake Youth Coalition, and more. I'm always willing to answer their questions and am grateful to even ask a few of my own. It's amazing to see so many youth active in politics and see their eagerness to learn about the processes of law.
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Utah Federation of Republican Women
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I had the wonderful chance to speak to the women of the Utah Federation of Republican Women. During the event I enjoyed discussing my bills, getting some input, and answering some questions.
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Strengthening Families and Encouraging Marriage
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One of the things that makes Utah unique is our strong foundation of family. About 80% of Utah households are headed by married parents, a rate far above the national average. This session, the Legislature is advancing policies that reflect family values by looking for ways to incentivize marriage, support young children, and prevent elected leaders from passing policies that could negatively impact family structure. By encouraging stable homes and offering resources where families need them most, we’re working to make Utah an even better place to raise children and build a life together. I’m committed to supporting initiatives that uphold family bonds and strengthen the fabric of our communities.
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Increasing Transparency in Utah’s Courts
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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.
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Protecting Our Communities
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Keeping our families safe is a top priority, and this session we’re moving several bills that make a real difference. We’re improving violent crime case clearance, giving law enforcement the tools to solve more cases and support victims. Substance use intervention reforms connect those struggling with addiction to treatment rather than cycling through the system, strengthening both safety and community health. Sentencing and supervision updates ensure courts have clear guidelines while reducing repeat offending. And by enhancing homeless services alongside public safety measures, we’re balancing compassionate care with strong enforcement. These efforts reflect my commitment to supporting residents, backing first responders, and building a safer future for our district.
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Keeping Utah Families Safe from Gambling Risks
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This week, we passed H.B. 243 to make Utah’s gambling laws clearer and stronger. By defining what counts as gambling and explicitly including proposition bets, this bill helps protect our communities—especially young people and vulnerable adults—from predatory or confusing games that can lead to financial harm. At the same time, it preserves safe, family-friendly amusement activities like arcades and skill-based games, so Utahns can enjoy entertainment without worrying about gambling risks. For our district, this means stronger consumer protections, clearer rules for businesses, and a safer environment for families to play, have fun, and know the law is on their side.
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Bills Passed by the House this Week
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I would love to hear from you!
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