Hello friends,

By 1895, a precedent had been set that states wanting to be admitted to the Union should hold a Constitutional Convention. When the Salt Lake Convention met in 1895, it was their eighth attempt to write a constitution. This convention contained 107 delegates from 41 counties. There were over 30 committees created to discuss the familiar questions of private property, public provision for education, labor and employment rights, debt provisions, water and agricultural rights, and taxation. One of the Convention’s most controversial decisions was granting women the right to vote and hold office. The final Constitution proposed had broad support and helped Utah to become a state in 1896. Although it now has 100 amendments, it still reflects the work and spirit of those original Framers (source: UVU Constitutional Studies).

When elected, I took the oath of office, saying, "I do solemnly swear that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Utah, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity."

Every day during the Legislative Session, as we continue to address the same issues our state founders did, I strive to fulfill my oath and carry on the legacy of our great Framers. It is a privilege to serve and work with you.

On February 14, 1870, Utah school teacher Seraph Young made history as the first woman in the United States to cast a ballot under an equal suffrage law. As we mark 156 years since this milestone, we honor Seraph Young’s legacy and the lasting impact of women’s political participation.

It was wonderful to visit with so many people from our House District 63 that came to the Capitol this week. I had a surprise visit by Cosmo, as well as visits from our city fire departments, business leaders, city councilors, teachers, the Mapleton City Youth Council with their parents and advisors, students, dental hygienists, youth leaders, and other dear neighbors and friends.

I was honored to host Family Night at the Capitol for our House District 63 this week. It was a wonderful experience, bringing together everyone from young children to grandparents for a pizza dinner and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Capitol. As we discussed the miracle of Utah, the legislative process, and the challenges and opportunities ahead, I felt inspired once again and deeply grateful to live in such a remarkable community surrounded by wonderful friends and neighbors.

Thank you to all our farmers and ranchers from our House District 63 and from across the state being at the Capitol for Farm Day on the Hill. As I sat in the John Deere tractor, it brought back so many wonderful memories. As a boy who grew up on a family farm, you have my full support. Our local farmers and ranchers positively impact each of us.

Here are some impressive stats:

• The economic impact of agriculture in Utah produces 472,400 jobs.
• $25.7 billion in wages.
• $10.6 billion in taxes.
• $1.2 billion in exports.
• Utah’s agricultural sector, with over 17,000 farms covering 10-12 million acres, ranks
  35th-36th nationally in total farm numbers.
• The economy is heavily driven by livestock, which accounts for over 75% of cash
  recipients, with cattle and calves being the top commodity.
• Key national rankings include 2nd in tart cherries and milk pelts.
• Utah ranks 5th in nation for sheep and lambs, 4th in wool production, 20th in milk
  production, 11th in alfalfa, 3rd for apricots, 8th in sweet cherries, 19th in peaches.
• Utah County specifically is a top-five agricultural county in the state.

It is a true privilege to serve as House Chair of the Public Education Appropriations Sub-Committee alongside Vice Chair/Representative Matt MacPherson, Senate Chair/Senator Heidi Balderree, and Senate Vice Chair/Senator Lincoln Fillmore. As we’ve engaged with educators and education leaders across our state—listening, learning, and collaborating—I’ve felt a deep sense of optimism about what lies ahead. Utah’s education system continues to stand out, demonstrated by strong student achievement, outstanding teachers, and meaningful family involvement.

None of this success happens by chance. It is the result of the dedication and hard work of educators and staff in every corner of our schools—teachers, classroom aides, principals, counselors, custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria teams, office staff, business administrators, school board members, and so many others who support students each day. Your commitment makes an extraordinary difference in the lives of Utah’s children and families.

I am deeply grateful for all you do. Your efforts matter, and they are truly valued. Thank you for your continued dedication and great work.

We’re officially halfway through the 2026 General Session, and there’s already been so much accomplished for our community! 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. Stay engaged with the process by visiting le.utah.gov, where you can watch live streams, check daily schedules, join committee meetings via zoom to provide your input, and dive into the details of the legislation shaping our state.

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. While property taxes are determined by our school board, city, county, and special districts, I will continue advocating for low taxes while protecting the essential services our communities depend on.

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. 

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.

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.

This week, we advanced an important step toward helping more Utahns build long-term financial security by passing H.B. 250 Utah Retirement Plan Exchange. Too many small businesses want to offer retirement benefits but find the options confusing, expensive, or difficult to manage. This bill creates a transparent, online exchange through the State Treasurer’s Office where private employers can easily compare qualified retirement plans, review clear fee disclosures, and select options that work best for their employees. By promoting competition, transparency, and simplicity—without creating new government mandates or assuming control over private plans—we’re empowering businesses and workers alike. The goal is straightforward: make it easier for Utah employers to offer retirement benefits and help more families prepare with confidence for the future.

This Legislative Session, I’m sponsoring a non-binding resolution regarding the Utah Housing Strategic Plan with the goal of making housing more attainable and affordable for our children and grandchildren.

Background:

• In 2025 the Legislature passed a non-binding resolution (HCR14) supporting streamlining Utah housing policies. We also passed HB37 requiring the Governor’s
• Office of Planning and Budget to develop a state housing plan no later than December 31, 2025.
• As a result, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, in partnership with more than 100 stakeholders, including the Utah League of Cities and Towns, Realtors, UDOT, UTA, Private Property Rights Coalition, Home Builders, Utah Housing Corporation, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Office of the Legislator Auditor, and many, many more collaboratively completed the development of the Utah Housing Strategic Plan

What this Resolution Does:

• It indicates the dynamic, responsive plan provides a starting point roadmap going forward.
• It provides a collaboratively coordinated statewide effort focused on improving attainability and affordability of housing, especially for your children and grandchildren.
• It signals that the Utah Housing Strategic Plan meets the state’s goals of combining housing-related policy efforts by creating government efficiency, reducing duplication of services and confusion for political subdivisions, state government, and stakeholders.
• It indicates that everyone involved will track the implementation and results of the plan to ensure the plan remains responsible to Utah’s changing housing needs.

Does the Utah Housing Strategic Plan eliminate local control?

• No. Contrary to a false narrative that is being shared by the leadership of the Utah County Republican Party, this plan does not eliminate local control.
• The plan outlines goals, guiding principles, outcome metrics, and recommendations to meet Utah’s housing needs.
• Listen to the full legislative committee hearing here:
  https://www.utleg.gov/event-streaming/committee/timeline/297285
• Read the Utah Housing Strategic Plan here:
  https://governor.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025_12FinalUtahHousingStrategicPlan_web.pdf.pdf
• Read Utah’s independent nonpartisan housing audit here:
  https://le.utah.gov/interim/2023/pdf/00004797.pdf
• Read 10 housing research reports from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the
  University of Utah here:
  https://gardner.utah.edu/public-policy/housing-construction-and-real-estate/
• If you have questions, please reach out to me as I would be happy to visit with you.

Bill topics have once again been vast and varied this week including: public education, housing attainability, water, cutting government spending, dentistry, taxes, raw milk, eggs, election integrity, nicotine, community safety and many, many more.

Here is my voting record for the 4th week of the Legislative Session:

HOUSE FLOOR VOTES:
HB 21 Yes
HB 32 Yes
HB 33 Yes
HB 38 Absent for Public Education Appropriations meeting
HB 45 Absent for Public Education Appropriations meeting
HB 65 Yes
HB 68 Yes
HB 69 Yes
HB 87 Yes
HB 97 Yes
HB 99 Yes
HB 105 Yes
HB 110 Yes
HB 117 Yes
HB 118 Yes
HB 122 Yes
HB 130 Yes
HB 136 Yes
HB 141 Yes
HB 148 Yes
HB 150 Yes
HB 158 Yes
HB 165 Yes
HB 170 Yes
HB 171 Yes
HB 172 Yes
HB 177 Yes
HB 179 No
HB 187 Yes
HB 195 Yes
HB 205 Yes
HB 215 Yes
HB 217 Yes
HB 220 Yes
HB 222 Yes
HB 223 Yes
HB 229 Yes
HB 236 Yes
HB 241 No
HB 243 Yes
HB 248 Yes
HB 250 Yes
HB 251 Yes
HB 265 Yes
HB 268 Yes
HB 269 Yes
HB 271 Yes
HB 381 Yes
HB 288 Absent for Public Education Appropriations meeting
HB 293 Yes
HB 299 Absent for Public Education Appropriations meeting
HB 300 Yes
HB 309 Yes
HB 310 Yes
HB 311 Absent for Public Education Appropriations meeting
HB 314 Yes
HB 324 Yes
HB 325 Yes
HB 330 Yes
HB 343 Yes
HB 349 Yes
HB 351 Yes
HB 352 Yes
HB 353 Yes
HB 369 Yes
HB 376 Yes
HB 378 Yes
HB 392 Yes
HB 401 Yes
HB 404 Yes
HB 419 Yes
HR 3 Yes
SB 40 Yes
SB 41 Yes
SB 46 Yes
SB 52 Yes
SB 84 Yes
SB 117 Yes
SB 120 Yes
SCR 2 Yes
SJR 2 Yes
SJR 5 Yes

COMMITTEE VOTES:
SB 38 Yes
HB 385 Yes
HB 385 Yes
HB 414 Yes
HB 432 Yes
HB 202 Yes
HB 313 Yes
HB 221 Yes
HB 354 Yes
HB 137 Yes
HB 153 Yes
HB 301 Yes
HB 284 Yes
HB 89 Yes
HB 345 Yes
HB 72 Yes
HB 240 Yes

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