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). 

Four weeks ago, 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 155 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.

Mapleton Youth City Council and Springville Youth City Council were on the Hill and I loved spending time with them, their advisors, parents and members of the City Council. The youth’s service and leadership in our communities greatly benefit our neighborhoods and cities. We’re in good hands with these great leaders. 

It was a privilege to speak about housing attainability at the statewide gathering of Realtors, including many from our community. I admire and appreciate the great work of the Realtors and the positive impact they have on the entire state as they help individuals and families fulfill their dream of homeownership. Thank you for your expertise and support with the housing bills I’m running this year. 

We’re officially halfway through the 2025 General Session, and there’s already been so much accomplished for our community! From strengthening public safety to expanding education opportunities for students and securing Utah’s energy future, we’re working hard to tackle the issues that matter most and will have lasting benefits for our kids and grandkids. 

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.

Keeping Utah communities safe remains a top priority, and we are taking bold steps to combat crime and protect families. H.B. 226 Criminal Justice Modifications strengthens penalties for repeat offenders and closes loopholes that allow career criminals to evade justice. H.B. 312 Gang Prevention and Enforcement targets organized crime by giving law enforcement better tools to dismantle dangerous gangs. With fentanyl fueling a growing public safety crisis, H.B. 38 Controlled Substance Amendments increases penalties for traffickers, while H.B. 87 Drug Testing and Prevention enhances drug testing and intervention efforts to curb substance abuse. These measures work together to ensure those who threaten our communities face real consequences while making Utah a safer place for everyone.

We are advancing the state’s all-of-the-above energy approach by embracing nuclear power as a key component of Utah’s future energy mix. H.B. 249 Nuclear Power Amendments, which passed the House unanimously, establishes the Utah Energy Council and creates a nuclear energy consortium, aiming to explore and develop advanced nuclear technologies. This will provide a secure energy source for Utah, allowing us to keep rates low and the lights on. Check out this article to learn more. 

We’re committed to setting Utah students and teachers up for success by expanding opportunities in education and the workforce. H.B. 447 will enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs statewide, allowing students to explore high-demand fields like healthcare, engineering, and construction while gaining credentials for high-paying jobs—even before graduation.  H.B. 260 strengthens pathways from K-12 to higher education by ensuring students graduate with industry-recognized credentials, setting them up for long-term success. Supporting future educators is also a priority, and H.B. 204 Stipends for Future Educators Grant Program Amendments aims to provide financial assistance to student teachers, increasing retention and encouraging graduates to stay and teach in Utah. Additionally, H.B. 344 School Fees Amendments aims to reduce financial barriers for families by addressing school fees, making education more accessible for all students. These efforts work together to create a stronger, more prepared workforce while investing in the next generation of Utah’s educators and leaders. Read more here. 

Bill topics have once again been vast and varied this week including: child torture, dentistry, banking, public education, elections, motorcycles, traffic congestion, school safety, housing attainability, gold and many, many more.

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

HOUSE FLOOR VOTES:

HB 282 Yes 

HB 287 Yes 

HB 22 Yes 

HB 51 Yes 

Hb 56 Yes 

Hb 269 Yes 

HB 59 Yes 

Hb 190 Yes 

HB 229 Yes 

HB 234 Yes 

HB 277 Yes 

HB 158 Yes 

HB 163 Yes 

HB 315 No  

HB 95 Yes 

HB 256 Yes 

HB 212 Yes 

HB 254 Yes 

HB 204 Yes  

HB 48 Yes 

HB 160 Yes 

HB 23 Yes 

HB 258 Yes 

HB 111 Yes 

HB 175 Yes 

HB 84 Yes 

HB 173 Yes

HB 238 Yes 

HB294 Yes  

HB78 Yes  

HB 195 Yes 

HB 222 Yes 

HB 276 Yes 

HB 140 Yes 

HB 281 Yes 

HB 148 Yes 

HB 207 Yes 

HB 271 Yes 

HB 174 Yes 

HB 177 Yes 

HB 239 Yes 

HB 251 Yes 

HB 285 Yes 

HB 307 Yes 

HB 342 Yes 

HB 166 Yes 

HB 290 Yes 

HB 317 Yes 

HB 119 No 

HB 201 Yes 

HB 166 Yes

HB 422 Yes 

SB 25 Yes 

SB 49 Yes 

SB 68 Yes

HB 226 Yes  

Hb 38 Yes 

HB 312 Yes 

HB 86 Yes 

HB 194 Yes 

HB 283 Yes  

HB 333 Yes 

SB 87 Yes 

HB 79 Yes 

HB 340 Yes 

HB 79 Yes 

HB 216 Yes 

HB 275 Yes 

HB 306 Yes 

HB 340 Yes 

HB 337 Yes 

HB 394 Yes 

HB 459 Yes 

HB 76 Yes 

HB 104 Yes 

HB 219 Yes 

HB 341 Yes 

HB 199 Yes 

HB 272 Yes 

HB 302 Yes 

HB 326 Yes 

HB 332 Yes 

COMMITTEE VOTES:

HB 372 Yes

SB 24 Yes

HB 422 Yes 

HB 68 Yes 

HB 188 Yes  

HB 301 Yes 

HB 440 Yes

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