Legislators / Carl R. Albrecht
Carl R. Albrecht
Republican · House District 70
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Contact Rep. Carl R. Albrecht
- Email: carlalbrecht@le.utah.gov
- Phone: 435-979-6578
- Office: 350 North State, Suite 350, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114
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Every committee hearing and floor session is open to the public and streamed live on le.utah.gov. Each committee's agenda has the link to watch or join online, and how to sign up for public comment.
Carl R. Albrecht serves on:
- Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee
- House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee
- House Public Utilities and Energy Committee
- Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee
- Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee
- Federalism Commission
- Legislative Water Development Commission
What they've said
241 remarks on 70 billsS.B. 252 Water Usage at State-owned Facilities Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Asks whether the bill covers all new state buildings, whether or not they are in the Great Salt Lake drainage.
▶ Watch at 31:03Read what they said
Does this include all new state buildings, whether they're in the Great Salt Lake drainage or not?
H.J.R. 30 House Joint Resolution to Approve the Transfer of Land · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Has no questions and urges colleagues to support the resolution, citing federalism principles and the money the state receives.
▶ Watch at 32:12Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you Mr. Speaker. I have no questions, but I just want to urge my, uh, colleagues to support this. This is, uh, great federalism, uh, principles in motion. And, uh, besides that we get money for it. And besides that, it's the way it ought to be. So thank you Mr. Speaker and you folks spoke for it's good. Bill.
S.B. 21 Geothermal Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves to concur on substitute S.B. 21 and says he will explain the amendment.
▶ Watch at 41:54Read what they said
Um, I'm gonna move to Concur and I'll explain the amendment Motion to concur to, uh, four substitute Senate bill 21, not 12.
S.B. 21 Geothermal Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains that an unfriendly amendment added in committee without the sponsor's knowledge has been removed, and describes the bill as the state's geothermal policy, urging support.
▶ Watch at 42:05Read what they said
Yes. So at, at the last minute, without speaking to the, the sponsor of this bill, somebody in the hallway added, uh, an amendment before committee and that amendment was unfriendly and has been removed from the bill. And the bill is the same that we passed over here. This is just our geothermal policy and it it's a great policy. It's sets our standard for how we deal with geothermal in the state of Utah and we empower, we use state water rights and it's really efficient, but without I'd urge support.
S.B. 305 Hospital Quality Incentive Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Supports the bill, saying it will help every hospital in the state, especially rural hospitals, and encourages a yes vote.
▶ Watch at 1:13:38Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanna rise in support of this bill. Um, as you mentioned, the big beautiful bill hurt the situation, but the Trump administration's also already authorized several states to, to go this route. It, it'll help every hospital in the state, more so for the rural hospitals, and that's very important, and I think you need to keep that in mind as you cast your vote today, and I'd encourage you to support the bill. Thank you. Thank, Thank
H.B. 507 State Coordination of Regional and Local Economic Development Projects Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill and thanks the sponsor for his hard work, including on the conference committee and the Energy Council provisions.
▶ Watch at 1:20:17Read what they said
Uh, no, I just wanna stand in support of, of what the good representative has done here. He is put in a lot of hard work on this bill and including the conference committee and it, it does a lot of good things, uh, including the energy council. And so I, I, I'd urge your support of this bill. Thank you.
S.B. 201 Shelter Animal Euthanasia Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Describes Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab as a place where people take unwanted animals.
▶ Watch at 1:51:50Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's been an interesting discussion. If you've got a pet, whether it be a horse or a donkey, or a j*****s and representative Snyder's yard, uh, or a dog, or a cat or a bird, and you don't want it, take it to Kanab to best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Let it off at the highway and let it run up the canyon to their sanctuary and they'll take care of it. This happens all the time. They haul dog food and cat food in there by the semi-truck load. And when I was manager of my co-op, they were one of the largest power users there were because in the summer they provided air conditioning and …
S.B. 295 Intellectual Diversity in Education and Government · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves to call the question and end debate.
▶ Watch at 2:47:18Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker call. The question question has been called, uh, which has the effect of any debate?
S.B. 254 Extracted Natural Resources Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Raises concerns about the severance tax changes and their effect on oil and gas and mining regions, asks for more discussion, and suggests addressing the issues during the interim.
▶ Watch at 32:04Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, we worked on this bill for all during Interim Critical Minerals is an important part of, uh, state of Utah going forward. I just have some concerns about, uh, the severance tax as, as do the folks that live in oil and gas regions. I, I think I know you do. I know you want a strong mining industry. We've talked about that this morning, but I think there's some fallacies in this bill that need a little more discussion, uh, concerning severance, how it affects you in a basin, how it affects mining. I've got a lot of mining projects going on in my district, some with, uh, critical minerals and some with coal …
S.B. 254 Extracted Natural Resources Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Expresses concerns about the severance tax changes and their effects on oil and gas regions and mining, and asks for further discussion during the interim.
▶ Watch at 32:04Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, we worked on this bill for all during Interim Critical Minerals is an important part of, uh, state of Utah going forward. I just have some concerns about, uh, the severance tax as, as do the folks that live in oil and gas regions. I, I think I know you do. I know you want a strong mining industry. We've talked about that this morning, but I think there's some fallacies in this bill that need a little more discussion, uh, concerning severance, how it affects you in a basin, how it affects mining. I've got a lot of mining projects going on in my district, some with, uh, critical minerals and some with coal …
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says the Senate made two main amendments: one on safety that he made in Senate committee, and one on the Senate floor about siting of a nuclear fuel cycle facility, plus some technical changes.
▶ Watch at 54:46Read what they said
Yes. Uh, they made a couple of, uh, amendments. I actually made one in the Senate committee concerning, uh, safety. And then the other amendment was made on the floor of the Senate having to do with, uh, siting of a nuclear fuel cycle facility and, uh, some technical changes beyond that. But those were the two main things. Mr. Speaker.
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says the Senate amendment asks for a list of forest restoration projects and the funding plan for the following calendar year, and calls the bill good.
▶ Watch at 1:01:32Read what they said
Sure. There was, uh, an amendment made in the Senate, uh, that uh, just said, look, if you're gonna do a list of projects on forest restoration, give us a list of what the initiative plans to fund for the following calendar year, which makes sense. The Senate and their wisdom added that to the bill and uh, it's a good bill. Mr. Speaker.
S.B. 288 Medicaid Provider Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Supports the bill, saying it benefits nursing homes in rural Utah.
▶ Watch at 1:18:41Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support as well. This is good for, uh, nursing homes in rural Utah. Commend the sponsor for listening. Thank you.
S.B. 209 Gooseberry Narrows State Park Study · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Albrecht says the bill is only a $5,000 study with no fiscal note and urges members to focus on the study rather than water disputes.
▶ Watch at 1:47:42Read what they said
Ah, it's nice to see you up there. Mr. Speaker proto, uh, board, What's Uh, Mr. Speaker Pro Tam, we heard this in natural resources. Uh, let's, let's not get off the straight line here. This is just a study. Let's going to consider a state park $5,000 that the, uh, parks department is basically doing it for nothing. No fiscal note. We're not talking about water rights or reservoirs or fishing or anything else at this point. This is just a basic study. Uh, that's all it is. Uh, we don't want to get into water feuds between carbon and Sanpete. This is just a study for a state park. Thank you, Mr. Speaker proto.
S.B. 21 Geothermal Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Albrecht moves to adopt the fourth substitute, which removes amendment number one and restores the earlier bill language.
▶ Watch at 2:03:43Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro. Tim, I, uh, make a motion to move the fourth sub That's in order. Would you like to speak to that motion? Sure. Uh, it takes out, uh, the amendment that we passed earlier in the process, amendment number one, and, uh, just goes back to the language before. So made everybody happy.
S.B. 21 Geothermal Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Albrecht explains that the bill clarifies that surface owners also own geothermal resource title unless it is expressly conveyed or reserved, requires water rights for geothermal fluid use, and supports geothermal energy development, and he offers to take questions.
▶ Watch at 2:04:43Read what they said
Thank you. Thank you Mr. Speaker ProAm. What this bill does is it, it updates our geothermal resources law to clarify ownership and strengthen the framework for geothermal electricity development in the state and refines regulatory requirements. So it establishes that a person who owns the surface of the land also owns title to the geothermal resources unless they've been expressly conveyed or reserved. It provides clarity for investors and developers who are trying to unlock, uh, the geothermal energy potential in the state of Utah. Um, it requires, uh, water rights for geothermal fluid use, which aligns geothermal extraction with Utah's water laws framework to protect existing water users. And, uh, why this matters. Uh, for landowners, it provides …
S.B. 21 Geothermal Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Presents S.B. 21, which clarifies that surface owners also own geothermal resources unless expressly conveyed or reserved, requires water rights for geothermal fluid use, and aims to support geothermal energy development in Utah.
▶ Watch at 2:04:43Read what they said
Thank you. Thank you Mr. Speaker ProAm. What this bill does is it, it updates our geothermal resources law to clarify ownership and strengthen the framework for geothermal electricity development in the state and refines regulatory requirements. So it establishes that a person who owns the surface of the land also owns title to the geothermal resources unless they've been expressly conveyed or reserved. It provides clarity for investors and developers who are trying to unlock, uh, the geothermal energy potential in the state of Utah. Um, it requires, uh, water rights for geothermal fluid use, which aligns geothermal extraction with Utah's water laws framework to protect existing water users. And, uh, why this matters. Uh, for landowners, it provides …
S.B. 135 Nuclear Reprocessing Amendments · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents the bill, which lets state energy offices and the Utah Energy Council coordinate, assess, and report on nuclear fuel recycling facility development, and states that it does not authorize construction, site selection, state funds, or changes to safety standards.
▶ Watch at 36:39Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Uh, this bill expands Utah's Energy Development framework by authorizing OED, the Office of Energy Development and the Utah Energy Council to coordinate, assess, and report on the nuclear fuel recycling facility development in the state. Uh, there's only two states in the country, Mississippi and Utah, that are blessed with the geography of Salt Caverns, which is a sa safe place to store nuclear waste. Much of this waste is still viable for clean and effective energy production. The bill establishes a clear framework for nuclear fuel recycling positioning, uh, Utah to evaluate and attract nuclear technologies. It authorizes OED with, uh, to coordinate with private companies, federal agencies, and local communities on potential development. …
H.B. 231 Restaurant Tax Repeal Amendments · House floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Opposes the bill, saying rural counties with large federal land holdings depend on tourism-driven taxes and suggesting the bill could be split.
▶ Watch at 1:56:23Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro. Tim, I I want to approach this from a little different angle. I appreciate the good representative from Provo and his comments, but let's talk about taxes for a minute. Overall, we got income taxes, we got property taxes, we got sales taxes. I know I've heard the speaker say that he would like to get rid of taxes, all of those in the state of Utah. Some states have Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama. But look at those states compared to the state of Utah. What's the difference? I'll tell you what the difference is. In Utah, we have 67% of our land that is owned by the feds that cannot be taxed. And so …
S.C.R. 1 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Nuclear Energy · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Thanks the sponsor and says his HB 78 complements the resolution and is moving through the Senate.
▶ Watch at 45:10Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I see you've got a really good house sponsor on this one. Um, and I also see that, uh, or heard that, uh, from, uh, director Davis that, uh, HB 78, that, that I'm running as it's on the Senate board right now, compliments your resolution and vice versa. And so I appreciate the work. Uh, excited to hear that. Maybe you got a letter. They wanna work with you and talk with you. So that's great. That's, uh, that's a great step forward as we move forward in, uh, nuclear development. So thank you Senator for bringing this forward.
S.B. 67 Law Enforcement Quota Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Asks whether the senator paid his ticket or contested it, and says he usually pays his own tickets.
▶ Watch at 57:03Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, I was just wondering if the good senator paid that bill by mail that ticket, or if he defended himself. It, it, um, I've, so that particular time I got a warning, but I've, I've paid all of my tickets by, uh, usually just with a, uh, usually just pay 'em. In fact, as a lawyer, I get a lot of people who ask me for advice on speeding tickets. And I say, here's the advice, get out your checkbook and pay the tickets. So anyway, it's cheaper than anything an attorney can do for them.
H.B. 548 Primary Election Amendments · House floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Says small towns may have residents who do not want to serve again, does not object to the bill since it mandates nothing, and says small towns' budgets should be considered.
▶ Watch at 1:07:22Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I want folks to know that sometimes in a little town of 200 or 300 people, everybody's had a turn being the mayor or the city councilman and, uh, they may not want it again. And, uh, so I think, um, I don't have a problem with the bill. It's doesn't mandate anything. And if the little town doesn't have enough money to run an election, you know, it hurts their budget somewhere else, you need to consider that as well. Thank you.
H.B. 548 Primary Election Amendments · House floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Says the bill does not mandate anything, that small towns sometimes want to rotate officials, and that election costs should be weighed against other budget needs.
▶ Watch at 1:07:22Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I want folks to know that sometimes in a little town of 200 or 300 people, everybody's had a turn being the mayor or the city councilman and, uh, they may not want it again. And, uh, so I think, um, I don't have a problem with the bill. It's doesn't mandate anything. And if the little town doesn't have enough money to run an election, you know, it hurts their budget somewhere else, you need to consider that as well. Thank you.
S.B. 234 Rulemaking Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Supports the bill, saying it sets a good standard for regulation, helps business, and keeps people healthy, and credits industry for reducing emissions and improving air quality.
▶ Watch at 45:02Read what they said
Mr. Chair, I appreciate the good senator from Utah County bringing this forward. This is a good bill. I know you've been heard that before. I've been whole session for you to say that, And, uh, I've been practicing saying it in your voice. Oh, when you're not around. It's a good Bill. Well, there's another guy that tried that the other day, and I voted his bill down. Oh, no, I, I have not been doing that. Nevermind, Uh, you stole my thunder when you mentioned the Chevron doctrine. So, uh, I, I won't add much to it, other than for years now, we have operated the other way. The tail's been wagging the dog. And I think what …
S.B. 234 Rulemaking Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Asks whether cancer is hereditary.
▶ Watch at 1:04:36Read what they said
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Davis, is cancer hereditary, yes or no, Mr. Chair? I'm,
S.B. 234 Rulemaking Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Asks whether geography in the Salt Lake Valley has affected air quality.
▶ Watch at 1:05:05Read what they said
I agree. Thank you. And next question, has geography in the Salt Lake Valley affected air quality?
S.B. 234 Rulemaking Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Asks whether vehicle emissions have increased pollution in the Salt Lake Valley as population has grown.
▶ Watch at 1:05:14Read what they said
And next question, has tailpipes the increase in tailpipes in the Salt Lake Valley increased pollution, 60,000 people a year moving into the Fort Counties? On the Wasatch front, yes or no?
S.B. 234 Rulemaking Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Asks whether industry has cut emissions in the Salt Lake Valley.
▶ Watch at 1:05:51Read what they said
Thank you. And one, uh, couple more. Um, has industry cut back their emissions in the Salt Lake Valley?
S.B. 234 Rulemaking Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Comments that uranium has been linked to cancer in public comment but that his family members who worked in uranium mining did not develop cancer, saying there are two sides.
▶ Watch at 1:06:03Read what they said
And one other, just a comment, Mr. Chair. Uh, it's been alluded to in public comment that, um, uranium has caused cancer because of our disposal site out by Clive and other things in the state of ut. Yes, it has. But I will just tell you personally, I had two brothers and one dad who both worked in the uranium boom a lot of years and never contracted cancer at all. So there's two sides to this. I mean, we heard one side in public comment, but there's also another side. I just wanted to make that distinction, Mr. Chair.
H.B. 549 Energy Efficiency Rebate Amendments · House floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Asks whether the bill applies only to Rocky Mountain Power and Enbridge Gas.
▶ Watch at 49:43Read what they said
Thank you. So this just only applies to Rocky Mountain Power and Enbridge Gas, correct?
H.C.R. 9 Concurrent Resolution Addressing the Great Salt Lake · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asks the chair for permission to ask a question about the President's remarks.
▶ Watch at 43:02Read what they said
Well, I'm a little late on the questions. Uh, if you don't mind, Mr. Chair, I'd like to ask a question, I guess. Okay.
H.C.R. 9 Concurrent Resolution Addressing the Great Salt Lake · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asks whether the President promised any funding for the Great Salt Lake.
▶ Watch at 43:14Read what they said
I didn't hear the, the president's speech about making the Great Salt Lake great again, but did he promise any funding?
S.B. 209 Gooseberry Narrows State Park Study · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Rep. Albrecht asked whether some of the water would flow east to the Colorado River.
▶ Watch at 1:02:07Read what they said
Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. Senator, you said, I guess some of the water would go to the Colorado River Flow East.
S.B. 209 Gooseberry Narrows State Park Study · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Rep. Albrecht asked whether the rest would flow down the Sanpitch into the Sevier.
▶ Watch at 1:02:21Read what they said
Deal, but the other would go down the sand pitch and flow into the severe, correct?
S.B. 209 Gooseberry Narrows State Park Study · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Rep. Albrecht asked how many acres the state park might cover.
▶ Watch at 1:02:37Read what they said
Okay. And do you have an idea, either you or Parks director on how many acres State Park or just a swag at this point
S.B. 209 Gooseberry Narrows State Park Study · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Rep. Albrecht said he has hunted in the area and it is beautiful.
▶ Watch at 1:03:06Read what they said
Oh, it's a beautiful area. I've been there hunting and it's awesome. A lot of possibilities. Yes. Thank you.
S.B. 209 Gooseberry Narrows State Park Study · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Rep. Albrecht asked to discuss the bill while reserving the right to make a motion.
▶ Watch at 1:49:21Read what they said
Yeah. I'll make a motion that we, uh, I'd like to discuss it and reserve the right to make a motion. Mr. Chair,
S.B. 209 Gooseberry Narrows State Park Study · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Rep. Albrecht said the bill is only a $5,000 study, cited the site's high ranking in Rep. Brooks's study, and moved to pass the bill favorably.
▶ Watch at 1:49:31Read what they said
So, Senate Bill 2 0 9, third sub, uh, I think everybody's really off the charts on this thing. I, it's, it's a simple bill. Everybody's worried about Trout Unlimited or this or that or the other. It's a very simple bill. All it's asking is $5,000 to do a study considering a state park and a reservoir. The study may say yes, the study may say no. The study might say, well, maybe if we do this, it's a possibility. You know, and everybody's saying, well, it's, it's disingenuous to have the state parks build the reservoir. I don't think in the end, the state parks will build the reservoir. They might, but they might not. It might come …
H.B. 369 Agriculture and Food Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Describes the bill as addressing Department of Agriculture and Food provisions, including how its board is set up and how certain foods are branded, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 28:13Read what they said
This bill addresses provisions related to the Department of Agriculture and Food deals with how they set up their board. It deals with different foods that how they brand them. This is what it does. I'm open for questions
H.B. 546 Public Lands Duty of Care Amendments · House floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Confirms the wording of the amendment to add the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Interim Committee.
▶ Watch at 2:04:48Read what they said
We add the words and Natural Resources Environmental Inter Interim Committee. Did I get that right? Natural Resources, agriculture, natural Resources and Environment. Interim Agriculture, Interim Committee. Natural Resources. Agriculture, natural Resources. Agriculture Environment Interim committee. Correct. Gotcha. Okay.
H.B. 546 Public Lands Duty of Care Amendments · House floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Explains that the amendment would also send the bill's reporting to the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee during interim, in addition to the Federalism Commission.
▶ Watch at 2:05:22Read what they said
Yeah, it's just, uh, besides going to the good representative from West Jordan's Federalism Commission, uh, we determined that it probably ought to be reported in interim to the Natural Resources Ag and Environment Committee as well.
S.B. 21 Geothermal Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Said Sen. Vickers worked on the bill for several years, the language is right, and he asked members to support it.
▶ Watch at 51:22Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. No question, but a comment. Uh, the good Senator Vickers worked on this for a couple, two or three years at least. Uh, and, uh, I think we got the language right and, and how geothermal should be respected by property owners. It's a good representative from U Ena County mentioned, and I think it's in a good place, so I would ask you to support it.
H.B. 145 School Excused Absence Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Presented the bill, which would give students an excused absence for outside activities such as mountain biking, shooting sports, 4-H and civic programs if they maintain a 2.0 grade point average.
▶ Watch at 1:36:11Read what they said
Thank you, Madam Chair and committee. It's good to be with you. Uh, I don't normally get into this committee. In fact, this is the first education bill I've run in 10 years, so I appreciate meeting with you. You know, not every student, uh, can play basketball or f baseball or football or, uh, cheer cheerlead or, uh, run track or whatever that sport might be. And so there's other things that they can get involved with that they're really good at, and they excel there. For example, in Utah right now, there are 15, uh, mountain biking clubs in the state. There's 325 kids who are involved in shooting sports and who knows how many involved in four …
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks whether the amended base load dispatchable language would include geothermal and nuclear.
▶ Watch at 2:05:20Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So under your, uh, your amendment, um, base load dispatchable would include geothermal and nuclear, correct?
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks for permission to ask one more question.
▶ Watch at 2:05:34Read what they said
Maybe. Okay. Maybe if Mr. Chair, I, I know this may not be outta order, but, uh, could I ask one more question just to clarify?
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks whether the change to dispatchable would bring in coal and natural gas, which may already receive a sales tax credit, and whether the amendment could double count.
▶ Watch at 2:05:46Read what they said
and kind of thinking on, uh, and maybe, uh, representative Reck or say Jack could even answer this as we go to, if we change it to dispatchable, basically dispatchable, that would probably bring in, I'm assuming that would bring in other types of energy, you know, you know, I can think of of, um, coal and natural gas, those types of things. I'm assuming that we already have them in some kind of a tax credit part of the code, but I, I could be wrong there, but, so I'm, I'm wondering the, currently the, the definition of alternative energy, you know, the list I read, and some of those are dispatchable, some aren't, um, which is fine. Uh, …
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Proposes a substitute motion to hold the bill so the committee can research the questions raised and bring it back.
▶ Watch at 2:06:44Read what they said
So I, I think that's an excellent question. And, uh, with the leave of the substitute motion, which I think we've already had, Representative Moss agreed to the substitute motion, I would propose a new substitute motion. And my substitute motion would be to hold the bill and to answer to, to do a real good, a better job of researching Senator Vickers questions and then bring that back to the committee.
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Suggests that someone in the room could answer and asks Mr. Hesterman to comment on the substitute motion.
▶ Watch at 2:07:47Read what they said
I, I thank you, Mr. Chair. I think you, I think there's somebody in the room that probably answer that. Mr. Hesterman, can you Who Could I comment on the substitute motion?
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks why changing to base load dispatchable would affect the fiscal note if it is already in the listed alternative energy sources.
▶ Watch at 2:11:26Read what they said
Representative Peterson know I have A question to that point and something that, that Steve Young, the not football player said, um, if the list that the good sponsor read earlier is what we're already doing, why is it that making this change, because a base dispatchable electricity production facility is listed in the list that he read as an alternative energy source. Why would it have any impact on the fiscal note If it's in that list?
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks a follow-up question about moving the location of base load dispatchable in the language.
▶ Watch at 2:12:38Read what they said
I see, I see. So we would need to move the location of base load dispatchable instead of changing. I take, Can I, can I have a follow up question?
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks whether those listed sources are currently in the sales tax exemption.
▶ Watch at 2:13:57Read what they said
So, so those things are currently in sales tax code That's in, that's currently in this exemption?
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks Senator Vickers whether he agrees to hold the bill so the committee can work out the list and dispatchable definition.
▶ Watch at 2:14:41Read what they said
But let's, uh, I would, I would like to go back to, to my standing motion to hold the bill and let us figure out what is the right way to distinguish on the list that's in tax code and how to make that dispatchable and then see where we go from there. Are you okay with that, Senator Vickers?
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Discusses the meeting schedule and the time available to resolve the issue. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:15:10Read what they said
And that leaves us essentially where the bill is today and gives us another whatever, 24 hours to, to solve what that other thing is. You pr You're probably on the same schedule I am, aren't you? You have a meeting Friday and then maybe one Tuesday? Yeah.
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Makes a motion to hold SB 223 substitute to sort out the language.
▶ Watch at 2:15:36Read what they said
All well then, then I will, I will make that motion to the committee that, that we hold this, let's sort that out. Let's get it in the right order and, uh, figure out how to improve that. Are there any comments that people want to make to my motion to hold?
H.B. 479 Election Code Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Supports the opt-in approach and delayed implementation but urges that rural counties be fully funded so the bill is not an unfunded mandate.
▶ Watch at 2:48:04Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'll be quick. Um, I just want folks to know that we did do an audit. Uh, it did show some fallacies in the system. It did show some of the things you mentioned. I too have received lots of emails and texts and as I did a little number counting today, I was about 50, 50, 45, 50 5% out of about, I'd say 300 emails and texts. Uh, security's gotta be important for all of us. The opt-in thing I really like, and I like that, that you're delaying the implementation date to 2028, uh, to be effective because that'll give us the time to work with our counties because I represent four rural …
H.B. 479 Election Code Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Notes rural counties' existing drop box investments and welcomes the delayed effective date and the sponsor's promise that the state will reimburse county costs.
▶ Watch at 3:30:31Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanna reiterate that there's some areas of the state in the rural areas where there's already been a ton of money and a lot of work put into existing voting, uh, drop boxes, cameras, uh, so on and so forth. And, and now we're going to require 24 7 manned with cameras, people to identify with IDs and so forth. I'm pleased that the sponsor has said this is going to a 2028 effective date, 29th. I'm pleased that he has promised that the state will reimburse the counties for any expenses that they have. Let's not be like the feds are to us. Let's be honest and forthright with our counties and be …
H.B. 323 Solar Panel Disposal Amendments · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Rises in support of the bill, saying solar panels will create a disposal problem as they age out and that the bill addresses it, and that some localities may not have obtained bonds and could face costs.
▶ Watch at 1:06:44Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker ProAm, I just, uh, wanna rise in support of this bill. The good, uh, representative from Dixie has looked at a problem that's gonna be a big problem as these solar panels, uh, cycle off from the system because the solar panel only lasts for 20, maybe 25 years, and these solar panels have a lot of bad things in them. Uh, and his foresight in, in, in this bill, uh, is, is commendable because the, the damage that could occur in landfills, uh, across our state, uh, we, we gotta start looking at where we're gonna put these things and how we're gonna treat 'em. And as my good representative from up North said, uh, …
H.B. 507 State Coordination of Regional and Local Economic Development Projects Amendments · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Supports the bill, saying the sponsor worked on the language and that it is a good bill.
▶ Watch at 1:33:56Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's good to have you back. Good to be. Uh, I think the, uh, representatives done a good job in trying to craft this bill and, and take care of some of the things that needed to be taken care of as far as tax increment incentives. And appreciate him, uh, working with me on some of the language. I think, uh, what he's done here is commendable and, uh, it, it required a lot of work, uh, on his part and I think, uh, we should get behind him and support him. Mr. Speaker, it's a good bill.
H.B. 507 State Coordination of Regional and Local Economic Development Projects Amendments · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Says the sponsor did good work on the bill, including on its language, and urges support.
▶ Watch at 1:33:56Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's good to have you back. Good to be. Uh, I think the, uh, representatives done a good job in trying to craft this bill and, and take care of some of the things that needed to be taken care of as far as tax increment incentives. And appreciate him, uh, working with me on some of the language. I think, uh, what he's done here is commendable and, uh, it, it required a lot of work, uh, on his part and I think, uh, we should get behind him and support him. Mr. Speaker, it's a good bill.
H.B. 501 Water Modifications · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill, saying it may help smaller cities improve water systems and commending the sponsor.
▶ Watch at 1:52:32Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just, uh, when I rise in support of this bill, uh, the, the good sponsor has navigated a pretty tough situation. Uh, I, I'll just for the body's reference, say that we had probably, I don't know, 35 RFAs in natural resources appropriations the last couple of days. And, and, uh, probably over 50% of those were for water requests or sewer requests or whatever for cities. The city or the state has a long list of what we need to do as far as water goes. And so I think he's navigated and worked with the small cities with the 3,300 and less. And those cities who have done a good job, like, like …
H.B. 501 Water Modifications · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Supports the bill, saying many water and sewer requests come from cities and the bill may help cities that have not managed water systems as well as Richfield, and commends the sponsor.
▶ Watch at 1:52:32Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just, uh, when I rise in support of this bill, uh, the, the good sponsor has navigated a pretty tough situation. Uh, I, I'll just for the body's reference, say that we had probably, I don't know, 35 RFAs in natural resources appropriations the last couple of days. And, and, uh, probably over 50% of those were for water requests or sewer requests or whatever for cities. The city or the state has a long list of what we need to do as far as water goes. And so I think he's navigated and worked with the small cities with the 3,300 and less. And those cities who have done a good job, like, like …
H.B. 492 Transportation, Infrastructure, and Housing Amendments · House floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Supports the bill as a good solution and says he has one question for the sponsor.
▶ Watch at 1:20:28Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker Pro Tim, um, I rise in support of this bill as well. I think it's a good solution to a lot of problems, but I have one question. If, uh, would the sponsor yield Mr. Speaker,
H.B. 492 Transportation, Infrastructure, and Housing Amendments · House floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill and asks the sponsor to yield for a question.
▶ Watch at 1:20:28Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker Pro Tim, um, I rise in support of this bill as well. I think it's a good solution to a lot of problems, but I have one question. If, uh, would the sponsor yield Mr. Speaker,
H.B. 492 Transportation, Infrastructure, and Housing Amendments · House floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Asks how the bill's transfer from the transportation infrastructure fund squares with a later bond issuance in the fiscal note, and whether the transportation fund will be protected.
▶ Watch at 1:20:42Read what they said
Uh, maybe the good sponsor could tell me. I, it, it says we're gonna take another bunch of money from the Transportation infrastructure fund and then later on down in the fiscal note it says we're gonna bring some back, uh, with the issuance of bonds. I guess my question is, Mr. Speaker ProAm is we got this all figured out so we're not breaking the transportation fund.
H.B. 492 Transportation, Infrastructure, and Housing Amendments · House floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Asks where the funding comes from, noting the bill takes money from the transportation infrastructure fund while the fiscal note mentions bond issuance, and asks whether the transportation fund will be affected.
▶ Watch at 1:20:42Read what they said
Uh, maybe the good sponsor could tell me. I, it, it says we're gonna take another bunch of money from the Transportation infrastructure fund and then later on down in the fiscal note it says we're gonna bring some back, uh, with the issuance of bonds. I guess my question is, Mr. Speaker ProAm is we got this all figured out so we're not breaking the transportation fund.
H.B. 492 Transportation, Infrastructure, and Housing Amendments · House floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Says the bill is a good solution and urges support.
▶ Watch at 1:22:13Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro. Tim, I think it's a, it's a good bill. Uh, we've, we've kind of threw the shot put around a little bit and maybe hit our toe in the past and maybe this would be a good solution to a lot of problems. So, uh, I would urge your support. Thank you.
H.B. 492 Transportation, Infrastructure, and Housing Amendments · House floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Says the bill seems good and urges support.
▶ Watch at 1:22:13Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro. Tim, I think it's a, it's a good bill. Uh, we've, we've kind of threw the shot put around a little bit and maybe hit our toe in the past and maybe this would be a good solution to a lot of problems. So, uh, I would urge your support. Thank you.
H.B. 533 Groundwater Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Agreed the study is worthwhile, noted groundwater subsidence in his district, and supported taking the bill to interim study.
▶ Watch at 1:00:02Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, I agree. And I've got some areas in my district. Enoch, uh, down there by Cedar has, has got this same subsidence of ground. Uh, he's mentioned the severe river. You know, people argue back and forth whether those should be in concrete ditches or the sea feeds goes into groundwater. Uh, we really know a lot about surface water, but we don't know a whole lot about underground water. I think this is a great study and a great step forward that you're doing. And I, I think if, if you wanna take the time and take it to interim, I think that's a great thing. Thank you.
H.B. 567 Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Grant Program Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Asked whether the sponsor had discussed the bill with outdoor recreation officials and how the funding could be used.
▶ Watch at 1:31:22Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you. Uh, representative. Um, have you discussed this with outdoor recreation? Uh, as far as that funding be able to use with that?
S.B. 21 Geothermal Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Reads the bill's geothermal language and explains that it ties geothermal rights to the surface owner while protecting those who have already secured research on the resource. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 45:03Read what they said
Yeah, I'm just gonna read it. A person who owns Surface of the Land owns titled The Geothermal Notwithstanding Severance or Conveyance Mineral Estate. Unless the person that owns the surface of the land expressly conveys or reserves the geothermal resource by recorded deed or other instrument conveying title. So I've been working with stakeholders. This was the language they, they gave me. And what we're trying to do is set the policy in the state. We're trying to tie the geothermal to the surface, but we're also trying to protect those who have gone out and, and secured this research, this resource. And this is the language that they feel, feel is most helpful to that need.
H.B. 467 Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Modifications · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Asks whether Utah Fits All scholarship students may participate in local education agency classes at no cost.
▶ Watch at 1:02:48Read what they said
Does this allow, uh, fits all scholarship kids to participate in LEAs at no cost?
H.B. 467 Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Modifications · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Repeats the question on whether Utah Fits All students may take local education agency classes at no cost.
▶ Watch at 1:03:00Read what they said
Yeah. Did you say repeat? Yeah. Okay. Uh, Mr. Speaker, does this bill allow LFA Stu or you, uh, Fitz all scholarship students to participate in LEAs at no cost?
H.B. 467 Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Modifications · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Thanks the sponsor for added guardrails such as private school testing and an independent audit, says he would have liked homeschool students included in testing, and says he originally opposed the program.
▶ Watch at 1:03:44Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker ProAm, if I could make a comment. I, uh, I appreciate the sponsor. Finally, additionally, I guess I should say now finally making additional guardrails for the fits all scholarship. I, I appreciate what she's done with the private schools and, uh, testing. Um, I, I just wish she'd went a little further and maybe put homeschool kids on their testing as well. I appreciate the audit by an independent accountant. Um, as you know, when this first started, I was one of the first, uh, who opposed it, but, uh, she's made corrections as time goes on. I appreciate what she's done there. Uh, I'm just glad she's not asking for more money. Thank you. …
H.B. 432 Egg Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Comments on eating turkey eggs and says the previous exchange was a question.
▶ Watch at 1:20:09Read what they said
Okay. I, I know some of the guys that grew up and Joseph actually ate Turkey eggs, but didn't know the difference. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thought that were the folks in Wayne County. Mr. Speakers just, I thought that was a question.
H.B. 88 Public Assistance Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Asks whether the bill has any impact on rural volunteer-run food pantries.
▶ Watch at 2:14:00Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, does this, does this bill, or have you corrected it in your subs? Because I appreciate the good work you've done on the subs. I understand what you're trying to do. Does it have any, uh, impacts on rural volunteer run food pantries?
H.B. 88 Public Assistance Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Albrecht asks whether the bill affects rural volunteer-run food pantries.
▶ Watch at 2:14:00Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, does this, does this bill, or have you corrected it in your subs? Because I appreciate the good work you've done on the subs. I understand what you're trying to do. Does it have any, uh, impacts on rural volunteer run food pantries?
H.B. 212 County Formation Amendments · House floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Supports the bill and cites the 1892 creation of Wayne County from Piute County as a precedent for splitting a county.
▶ Watch at 15:33Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, I rise in support of this bill, and this is not the first time it's happened in Utah. In 1892, Wayne County was created out of Piute County because it was too far over the mountain to get to Junction the county seat. So this is, uh, this is not unfounded. This is, uh, not something new. It's been done before and I think it's, uh, I think it's good. And the amendment's great because Dixie Downs is pretty important down there in Dixie. Thank you.
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · House floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Said the bill was revised in a substitute during the Senate committee process and that this addressed concerns raised by opponents.
▶ Watch at 35:11Read what they said
Yeah. We went back to, uh, sub two in the Senate committee. Uh, satisfied all the naysayers.
H.B. 222 Limitation of Actions Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Describes the bill's provision that a permit violation must directly cause identifiable harm, and concludes the presentation. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:08:45Read what they said
and prove that an actual violation of a permit directly caused identifiable harm. And with that it conclude my presentation.
H.B. 466 Utah Rural Jobs Act Modifications · House floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Speaks in strong support of the bill, describing the program's history, the 41 companies it has supported in rural Utah, and examples from his area.
▶ Watch at 1:45:09Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro tem. I rise in strong support of this bill. This goes back a number of years to Senator John Valentine and representative Brad Wilson In 2014 is when it was instigated and then it was reauthorized, uh, by Senator Erland and Speaker Wilson in 2017. Uh, since that time, it's established 41 companies all throughout rural Utah. I'll give you a couple examples down in my area. Aerospace, Christianson Norms, norms, great example, doubled their workforce. May maybe a lot of you have bought rifles from them, but they provide a lot of aerospace stuff as well. Uh, LS Electric in Enoch, Utah, they, uh, were just merged with a South Korean firm. I Uintah …
H.B. 537 Olympic Ticket Sales Tax Exemption · House floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Asks why the state would not put the forgone sales tax into a perpetual maintenance fund for the venues.
▶ Watch at 2:04:23Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm wondering why we wouldn't do that and then put the money into a perpetual maintenance fund for the venues.
H.B. 537 Olympic Ticket Sales Tax Exemption · House floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Asks why the funding source from sales tax is being eliminated.
▶ Watch at 2:04:59Read what they said
But Mr. Speaker, if, if you're gonna eliminate the sales tax, why are you eliminating that funding source?
H.B. 537 Olympic Ticket Sales Tax Exemption · House floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Restates the question about putting the sales tax money into a perpetual maintenance fund for future use of the venues.
▶ Watch at 2:05:12Read what they said
Well, Mr. Speaker, if, if he's going to eliminate the sales tax on the ven on the events and so forth, the contracted folks that, uh, vendors and so forth, why wouldn't you want that? And maybe put it into a perpetual maintenance fund for the venues for the future so that, so that you get people still coming here after the Olympics to train and so forth, that brings a lot of economic value.
H.B. 537 Olympic Ticket Sales Tax Exemption · House floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Says the organizers are missing an opportunity to raise money for maintenance and is uncertain what the new fund would be.
▶ Watch at 2:06:11Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, I think they're missing a golden opportunity here to raise money for perpetual maintenance. Uh, but if they're gonna create another fund, who knows what that is? Thank you.
H.B. 323 Solar Panel Disposal Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asks whether counties have required bonds on the large solar projects.
▶ Watch at 10:23Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, these solar sites have been going in for a number of year now in Utah, and a lot of counties have, do you know, have the counties required bonds on all of those solar projects?
H.B. 323 Solar Panel Disposal Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asks who would be responsible for disposal and fees in rural counties without bonds, and whether the study would consider extracting minerals from panels.
▶ Watch at 11:53Read what they said
I understand that, but in some of these rural counties where a lot of these projects are going in, not only does the county may, they may not have a, a bond requirement with the solar company, but they also have a landfill that may not be big enough to handle a solar project. If it were to, I mean, your study is going to determine, you know, we, we take the panel off from the metal frames that are standing on the ground, and then those panels contain a lot of different things, critical minerals and so forth. Is your study to, to maybe process those to where you could extract those things, or is it not worth it? …
H.B. 323 Solar Panel Disposal Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asks whether solar companies plan to install new panels once the old ones are retired.
▶ Watch at 13:47Read what they said
In your discussions with the, uh, the solar companies on this, um, do most of them plan to reinstall new solar panels once the old ones are retired?
H.B. 323 Solar Panel Disposal Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Commends the sponsor and moves to pass the bill out favorably.
▶ Watch at 20:56Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, I command the sponsor for his forward looking vision on, on taking care of this problem. It's gonna be a big problem as well as wind will eventually too. I'm sorry you didn't include that in your bill, but maybe another day. There's another year next year, right? Um, I, I just wanna make a motion that we pass out favorably, uh, this bill and I, again, commend the sponsor for his forward vision. Sec. Second. I could say a lot more, but I'm not going to Mr. Chair.
H.B. 323 Solar Panel Disposal Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Withdraws the first motion and moves to adopt the second substitute.
▶ Watch at 22:01Read what they said
I'll withdraw the first motion and make a motion that we adopt the second sub.
H.B. 323 Solar Panel Disposal Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Moves to pass the second substitute of HB 323 out favorably.
▶ Watch at 22:37Read what they said
If you'll let me carry on. I'll try to get it straight. I move that we pass out HB 3 23 second sub, um, solar panel disposal amendments. Representative Jack's bill as favorable recommendation.
H.C.R. 12 Concurrent Resolution Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Says he married on July 16 of the 200th anniversary year and his colors were red, white, and blue.
▶ Watch at 32:01Read what they said
How Well I can remember, I got married July 16th of that year, and my colors were red, white, and blue. Wow.
S.B. 86 Firearm Safe Harbor Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asked whether storage of the firearms had been discussed, citing a rural agency holding many weapons.
▶ Watch at 42:02Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Uh, did you mention something about storage? I mean, there's a rural county that had a hundred and what'd you
S.B. 86 Firearm Safe Harbor Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Said he likes the bill given current conditions in society.
▶ Watch at 43:51Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, I like the bill. I, I think it's a, it's a good thing considering where we're at in society.
S.B. 86 Firearm Safe Harbor Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Said that in rural Utah one community may have many firearms that mostly came from one individual. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 52:24Read what they said
I just got thinking about this in rural Utah, that one community, whatever, had 170 guns that might've come from five families. I, I, I probably shouldn't say this is on record, but most of 'em were one individual. A lot of 'em were one individual.
S.B. 86 Firearm Safe Harbor Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Said SB 86 appears to be a consensus bill that could qualify for the consent calendar and moved to place it there.
▶ Watch at 53:41Read what they said
Uh, I, yeah, I think it's a good consensus bill that could qualify for the consent agenda and, uh, you know, they've been working on it a long time. And if a sponsor explains the bill, well, I mean, I, I'd make that motion.
H.B. 514 Utah Energy Council Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Gave background on Utah's generation history and the need for new generation and transmission, and expressed support for the bill and its vision.
▶ Watch at 1:03:50Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I appreciate the vision of, uh, HB five 14. Um, you know, we, we had, uh, four generating coal generating plants built in the early 1980s. Were started construction in the late seventies. We had, uh, hunter and Huntington and Bonanza, which is Daggett. And then we had IPP. And the only thing we've built of substantial natures since then has been the gas units at IPP that IPA has built. Then that generation all goes to California because of their green energy policy eventually to be converted to hydrogen. But on the horizon, we've got nuclear, we got geothermal, and then we're going to have to have transmission lines to move it around the …
H.B. 514 Utah Energy Council Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Explained that Utah's electricity market is connected to the Western region, so neighboring states' policies affect Utah's electricity rates.
▶ Watch at 1:17:18Read what they said
Yeah, thanks Mr. Chair. I just want to explain to those, uh, online and in, in the audience and maybe to our committee, what Representative Jack just said. Some of you may be wondering, well, how did those other states policies affect the price of electricity in Utah? And the, the fact is, is that we're all part of the Western, uh, electric coordinating Council. The states that the, the good sponsor mentioned in his presentation and what the good sponsor from Dixie said as far as, um, the Canadian border to the Arizona border, to the Pacific Ocean, to the boundaries of Eastern Colorado. We're all in this Western region. And whatever actions some of those power suppliers take, …
H.B. 473 Colorado River Authority Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Supports the bill, noting the Colorado River negotiations did not reach agreement and reservoirs are low.
▶ Watch at 1:16:28Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker ProAm. I just want to rise in, in support of this bill. Uh, the good, uh, representative from the UN Basin has chaired a Colorado River Caucus for the last few months during interim. And, uh, those of us who are affected by the Colorado River, which we all should be aware that we are because a lot of that water, uh, comes from the Central Utah project to give us a drink here in, in, uh, Utah and Salt Lake and Weber Counties. But, uh, he's done a good job chairing that caucus. And, uh, he and I were just got off a phone with the, uh, the negotiators for Utah on the Colorado River. …
H.B. 473 Colorado River Authority Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill, noting that Utah's negotiators did not reach an agreement with other basin states, that low reservoirs need attention, and praising the sponsor's work on the Colorado River Caucus.
▶ Watch at 1:16:28Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker ProAm. I just want to rise in, in support of this bill. Uh, the good, uh, representative from the UN Basin has chaired a Colorado River Caucus for the last few months during interim. And, uh, those of us who are affected by the Colorado River, which we all should be aware that we are because a lot of that water, uh, comes from the Central Utah project to give us a drink here in, in, uh, Utah and Salt Lake and Weber Counties. But, uh, he's done a good job chairing that caucus. And, uh, he and I were just got off a phone with the, uh, the negotiators for Utah on the Colorado River. …
H.B. 369 Agriculture and Food Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Presented H.B. 369, the annual cleanup bill for the Department of Agriculture and Food, which makes seven small changes including water optimization, loan and disaster relief uses, farm name registration, and conservation district board removal.
▶ Watch at 1:04:30Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair and Committee. It's good to be back in this committee again. Um, this is the annual cleanup bill for the Department of Ag and Food. And, uh, as compared to previous years, this is very short. Uh, changes that they've made, amendments, uh, there's just seven of 'em. I'll touch on 'em briefly. On agricultural water optimization is just to change a word from child to may. Uh, and the Conservation Commission Act, it clarifies the amount, the, uh, AG Resource Development loans. AL funds can be used for emergency disaster relief, uh, under weights and measures. Uh, it adds an expend expendable special revenue fund, uh, to allow unused dedicated credit revenue for a large …
H.B. 369 Agriculture and Food Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said the bill is a cleanup bill that addresses small items that accumulate over time.
▶ Watch at 1:07:12Read what they said
It does. Thank you. Definitely cleanup. It just builds all over the place on just small items to address and, and that happens. So I appreciate your attention to it.
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Presents HB 376 to establish the Utah Forest Restoration Institute with Utah State University, coordinate it with watershed restoration funding, and require annual reporting, citing recent wildfires and flooding.
▶ Watch at 1:09:16Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. Chair. A lot of people say that this is the most important bill of the session, uh, that we run. And, uh, in my opinion, it's one of the most important bills that we'll run during this session. Uh, during the, the summer, I experienced right out my front door, the Monroe Mountain Fire, which burned 72,000 acres. Um, the year before I experienced the, uh, silver King fire in Piute County, just west of Marysvale. That burned about 35,000 acres. The year before that, I experienced Ophir in Beaver County, also in my district. Um, so I've had three fires in three years. And as I, as I looked out my window at night and …
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Answers that $4.5 million comes from the income tax fund and that some funding at Utah State University is being reallocated to establish the institute.
▶ Watch at 1:17:11Read what they said
Yeah, Mr. Chair, if I could go ahead. Uh, yeah, there, there's gonna be four and a half million from the income tax fund. Uh, but it also reallocates some funding at Utah State University, uh, as they help to establish this institute, some pro, some switching around of funds,
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Explains that the report covers the institute's activities and its coordination with WRI, and that the appropriations committees should receive it.
▶ Watch at 1:18:38Read what they said
I think it's, if I could, Mr. Chair, it's, um, it's a report of the activities of the institute, uh, and how they've coordinated various projects with the WRI. And I think it's important that they come back to the Appropriations Committee of Natural Resources and, and, uh, you know, I, that's where, that's where the money is really meaningful with the WRI program and with the institute. I think that's important committee for it to report back to. Yeah,
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Says he would not object to an amendment requiring the report go to an interim committee and asks whether that is the senator's point.
▶ Watch at 1:20:05Read what they said
I, I wouldn't, uh, care if, if you would like to make an amendment, senator that maybe this report to our interim committee. Is that what you're referring to?
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Asks whether the senator is proposing a fourth item listing future projects after the existing reporting items.
▶ Watch at 1:22:43Read what they said
If I could, Mr. Chair, are you Senator Stratton? Are you proposing a, a fourth item there on line right after line 93 that would say, uh, a listing of future projects proposed?
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Says the proposed addition would be a good amendment.
▶ Watch at 1:23:17Read what they said
Yeah, that's going forward. That's, that's what it would be. I, I think that would be a, a good amendment.
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Says the proposed work with staff would be great and helpful.
▶ Watch at 1:24:00Read what they said
I think that would be great. I, I, I think that's an, that's a helpful, if I understand the intent, I think that'd be helpful. Okay. Thank you.
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Asks for a policy analyst to work with the senator on the amendment.
▶ Watch at 1:24:18Read what they said
Thank you, Senator, for, For Mr. Chair, if you could have, uh, policy analyst work with me, I'd appreciate it.
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Closes by saying healthy forests with fewer conifers help protect watersheds, citing water use by mature trees.
▶ Watch at 1:36:19Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee. It, uh, I don't want to belabor you either, but your dad, my dad we're both timberman. You can go onto the forest where my dad timbered a lot of years ago. It's the most healthy forest there is on the Dixie, sorry. And, uh, before he retired, guy Thompson, who was the, uh, forest supervisor on the Dixie out of Cedar City, I took him fishing on the mountain, Boulder mountain. And on the way home he would say, stop. And he would look at a, a patch of timber and he'd say, too many conifers. And that's what we've got to, to eliminate, to protect our watersheds, not just up here in …
H.B. 489 Water Infrastructure Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said the approach is a good plan and described a detention basin near Richfield that protects nearby homes from flooding.
▶ Watch at 41:23Read what they said
Yeah, thanks, Mr. Chair. Uh, this is a good plan. Uh, we have these down in my area, just west of Richfield. We've got a couple where when we get heavy rains, it's captured, uh, just on the east side of the freeway, and then it, it's released down through a canal system that goes on down and eventually goes into the severe river. And, uh, you get some heavy rains, that detention basin, you'll never fill it 'cause it's so big. But I remember when I first built my home, I couldn't get, uh, a conventional loan at the bank because I was in a flood zone. And then once they built the detention basin and the whole area …
H.B. 534 Firearm Immunity Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Albrecht asks whether the bill would apply to other state buildings, such as DNR, driver license, and social services offices, and Ivory confirms it would.
▶ Watch at 1:04:51Read what they said
Thanks, Mr. Chair. Uh, so this would apply not only on the capitol, but down at the DNR building or the driver's license building or the social service building in Richfield, or, right. Yeah. Right. That's right. Okay. So I'm sure, uh, well, I'll leave it at that. Thank you, Mr.
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Says he cannot hear well and moves to approve the first substitute for S.C.R. 4.
▶ Watch at 13:38Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I can't hear so I appreciate that. Motion to approve first subs. SCR four.
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Explains that the substitute changes some wording, replacing 'memorandum of understanding' with 'agreement' and making a few other minor word changes.
▶ Watch at 13:51Read what they said
Sure. It just changes some wordings from MOU Memorandum of Understanding to Agreement and few other little words, but that's basically it. It changes Memorandum of understanding to an agreement.
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Says the resolution supports entering an agreement with the Bureau of Land Management and the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining to speed up permit processing without transferring federal authority or overriding federal standards.
▶ Watch at 14:41Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. This resident just supports entering into an agreement, uh, with the Bureau of Land Management and the division of oil, gas and mining. The goal is not to change, uh, permit reform, but just to speed up the process. We've been working on this for a few years to identify and reduce delays. Uh, it just establishes a nice cooperative working relationship between the BLM and dog them and, uh, would not transfer or dilute any federal authority. Just allow the state to issue federal permits. It does not allow, um, override any federal standards and, uh, that's basically what the resolution does. Just so we can work faster and closer with the BLM to approve …
H.B. 145 School Excused Absence Amendments · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Introduces H.B. 145 to expand excused absences for students who maintain a 2.0 grade point average and take part in clubs and programs such as mountain biking, shooting sports, 4-H, and STEM activities.
▶ Watch at 19:39Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker, pro tem colleagues, if you know me, you know, I don't run education bills. Uh, I spend most of my time with energy and natural resources. I, I dawned the graces of the education committee this year for the first time in 10 years. But I, I have a bill here that, uh, I think you'll like, uh, some may not last year or the year before we, we approved a, an excused absence for those who participate in rodeo this year. I would like to expand that to, uh, students who, if they maintain a 2.0 grade point average and participate in the following clubs, they can be eligible for an excused absence. Those clubs …
H.B. 145 School Excused Absence Amendments · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Responds that the 2.0 grade point average applies whether students are homeschooled or attend public or charter schools.
▶ Watch at 22:50Read what they said
You have to maintain a 2.0 grade average, whether you're doing homeschooling or whether you're doing school in public schools or charter schools.
H.B. 145 School Excused Absence Amendments · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Cites the number of Utah mountain biking teams and students in shooting sports and 4-H programs, and encourages support for the bill.
▶ Watch at 23:12Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker ProAm. I might just mention that there's 15 Utah mountain biking teams, uh, in, in the state of Utah, and there's 325 kids that participate in shooting sports and a number I can't, uh, acquire the kids that involved in four H and those kinds of programs. I think it's a good bill and I would encourage your support. Thank you.
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Albrecht presents H.B. 238, describing its provisions on PSC participation in regional transmission organizations, PSC access to market data, independent expert review, and annual reporting to legislative committees.
▶ Watch at 1:40:34Read what they said
acquiring the top public service commission and the PSC to actively participate in a regional transformation mission organization and independent system operator. Whenever Utah Utility are members or market participants, these transmission organizations will transmit electricity throughout the Intermountain West and throughout the west and and across state boundaries. Uh, the bill authorizes the PSC to obtain detailed operation and market data and enter confidentiality agreements and contract with independent experts to verify the modeling and cost allocations. So we want to make sure that, uh, we're ensuring that Utah has a strong regulatory voice in regional transmission and energy market structures. With these increasingly going on in the the demand for energy, we need to make sure that we …
H.B. 439 Water Planning Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Asks about the fiscal note and whether general fund money is involved.
▶ Watch at 56:51Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, I was just looking at, looking at the fiscal note, uh, there some money comes out of general fund, is that correct?
H.B. 439 Water Planning Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Asks roughly how many municipalities would need a 40-year plan.
▶ Watch at 57:10Read what they said
And my follow up question is, um, do you have a flavor for how many of these municipalities in the state or would, would fall under that? Haven't got a plan. I mean, surely some of these little small towns don't have a plan. You got a idea?
H.B. 439 Water Planning Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Asks whether staff will help small communities develop a 40-year plan.
▶ Watch at 58:06Read what they said
It's their own number. Okay. And if you have your staff gonna help these little small communities of 300 or so To develop a 40 year plan,
H.B. 439 Water Planning Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Says he does not favor the state requiring small communities to take these actions.
▶ Watch at 58:51Read what they said
Okay. I just, I don't like the state saying these little small communities have to do this and have to do that. If, I mean, if they have a perfected water right, then they're okay.
H.B. 439 Water Planning Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Notes that the fiscal note says enactment could cost certain municipalities, counties and local districts about $7,500 each to update their plans.
▶ Watch at 1:02:15Read what they said
So, uh, you've raised a curiosity with me. State Engineer, you said the state eng your department was gonna absorb most of these costs, but the fiscal note says enactment could cost certain municipalities, counties, and local districts, approximately 7,500 to update their plans.
H.B. 501 Water Modifications · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Praised removing the mandate and keeping money local, noted concerns for small towns in his rural district, and said the bill could encourage local contributions to water projects.
▶ Watch at 1:13:22Read what they said
Yeah, thank you, chair. Um, I like that you, I like that you have, uh, come up with a sub that says the money will stay with the locals and you've eliminated the mandate. Um, I do have some concerns though about the, the small towns as the good representative from Carbon County mentioned. But you, you've explained that pretty well. I, anything else you want to tell me that would satisfy me on small towns? This is a good bill and, um, my district, as you know, is very rural, right? I mean, I have, I actually have 32 small cities in my district, and, uh, that's a lot of small cities. And I've talked to many of my …
H.B. 501 Water Modifications · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Shared concerns raised by colleagues and the Torrey mayor and said he will support the bill while urging further changes.
▶ Watch at 1:51:45Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I've run a few water bales in my time up here as well, and sometimes you get crucified and sometimes you don't. Today you've had a little of both, but, um, you're a good representative. And I, I share the concerns of Representative Kohler from Heber, uh, or I share the concerns of, uh, the good representative from Carbon with a community of 38. I share the concerns of, uh, the Torrey Mayor. I think you can make this a better bill by tweaking it just a little bit. I would, uh, I, I'm gonna support the bill and, and move it forward, but I hope we can have those discussions. So thank you.
H.B. 222 Limitation of Actions Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Introduced H.B. 222, saying it limits climate-related lawsuits, requires a clear and convincing evidence standard, and keeps energy policy with the Legislature and expert agencies.
▶ Watch at 32:47Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee members. Good to be with you. This is only the second time I've been in this committee in 10 years, so it's an honor for me to be here. Thanks for coming back. Yes. Uh, 2 22. First sub, uh, I just want you to know that this bill was actually passed in 2011 by then Representative Mike Noel and then Senator Jenkins, which has been 15 years ago. This bill actually, uh, supplements a bill, that bill and, uh, and what it does is, uh, you know, across the United States, some states, cities and counties are increasingly weaponizing, uh, climate warfare to bypass legislators and force energy policy through the state courts. …
H.B. 222 Limitation of Actions Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Summed up that the bill holds violators accountable, guards against frivolous lawsuits, and does not allow companies to exceed emission limits, and said he supports it.
▶ Watch at 43:52Read what they said
I think we've explained it well and the attorney general's office has, um, hopefully we've answered your questions. I think it's pretty straightforward. If, if someone's in violation, they can still be, uh, held accountable. If not, this provides some pretty straightforward direction as far as frivolous lawsuits. Thank you, Senator Musselman. Um, I'll just state that the, the bill doesn't allow companies to violate emission li limits, and so I think it's a fair balance to, uh, strike and, and, and, um, potential litigation going forward. And so I'd support the bill. Thank you.
H.B. 247 Great Salt Lake Related Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Supports the bill, saying it funds water rights for the Great Salt Lake while maintaining the brine shrimp industry.
▶ Watch at 1:07:49Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this bill has, uh, substituted, I think, uh, the sponsor has worked well with the brine shrimp industry and, uh, he's outlined a program that will get funding for water rights to the Great Salt Lake, still maintain the brine ship shrimp industry. And, uh, I think it's a unique way to help the Great Salt Lake. And I'm saying that as a southern Utah guy. Thank you.
H.B. 247 Great Salt Lake Related Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Supports the substitute, saying it funds water rights for the Great Salt Lake while maintaining the brine shrimp industry.
▶ Watch at 1:07:49Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this bill has, uh, substituted, I think, uh, the sponsor has worked well with the brine shrimp industry and, uh, he's outlined a program that will get funding for water rights to the Great Salt Lake, still maintain the brine ship shrimp industry. And, uh, I think it's a unique way to help the Great Salt Lake. And I'm saying that as a southern Utah guy. Thank you.
H.B. 263 Heavy Duty Vehicle Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Asks the sponsor to yield for a question.
▶ Watch at 1:22:35Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker with the sponsor, yield Representative Clancy, will you yield? Yes, Mr. Speaker?
H.B. 263 Heavy Duty Vehicle Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Asks whether the bill applies to older farm trucks or construction vehicles used only within a construction yard.
▶ Watch at 1:22:42Read what they said
Speaker, I'm wondering if this applies to, uh, older farm trucks that are worked around the farm or older construction vehicles that might be used within a construction yard only.
H.B. 218 Digital Skills Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Says the bill is a good bill and a great bill.
▶ Watch at 1:34:08Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is not only a good bill, but it's a great bill. Thank you.
H.B. 326 Animal Depredation Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Asked whether the pigs came from the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 37:45Read what they said
Did you say that these came from Oklahoma, The panhandle of Oklahoma and the panhandle of Texas, uh,
H.B. 158 Unlawful Tracking Amendments · House floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Supports the bill, saying the sponsor worked with law enforcement on tracking devices that can help locate people lost in rural Utah.
▶ Watch at 1:51:53Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker ProAm. I, I rise in support of this bill because the sponsor worked with, uh, law enforcement. A lot of folks go down in rural Utah and they get lost and, and this, uh, tracking devices on your phones and so forth helps to find, uh, these people. And he worked with law enforcement to correct that. So appreciate the sponsor. Thank you.
H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Rep. Albrecht described the bill's origin in a Garfield County request about Promise Rock and the county nomination process for culturally significant trust-land sites.
▶ Watch at 36:21Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair and Committee. Good to be with you again. Um, so this bill had its genesis this past summer had I was approached by Garfield County to work with them and sitler on a, uh, a rock called Promise Rock. It's, uh, underneath Bryce Canyon, between the communities of Tropic and Cannonville, Utah and Garfield County. And, uh, promised Rock goes back to early Indian settlements, native Americans, uh, where they made their vows. Uh, couples made their vows, they also had some burial grounds there. And, uh, through the settlement of, uh, that area, uh, there has been the same desire to go to Promise Rock and do your wedding vows or renew your vows. Um, …
H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Said a one-site approach is a reasonable request and that the state park model could work, and suggested other counties be informed.
▶ Watch at 45:00Read what they said
I, I think that's a reasonable request. I, I like the state park process and, uh, I think Garfield County would be happy with that if, if some other county wanted to pursue it. Uh, I think tla, uh, somehow we've gotta let those other counties know. Uh, what do you, what's your thinking there, Senator? Well,
H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Said he worked on the bill as a favor to Garfield County and that the county would likely be pleased with a state-park-style process.
▶ Watch at 45:50Read what they said
Well, I know there were some concerns in the Senate about that. And, um, and you know, I, I really did this as a favor for Garfield County. I don't represent Garfield County. It's be transparent here. And, and, uh, but they call on me a lot and so does Wayne County and Kane County. And, uh, I, I'm, I, I think Garfield County would be pleased with that process.
H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asked the director to comment on how counties in the Red Rock country could be notified about the process.
▶ Watch at 46:20Read what they said
Uh, but I would like somehow maybe, maybe the director has some comments that she could make on how I would like to see it, uh, somewhat advertised maybe to those counties in the Red Rock country, because that's probably where most of these sites are that need to be culturally protected. Director you have A comment to that?
H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Said he supports a one-and-done approach if SITLA notifies counties in classes four, five, and six, and noted Garfield County has no money to buy the site.
▶ Watch at 49:55Read what they said
So, uh, I, I guess I don't oppose the one and done as long as Sitler notifies the other counties in fourth five and six, because I think they need to establish that relationship with counties on culturally significant sites or whatever it might be. But when you say there's no fiscal note, Garfield County has no money to buy this. This is No, that's what I'm saying. So that's what, this would be a one and done deal.
H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Said he supports the bill with a one-and-done approach, asked that SITLA continue notifying counties in classes four, five, and six, and suggested a substitute for the Senate floor.
▶ Watch at 54:34Read what they said
Back to me. Back To you, sir. Uh, I'll conclude with, uh, the discussion that we've had. I think it's good. And I, I think this would be good for Garfield County, and I'm not obje objecting to a one and done on here. And, and, uh, I would just ask that Sitler continue to work with the other counties, uh, at least in fourth, fifth, and sixth Cass Counties, and notify them of what's been done. Uh, because that's where most of these significant sites are. Uh, and as you can tell by the commissioner's testimony, that it is pretty important to the locals. But I also realize the other side of it. And, uh, maybe Senator Sandall, you …
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Albrecht introduced H.B. 238, which would have the Public Service Commission participate in regional transmission organizations and independent system operators, and asked the commission chair to testify.
▶ Watch at 1:02:35Read what they said
Yes. Thank you. Uh, appreciate that. If I could ask the chairman of the public Service commission to come up and join me. Okay. Um, This is about energy generation and transmission planning organizations. Uh, some of you may have heard of RTOs or ISOs, uh, RTO as a regional transmission organization, and ISO as an independent system operator in California, they have the Kai O, which is California iso. And, uh, Rocky Mountain Power participates in an EDM, an energy Daily market. And, uh, as we discussed this, uh, possibility during our summer, summer interims, and, uh, we had a working group between the House and the Senate, uh, on this subject. And, uh, we invited some folks in …
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Albrecht offered to discuss the third substitute before the committee adopted it.
▶ Watch at 1:14:43Read what they said
Chair, would you like me to discuss the third sub before you adopt it? Uh,
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Albrecht offered to hand out a form for the third substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:14:49Read what they said
Okay. I have a handout I'd like to give you. Okay. Uh, is that okay? Yes, Sir.
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Albrecht explained the third substitute, which lets communities in the Utah Renewable Communities program offer customers an opt-out instead of an opt-in, and introduced John Cox to give background.
▶ Watch at 1:15:02Read what they said
I, I want the, uh, the committee to know that Representative Alrich listens to constituents before I discuss this, um, come out with this. Uh, back in, uh, 20 19, 7 years ago, house Bill four 11 was passed, which allowed communities that so desired to, to, uh, go to a hundred percent renewable energy. Rocky Mountain Power's been working with them, as has the Public Service Commission, which has just been stated, uh, to establish a renewable portfolio for those cities who desired to do that. Uh, sub two said that they should be able to opt in. Uh, after listening to a lot of, uh, interested parties this morning and, and afternoon, I, I come up with sub …
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Albrecht explained the bill's definition of clean energy resource. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:21:11Read what they said
Yeah, I, I could just verify, you know, in what Clean energy resource means in the bill. It's is wind, solar, uh, photo VoLTE and thermal solar technology, geothermal, hydroelectric, and anything that uses carbon capture utilization and sequestration and nuclear fuel.
H.B. 180 Dangerous Weapons at Daycares and Schools · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asked whether the bill addresses after-school activities.
▶ Watch at 34:07Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, question for the representative. What about, uh, after school activities?
H.B. 180 Dangerous Weapons at Daycares and Schools · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Encouraged the sponsor to work on an amendment to clarify the bill.
▶ Watch at 35:36Read what they said
Thank you. You, I'd encourage you to work on that amendment. I think that would help clarify a lot of things. Thank you.
H.B. 413 Surplus Interconnection Service Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asks whether Rocky Mountain Power has not included surplus interconnection service in its integrated resource plans in the past.
▶ Watch at 48:37Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, is this something that, uh, uh, Rocky Mountain, for example, has not put in their IRPs in the past?
H.B. 413 Surplus Interconnection Service Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asks how the bill would work given that transmission lines have rights owned by various groups who may not be willing to share them.
▶ Watch at 49:50Read what they said
Follow up. Yes. So most transmission lines that have been built have, um, transmission rights that certain groups own, uh, within that, that transmission line. Um, they may or may not be willing to share those based on their ownership rights, uh, transmission rights that they, they have in a transmission line. How, how are you proposing to make this work with that question hanging out there? Is that a question from you or the bill sponsor?
H.B. 413 Surplus Interconnection Service Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asks whether the goal is more transmission efficiency and avoiding future infrastructure construction.
▶ Watch at 51:25Read what they said
So is your end, end game here to try to have more efficiency in the transmission grid and prevent future construction of infrastructure?
H.B. 413 Surplus Interconnection Service Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moves to hold the bill and further study it during the interim.
▶ Watch at 54:03Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, given the testimony and the, the response from the, the, uh, sponsor, I would motion to hold this bill and further study it during the interim.
H.B. 413 Surplus Interconnection Service Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Supports the idea, says it needs more development during the interim with experts involved, and says the utility industry is changing quickly.
▶ Watch at 55:01Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think it's a, a great idea. Uh, it just needs to be fleshed out a little bit more during the interim and get some people involved that, uh, have more expertise than maybe some of us do. And, um, but transmission lines are costly, generations very costly. And the utility industry is, uh, the electric utility industry is changing fast. A lot of things are gonna happen in the next 10 years. So I, I think it's got some merits and this, let her study it some more.
H.B. 437 Environmental Permitting Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asks about the fiscal note and requests that Director Davis address the OGM and DEQ portions.
▶ Watch at 1:04:35Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Two questions. Um, address the, uh, fiscal note. Would you please, representative, Can you repeat the question, please? The fiscal note? Uh, yeah. So the fiscal note, um, if representative, not Representative Davis, if Director Davis could also speak to that, there was a portion, uh, from OGM and then a little bit of a, more of a portion from DEQ. And if you could speak to that
H.B. 437 Environmental Permitting Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asks whether the bill will help the department reduce approval times.
▶ Watch at 1:05:34Read what they said
And my last question would be, uh, you said it was a bill similar in Pennsylvania. Uh, Mr. Davis, I thought you were, your, one of your goals of your department was to reduce all of these approval times anyway. Is this going to help that
H.B. 369 Agriculture and Food Amendments · House floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Describes H.B. 369 as the annual cleanup bill for the Department of Agriculture and Food, listing seven changes including water optimization wording, emergency disaster relief funds, weights and measures equipment purchases, livestock brand language, removal of farm name registration, advisory board membership, and commissioner authority over conservation district board members.
▶ Watch at 44:52Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Uh, this is the annual, uh, department of AG and Food Amendment bill, uh, cleanup bill, if you will. It only has seven changes this year compared to a whole lot of before. Uh, I can go into those if you'd like me to. Uh, the agricultural water optimization just had a slight word change from Shell, shell to May. The Conservation Commission Act, uh, clarified the amount of ALE funds that can be used for emergency disaster relief. The weights and measures section, uh, will allow unused, uh, dedicated credits to be used for large equipment purchase. There was an amendment to the Utah Livestock brand, uh, anti-Fat Act by the good representative from UN …
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · House floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Presents H.B. 376, which creates the Utah Forest Restoration Institute at Utah State and coordinates it with the Watershed Restoration program, requires annual reporting to legislative committees, and cites recent wildfires and post-fire flooding risks.
▶ Watch at 48:40Read what they said
Yes, thank you Mr. Speaker. Uh, so this bill, you know, a lot of folks get up and say, this is one of the most important things we'll do this session, this would be in the top five or six. So during the summer when we were burning up, down in my district on Monroe Mountain, and I've had three fires in my district in the last three years. The Monroe Mountain Fire, the Silver King fire in Piute County and the Tusser Mountain Fire on the Beaver Mountains. And, uh, I just wanted to say that as that fire was burning on Monroe Mountain, I contacted, uh, some of leadership and I said, look, we, we've gotta do a …
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · House floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says the state has signed agreements with the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture on forest products and cleanup, and that the Natural Resources Appropriations Committee has ranked southern Utah projects for funding.
▶ Watch at 54:13Read what they said
That's a good question, Mr. Speaker. Uh, as you know, the state has signed an agreement with the Department of Interior and also, uh, the Department of Agriculture on working with us on forest products, uh, to harvest forest products and, and do clean up the forest. Basically, we've signed those agreements. The governor has, uh, leadership has been involved in those. And, uh, frankly, the, uh, natural Resource Appropriation Committee, uh, ranked a couple of projects in southern Utah is very important. So hopefully they get funded.
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · House floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
In closing, lists groups that support the bill, including the Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Wool Growers, Cattlemen's Association, Trout Unlimited, and Watershed Restoration Sportsman's Caucus, and urges support.
▶ Watch at 55:03Read what they said
Thank you, Ms. Speaker. Uh, I just want the folks in here to know that uh, there's several groups that, uh, favored this bill, department of Ag Farm Bureau, wool Growers, cattlemen Association, uh, trout Unlimited Watershed Restoration Sportsman's Caucus. They all like the bill and we just need to move forward because it's very important for our forests and, uh, federal lands as well as our state lands. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Urge your support.
H.B. 69 Drinking Water Restructuring Amendments · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains the Senate change, which has the drinking water director report back to interim and standing committees.
▶ Watch at 19:39Read what they said
It was a, it was a change to have the, uh, drink drinking water director report back to committee's Interim and and standing committee.
H.B. 222 Limitation of Actions Amendments · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Albrecht presents H.B. 222, saying it sets a clear and convincing evidence standard for plaintiffs, removes residency requirements for these protections, and limits liability to parties not in full compliance with their permits.
▶ Watch at 41:18Read what they said
Representative re Thank you Mr. Speaker. It's, uh, nice to present 2 22 on the 22nd day of the legislature. Deuces are running wild folks. A lot of deuces. This bill is actually a supplement to a bill passed in 2011 by representative Mike Noel and Senator Jenkins. Uh, what I would like to say about this Mr. Speaker, is that Utah families deserve affordable, reliable energy without a hidden tax of climate warfare. Energy security is essential for a growing state. Environmental standards should be set by expert agencies. And this group right here, the legislature, not by unpredictable courts. HB 22 mandates a clear and convincing evidentiary standard requiring plaintiffs to specify the exact gas emitted and prove …
H.B. 87 Animal Crime Victim Amendments · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Asks whether the bill includes hunting dogs.
▶ Watch at 2:11:05Read what they said
Uh, Mr. Speaker, she, she mentioned that this does not include, uh, farm working dogs. Uh, does it include hunting dogs?
H.B. 87 Animal Crime Victim Amendments · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Asks whether the bill specifies that hunting dogs are not affected, or whether that is covered in a different part of code.
▶ Watch at 2:11:25Read what they said
Does it specify Mr. Speaker? Does it, Mr. Speaker, does it specify that in the bill That's a different part of code and so it's not affected by this bill?
H.B. 293 Public Education Student Athlete Protections · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Asks how the bill will affect schools in rural southern Utah that have fewer teams.
▶ Watch at 2:46:24Read what they said
Uh, Mr. Speaker, uh, you mentioned that you'd talked to somebody down south how far south, and then you've also talked to the High School Activities Association, uh, and I appreciate that. And you, you, you presented this sub down south. We don't have a lot of clubs. So tell me how this is going to affect those schools down there.
H.B. 293 Public Education Student Athlete Protections · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Asks how the bill's changes will affect smaller schools in southern Utah and whether the sponsor consulted the UHSAA.
▶ Watch at 2:46:24Read what they said
Uh, Mr. Speaker, uh, you mentioned that you'd talked to somebody down south how far south, and then you've also talked to the High School Activities Association, uh, and I appreciate that. And you, you, you presented this sub down south. We don't have a lot of clubs. So tell me how this is going to affect those schools down there.
H.B. 293 Public Education Student Athlete Protections · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Asks a follow-up and requests the sponsor yield again.
▶ Watch at 2:47:33Read what they said
Thank you, Ms. Speaker, if I could follow up. Representative Hall, will you yield to another question?
H.B. 293 Public Education Student Athlete Protections · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Spoke on the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:47:33Read what they said
Thank you, Ms. Speaker, if I could follow up. Representative Hall, will you yield to another question?
H.B. 293 Public Education Student Athlete Protections · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Says rural southern Utah excludes Iron and Washington counties, that his concerns were addressed, and that he will probably vote for the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:47:41Read what they said
I appreciate the, uh, the sponsor with that change. Uh, down south does not include Cedar City and or Iron County and, uh, Washington County. In my book, down south is the hole in the donut between Santaquin and there, because that's the rural area, whereas Iron County and Washington County are really not rural anymore and have clubs. But I think you've addressed my concerns. Uh, the good representative has, and I, uh, I'll probably vote for it. Thank you. Thank You.
H.B. 293 Public Education Student Athlete Protections · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Says he thinks his concerns about southern Utah have been addressed and that he will probably vote for the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:47:41Read what they said
I appreciate the, uh, the sponsor with that change. Uh, down south does not include Cedar City and or Iron County and, uh, Washington County. In my book, down south is the hole in the donut between Santaquin and there, because that's the rural area, whereas Iron County and Washington County are really not rural anymore and have clubs. But I think you've addressed my concerns. Uh, the good representative has, and I, uh, I'll probably vote for it. Thank you. Thank You.
H.B. 145 School Excused Absence Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Thanked the committee and said this is his first time before it.
▶ Watch at 1:20:04Read what they said
Thank you, sir. Uh, thanks Mr. Chair and committee members. Good to be with you. This is the first time I've ever come to this committee, so thank you. We are very welcome. We're glad to have you.
H.B. 145 School Excused Absence Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Presented HB 145 to add mountain biking, shooting sports, and other Utah youth development programs to the excused absence list, saying it would help students.
▶ Watch at 1:20:15Read what they said
So, uh, HB 1 45 and there will be a sub, uh, that will be presented by one of your committee members in a few minutes. Basically all I'm trying to do, uh, starts, uh, on line 85. Uh, last year I think, uh, we gave excused absences to the Rodeo Club. And, uh, this year I would like to add the mountain biking clubs, the shooting sports clubs, and any youth development program, uh, of Utah State that administers and provides educational experiences in the areas including agriculture, science, technology, engineering, math, uh, civic engagement, leadership, and healthy living through hands-on learning, mentoring, and community-based clubs or activities such as four H or any of those programs where kids …
H.B. 145 School Excused Absence Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Answered that the activities would be clubs in schools, not necessarily high school activities.
▶ Watch at 1:22:24Read what they said
MR. Chair, those would be clubs, uh, in the schools, not necessarily high school activities associated sant.
H.B. 145 School Excused Absence Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Said he believes parents can excuse these absences and that schools would not penalize them.
▶ Watch at 1:31:09Read what they said
I think, uh, Representative Welton is probably correct. If parents called in, wants to excuse 'em, I don't think there's any repercussion by the school.
H.B. 145 School Excused Absence Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Said he thinks the substitute is good and encouraged its adoption.
▶ Watch at 1:35:56Read what they said
Uh, Mr. Chair. I think it's a good substitute and uh, I would encourage you to adopt Adopt It.
H.B. 145 School Excused Absence Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Said saving even one student is worth it and that many students need outside activities.
▶ Watch at 1:36:42Read what they said
I just think if we can save one kid, we're doing the right thing. And a lot of these kids need to get out in the world, touch the grass, as the governor says, and, uh, get involved in some of these things if they can't participate in high skilled sanctioned sports. Thank you.
H.C.R. 7 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Scenic Byway Designations · House Transportation Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Says he would like to move to hold the bill so members have time to review the plan before voting.
▶ Watch at 58:24Read what they said
Hello. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to make a motion to hold so that we have time to review the plan before we vote.
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · House floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Explains that the bill requires the Public Service Commission to participate in regional transmission organizations and independent system operators, authorizes an independent analysis of market data, requires annual reporting to legislative committees, and is funded by the public utility restricted account.
▶ Watch at 5:27Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, colleagues. This is a bill that we discussed during our summer interims, uh, with the energy working group between the Senate and the House. Uh, as the utility industry changes there, I'll give you some background and try to be helpful. There. There has evolved what they call RTOs, regional Transmission Organizations and ISOs, which are independent system operators. And maybe you've read something about California's iso, it's called C-A-I-S-O, cao, so they have their own. But this bill, after we'd talked about it and received presentations, uh, during our summer, we, we just felt like there ought to be a bill that the Public Service Commission should be involved in these regional transmission organizations …
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · House floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Thanks colleagues and says the bill was summarized well.
▶ Watch at 12:09Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, my good friend from Dixie just summarized the bill very well. Thank you.
H.B. 69 Drinking Water Restructuring Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Presents the bill, saying it helps water systems with financial limitations keep drinking water safe by letting the agency assist and encourage more stable ownership, and offers to answer questions.
▶ Watch at 1:02:39Read what they said
Uh, as substituted deals with challenges that occur with, uh, water companies, when they have financial, uh, limitations, they're not able to keep the drinking water safe. It provides, provides the opportunity for the agency to come in and help bringing the resources and also to create a, a more stable ownership for that particular provider to, uh, uh, meet the standards that we have across the state. I'll be glad to answer any questions.
S.B. 20 Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Technical Changes · House floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Albrecht presented S.B. 20 as a code cleanup bill that removes obsolete technical sections, makes no other changes, and requires an annual report due August 31.
▶ Watch at 36:14Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Uh, this bill is just a code reduction. Uh, we had a, a lot of technical changes that were outdated. Uh, it re it uh, removes the language related to the BLM on line 1736 through 1820. Uh, the purpose of this was to remove, uh, obsolete sections within the purview of natural resources, ag and Environment and other legislative committees. It doesn't make any changes except for removing obsolete sections. And it requires a report to be written and submitted by August 31st each year. This is the first, uh, technical change cleanup bill that we've had in code in that committee for a long time. So, um, I apologize for the length, but most …
S.B. 26 Pest Control Amendments · House floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Albrecht presents SB 26, saying it creates permits for ornamental and turf technicians and herbicide applicators, adds training requirements across the pesticide sales and application chain, and increases fines for bad actors.
▶ Watch at 38:48Read what they said
Thank you Ms. Speaker. Uh, PE control amendments, uh, provides this bill provides for the permitting of ornamental and turf technicians, uh, addresses the growing challenges we're facing with noxious weeds as we trans transition to waterwise landscaping practices. And it carves out a, an opportunity to have a specific specialized training for turf technicians, allowing them to focus on turf and not turf areas. And it carves out an opportunity to license people who will just be doing herbicide treatments and takes out any barriers for people to enter that. It makes, uh, technical changes and increases the fines for bad actors. Most of all, the bottom line is it introduces specific permits for new roles, ensuring that everyone …
S.B. 26 Pest Control Amendments · House floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Albrecht says the number of permitted industries would need to be checked with staff and that he could not answer that question.
▶ Watch at 41:33Read what they said
You'd have to ask Doppel about how many are I I couldn't answer that one.
H.B. 378 Fugitive Dust Mitigation Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Asked how many gravel pits are in the area and said he is concerned that added regulation pushes gravel operations farther away, raising material and road costs.
▶ Watch at 11:32Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, representative, um, how many gravel pits did you say Total in the state? In that area? In that area, yeah. There are seven or eight that all surround the community. Seven or eight. Do they use water trucks to All of them do. They're supposed to. So here's my concern. I, you know, the bill's probably okay, but we live in a world where people don't like gravel pits. Mm-hmm. But gravel pits and sand make roads, and they make concrete for your patio, and they do all kinds of things. Um, and we're just pushing them further and further from civilization, which gonna raise the costs more and more because they're gonna have to …
H.B. 378 Fugitive Dust Mitigation Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Moved to approve the second substitute to HB 378.
▶ Watch at 33:35Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. Uh, second sub needs to be, uh, i I would move that we, uh, pass out or that we approve the second sub to HB 3 78. Mr. Chair.
H.B. 60 Water Rights Amendments · House floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Commends the sponsor for working through interim and committee concerns, says the bill does not reduce water to the Great Salt Lake, and states support for the bill.
▶ Watch at 36:19Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I just want to commend the sponsor. He's worked hard on this through interims and, and, uh, tried to address everyone's concerns that have come to him. Uh, and there, and there were a lot of 'em in committee, but, uh, he, he's, he's made some changes that they requested. He's worked hard. Uh, the bill does not reduce water to the Great Salt Lake. It makes some other changes and I think he's done a good job and I'll be supporting as well. And I encourage you to
H.B. 60 Water Rights Amendments · House floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Commends the sponsor for addressing committee concerns and says the bill does not reduce water to the Great Salt Lake; says they will support it.
▶ Watch at 36:19Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I just want to commend the sponsor. He's worked hard on this through interims and, and, uh, tried to address everyone's concerns that have come to him. Uh, and there, and there were a lot of 'em in committee, but, uh, he, he's, he's made some changes that they requested. He's worked hard. Uh, the bill does not reduce water to the Great Salt Lake. It makes some other changes and I think he's done a good job and I'll be supporting as well. And I encourage you to
H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments · House floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Presents HB 64, which lets counties nominate culturally or scientifically significant sites on school and institutional trust lands for potential preservation, after a Garfield County site near Promise Rock drew local opposition to a proposed sale.
▶ Watch at 40:54Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, HB 64 was one of the tougher bills I negotiated and worked on, uh, for a long time. Uh, with all due respect to Representative Monson, this is in his area, but he allowed me to run the bill because I had been working on it, uh, with Garfield County. So many of you know that sit a, the school and institutional trust lands as like a four, $4 billion trust, and they give a lot of money back to the schools every year, and we appreciate that and they've managed it well. Uh, and occasionally they put a piece of property up for sale where they have not consulted with the counties or the …
H.B. 369 Agriculture and Food Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 2, 2026
Presented H.B. 369, an annual cleanup bill making seven changes to agriculture and food statutes, including the brand inspection language, farm name registration, advisory board membership, and conservation district board removal.
▶ Watch at 32:06Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, this is the, uh, annual, uh, AG and Food Amendment cleanup. Bill. Uh, I have Amber Brown with me from Department of Ag, uh, to help me present this, but I just want you to know that last year's bill was a whole lot longer than this one. And this is very small in comparison. There's only seven changes that are made in their cleanup bill this year. Uh, under the Agricultural Water Optimization program, there's a few changes from shall to may. Um, uh, under Conservation Commission Act, it clarifies the amount that the Ag Resource Department loans. AL Funds can be used for emergency disaster relief under weights and measures. It adds an …
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 2, 2026
Presented HB 376 to establish the Utah Forest Restoration Institute at Utah State University and coordinate it with the Watershed Restoration Initiative, including annual reporting and emergency funding pathways, and noted the fiscal note and a Snider amendment.
▶ Watch at 46:58Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, HB 3 76 Land Management funding amendments. Um, I'll give you a little genesis on this. Um, during the summer and fall after we had the Monroe Canyon Fire, and we've had a lot of fires down in my district the last few years, um, Representative Snider and I had a discussion about a better way to maybe coordinate, uh, fire restoration WRI projects and, uh, things like that. And so what this bill does is it establishes the Utah Forest Restoration Institute at Utah State, uh, to strengthen our forest and watershed health research and coordination. Uh, it, it outlines coordination between the institute and the Watershed Restoration Initiative on project funding prioritization and …
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 2, 2026
Explained the institute was established by appropriation last year and that the bill formalizes it and coordinates it with the Watershed Restoration Initiative on programs.
▶ Watch at 56:35Read what they said
I can answer it. Yeah. I'm, I think it to, to you representative. You're the one that, that we're talking about the motion. So The one is an actually an institute and one is an initiative. Um, I, oh yeah. They, they all have, we have way too many acronyms in this business. Um, but the institute at Utah State was established under an appropriation last year, and it syncs up with similar institutes that are in four other universities across the Intermountain West and authorized by federal statute. That institute is also, um, currently being added to a list of, um, other institutes by Senator Mike Lee in dc. So it's gonna be not only have state authorization here, …
H.B. 349 Statewide Water Storage · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 2, 2026
Albrecht encouraged Brooks to discuss the public suggestions and possible substitute or amendment language, and moved to pass the bill favorably as written.
▶ Watch at 1:07:13Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, Representative Brooks, I, I think there's been a couple of pretty good suggestions. I would, as there's no amendments online, I would just encourage you to, uh, discuss with Mr. Frankel and the Farm Bureau, their suggestions and see if you can come up with either a sub or some amendment language there. But I, uh, I would make the motion that we pass out favorably as is, uh, HB 3 49 statewide water storage by Representative Brooks.
H.B. 187 Water Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 2, 2026
Asks about the geography of the East Fork of the Virgin River and Virgin River and mentions power allocations from Glen Canyon Dam.
▶ Watch at 1:36:45Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you. And thank, uh, Representative Jack and Zach. Um, specifically, if any of you know the geography down there, they're talking about the East Fork of the Virgin, which originates in Kane County and, uh, the Virgin River there in Washington County. Uh, and, and those are very critical to that part of the state. Uh, there's also, uh, electricity power allocations based on upper basin and lower basin, and, uh, that of the power that comes out of Glen Canyon Dam. And Colon could, or Representative Jack could explain that, but it would take a half hour. So I won't ask him to, so that, that's what we're talking about geography wise, is the East Fork of …
S.B. 42 State Weed Committee Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 2, 2026
Presents SB 42, which extends the state Noxious Weed Committee's sunset from 2026 to 2036 and makes related changes, after an interim committee unanimously recommended it.
▶ Watch at 2:08:13Read what they said
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Committee amendments since Senator Stratton decided to do something else, He had to leave the best committee on the hill for some reason. I don't understand it, but, uh, Senate Bill 42, Mr. Chair, uh, state Weed committee amendments was a interim committee bill that was, uh, unanimously recommended. And all that it does is extend the Sunset from 2026 to 2036, uh, conclude the, Wow. I like those kind of bills. Back to the committee for clarifying questions, saying none to the public.
H.C.R. 1 House Concurrent Resolution Regarding Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Presented HCR 1 as a simple resolution expressing Utah's support for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing in the state, including help with safety, manufacturing, transportation, and waste management challenges, and noted it passed unanimously in the House committee.
▶ Watch at 30:50Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. And thanks to the committee members. Uh, it's good to be with again. Will you push the buttons? I'm not sure those microphones are on. This Is a simple resolution. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, that expresses Utah's desire to support the development of Manu Nuclear Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing in the state. It just expresses Utah's support for the advanced nuclear industry. Uh, expresses our desire to have nuclear manufacturing done here in the state, and expresses Utah's commitment to help, uh, technology companies overcome any challenges regarding safety and manufacturing, transportation and waste management. That's basically, uh, the resolution. Uh, Mr. Chair, I'm happy to answer any questions. This came from public utilities, uh, during …
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Presents HB 78, which creates a nuclear energy regulatory office within DEQ's Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control, notes a fiscal note, and describes a technical amendment restoring fuel conversion language.
▶ Watch at 33:25Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, during the summer, uh, and during the interim meetings, we had a working group between the, uh, house and the Senate. I believe you were on that. Uh, Senator Millner, uh, coordinated those efforts, uh, between the House and the Senate. And, uh, we decided that maybe, uh, with what's going on, uh, in DC with the NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission, that, you know, Utah's got some talented people in DEQ, Mr. Davis for one. And, uh, we thought, you know, we probably could do our own, uh, establish our own regulation office within DEQ, within the Office of Waste Management. And, uh, so I was assigned to run this bill by that working group. …
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Says the proposed amendment is good and asks whether he should summarize the bill now.
▶ Watch at 42:39Read what they said
No, I think that's a, a, a good amendment to the bill. Uh, I appreciate, uh, the good Senator making that change. Um, you want me to sum at this point?
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Discusses Utah's nuclear opportunities and carbon-free energy goals and shares his family's history with uranium mining.
▶ Watch at 43:22Read what they said
Uh, I would just like to, to echo some comments. You know, Utah is uniquely positioned, uh, in this nuclear space with the, the Blanding male, the White Mesa mail, the San Rafael Energy Research Center. In fact, there's supposed to be A-A-S-M-R come online down there on July 4th on our, uh, 250th celebration of our country. We've had the announcements, uh, up in Brigham City. We've had, uh, announcement on, uh, working agreements, uh, down at IPP. There's just a lot going on. Um, I think it's good, you know, coal and gas are not gonna be replaced immediately. And, uh, the good Lord, uh, gave us a lot of those, uh, natural resources. And as a result …
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Responds to opposition, saying carbon-free energy goals can be met safely with DEQ expertise.
▶ Watch at 53:43Read what they said
I'll just say one thing. Uh, and I appreciate the comments, uh, uh, in the negative, uh, of the bill. Uh, but I will say that, uh, you know, we're, we're concerned about carbon emissions and we're trying to get to an energy source as zero carbon emissions. And, and I think we can do that safely, uh, with, with our expertise and our DEQ. So I'll leave it at that. Mr. Chair.
H.B. 69 Drinking Water Restructuring Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Albrecht introduces the substitute bill and says it adds language defining the legal actions under the bill and what a receiver is.
▶ Watch at 1:00:53Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's good to be here again. Um, HB 69. Uh, I, I might say that I'm speaking to the sub we'll need to take care of. Okay. You wanna speak to what? Um, let's move that, but tell us what the substitute does. The sub basically just puts, uh, some language in that, uh, Senator Stratton, uh, came up with, uh, went on, uh, defining, uh, the legal actions that would take place under the bill, uh, and, uh, what a receiver is, and some, some tool or some reasons why, if it's, if, if it goes to a court action. Maybe you could explain 'em better than I can. You're an attorney or senator.
H.B. 69 Drinking Water Restructuring Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Albrecht says the bill follows up on the 2023 water report and is a tool of last resort for small water systems that fail drinking water requirements, allowing a court procedure if they cannot correct serious health risks.
▶ Watch at 1:02:54Read what they said
You, Mr. Chair. Uh, this is a follow up bill from the 2023 Water Report, uh, that made some suggestions, uh, on what we do with maybe small systems that are not meeting the requirements, uh, of safe water drinking. And, uh, it's a tool of last resort. Uh, for the drinking water folks, uh, I have with me Nathan Lusted, the director. But, uh, let me emphasize, it's a tool of last resort. We, we want these folks to work, whether it's a, a merger with another water system or whatever, but this gives them a tool, uh, to address drinking water violations that pose serious public health risk. Uh, and, and then if they're unwilling or unable to …
H.B. 69 Drinking Water Restructuring Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Albrecht says he worked with former Representative Mike Noel on consolidating struggling water systems on Cedar Mountain and that this bill would have helped.
▶ Watch at 1:06:07Read what they said
I'll just say, you know, I worked with Representative Noel when he's still the King County Water Conservancy District Manager, and when I was our king CEOI worked with him on some of those systems on Cedar Mountain that, uh, director referred to. And, uh, this would've been a, a godsend to, uh, former representative Noel.
H.B. 222 Limitation of Actions Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Introduced HB 222 as a strengthening of a 2011 liability-limitation statute on carbon emissions, outlined the bill's main points, and asked Mr. Cox to add remarks.
▶ Watch at 36:30Read what they said
Thanks. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, pleasure to be with this committee. And, uh, I've got, uh, Mr. John Cox, uh, with me here today to help me present. But first of all, I want the committee to know that this is not a new bill. It's strengthens, uh, strengthens a bill that's, that's already, uh, in code that was passed in 2011. Uh, by then, uh, representative Noelle and Senator Jenkins. So it's been on the books for 15 years. Um, so at that time they established liability protection or for carbon emissions. And, uh, this bill just simply strengthens that STA statute. So basically what I'd like to say about the bill, and there …
H.B. 222 Limitation of Actions Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Said the statute has existed for 15 years, that the bill strengthens it, and that the substitute's lines hold violators of enforceable limits and permits accountable.
▶ Watch at 54:02Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, I appreciate the comments that have been made both in the affirmative and, and the negative. Um, I, I, for some of you who walked in late, I, I just want you to know again, and I'll state it again for the record. Th this, uh, bill, this code is already existing in Utah. Statute has been for 15 years. All 2 22 does is strengthen that, that existing code. And for those, uh, who are concerned, lines 45 through 49 of the sub specifically state that if, if these folks are, uh, violate any enforceable statutory limitation or restriction against admissions, they'll be held accountable. Uh, item two there says if they violate …
S.B. 20 Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Technical Changes · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Presented SB 20 as a committee cleanup bill that repeals obsolete programs and statutes, adds annual reports due October 1, and passed unanimously in the interim committee and the Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:17:15Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, HB or Senate Bill 20, excuse me, was a committee bill in the Natural Resources Ag and Environment, uh, interim committee this summer and fall. Uh, we did a lot of work on this, uh, staff, uh, made some cleanup changes. As you can see, it's a very long bill. Uh, natural resources code had not been updated for several years. I even hate to run a bill this long, but it is a cleanup bill. Just like we heard on the DWR one, which was cleaned up last year, uh, I'd be happy to try to answer any questions, but this bill passed unanimously after a lot of work and discussion out of our …
S.B. 26 Pest Control Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Albrecht introduces himself as the House sponsor of SB 26, says Sen. Stratton is the expert on the bill, and notes that a department representative has arrived to help.
▶ Watch at 1:20:36Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. And the other bill. I am a house sponsor on Senate Bill 26 Pest Control amendments. But, uh, Senator Stratton is a landscape, uh, he has that business and he, he knows more about pest control. And there may be questions from the congregation here. The, the, the, those that are attending the meeting either online or, uh, in person. And I'm not gonna try that one. Uh, we'll, we'll, if it's all right with you, Mr. Chair. Right? I would wait, uh, for our next meeting for him. Would you like me to help address that with the department back perspective? You wanna move on? I've got some help that just arrived.
S.B. 26 Pest Control Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Albrecht asks to move on to SB 26 and checks the result of the previous vote.
▶ Watch at 1:21:20Read what they said
Could we move on to Senate bill 26? After you take a vote, you passed the vote, right?
S.B. 26 Pest Control Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Albrecht says SB 26 passed unanimously as an interim committee bill and introduces the department witness to explain it.
▶ Watch at 1:21:26Read what they said
And so if, if you feel comfortable with the additional bearded help that you have, uh, we can do that. So Yes, he testified, uh, Senate Bill 26 Pest Control Amendments, uh, was an interim committee bill that passed unanimously during the summer and fall. And, and this good gentleman decide of me, uh, was one of the star witnesses on that bill. Uh, so I'm gonna let him address that. There is a small, uh, fiscal note, but, uh, why don't you go ahead.
H.B. 66 Soil Health Program Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Presents HB 66, which extends the sunset on the Soil Health Program by 10 years, from 2026 to 2036.
▶ Watch at 1:02:25Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, good to be with you. Uh, this is just a, uh, interim committee bill that extends the Sunset on the Soil Health Program for 10 years from July 1 26. 2026 to 2036. That's the, that's, that's the bill. Okay. So, um, clarifying then, you are wanting to extend the, the Sunset? That's Correct. Okay. Um, okay. That's, um, that's your presentation.
H.B. 66 Soil Health Program Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
In summation, says a newer House member asked why government is involved in soil health, and states that topsoil must be protected as the food supply.
▶ Watch at 1:08:50Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. When I presented this bill on the floor of the house, uh, one of our newer members asked me the question and said, why do we need government involved in soil health? And the answer that came to my mind was, when the, when the Good Lord created the Earth, he put about a foot of top topsoil on it. We need to take care of that topsoil. It's our food supply.
H.B. 67 Lead Acid Battery Disposal Sunset Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Albrecht explained that the bill removes the lead acid battery disposal provisions from the Sunset Act, so the existing statute continues as is.
▶ Watch at 1:11:23Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you Mr. Chair. This was a, a bill that we discussed in interim, uh, natural Resource Committee. Uh, what it did was remove the provisions, uh, related to, uh, lead acid battery disposal from the Sunset Act. So the statute on the books will continue as is.
H.B. 67 Lead Acid Battery Disposal Sunset Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Albrecht confirmed his presentation was complete and said he would take questions from the committee on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:11:45Read what they said
My presentation. Good. I'll bring it to the committee if there's any questions about House Bill 67
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Presents HB 238 as requiring Public Service Commission participation in regional transmission organizations and annual reporting to the legislature, funded from a restricted public utility account rather than the general fund.
▶ Watch at 1:43:02Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm sorry about that. Uh, getting Into it. I'm sorry. And I appreciate you, uh, moving me to last because I was called to the principal's office, but, um, We won't ask about the spanking. Thank you. HB 2 38, Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning was a bill that was, um, discussed in our energy working group this summer between the Senate and the House, uh, working group. By the way, I do have, uh, the chair of the Public Service Commission with me here, Jerry Finn, who will comment in a minute. Um, maybe for a little bit of education, I could tell the committee that, um, RTOs Regional Transmission Organizations and ISOs independent …
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Says the bill protects Utah utility assets and would benefit customers if a utility joins a regional transmission organization.
▶ Watch at 2:06:41Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee members. Um, I think enough's been said, but I will say here in Utah, um, Rocky Mountain Power has, um, the Hunter Plant and the Huntington plant. And Desiree has, has the Bonanza plant, and, uh, UAMS has some gas plants and Rocky Mountain has some gas plants and we're very fortunate in that regard. And I think this bill just protects our assets that those those companies hold and, uh, would, would strengthen our relationship should one of them ever get involved in an RTO or an ISO that would protect Utah assets and, and benefit our customers. Thank you.
H.C.R. 1 House Concurrent Resolution Regarding Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing · House floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Presents H.C.R. 1, which expresses Utah's support for the advanced nuclear industry, including nuclear manufacturing in Utah and commitment to helping companies address safety, manufacturing, transportation, and waste management challenges, and notes that the state passed H.B. 249 last year and should pursue nuclear equipment manufacturing in Utah; asks for support.
▶ Watch at 17:38Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Uh, this resolution, um, expresses Utah's support for the advanced nuclear industry. Expresses our desire to have nuclear manufacturing done here in Utah and expresses Utah's commitment to helping technology company overcome any challenges regarding safety and manufacturing, transportation, waste management, and basically signals that Utah's committed to fostering the development of technical solutions to remaining challenges. We passed HB 2 49 last year. That started us down the nuclear path. We just feel like that we should probably do some of that manufacturing of nuclear equipment in the state of Utah. That's basically the resolution. Mr. Speaker, I would encourage your support. Thank you.
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · House floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Presents HB 78 to create a nuclear energy regulatory office within DEQ's Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control, with rulemaking authority, fee collection, and agreements with the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and notes a committee amendment.
▶ Watch at 22:36Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, HB 78, uh, goes back to this summer when we had a, uh, energy working group between the Senate and the House. Uh, we met almost every week via Zoom or in person and talked about, uh, energy bills. This is a follow up, uh, again to HB 2 49, our nuclear bill that was passed last year. Our DEQ director, uh, Mr. Davis has been working with the, um, NRC, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in DC and the Federal Energy Office. And what we're trying to do with this bill is, uh, establish our own nuclear energy regulatory office within the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control under, uh, DEQ. This would grant, …
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · House floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Says the fiscal note is $380,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028, mostly funded by Operation Gigawatt, with future fiscal notes to be approved in the budget.
▶ Watch at 25:52Read what they said
Yes, that's a good question. I'm happy to answer that. The fiscal note, uh, is 380,000 for fiscal year 27 and 380,000 for fiscal year 28. Uh, this year. Most of that money has come from the Operation gigawatt funding that was established last year. Uh, in future years, there will be a fiscal note, uh, that will have to be approved, uh, and put into the budget.
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · House floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Says nuclear regulation already takes place within DEQ and the bill would establish an approval office that requires a couple of FTEs.
▶ Watch at 26:47Read what they said
Most of our, uh, regulation of the nuclear industry already is taken place by the division of, uh, environmental quality, uh, waste and Radiation Department, uh, under that DEQ. Uh, but this would establish a, uh, a nuclear regulatory approval office and would require a couple of FTEs.
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · House floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Says the bill authorizes fees to be set and collected from nuclear energy businesses that participate in the state.
▶ Watch at 27:59Read what they said
Yes, indeed. Uh, Mr. Speaker, uh, this bill authorizes the establishment and collection of fees from those nuclear energy folks that want to get involved in the state.
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · House floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
In summation, says Utah's DEQ has the expertise for this work and the bill builds on HB 249 as the state moves toward nuclear energy.
▶ Watch at 28:52Read what they said
Thank you, Ms. Speaker. Um, we have the expertise here in our DEQ office to do this job. Um, it's a, it's a, an addendum really to our HB 2 49 from last year, uh, as we move forward from carbon based fuels, coal and gas and oil. Uh, this is, uh, a good opportunity to help us get over the bridge eventually to nuclear, which is really the cleanest and most efficient form of energy production. There is actually no carbon produced. It's gonna be a while, but, uh, we need to start working on it right now. Thank you.
H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Introduced HB 64 and described the history of Promise Rock near Cannonville and the negotiated process for designating cultural sites on trust lands.
▶ Watch at 1:04:33Read what they said
So, thank you Mr. Vice Chair and Committee. Um, this, uh, bill HB 64 School and Institutional Trust Land Amendments is, has been a work in progress for most of the summer and fall. And, uh, I want to acknowledge Michelle McConkey, who is the Sitler director. She, she came to Richfield and we had a good meeting. And, um, uh, I appreciate the cooperation from Sitler. Um, what this bill, uh, really talks about is, maybe I could give you a little history, uh, back in, uh, well, in Garfield County over by Cannonville, if any of you know where that is. Uh, there was a proposed, uh, development that wanted to buy an area called Promise Rock. And …
H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Explained the 24-month deadline was a negotiated compromise that gives counties time to respond.
▶ Watch at 1:12:11Read what they said
Well, it could be, but this is, it was, this was a lot of negotiations, a lot of hard negotiations, and when this is where we landed, and I think if SLAs sends out a notice for a nomination of a sale, uh, this gives the county the opportunity to respond, uh, in deference to tla. I don't know that you'd want to go longer to that. I, I think it's good compromise.
H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Gave closing summation for the bill and thanked Representative Monson for allowing him to run it.
▶ Watch at 1:24:13Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I want to thank Representative Monson, and this is his district, but he allowed me to, to run the bill. I go way back in Garfield County to my previous life. And so I knew the area, I knew the people, and, uh, I told Representative Monson that I would be running this bill and he was very considerate and allowed me to do that, and just wanted the, that to be on record.
H.B. 60 Water Rights Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Asked about emails saying the bill would erode environmental protections for the Great Salt Lake and rivers.
▶ Watch at 1:58:19Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, as you know, we've received a lot of emails and texts on this bill, very nice ones, students and so forth. Uh, they're all about the same, but it says HB 60 wood erode existing environmental protections for the great Salt Lake, rivers and Wildlife throughout the state. Can you respond to that?
H.B. 66 Soil Health Program Amendments · House floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Says healthy topsoil is needed to keep growing crops and feeding people in the future.
▶ Watch at 41:35Read what they said
Can't hear. Oh yeah. When the good Lord created the Earth, he put about a foot of topsoil on everything so we could grow crops. We need to tend that, that soil and make it healthy and, and continue to have crops for the future to feed us. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
H.B. 67 Lead Acid Battery Disposal Sunset Amendments · House floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Explains that the bill removes the lead acid battery disposal provisions from the Sunset Act, so the original statute stays in place and the Department of Environmental Quality continues to handle those duties.
▶ Watch at 43:30Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Uh, this bill was also a committee bill from Natural Resources. Uh, it, all it does is remove the provisions related to lead acid battery disposal from the Sunset Act. So the original statute will stay intact and we'll still deal with that, uh, as a state agency under DEQ.
H.B. 69 Drinking Water Restructuring Amendments · House floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Presents H.B. 69, which lets a court appoint a receiver or merge or require divestiture for small water systems that violate drinking water requirements; says it followed the 2023 Water Report, passed unanimously in three water committees, and is supported by the Rural Water Users Association.
▶ Watch at 46:15Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker to you. Um, this, this bill was heard by the Natural Resource Committee, the Water Task Force and the Water Development Commission, uh, where it passed unanimously in all three, uh, meetings. Uh, it's a, it's a bill that is a follow up from the 2023 Water Report, uh, which made some suggestions for this bill. Uh, it's supported by the Rural Water Users Association. Um, what it, what it basically does is, uh, if you have a small water system that that's just not doing their job, uh, they're in violation of a lot of the, the things that they should be doing. It provides, uh, the opportunity for a court to appoint a receiver …
H.B. 69 Drinking Water Restructuring Amendments · House floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Says he is not aware of any receivers or agents currently in place, that the tool is for future use, and that the drinking water division has worked out problems so far and it would rarely be used.
▶ Watch at 48:21Read what they said
We don't, Mr. Speaker, we don't, uh, have any that I'm aware of. This is just a tool for future. Uh, so far I think the drinking water division has worked out any problems. Like I say, it would rarely be used.
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Introduces HB 78 and describes its purpose: creating a nuclear regulatory office in the Division of Waste Management and Radiation, authorizing fuel-cycle regulation and fee collection, and pursuing expanded agreement state status with the NRC.
▶ Watch at 9:19Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, good to be with you back in this committee, illustrious committee and committee members. Um, I'm Carl Ulbrich. I'm on the committee. Um, I've got Tim Davis from Department of Environmental Quality with me, and he'll, he'll add a few comments, uh, after I present the bill, HB 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments. Uh, this bill was formulated, uh, this summer and fall, uh, with the energy working group that we had between the House and the Senate. Uh, it's kind of a follow up from last year's HB 2 49. Um, I'd like to just talk a little bit about what the bill does and then, uh, have Mr. Davis make some comments and then, …
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 21, 2026
As sponsor, says the amendment clarifies how the nuclear fuel cycle is defined.
▶ Watch at 18:17Read what they said
I guess I'm the sponsor, so I would say, um, this clarifies the nuclear fuel cycle the way it should read.
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Says he wants to be as transparent as possible about the fiscal note and concludes his presentation.
▶ Watch at 19:50Read what they said
I, I just wanted to be transparent as possible on this, um, Mr. Chair. That's it. Okay. And that concludes my presentation.
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Responds that the NRC is trying to streamline its process, that state-level licensing could be faster, and gives an example of a long past licensing timeline.
▶ Watch at 26:50Read what they said
Well, I think NRC, uh, is trying to streamline theirs, but, um, you know, as well as I know, uh, anything in DC takes time and money. And, and if we, if we can do this here in the state of Utah and still provide safety and, and proper regulation, we ought to be doing it. Uh, and, uh, Mr. Davis has had many discussions in DC with the NRC and, and the Secretary of Energy, and they're on board. They realize that, uh, you know, we're moving forward in this area. And so, you know, just to give you an example, many years ago, well, not that many, they were proposing a big, uh, 3000 megawatt nuclear plant of …
H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Says the process would be shortened and describes his own experience with a long transmission line permit.
▶ Watch at 28:43Read what they said
It will. I, I know exactly what you're talking about. I built a 30 mile power line, 1 38 KV transmission line, and it took me 12 years to get the final right away.
H.C.R. 1 House Concurrent Resolution Regarding Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Albrecht said the resolution passed the Public Utilities Interim Committee 17 to zero and is now before this committee.
▶ Watch at 31:31Read what they said
Correct me if I'm wrong, but we passed this in Public Utilities Interim Committee first meeting. We did. Uh, and we recommended this bill 17 to zero. So, um, rules committee send it back here, I guess. Okay. So, um, and so I guess we get to send it from here to the floor if the committee hasn't changed their mind when we voted on it. Unanimously this interim. Thank you for refreshing my memory.
H.C.R. 1 House Concurrent Resolution Regarding Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Albrecht presented HCR 1 as a resolution expressing state support for advanced nuclear manufacturing in Utah to create jobs and address industry challenges.
▶ Watch at 32:08Read what they said
Uh, this bill is just a, uh, bill that encourages, uh, advanced nuclear manufacturing in the state of Utah. So the governors come out with Operation Gigawatt. We've got a lot of companies that have been interested as a result of HB 2 49. Um, a lot going on with regulation, as we just discussed, a lot of companies who are interested in partnering or building small to large nuclear facilities. And all this resolution does is, uh, it expresses, uh, Utah's support for the industry. Our desire to have nuclear manufacturing done here, uh, expresses Utah's commitment to helping technology companies overcome challenges regarding safety and manufacturing, transportation and waste management, and signals. Finally, that it utah's committed to …
H.C.R. 1 House Concurrent Resolution Regarding Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Albrecht said universities and technical colleges are already developing nuclear training programs for welders, fabricators, and engineers.
▶ Watch at 34:45Read what they said
Uh, to answer your question, we're already working, uh, with the universities and the tech colleges, uh, right now to establish that training progression in the area of nuclear. I mean, we're gonna need welders, we're gonna need fabricators, we're gonna need, uh, engineers, we're gonna need anything electrical, all of that stuff. And, and, uh, a lot of these small, uh, community colleges, snow college, um, the, the trade tech schools, um, they're, they, they already know that this is what we need for the future. I mean, the governor's office has talked to them. Great. Uh, since HB 2 49 was passed, they're all jumping on board. So yeah, we want to train our own workforce. We don't …
H.C.R. 1 House Concurrent Resolution Regarding Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Albrecht said safety, water availability, and DEQ permitting are likely challenges, and that nuclear is a needed bridge given the higher cost of first units.
▶ Watch at 36:10Read what they said
Well, I think, um, we need to be first and foremost safe in what we're doing with nuclear. I think you might could classify that as a challenge. Uh, another challenge might be handled by DEQ on location within the state. You know, what are the, is water available, da, da da, so on and so forth. Um, I would think that those, uh, development ideas or problems that come up, any of those could be handled by DEQ. Um, because that's what the first bill that we just passed pretty much outlined. So, uh, we'll have some challenges. We will, um, but we're going into this with our eyes wide open. It's got great support from the governor, uh, …
H.C.R. 1 House Concurrent Resolution Regarding Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Albrecht said Utah should pursue all energy sources, including nuclear, citing the state's resources and industry safety improvements.
▶ Watch at 44:34Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I think we can do all of those things that have been mentioned. That's why I said earlier, we're in this all of the above approach right now. Wind, solar, coal, gas, geothermal, nuclear's, the next generation. We've, the industry has come a long ways in safety. And Utah has all of the resources to do this and do it right. Well, thank you.
H.C.R. 1 House Concurrent Resolution Regarding Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Albrecht said he is passing the gavel to Vice Chair Peterson and taking a seat.
▶ Watch at 46:33Read what they said
I'm gonna pass the gavel Yeah. To Vice Chair Peterson, and then take a spot down at the other end. Turn off our lights if you can. My light's on too.
H.B. 49 Law Enforcement Salary Amendments · House floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Asks the sponsor whether he will yield to a question.
▶ Watch at 39:06Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the sponsor yield to a question? Representative Wilcox, will you yield? Happy to, yes.
H.B. 49 Law Enforcement Salary Amendments · House floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Asks whether the fiscal note's $404,600 transfer from the off-highway vehicle fund is correct.
▶ Watch at 39:12Read what they said
Representative Wil Rech, I, I fully concur with what the good, good representative from Ogden is doing. However, on your fiscal note, it says that you're gonna take $404,600 from the off highway vehicle fund. Is that correct?
H.B. 49 Law Enforcement Salary Amendments · House floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Says the off-highway vehicle fund is restricted to trail maintenance under a 2016 law, that an audit of the fund is underway, and asks the sponsor to look into other funding.
▶ Watch at 40:02Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, Mr. Speaker, I, I think if you look at the history of the off-road vehicle fund account, which was passed by Representative Noel, I think back in 2016, it says that all revenues that come into that account will be spent on the ground for trails trail maintenance, et cetera. So the good representative, I would encourage you to visit with those folks. And it sounds like you are to, to, to find another funding source. I, I agree with what you're trying to do. In fact, I just had lunch with those folks the other day in Richfield, but what's right is right then there is an audit going on on that fund right …
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