Legislators / Heidi Balderree
Heidi Balderree
Republican · Senate District 22
Hear from them directly
Contact Sen. Heidi Balderree
- Email: hbalderree@le.utah.gov
- Phone: 385-910-3237
- Office: 350 N State St, Ste 320, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114
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Watch or join a meeting
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.
Heidi Balderree serves on:
- Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee
- Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee
- Education Interim Committee
- Judiciary Interim Committee
- General Oversight Committee
- Senate Education Confirmation Committee
- Senate Retirement and Independent Entities Confirmation Committee
- Senate Education Committee
- Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee
What they've said
237 remarks on 103 billsH.B. 436 Moderate Income Housing Infrastructure Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains a yes vote, saying the bill aligns transportation investment with housing growth by giving priority consideration to communities that adopt moderate income housing strategies.
▶ Watch at 22:41Read what they said
Uh, I'm an aye. I am a earned strong support for this bill because Utah is at a crossroads. We're the fastest growing state in the nation, and that growth is both our greatest strength and our most pressing challenge. And for too long, we've talked about housing affordability as a distant goal. With this bill, we make it a priority of our state's infrastructure. This legislation does something simple but transformative. It aligns our state's transportation investments with our housing reality by providing priority consideration for transportation projects to municipalities that proactively implement moderate income housing strategies. We're telling our cities, if you plan for our children and grandchildren to have a place to live, we will help you …
H.B. 379 Child Care Provider Food Preparation Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Presents H.B. 379, which exempts licensed child care centers from food service establishment rules and has DHHS set food safety rules for them to lower child care costs.
▶ Watch at 37:53Read what they said
Senator Balderree. Thank you Mr. President. We've talked a lot this year about the high cost of childcare and the ability to find high quality childcare. This bill aims to reduce costs by reducing burdensome regulations while still keeping our children safe. One of the biggest cost drivers is kitchen and food preparation requirements. There's a lot of inconsistency and overregulation, which adds significant upfront cost. Childcare facilities were being treated the same as full scale restaurants preparing and serving food all day. This bill exempts licensed childcare providers from food service establishment regulations. It authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to make rules for licensed childcare providers for food safety and sanitation requires DHHS to collaborate with …
H.B. 334 Educator Organization Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Asks whether a substitute bill must be adopted before she presents the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:00:15Read what they said
Senator Balderree. Thank you Mr. President, do I need to adopt the first sub One more time? Do I need to adopt the first sub? If you have a substitute, you wanna be adopted, that would be good to do. It's already, So if there's looking great, Then I will, um, begin my presentation.
H.C.R. 10 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP Regarding Hormone Replacement Therapy · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
As floor sponsor, she describes HCR 10 as adding PEHP coverage for bioidentical hormones alongside existing coverage for synthetic hormones, and says the fiscal note is zero.
▶ Watch at 1:00:18Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. As a woman of a certain age, I particularly appreciate this bill and as its floor sponsor. Um, I would just say that PHP is already covering hormone treatment for women for menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms, but HCR 10 provides coverage for bioidentical hormones. So modern bioidentical hormones are different from the synthetic versions used in older studies. Like the women health study that precipitated the black box warning that was recently lifted. Bioidentical hormones provide a better structural match. They bind more readily to receptors. They have a safety profile that significantly lowers the risk of blood clots compared to oral synthetic estrogens. Micronized progesterone over synthetic progesterones are safer for breast tissues and they …
H.B. 334 Educator Organization Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Presents HB 334, saying it creates a commission to study educator support and gives educators a choice of professional liability coverage without requiring membership in one organization.
▶ Watch at 1:00:39Read what they said
Thank you. So, uh, to the bill, um, we often talk about supporting our teachers, but right now we're failing to provide them with choices. House Bill 3 34 isn't just about an insurance policy. It's about breaking a monopoly on professional support and ensuring that every Utah educator has a seat at the table regardless of which organization they choose to join. Uh, the bill creates the legislative education support and professional development commission to evaluate the current gaps in educator support. The reality is that for too long, professional liability insurance or the safety net, every teacher needs to do their job safely, has been tied almost exclusively to membership in one specific organization. Currently, thousands of Utah …
H.B. 334 Educator Organization Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves to adopt Amendment One in her name.
▶ Watch at 1:02:42Read what they said
It looks like there is an amendment to adopt. So he's, do I make him I move to adopt Amendment one in my name.
H.B. 334 Educator Organization Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains that the amendment adds one rural senator, one rural representative, and one rural teacher to the commission.
▶ Watch at 1:03:19Read what they said
So the amendment just adds representation from, uh, one person from rural, uh, one rural senator, one rural representative, and one rural teacher.
H.B. 334 Educator Organization Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Responds that the party requirement was likely an oversight not considered when the bill was drafted, and says it could give one party overwhelming representation on the commission.
▶ Watch at 1:04:28Read what they said
Well, that is, I think that's an oversight. I think that wasn't, uh, considered when the bill was crafted. Thank you. I I love my new colleague here, but, uh, that would give her an overwhelming representation on a body of, um, of this commission.
H.B. 334 Educator Organization Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Says she would need to check the bill and believes the commission has 15 members.
▶ Watch at 1:05:24Read what they said
Senator Baldry. Uh, I would have, I would have to check 3 7, 9 1. I believe it is 15. I'll count for you.
H.B. 334 Educator Organization Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Gives summation on Amendment One's commission membership, including a charter school director, teachers, and a local school board member, and moves that the bill as amended pass.
▶ Watch at 1:07:09Read what they said
Senator Balderree. There is no further discussion. I'm going to use summation and a motion. Thank you. Uh, for summation, if the, just for those who care, I'm seeing 12, maybe 13. Um, if you look at the first amendment, or excuse me, amendment one. And, um, and if you look at line 60 to 65 on that amendment one, you'll see one member who's a director of a charter school. You'll see two members line 62, 2 members who currently employed as teachers in the state. And um, and then on line 65, 1 member who's a member of a local school board. Uh, and with that I'll conclude my presentation and make a motion that first substitute house …
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Strongly supports the bill, saying it broadens reasonable accommodation for religious and conscience beliefs beyond excused absences, including protection from being compelled to take public positions.
▶ Watch at 1:12:09Read what they said
I thank you Mr. President. I, I spoke on this one in committee as well. Um, but I strongly support this bill because the true hallmark of a free society is not found in its demand for conformity, but in its capacity for accommodation. And our universities must be marketplaces of ideas where a students' grade depends on their academic merit, not the sacrifice of their most deeply held convictions. As we look at the diversity of thought and faith across utah's higher education landscapes, we must ensure that our public institutions remain accessible to all. So this bill broadens the scope of reasonable accommodation for students sincerely held religious and conscience beliefs. It moves beyond just excusing absences for …
H.B. 411 Human Trafficking Hotline Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Presents H.B. 411, which would ask the Attorney General to pursue federal action for a three-digit access code for the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and says the bill does not create a new hotline.
▶ Watch at 2:47:00Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This wonderful idea. Actually you can trace back to my guest right here. Um, this would create a human trafficking hotline. Currently the National Human Trafficking Hotline is accessible through a 10 digit number and there is no dedicated three digit dialing code like 9 1 1 or 9 8 8 that provides simplified access. So House Bill four 11 and, and acts a news section of Utah Code directing the Attorney General to pursue federal action to explore creating a three digit access code for the National Human Trafficking hotline. We know that we have, um, partners in Congress ready to go. Uh, HB four 11 does not create a new hotline. It seeks to …
H.B. 411 Human Trafficking Hotline Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Says the 911 system is sometimes misused and that some people who are abused may not want to speak with first responders, and that the hotline serves people who want to talk to someone trained in abuse and trafficking.
▶ Watch at 2:49:07Read what they said
Yes. Okay. Um, I, I believe that we had a bill, or maybe it was here that we had, um, we're talking about how the current 9 1 1 is abused and used for things other than emergency situations. And, um, there's also a chilling effect. Uh, when people don't wanna talk about their situation with a firefighter or a police officer, they want to talk to someone who knows how to handle abuse and trafficking.
H.B. 411 Human Trafficking Hotline Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Spoke on the bill. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:50:09Read what they said
So the hotline number determines who to send the who, who to whom to send. Alright,
H.B. 411 Human Trafficking Hotline Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Responds to Senator Vickers and Senator Fillmore, saying victims will not go to law enforcement, that a memorable number is needed, and urges support for the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:51:22Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, respectfully, I would, uh, oppose the comments of the, the former or from the last Senator Vickers, uh, words and say that people in these situ situations will not seek out help from law enforcement. They are afraid and they will absolutely not go to them. That is why this number exists already locally. This makes it a number that is easy to remember. How many of you in here know your own parents, spouses or children's phone numbers? I used to have mine all memorized when I was younger. Now we can't even remember the phone numbers of our children. We need a number that is quick, accessible and memorable. And we need our victims to …
H.B. 411 Human Trafficking Hotline Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves that First Substitute H.B. 411 pass.
▶ Watch at 2:52:13Read what they said
And with that I move that uh, house bill First substitute house Bill four 11 pass.
S.B. 167 Reintegration for Disciplined Students · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says she thought her microphone was on and begins her remarks on the bill.
▶ Watch at 17:19Read what they said
Let me start again. I thought I had it on but it didn't go. Thank you. Go Ahead. Thank you Mr. President.
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Presents S.B. 186, which adds an oath of office requirement for charter school governing board members, replaces the charter school revolving account with the Charter School Revolving Fund, and reduces the fiscal note to 3.6 million dollars, and takes questions.
▶ Watch at 17:22Read what they said
Ahead. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, we've already debated this bill. Um, it just adds a requirement for charter school governing board members to take an oath of office just like others do. Replaces the Charter school revolving account with, with the Charter School Revolving Fund and it reduces the fiscal note to 3.6 million, which has been approved by the Executive Appropriations. Um, with that, I'll take any questions.
S.B. 290 Victim and Witness Privacy Amendments · House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Presents SB 290 to protect non-public victim and witness data on electronic devices while preserving full disclosure of evidence to the defense.
▶ Watch at 18:43Read what they said
Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate you moving that order. I have another committee to present, and this is super helpful to me. So thank you very much. So this bill, um, is I want you to think about everything that you have on your phone, every personal thing you have on that device. Photos, passwords, frequently visited locations, banking, uh, information contacts. Now, imagine that the cost of reporting is a crime, is that it is a crime. Uh, everything on your phone, if you commit a crime, everything on your phone will be given to the defendant and their attorney to view, to use against you in any way that they want. And potentially to save. When victims …
S.B. 290 Victim and Witness Privacy Amendments · House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Says she will turn the time over to Carl Holland to answer the question.
▶ Watch at 22:42Read what they said
Yes. I'll turn the time now, uh, over to, um, Carl Holland and he'll tell you about a digital room.
S.B. 290 Victim and Witness Privacy Amendments · House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Says stakeholders improved the bill and that protecting victims' privacy will encourage them to report crimes.
▶ Watch at 33:11Read what they said
Thank you. I echo Representative Hansen sentiments. Uh, this bill, uh, is better because of the multiple stakeholders who came to the table and stayed at the table and came back to the table. Uh, but the number one reason victims of sexual assault do not come forward is the fear that their character will be put on trial. And when we tell a victim that their entire digital history will be handed over to their attackers legal team, we're essentially telling them to stay silent. It has a chilling effect. And Senate Bill two 90 restores that trust that their privacy will be protected. Again, thanks to everyone, uh, who made this bill better. And with that, I'll, I'll …
S.B. 311 Medical Translation Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Presented S.B. 311 to add multilingual access to the Safe UT app, using a software application instead of only bilingual staff, with a fiscal note of about $10,000 ongoing.
▶ Watch at 40:01Read what they said
You, Madam Chair. I am happy to be here today with you, uh, this afternoon to present Senate Bill three 11. Uh, which talks about something that I, uh, had the idea about last summer, and that was, I live in Utah County, which is the second largest county in our state. And the Decennial Census, uh, told us that one in five, uh, one in five residents in Utah County counts pri Spanish as their primary language. And that number is even higher in Salt Lake County, which is our most populous county. And, uh, I also, um, knew about the safe UT app, uh, which just had its 10 year anniversary and has saved over about 3000 lives …
S.B. 311 Medical Translation Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Thanked the committee and said the bill also affects rural areas.
▶ Watch at 45:05Read what they said
Uh, thank you for your comments. Uh, it indeed touches rural too, and I appreciate the support. Thank you.
H.B. 442 Feminine Hygiene Products Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to pass House Bill 442 (seventh substitute) out favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:19:55Read what they said
Thank you. I recommend that we pass with a favorable recommendation, house Bill 4 42 7 substitute to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 442 Feminine Hygiene Products Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Commends the sponsor for her persistence and her work on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:20:58Read what they said
Yeah, I just wanted to commend the sponsor for her, her persistent, uh, and long suffering in, in dealing with, um, the opposition and commend you on your work on this bill. Thank
H.B. 315 Human Development Instruction · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moved to pass the second substitute of H.B. 315 out favorably.
▶ Watch at 1:43:23Read what they said
Thank you. I recommend that we pass with a favorable recommendation. House Bill three 15. Second. Second substitute to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 591 Nuisance Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to pass the second substitute bill favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:58:48Read what they said
I would, I recommend that we pass out with a favorable recommendation, second substitute house Bill 5 91
H.C.R. 9 Concurrent Resolution Addressing the Great Salt Lake · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to pass the second substitute resolution favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 2:02:51Read what they said
Senator Baldry, I Recommend that we pass with a favorable recommendation. Second substitute house concurrent resolution nine to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 146 Mentoring and Supporting Teacher Excellence and Refinement Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Explains that the substitute addresses the fiscal note and that the bill was unanimous in the last vote.
▶ Watch at 8:54Read what they said
The fiscal note has, uh, uh, simply caught up and, uh, this bill was unanimous in our last vote. All, all the first sub does is address the fiscal note.
H.B. 146 Mentoring and Supporting Teacher Excellence and Refinement Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says the bill was unanimous and names the program, then concludes her presentation and moves the House bill.
▶ Watch at 9:16Read what they said
Okay. And since it was unanimous and not, and to spare the body of time, I'll just, uh, remind you that it was the mentoring and Supporting Teacher Excellence and Refinement program. And with that, I conclude my presentation and move the house. Bill one 40. Well,
H.B. 146 Mentoring and Supporting Teacher Excellence and Refinement Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves under suspension of the rules that the first substitute for H.B. 146 pass.
▶ Watch at 9:41Read what they said
I move, uh, that we under suspension of the rules. The house bill, uh, 1 46. First substitute shall pass.
H.B. 366 Judicial Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Begins presenting the childcare business tax credit bill, saying it is about two things that affect Utah families.
▶ Watch at 56:06Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, this bill, uh, is at its core about two things Utah families
H.B. 190 Child Care Business Tax Credit · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 190, which would stack the federal child care credit with a state credit for employers, citing a shortage of licensed child care providers and estimated workforce losses.
▶ Watch at 56:13Read what they said
are feeling every single day. Child car is too hard to find and it's too expensive. Uh, Utah is one of the youngest populations in the country, and yet 77% of Utahans live in what's called a childcare desert. I mean, there simply aren't enough licensed providers to meet the demand. Um, so this bill, uh, what it does is it takes, it takes, uh, it stacks a federal credit with the state credit. So last year, Utah mirrored that narrow federal credit. Um, but this year Congress made a major improvement. So under the updated federal credit, large businesses can claim 40% of qualified chair childcare expenses and small businesses can claim 50%. When we add with the state, …
H.B. 190 Child Care Business Tax Credit · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves that H.B. 190 pass under suspension of the rules.
▶ Watch at 58:58Read what they said
Thank you. I move that under the suspension of the rule. Second hou second house, second substitute house bill. One 90 shall pass.
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 241, which lets charter schools and cities bid on closed school buildings with reciprocal rights of first refusal, and makes related governance and loan changes.
▶ Watch at 2:01:51Read what they said
You Mr. President. Pro tem uh, charter school amendments is about charter schools being able to have the, the right of first refusal and school districts likewise, having that same reciprocity. HB 2 41 permits charter schools to bid on a closed school district building at the same time as cities and counties. If a school district receives multiple bids, the school district decides which bid to accept. It protects taxpayer investment by encouraging public school facilities to remain public schools. The district has a reciprocal right of first refusal. If the charter were to resell the building, if the charter schools sold the building above purchase price and plus improvements, uh, the excess proceeds are shared equally between the …
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says she is not aware of this process existing before.
▶ Watch at 2:04:20Read what they said
Uh, I am not aware. This is, this is a new thing as far as I'm aware.
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says accommodations include giving all cities a right of first refusal and extending the reciprocal right to school districts.
▶ Watch at 2:04:59Read what they said
Yes. Uh, the accommodations we're talking about is the one that takes, gives all all cities the right of first refusal. That was one of the accommodations that we're, was asked for. The other accommodation was to, to give it to district schools. So either way. And that was not in there originally. It was just for charter schools. Now it goes both ways.
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says fewer schools are needed rather than more, that families choose charter schools, and points to a companion bill creating a database of underused buildings.
▶ Watch at 2:05:57Read what they said
Thank you. That is a great, uh, that is a great question. If the school district is closing buildings, uh, doesn't that mean we need fewer schools? Not more. Um, the argument has been made thousands of times in Utah and across the country, and yet parents are still flocking to charter schools. They want the academics and values and responses, responsiveness that they find in charter schools. And Utah families wanna be integral part of their children's education. And the Utah charter schools make that happen. So if school districts have an obligation to their taxpayers to use property and income taxes efficiently, they can't simultaneously keep underused buildings open and then ask tax taxpayers for more income and …
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Responds that publicly funded schools are publicly funded, in reply to the market point.
▶ Watch at 2:07:31Read what they said
Um, well that, that's a good point. We, um, but as I'll remind you that our publicly funded schools are publicly funded.
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says that provision was added so the right runs both ways.
▶ Watch at 2:07:58Read what they said
That Senator Balderree, Uh, that part was added to the bill. So it goes both ways.
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Thanks colleagues for their questions and moves that H.B. 241 pass under suspension of the rules.
▶ Watch at 2:08:59Read what they said
Thank you for the questions and comments. Uh, with that I move under suspension of the rules that House Bill 2 41 shall pass.
H.B. 30 Wildlife Management Area Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Balderree asks leave of the body to change a vote on third substitute House Bill 32.
▶ Watch at 4:05:41Read what they said
Motion To take leave of the body to, uh, change my vote on The on House bill. Was it 32 third substitute house bill 32?
H.J.R. 26 Joint Resolution Amending Rules of Evidence to Address Machine-Generated Evidence · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Balderree moved to pass HJR 26 out favorably to the full Senate, as a first substitute.
▶ Watch at 53:10Read what they said
I move that we pass with a favorable recommendation, house joint resolution to 28, first substitute to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 295 Overdose Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Sen. Balderree moved to favorably recommend first substitute HB 295 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:07:36Read what they said
I'll just turn it on. Senator Baldry. Oh, sorry. No, um, I lost the number, but 95. Thank you for substitute. Okay. So, uh, I move that we pass with a favorable recommendation. First substitute 2 95 House Bill 2 95 to the full body of the Senate. All right, the motion is to favorably recommend first substitute House Bill 2 95.
H.B. 295 Overdose Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Sen. Balderree said she was scheduled to be in another committee.
▶ Watch at 1:08:37Read what they said
I'm sorry. I'm, I'm supposed to be in another committee. I'm already moving mentally to
H.B. 341 Animal Fighting Penalties · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moved to recommend that the bill pass favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:12:04Read what they said
I recommend that we pass with a favorable recommendation, house Bill 3 41 to the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 189 School District Funding Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Asks leave of the body to be recorded as an aye vote on Senate Bill 189.
▶ Watch at 12:20Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, I make a motion to take leave of the body to, uh, record an I vote on Senate bill 180 9. Please.
S.B. 326 School Board Election Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Thanks the sponsor for his work on the bills.
▶ Watch at 20:01Read what they said
Thank You Mr. President. Uh, this is just a comment. I wanted to thank the sponsor for all of his hard work on all of these hard bills. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.
S.B. 311 Medical Translation Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Presents S.B. 311, which creates a HIPAA-compliant automated translation app for the safe UT service, and asks the Senate to pass it.
▶ Watch at 28:06Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, this bill is one that I'm proud of. I've been working on it since last summer, uh, because I wanted to address the need that one in five Utah County residents designate Spanish as their primary language. And the statistic is even higher in Salt Lake County, the two largest, most populous in the state. And we have what, uh, we mostly know as the safe UT app that helps with those who are contemplating suicide. It's also a place where students and teachers can report, um, threats to the school, et cetera. Our, our first responders and our National Guard also use this app, uh, for mental health. And I wanted to make sure …
S.B. 2 Public Education Budget Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Presents S.B. 2, outlining public education budget reductions and increases and related statutory changes.
▶ Watch at 45:29Read what they said
Uh, some highlights of our budget reductions in public education appropriations. Uh, we did one time reductions totaling 8.2 million and ongoing reductions totaling 41.7 million for a combined total of 49.9 million, or just under 1% at eight tenths of a percent or 0.85%. The reductions primarily affected non lapsing balances and moderate growing balances, along with targeted adjustments to select programs. Some highlights of our budget increases. The budget increase included $42.6 million ongoing and 102.6 million one time totaling 145.2 million or approximately 2.5% Major increases or restorations in the public education budget. Amendments from the income tax fund include 25 million ongoing for at-risk students. It provides additional WPU funding for economically disadvantaged and English language …
S.B. 2 Public Education Budget Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Describes the change as a trim, comparing it to a raise of 3% instead of 4%.
▶ Watch at 56:33Read what they said
So, um, I consider this like a haircut trim. So instead of getting, basically think of this, if, uh, if you're getting a raise instead of getting a 4% raise, they're only getting a 3% raise.
S.B. 2 Public Education Budget Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Says the change gives USBE partners more stewardship over budget decisions, and that the committee voted unanimously after working with education partners.
▶ Watch at 59:34Read what they said
So we, uh, we have made a decision to, um, as you talked about, so, um, passionately before a shift to include our USBE partners, more to bring them to the table more, to give them more autonomy over these decision making. As you, uh, I know you don't sit in the committee, but, um, we worked very closely with our part, our education partners, to come to these decisions in the budget. So much so that in fact that we had the support of the entire committee with the unanimous vote. Um, and that's our bipartisan committee members, and this is a shift that says we want to give, um, our USBE, um, partners more stewardship over the budget.
S.B. 2 Public Education Budget Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Summarizes that the budget includes cuts and increases, expresses confidence in the legislature, and moves that S.B. 2 pass with summation waived.
▶ Watch at 1:02:52Read what they said
Yes. Uh, I'll go back and just reiterate that, um, you know, there are years, several years in my career where I have not received a raise and it stinks. Um, in this case, the raise is smaller than anticipated. So instead of a 4%, it's a 3% and it's still an increase. And so, um, I have, I have a hundred percent faith in our legislature and especially in this body in the Senate as well as in the House, that, um, if for any reason that something should, uh, happen in, in the courts, uh, that we would be able to decouple that, uh, I don't think I have zero doubts about that. I know that we have …
S.B. 322 Educational Technology Regulatory Sandbox · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Makes a motion regarding third substitute S.B. 290, on victim and witness privacy amendments.
▶ Watch at 2:35:13Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. President Prote, motion to encircle third substitute Senate bill two 90. The motion is to circle third substitute Senate Bill two 90, victim and witness privacy amendments.
S.B. 290 Victim and Witness Privacy Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Moves to replace the first substitute of S.B. 290 with the third substitute, and the motion is approved.
▶ Watch at 2:35:59Read what they said
Is this where I make a motion to move the third substitute two 90? I'd like to delete ti. The motion is, Can we have that? Yep. Entitle and body, um, first substitute Senate bill two 90 and replace it with third substitute Senate Bill two 90. Discussion. That motion saying none. All in favor say aye.
S.B. 290 Victim and Witness Privacy Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Presents S.B. 290 as a bipartisan compromise that sets safeguards for how law enforcement and prosecutors handle non-public victim and witness data on electronic devices while preserving defendants' discovery rights.
▶ Watch at 2:36:31Read what they said
Thank you. So, um, as you can see from the minute, many iterations of this bill, um, this has gone through a lot of, um, a lot of compromise. It reflects a bipartisan balance negotiation between prosecution and defense attorneys. Um, where we collaborated line by line on this third substitute. First of all, think about everything that you have on your phone, every personal thing you have on that device. Photos, passwords, frequently visited locations, contacts, banking information, et cetera. Now imagine that the cost of reporting a crime is that everything on your phone will be given to the defendant and their attorney to view, to use against you in any way that they want and potentially to …
S.B. 290 Victim and Witness Privacy Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Thanks supporters and parties who gave input, and moves that the third substitute of S.B. 290 pass under suspension of the rules.
▶ Watch at 2:42:15Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, thank you for your support. Uh, grateful for all uh, all parties who weighed in on this bill. Bill's become better with more input. And uh, with that I will move, uh, the under the suspension of the rules third substitute Senate Bill two 90 pass.
H.B. 467 Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Modifications · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moved to pass the fourth substitute of HB 467 out favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:02:57Read what they said
Yes, I move that we pass out with a favorable recommendation house Bill 4 87 for substitute to the full body of the Senate. Okay. So that motion is in order.
H.B. 219 Higher Education Civics Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Speaks in favor, saying the bill makes institutions and instructors decide when incorporation is appropriate and that implementation concerns could be fixed later.
▶ Watch at 2:06:40Read what they said
Yeah, I just wanted to speak in favor of this bill. I think that some of the arguments I'm hearing, I don't see the problem because this bill explicitly states that the institution and instructor determine, uh, when the incorporation of these documents is appropriate, neutralizing the argument that the legislatures micromanaging the classroom. The other concern I heard was about implementation. And if that's a big concern, I think that could easily be fixed, uh, at a later point. But I, uh, I heartily support this bill.
H.B. 312 School Curriculum and Standards Modifications · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Said she supports the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:21:40Read what they said
Um, I just wanted to state that I support, um, support the Bill. Thank you so much.
H.B. 358 School Scheduling Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moved to pass the bill out favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 2:37:22Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I love the flexibility in this bill, and with that, I recommend that we pass with a favorable recommendation. First substitute hospital 3 58 to the full body of the Senate. Okay, so the motion is to send out first substitute HP 3 58, this full body of the Senate, uh, discussion of the motion.
H.J.R. 8 Joint Resolution Regarding LEA Reporting Requirements · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Asks whether the State Board of Education supports the resolution.
▶ Watch at 2:40:20Read what they said
Uh, yes, I'm just wondering, uh, where if does USBE support this bill or resolution?
H.B. 393 Early Intervention for Dyslexia Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moved to replace the first substitute with the second substitute, and the committee approved the motion unanimously.
▶ Watch at 2:47:11Read what they said
Uh, so Moved. So the motion is to delete entitled and body, uh, first substitute HB 3 93 and replace it with second substitute HB 3 93. All in favor of the substitute. Aye. Aye. And, uh, chair rules. That is unanimous. Thank you. Thanks.
H.B. 393 Early Intervention for Dyslexia Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moved to pass the second substitute of the bill out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:54:45Read what they said
I recommend that we pass out with a favorable recommendation, house Bill. 3 93. 3 93. Second substitute. Second Substitute to the full body of the Senate with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 393 Early Intervention for Dyslexia Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Thanked supporters and said the goal is for every child to be screened, calling the bill a first step.
▶ Watch at 2:55:10Read what they said
Thank you. I just appreciate the support. Um, the goal is that every child will, will succeed and every child will be screened someday. And we'll keep working toward that. And this is an excellent first step, and I appreciate the community for coming out here today and, and explaining to you how important this bill is.
H.B. 426 Online Education Service Provider Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moved to pass the bill out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:59:49Read what they said
I move that we pass with a favorable recommendation. First substitute house bill 4 26 to the full body of the Senate with the favorable recommendation.
H.B. 524 Public Education Financial Officers · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
As floor sponsor, said she supports the bill because at-will status improves executive alignment and accountability.
▶ Watch at 3:14:34Read what they said
More just comments actually. Um, okay. Uh, if you noted, I am the floor sponsor of this bill, right? So I do support it. And here's some reasons why. I have a Master's in Human Resource Management. And when I look at this, I look at how this is executive alignment, and we know that leadership teams work best when they're rowing in the same direction. And this at will status ensures that if a financial officer's vision or performance no longer aligns with the district's strategic goals, the board has the flexibility to make a change without the multi-year contractual hurdles that currently exist. And, you know, we live in a performance driven culture, and at will, employment is …
H.B. 524 Public Education Financial Officers · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Said the bill is about a performance-based culture and professional standards, not performance pay, and that it should attract more serious candidates.
▶ Watch at 3:18:22Read what they said
Comment? I do. Um, I just wanna say that this bill isn't about performance based pay. It's about a performance based culture, which is very different. And this actually elevates the, the status of the position to a professional standard. It's about a standard and a culture we're trying to create, not the mechanism for how we pay our business administrators. Because, um, if you actually what you're saying, the, the opposite is actually true because in the private sector, nearly every CFO and high level executive is an at will employee. And the top tier talent, the kind of people we want managing our districts, um, are used to being judged on their performance and not the length of …
H.B. 524 Public Education Financial Officers · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moved to pass the bill as amended out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 3:23:15Read what they said
I move that we pass out with a favorable recommendation, house Bill 5 24 as amended to the full body of the Senate. That
H.B. 524 Public Education Financial Officers · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Said the amendment does not restrict boards, which may still use contracts, and said she supports the bill and the motion.
▶ Watch at 3:27:45Read what they said
Yeah, I would just say that the amendment, uh, does not tie anyone's hand. So if they don't want to do this, they can have a contract. But this gives, this bill provides mutual flex flexibility. So, um, with that, I think that this is, we're going to produce and have the ability to get better leaders. And, uh, with that, I support the bill and move, and that i'll and my sum.
H.B. 114 Adult-oriented Performance and Material Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend the substitute bill to the Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:02:59Read what they said
Yes, I would. Yes. We have a motion to favorably approve and recommend house first substitute house bill one 14 to the body of the Senate.
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moved to pass the first substitute to HB 123 favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:11:10Read what they said
No, I was gonna make a motion. Okay. Please. Uh, I move that we pass that with a favorable recommendation. First substitute house bill. 1, 2, 3 to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 134 Offender Transfer Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moves to pass H.B. 134 out of committee with a favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:16:35Read what they said
Okay, thank you. I recommend that we pass out with a favorable recommendation house Bill 1 34 to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 188 Juvenile Justice Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Apologizes for a mix-up about her vote and says she needs to get her hearing checked. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:35:22Read what they said
Oh. A picture of voting in the negative. I'm sorry. I apologize. Just I need to get my hearing in my hearing checked.
H.B. 345 Victim Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Balderree moved that the committee pass the first substitute of HB 345 out with a favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:38:26Read what they said
I move. We pass out with a favorable recommendation. First substitute house bill 3 45 to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 280 Third Party Litigation Funding Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moved to pass H.B. 280 out of committee with a favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:43:08Read what they said
I recommend that we pass out with a favorable recommendation, third substitute house bill two 80 to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 216 Child Support Calculation Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moved that the committee pass HB 216 out favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 2:09:44Read what they said
Thank you. I recommend that we pass out with the favorable recommendation house Bill two 16 to the full body of the Senate.
H.C.R. 2 Concurrent Resolution Authorizing Adult Sentencing and Supervision Length Guidelines and Juvenile Disposition Guidelines · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moved to replace HCR 2 first substitute with the second substitute.
▶ Watch at 2:20:53Read what they said
Yes, we do. Okay. Sub two, I move that we delete in title and body, uh, HCR one and excuse me, HCR two first substitute and replace it with second substitute HC two.
H.C.R. 2 Concurrent Resolution Authorizing Adult Sentencing and Supervision Length Guidelines and Juvenile Disposition Guidelines · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moved to pass HCR 2 second substitute favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 2:21:18Read what they said
Would you like to make another motion? I Would, I move that we pass with a favorable recommendation HCR two second substitute to the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 131 Charter School Eligibility · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Explains that the bill removes an outdated code section with COVID-19 language for the 2020-21 school years and moves to concur.
▶ Watch at 22:23Read what they said
Uh, this bill simply, um, they, they took a piece of code out that is no longer relevant, uh, relevant. Uh, took out the piece about COVID language that was specific to the 20 20, 21 school years and it just took it out. And with that I move to con That concludes my presentation and I move to Concur. Is That a motion to concur?
S.B. 292 Autonomous Systems Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Expresses concern that the bill protects large companies more than people in the community and raises liability questions for the public.
▶ Watch at 1:37:03Read what they said
Um, I think this is under the category. If you're not at the table, you're on the menu. So if we're not going to be protecting the people in the community, and we're gonna be protecting the big industries that are actually producing these, that leaves us up for liability that I think the, the general public should, um, assuming. Thank you.
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · House Education Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Presents SB 186 to fund a charter school funding study, a one-time investment in a charter school service center, and cites support from over 5,000 parents.
▶ Watch at 1:28:16Read what they said
Good morning Chair Committee members. Um, First of all, I just want to start with this huge packet that I have on my hand right here. In less than a week's time, um, we received over 5,000 parents who signed a letter in support of this bill. And this, these are coming in, I'm not even gonna tell you the ones that aren't from the members' districts here, but cities like Camas, Oakley, Henefer, Park City Ship, Syracuse Layton, Clearfield, Kaysville, Hurricane New Harmony, salt, Salt Lake South, Salt Lake, South Jordan Holiday, Smithfield, Logan, Trenton, Hyde Park, Tremont and Willard. Brigham City Perry, uh, Mantua Garland, Bear River, Corinne Honeyville, Nibley River Heights, uh, Richmond, I Bend St. George …
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · House Education Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Explains that the appropriation was reduced to address colleagues' skepticism and that the amount would fund the study, first-year costs, and the resource center.
▶ Watch at 1:37:51Read what they said
Yes, thank you. So again, as Senate Appropriations chair of the Public Education Committee, I did this and took it down, you know, significantly to address my friend, my fellow colleagues who have skepticism about that. That number isn't that high. And like I shared with you from the numbers from the USB, it's actually much higher than we think already. But, um, it's a bandaid and, but it will also fund the study. It will also help for the first year and it will help to build this, uh, charter resource center. So tho that's why we chose those much significantly smaller numbers.
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · House Education Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Says House Bill 2 will address differences in the amount the Executive Appropriations Committee decides to fund.
▶ Watch at 1:38:40Read what they said
Yeah, on house Bill two will, uh, will address the, the differences of what EAC decides to fund.
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · House Education Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Defers the question to Kim Frank.
▶ Watch at 1:39:42Read what they said
So I'm going because, um, I have someone who's smarter than I am and has been in the charter school space longer. I would, uh, defer this question to, um, to Kimberly Frank.
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moves to pass HB 242 out of committee with a favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 2:03:41Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I recommend that we pass out with a favorable recommendation house Bill 2 42 to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Urges support for the bill, saying it applies the same accountability to signature removal as to signature gathering and gives voters notice that removing a signature may keep an issue off the ballot.
▶ Watch at 2:05:06Read what they said
Yes, I'm thankful that the sponsor, um, is addressing this critical gap in our election code by bringing the same level of accountability to signature removal as we already require for signature gathering. And it ensures that paid gatherers identified by badges, uh, providing a formal notice to voters that removing their signature may prevent an issue from ever reaching the ballot. So I urge my colleagues to support household 2 42 because this isn't about being pro initiative or anti initiative, it's about being pro voter. And it ensures that when a citizen interacts with the petition gatherer on the doorstep, that they're gonna be met with facts and not pressure. Thank you. Thank you.
S.B. 189 School District Funding Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
States strong support for the bill, saying it could save the state money by buying land before prices rise, similar to the Transportation Corridor Preservation Fund.
▶ Watch at 1:23:14Read what they said
Yes. Uh, I just wanna stand in strong support. Um, I agree there has been no precedent because we've, um, we are in a situation that is, again, it may not be the last time and, and I don't know that it needs to be the last time, but this is a way, um, we, we have something similar in the Transportation Corridor Preservation Fund, where we have cities, um, buy the land at a cheaper price for future, for things in the future. This will actually, I believe, save the state money, uh, by doing the same thing, by buying land now before prices skyrocket. And so, for that reason and many others, I support this bill. Thank you.
S.B. 311 Medical Translation Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Presents SB 311 as a way to help more residents reach the safe UT app in languages other than English, especially Spanish, through a multi-language texting option that costs less than adding staff or bilingual hires.
▶ Watch at 0:15Read what they said
You. So this, actually, this bill before it was a bill, was an RFAI presented. They loved it, and they said this fiscal notice below 20,000. And if it be, you know, if it's a bill, then it will automatically be funded. So here I am. Uh, I had this situation happen. I, I've been working on this since last summer, and, um, as a resident of Utah County, the second largest county in the state, uh, it came to my attention that, uh, having worked with a lot of people in our Latino community, one in five residents in Utah County has their primary language as Spanish and Salt Lake County. It's slightly higher. Um, so basically the two …
S.B. 311 Medical Translation Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says she would welcome placing the bill on the consent calendar.
▶ Watch at 4:01Read what they said
Sounds good. I would, I would love that. Thank You. It's probably a good move.
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Sen. Balderree said she would make a motion if there was no further discussion.
▶ Watch at 58:51Read what they said
Yes. It's, it's been on for a while, so. Okay. But I'm happy to make a motion if there's no discussion.
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Sen. Balderree moved to pass HB 352 out favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 59:26Read what they said
Thank you. So I recommend that we pass with a favorable recommendation, house Bill 3 52 to the Phil Body of the Senate.
H.B. 145 School Excused Absence Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Moved to pass first substitute H.B. 145 out favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:46:19Read what they said
I move that we pass out with a favorable recommendation House Bill One, is it, sorry, 1 45. First substitute house bill 1 45 to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 144 School Community Council Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asked whether the bill would prevent a whitelisting approach to internet filtering, referencing a bill from Sen. Fillmore, and suggested experts should review it.
▶ Watch at 1:50:38Read what they said
Still on. I support this mic. Okay. You know, I, I do have a question. I know, uh, one of the bills was presented this, this term, um, from Senator Fillmore actually, uh, encouraged us to, to go to, well, it actually in the bill it says we should move to a white listing technology instead of blacklisting band sites. We should just whitelist the ones they should go to. And I think the latest in internet technology really is to lock everything down and then open only the sites that they're allowed to go to. And that, that makes it a lot easier to, to figure out which ones they should be at. I, I don't see anything in …
H.B. 144 School Community Council Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Said locking down internet access by default and allowing only approved sites would be helpful, noting that teachers in some districts must request access to sites they need.
▶ Watch at 1:51:45Read what they said
So, Yeah, it would, it would be nice if we just locked everything down and only let them have access to what they should have access To. I think that's a fairly common pride is like, at least I know in my school district, you know, teachers can't get access to things they think they need and they have to request and get access to it. So it feels like, it feels like the default is to lock a lot down. Right. Yeah.
H.B. 144 School Community Council Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Moved that the committee pass second substitute HB 144 out with a favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:52:56Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, I recommend that we pass out with a favorable recommendation, second substitute house bill 1 44 to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 194 Utah State Board of Education Ethics Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks whether the sponsor would be open to amending the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:02:05Read what they said
So I have a question. So I like what, um, board member, um, Kerry had to say, would you be open to amending the bill at all?
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Supports the bill, saying universities should accommodate diverse convictions and that the bill goes beyond religious holiday absences to protect students from compelled public positions.
▶ Watch at 2:46:41Read what they said
Thank you. I wholeheartedly support this bill. Uh, one, if there's one thing that I found in higher education in our current state today is that there is a lack of competing ideology. And, um, and so I believe that the true hallmark of a free society is in, its not in its demand for conformity, but in its capacity for accommodation. And our universities must be marketplaces of ideas where a student's grade depends on their academic merit, not on the sacrifice of their most deeply held convictions. And as we look at the diversity of thought and face across Utah's higher education landscape, we must ensure that our public institutions remain accessible to all forms of thought. And …
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Moves to forward HB 204 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 3:01:17Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I would like to make a motion, uh, in support of House Bill 2 0 4, uh, that we forward it to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says the bill requires that accommodations not fundamentally alter a course and moves to favorably recommend HB 204 as a first substitute as amended.
▶ Watch at 3:05:44Read what they said
Okay. Um, so I guess I would just say that, um, you know, as I was reviewing the bill, um, just wanna remind the audience. This bill explicitly states that an accommodation cannot be granted if it creates a fundamental alteration to the course. This means that students must still master the same essential learning outcomes and confidence as their peers. They simply do so through an alternative assignment. And for that reason, I, um, support the motion to favorably recommend House Bill 2 0 4. Um, as, I guess, do you want me to say as amended or second sub, or For substitute as amended? First substitute as amended to the full body of the
H.B. 42 School Cybersecurity Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Moved to pass H.B. 42, third substitute, out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 3:09:15Read what they said
Senator Baldry, go ahead. I recommend that we pass out with a favorable recommendation. House Bill 42, substitute three to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 42 School Cybersecurity Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Thanked Wilcox for raising the inclusion of local education agency members and said inclusion is extremely important.
▶ Watch at 3:10:30Read what they said
Senator Baldry. Thank you for bringing that up. I appreciate that. Inclusion. It's extremely important. Thank you. And I, so, and go ahead and that's it. Okay.
H.B. 190 Child Care Business Tax Credit · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Speaks as floor sponsor, saying the bill would help working parents and urging a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:45:29Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. Chair members of the committee, I am Senator Heidi Baldry, and I'm proud to stand as a floor sponsor for House Bill one 90. Even if only 5% of employers participate in this program, we estimate that 110,000 working parents could receive childcare support. That's a huge impact without creating a new entitlement or bureaucracy. Because this is about unlocking private sector solutions with smart public policy, Utah has long been the gold standard for family values, but today we face a demographic and economic crossroads for the first time in our economic, excuse me, in the first time in our history, Utah's fertility rate has fallen to 1.8 well below the replacement rate of 2.1 …
H.B. 190 Child Care Business Tax Credit · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says she co-sponsors the other child tax credit bill, helped develop its policy, and that both bills are good.
▶ Watch at 1:49:03Read what they said
Um, thank you. Um, so I think I can speak to this because I support both. I'm a co-sponsor on that bill with Representative Miller and I actually was behind part of the policy. I Uintah a tax policy seminar at Vanderbilt University where we came up with the idea for the bill that is now, uh, in Tracy Miller's bill. She already had a bill file open, but I helped create that policy and we, by increasing the threshold, we increase the amount of people. This one will help more. They're both good.
H.B. 142 School Fee Waiver Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Presents H.B. 142, which waives school program fees for students by limiting the number of paid trips rather than the dollar amount, and notes that group field trips and fundraising are not affected.
▶ Watch at 21:45Read what they said
responsibility of school programs. Uh, it's for individual students. Does not include group field trips. Uh, students may take as many trips as they want, but only, uh, for those who are indigent, but only two will be paid for, which puts all students on an equal playing field as a majority of students can only go on less than one trip if they're self-funding. Um, this only affects multi night trips, not events like state wrestling, state choir or Shakespeare Festival. And it, uh, revolves around number of trips and not the dollar amount. And fundraising will always remain an option. With that, I conclude my presentation.
H.B. 142 School Fee Waiver Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Presents H.B. 246, which modernizes the local government drug testing statute by allowing oral fluid testing and clarifying which sample types may be required. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 23:37Read what they said
Senator Baldry. Thanks again. Mr. President. Uh, local government drug testing amendments. Modernizes Utah's local government drug testing statute by allowing oral fluid testing, clarifying which sample types may be required
H.B. 246 Local Government Drug Testing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Presents the bill, saying it updates the statute to reflect current drug testing practices without expanding testing authority or lowering employee protections.
▶ Watch at 23:47Read what they said
clarifying which sample types may be required and ensuring all collections follow independent standardized procedures. Um, Utah's current statute lags behind modern drug testing practices and creates unnecessary ambiguity for local governments trying to comply with the law while maintaining a safe drug fee, uh, workplace. So it updates the statute to reflect current best practices without expanding testing authority or lowering employee protections. And with that I conclude my presentation.
S.R. 3 Senate Resolution Regarding Animal Sheltering During Disasters · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Introduces a constituent from Utah County, named Jenny, who is observing the Senate and welcomes her to the chamber.
▶ Watch at 1:25:34Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tem. Today I have with you me, my friend Jenny. She is a constituent from Utah County. Here to observe the process. Please welcome her to the Senate.
H.B. 48 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Changes · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend third substitute HB 48 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:05:05Read what they said
It's, um, 48. 48. It's third sub 48, substitute third to the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 290 Victim and Witness Privacy Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Presents S.B. 290, which would limit how much of a victim's or witness's private electronic data is turned over in discovery, requiring prosecutors to provide only relevant data and keeping the rest in a controlled setting.
▶ Watch at 1:08:41Read what they said
Thank you. Um, this bill is of victim and witness privacy amendments. I'd like you to think about everything that you have on your phone, every personal thing that you have on that device. Photos, passwords, frequently visited locations, contacts, banking info, et cetera. Now imagine that the cost of reporting a crime is that everything on your phone will be given to the defendant and their attorney to view, to use against you in any way they want. And potentially to save. When victims report crimes, law enforcement often must download entire cell phones, gathering far more private information than any investigation truly needs. Because of this, significant amounts of private and sensitive data are being collected and turned …
S.B. 290 Victim and Witness Privacy Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Says the bill protects victims' private data from being used for intimidation, describes cases involving victim privacy, and urges rejecting both substitutes in favor of the original and a data room approach.
▶ Watch at 1:30:51Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Senate Bill two nine Private data. I don't know that that microphone's working. I'll come Over here. Sorry. Alright. Okay. Thank you. Um, Senate Bill two 90 ensures that a victim's private data is used for justice and not for secondary trauma or intimidation. Um, as a woman, we have what's known as a Jane Doe barrier. Um, and the number one reason, it was mentioned earlier that victims of sexual assault don't come forward is the fear that their character will be put on trial. And when we tell a victim that their entire digital history will be handed over to their attackers legal team, we're essentially telling them to stay silent. So this restores the …
S.B. 290 Victim and Witness Privacy Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Says the bill would determine what defense counsel receives rather than what police receive, and that access concerns apply to anyone with access.
▶ Watch at 1:33:05Read what they said
This bill would determine what the defense counsel got, not what the police got. Right. And I'm just saying these are instances of not being able to trust, whether it's attorneys, police officers, et cetera, anyone who has access. Yeah.
S.B. 323 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Recodification · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend SB 323.
▶ Watch at 2:14:29Read what they said
I move that we passed that, that motion is in order. I will place that the motion is to favorably recommend SB 3 23 criminal and juvenile justice.
H.B. 103 Underage Marriage Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Said the bill would not affect refugees or newcomers entering the country, because they are not Utah residents.
▶ Watch at 3:05:13Read what they said
Always. And for some, Uh, yeah. Just to clarify, I know this does not affect people, refugees coming into the country, 'cause those would not be Utah residents. Um, as, as, and we would recognize the marriages if they are coming in for the first time. So, yeah, that Does not, I think that was clear for most of us. But thanks for clearing enough, clarifying that for the others.
H.B. 103 Underage Marriage Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Restated the motion to favorably recommend the first substitute of HB 103. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 3:05:32Read what they said
Um, uh, coming back to the, uh, oh, let's see. Uh, I'll restate the motion. Motion is to favorably recommend first substitute HB 1 0 3 under each marriage amendments.
H.C.R. 11 Resolution Urging Healthy Activities in Schools · Senate Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Said she was interested in Finland's school model, including 15-minute outdoor breaks for every 45 minutes of instruction, and wants to bring such ideas to Utah.
▶ Watch at 53:38Read what they said
Uh, yes. I just, uh, I wanna thank you for bringing this to, to me, one of the things that fasten, uh, fascinated me as a former educator is to look at, uh, what was happening in Finland and their outcomes that were exceeding our own and t till. And today, their, uh, math and science scores are higher than us, and they have something, um, it's called the 45 15 rule. And what that is, is, uh, a 15 minute outdoor break for every 45 minutes of instruction. And it basically resets the brain's attention span. And, um, it's, it's fa it's fascinating, and 90% of their schools are, are doing it. And so I'm excited to, I take …
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Says the bill will clarify the partnership between USDB and local districts, and moves to pass first substitute HB 448 with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:18:05Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, for a parent of a child with a sensory disability, the path to getting the right services can feel like a maze. And this bill will smooth out that path. And by clarifying the partnership between the USDB and local school districts, we're telling parents, we have a plan for your child, and we're working together to make it happen. And it's going to replace the confusion with a clear, supportive partnership that ensures that no child falls through the cracks between agencies. So again, thankful to everyone who worked on this bill. And with that, I move that we pass with a favorable recommendation. First substitute house bill 4 4 8 to the full …
H.B. 411 Human Trafficking Hotline Amendments · House Transportation Committee · Feb 23, 2026
As floor sponsor, supports the bill, saying a three-digit number gives people a quick way to get help in a crisis.
▶ Watch at 1:04:12Read what they said
Thank you. So I, I am the floor sponsor of this bill, and I chose to support this bill because it removes one of the biggest barriers that victims face, which is knowing where to turn in a moment of crisis abuse and human trafficking thrive in silence and confusion. And a simple three digit number gives people a clear, immediate lifeline when they need help the most. Now is the right time because we are seeing increased awareness, better coordination among agencies, and a clear understanding that delay costs lives. We have the infrastructure, the partners, and the knowledge. What we need now is a courage to act in a crisis. People don't have time to Google for help. …
S.B. 67 Law Enforcement Quota Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Moves to pass SB 67 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 43:52Read what they said
Uh, I move that we pass out with the favorable recommendation Senate bill 67 to the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 67 Law Enforcement Quota Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Restates the motion to favorably recommend SB 67.
▶ Watch at 44:16Read what they said
I'll waive, I'll restate the motion. Motion of motion is to favorably recommend SB 67 Law enforcement quota of amendments.
S.B. 131 Charter School Eligibility · House Education Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Presented SB 131, which would let charter schools extend their lottery preference from a two-mile radius to a political subdivision such as a school district, as an optional change that does not create schools or change funding.
▶ Watch at 1:30:38Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Charter school eligibility. Uh, this bill is about expanding fair a access to charter schools. Um, Utah families deserve fair, predictable access to quality public education options, especially in fast growing communities. Current charter school lottery rules rely on a fixed two mile radius, a standard that no longer reflects how families live, commute, or participate in their school communities. As Utah grows, this outdated rule can unintentionally limit access for local families. Senate Bill 1 31 modernizes its approach while preserving choice, fairness and accountability. Um, in plain terms, it allows charter schools to extend their existing lottery preference from a two mile radius to the boundaries of a political subdivision such as a school …
S.B. 131 Charter School Eligibility · House Education Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Said the bill expands access, since the lottery preference applies when schools are over capacity, and that the political subdivision could cross county lines.
▶ Watch at 1:34:07Read what they said
Um, I, I don't see this as limiting access to, to students. I see it as expanding access. All we're doing is creating a reality for, so for example, um, again, in my area where I live, it's, I know it's very different than where you live. Um, but we, you know, we have, um, Our schools are over capacity. And so, and that's when the lottery pre preference applies anyway. It is when the schools are at capacity is when this, this lottery preference becomes, uh, comes into play. And so, um, for example, you know, if you live right in a city, a city's bigger than two miles, it's like you can't even, you know, it expands it …
S.B. 131 Charter School Eligibility · House Education Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Explained how the existing student preferences and the lottery weighting work together, and disagreed with the reading that the bill would crowd out other students.
▶ Watch at 1:38:09Read what they said
Well, no, but I would, I would say if you have everyone who that they can give preference for, and then once all of those kids have a preference, then you can heavily wait for the lottery for these other kids. We're expanding the amount of kids who would qualify under all of those Preferences. But I think you're doing the opposite. You're expanding the kids in the geographic boundary that can, that can't, you're expanding the number of kids in the geographic boundary that can participate under the preference, and then you're going to the next one. So it's exactly the opposite, I think of what works. I, uh, anyway, I'm just telling you from my experience, but If …
S.B. 131 Charter School Eligibility · House Education Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Accepted the amendment as a friendly cleanup.
▶ Watch at 1:40:30Read what they said
Uh, I see this as a friendly amendment and a cleanup, and I, um, I accept it.
S.B. 197 Transportation Funding and Governance Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Says her county opposes the bill because it reduces local government oversight by making the executive director an appointee reporting to the governor.
▶ Watch at 21:15Read what they said
I have a, I guess a statement. Pardon me about the, I have a statement about the bill. Okay, Go ahead. So I I, it's weird that you haven't heard any opposition because my entire county, the second largest in the state is opposed to this bill. And, uh, they're concerned that it diminishes the role of local governments both in the county and city level. And the bill would change it, uh, from, it changes the executive director, uh, to be an appointed position that would report directly to the, to the governor, which removes local oversight and that circum complaint with the bill. So I just wanted that on the record. Thank you.
H.B. 143 Special Education Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sen. Balderree presents H.B. 143, saying special education students were not covered in code for boundary changes and the bill requires at least 30 days notice to parents when a school district boundary change affects them.
▶ Watch at 34:13Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. This bill, um, is again, just a reminder that, um, somehow our special education, uh, students got, they were, they just weren't in code. Um, and that whenever there was a boundary change, they weren't required to notify them. And this just, this bill just fixes that loop and it gives, uh, at least 30 days notice to parents, uh, who are going to require a school district boundary change. And with that, I conclude my presentation and, and that's it. And I'm open to questions.
H.B. 222 Limitation of Actions Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Says the bill was heard the previous day with no comments and moves that House Bill 222 pass.
▶ Watch at 1:08:53Read what they said
Thank you. Senator. Uh, heard this bill yesterday Seeing no comments. I'm gonna go to you for action. I move that house. Bill 2 2 2 shall pass.
H.B. 268 Towing Notice and Ownership Rights Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Speaks on the pregnant and postpartum inmate amendments bill.
▶ Watch at 1:18:57Read what they said
Senator Baldry. Thank You Mr. President. Um, this one, uh, to be brief helps our, um,
H.B. 122 Pregnant and Postpartum Inmate Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Presents House Bill 122, which defines a 12-week recovery period for pregnant and postpartum inmates, limits restraints, and ensures continued healthcare and support services.
▶ Watch at 1:19:05Read what they said
our postpartum inmates by defining a 12 week recovery period limiting restraints and ensuring that continued healthcare and support services are provided to our inmate, um, mothers. And with that, I conclude my presentation.
H.B. 139 Female Genital Mutilation Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sen. Balderree moves that the first substitute of H.B. 139 pass.
▶ Watch at 1:27:03Read what they said
Uh, I move that, uh, house bill first substitute house bill 1 39 shall pass.
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Explains her yes vote, citing emails and complaints from people dissatisfied with the agency, and says the review is overdue.
▶ Watch at 1:52:48Read what they said
Uh, I'd like to explain my vote, Mr. President, go, go ahead. Uh, I'm a, I'm an A and I'd like to say why I sat on that committee and, uh, heard from the testimonies. I received an avalanche of emails from dissatisfied customers who told me in a multitude of ways their personal experiences, uh, and their complaints about trying to read. Uh, they, they both met in person and in writing. And through surveys, their complaints with the DLC, they told me to no avail. These people are desperate, and we can't serve just some of them. They need to be serving all of them. And, um, this is only a review, not a punishment, you know, uh, …
S.B. 111 Veterinary Post-employment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sen. Balderree says a separate bill, H.B. 203, would also limit non-competes for workers earning under $155,000 and would require clear contract language.
▶ Watch at 2:31:16Read what they said
discussion on the bill. Uh, yes, If I may make a comment, please. Uh, go ahead. So, uh, I appreciate what Senator, um, from Bountiful said. Um, there's actually a bill that will, uh, catch more than just one industry, and that is House Bill 2 0 3 non-compete amendments where I am the floor sponsor with Representative Clancy. And it will catch those who make less than $155,000 a year. And, um, it also contains in it, uh, provisions that require that the language of the contract be clear and, and very simpl simplistic, um, because there are frankly people who, um, you know, don't know what they're signing up for or have not been careful about it. And …
S.B. 214 Home-based Childcare Solutions · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
As a co-sponsor, supports the bill, saying it funds grants that help prospective home-based childcare providers cover safety equipment, CPR training, and background checks to increase the supply of providers, and thanks Senator Escamilla for her work.
▶ Watch at 3:12:46Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tem. As a co-sponsor of this bill, I want to lend my support for years. We've talked about the, the childcare crisis in Utah, the childcare desert. We talk about the lack of available slots and the rising costs for families, but we must be honest with ourselves. It does no good to talk about expanding daycare options if we don't concurrently work on creating more providers. You can build a playground but isn't a park without someone to watch it. Uh, watch the gates. You can fund a classroom but isn't a school without a teacher in the same way. We cannot solve our childcare shortage simply by waiting or wishing for more capacity. …
S.B. 295 Intellectual Diversity in Education and Government · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Thanked the sponsor for the bill promoting competing ideas in higher education and read a quote from John Stuart Mill.
▶ Watch at 55:04Read what they said
Thank you. I just wanna thank the sponsor for bringing forth the bill that encourages competing ideas. Uh, it seems to me in higher ed, there's been not very much competition of, uh, intellectual thought, so I appreciate this intellectual diversity. And, um, thank you for bringing this bill. Oh, sorry. One, one last thing. Okay. Uh, just a quote that I love a John Stewart Mill. He Said he, he can do a microphone. I can't hear you. He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that. His reasons may be good, and no one may have been able to refute them, but if he's equally unable to refute the reasons on the opposite …
S.B. 295 Intellectual Diversity in Education and Government · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Said she had intended to make a motion but Senator Riebe made it first.
▶ Watch at 1:10:49Read what they said
Oh, I was just gonna make a motion. Okay. But Senator Rebe beat me To it. Okay. There you go. We gotta be quick Yep. On this committee. Thank you. Okay.
S.B. 267 Software in Education Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Says digital privacy should be protected with the same care as physical safety and praises the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:18:08Read what they said
Uh, technology's a useful servant, but a dangerous master. And to protect our next generation, we must, we must implement rigorous safeguards that treat a child's digital privacy, the same, uh, with the same regard and sanctity as their physical safety. Um, and this sets a gold standard by ensuring that every piece of software that comes into the classroom is vetted, verified, and held to this strict statewide policy. So thank you for bringing forth such a great bill.
S.B. 267 Software in Education Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Questions the undefined term academically effective and argues the verification framework would hinder new products and favor established vendors.
▶ Watch at 1:18:42Read what they said
And, and you actually mentioned the, the key word, academically effective, and, um, that, that's a word that I don't think is defined, uh, for progress. And I, and I, I really hate that. And, and that certainly unintentional, I'm sure, but there are four acceptable forms of evidence. Peer reviewed research on similar educational interventions. Sound pedagogical principles recognized in the field of education are the problematic phrases. They're exactly, these are, uh, exactly the mechanisms that entrenched whole language for decades. And let me, let me talk about that just a second. Uh, you know, Khan Academy is actually the perfect example of why the verification requirement would hurt innovation rather than protect students. Consider the timeline con …
S.B. 267 Software in Education Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Says software should show some academic effectiveness before use, suggests charter school pilots with parent opt-in, and says the standard is unclear.
▶ Watch at 1:22:07Read what they said
And so I, I, but I do think it's appropriate that there be something demonstrated that it's academically effective before we just, you know, throw, throw it out to our kids. And so, uh, I, I hear you that, you know, if we don't want to be entrenched in old, in old ways and old standards, but I, I do think that this bill provides for that pathway, but I do. But with that said, I do believe that software should have some academically effective demonstration before just serving it up to the kids. And, and I, I don't, I don't disagree with that at all. I, I, I, I think you're right. But, you know, our, our charter schools, …
S.B. 267 Software in Education Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Supports the framework, wants more detail on how parent-raised issues would be addressed, and says she will support moving the bill forward.
▶ Watch at 1:46:20Read what they said
That's right. Okay. Uh, so, you know, I, I've, I, I appreciate all the comments personally. I, I think people made a lot of comments that were very valid and very good, and they're important things. And, you know, any software vendor ought to be listening to this just to, to understand what's going on. I, I've been in classes, I've, I've visited a number of schools and I, I've been in classes and I, I, there are some teachers that know how to use the technology and there are others that really don't. And, and I think sometimes, uh, in fact, one class I was in, the only time the kids used the Chromebooks was when they took a …
H.B. 142 School Fee Waiver Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Moves to pass HB 142 out of committee with a favorable recommendation to the full Senate, using the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 2:10:58Read what they said
Thank you. Recommend that is it. There's a first sub, just regular. Okay, great. Excuse me. P 1 42. I recommend that we pass out with CRO favorable recommendations to the full body of the Senate House Bill 1 42.
H.B. 177 ROTC Resident Student Status · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Thanks the sponsor and says ROTC students are committing to serve the nation, so their tuition should reflect that service.
▶ Watch at 2:14:50Read what they said
I wanted to thank the sponsor for this bill. Our ROTC students are making a profound commitment to serve our nation. And it's only right that Utah meets that commitment by welcoming, welcoming them as their own, and ensuring that the cost of their education reflects the value that we place on their future service. Thank you.
H.B. 246 Local Government Drug Testing Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Thanks the sponsor, notes she formerly worked for Lehi, says she supports the bill as floor sponsor, and says it offers methods that are harder to tamper with and less intrusive.
▶ Watch at 2:23:20Read what they said
Um, yeah, I just want to, to thank the sponsor for bringing this Bill. Lehi is in my city, and, um, I used to be an employee, uh, and he was still the HR director then, but, um, I would've voted for the bill anyway. So there's my conflict of interest, if, if you will. But, um, I do agree this is a great bill. I am the floor sponsor and, you know, creating a method that's harder to tamper with, less intrusive for the employee and, you know, maybe cheaper and more accurate. Sounds like a good idea to me.
H.B. 246 Local Government Drug Testing Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Moves that the committee pass HB 246 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 2:24:09Read what they said
I would love to. I recommend that we, um, move to the full body of the Senate House Bill 2 46.
H.B. 246 Local Government Drug Testing Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Summarizes that the bill includes a privacy component and moves to send HB 246 to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:25:08Read what they said
Okay. So There is a privacy part of this. So, so the motion is to send out HP 2 46 local government drug testing amendments with favorable recommendation.
H.B. 222 Limitation of Actions Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Presents H.B. 222 on limitation of actions, describing its changes to greenhouse gas definitions, liability protections, and evidentiary standards, then moves that it be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 12:40Read what they said
Alright. So, um, across the United States, um, cities and counties are increasingly weaponizing climate lawfare to bypass legislators and force energy policy through state courts. These lawsuits seek billions of dollars in damages and retroactive liability for emissions, creating legal uncertainty that could raise, uh, electricity, fuel, housing, and consumer costs while threatening the reliability of domestic energy. This legislation draws a firm line and creates stability by shutting down speculative claims, tying liability to actual violations of emissions laws and real provable harm by keeping energy policy with legislators rather than state courts and state court judges. The bill protects affordable power, supports investment and job growth, and maintains a reliable energy system. As electricity demand continues to …
H.B. 122 Pregnant and Postpartum Inmate Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Moves that H.B. 122 be read for a third time and calls for a roll call vote.
▶ Watch at 1:17:30Read what they said
Um, thank you. I uh, I make a motion that this be read for a third time. And the question is, shall house bill 1 22 be read for a third time? Roll call vote.
H.B. 143 Special Education Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Presents H.B. 143, which would require school districts to give written notice at least 30 days before a boundary change that relocates a special education student in a contained classroom, so families can plan and provide input.
▶ Watch at 1:18:25Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This bill came directly from special education parents who felt frustrated when school boundary changes move their children without clear notice or time to plan. House bill 1 43 simply requires school districts to provide written notice at least 30 days before boundary change that relocates a special education student in a contained classroom. Parents receive clear, practical information about what is changing, when it will happen and how it'll affect their child's, uh, services, transportation and IEP. And it just ensures that families can provide input before final decisions are made. This is a communication and or transparency. Bill.
H.B. 146 Mentoring and Supporting Teacher Excellence and Refinement Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Presented HB 146 as making a successful teacher mentoring pilot program permanent, supporting pathways for teachers to stay in the classroom, funding a coach, stipends and regional reach, and strengthening teacher voice and new-teacher mentoring.
▶ Watch at 1:21:28Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, this, this bill simply, uh, transitions a successful pilot program into a permanent feature of Utah's education system. Uh, what the bill does, it supports pathways that allow outstanding teachers to remain in the classroom without moving into administration. The pilot program funding went towards, uh, an MTSS coach, capacity building, teacher leader stipends and regional reach impacting up to 2080 educators. It strengthens teacher voice using curriculum, collaboration instruction and professional learning decisions, and supports new and early career teachers through peer mentoring and instructional, um, coaching. And with that, I conclude my presentation.
S.B. 271 High School Activities Governance · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Asked how the State Board of Education feels about the bill and whether it is willing to take on the duties.
▶ Watch at 36:28Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, the question, uh, a question if I may, Mr. Chair. Go ahead. Uh, the question is, uh, how does the USBE feel about this bill? Are they amenable to taking over those duties Comments? It, it, it looks like they're here, so it would you like to come and We can, yeah. Or I can answer that too. I don't know if you're Okay. Go, go
H.B. 351 School Vision Screening Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said she had planned to make the same motion but Senator Riebe made it first.
▶ Watch at 1:24:59Read what they said
you've got your light on. I was going to make the Motion, but she'd beat me to it.
S.B. 272 Transportation Funding Revisions · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said the substitute moves responsibility for transportation funding from the LFA to the USBE.
▶ Watch at 1:27:19Read what they said
Uh, the change in the substitute was simple. Uh, it just moves, uh, the responsibility from the, the public education, or excuse me, from our LFA to the USBE, that that is all.
S.B. 272 Transportation Funding Revisions · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Presented the bill to make charter schools eligible for state transportation funding starting in 2028 to expand school choice for low-income families, and introduced Royce Van Tassell.
▶ Watch at 1:27:35Read what they said
Thank you. Um, so this bill is focused on leveling the playing field for charter school funding. The bill primarily seeks to allow charter schools to become eligible for state transportation funding starting in 2028. A benefit currently reserved almost exclusively for traditional school districts. It expands freedom by increasing school choice viability for many low income families. A charter school's only a choice if there's a way to get the child there. So removing transportation barriers makes educational freedom more practical. And, uh, I'd just like to turn the time now over to my guest, uh, Royce Van Tassel.
S.B. 272 Transportation Funding Revisions · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said the substitute was recently released and its fiscal note is still being prepared.
▶ Watch at 1:30:34Read what they said
The, the, um, substitute just came out, uh, I think yesterday. So the fiscal note is still catching up.
S.B. 272 Transportation Funding Revisions · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said the state board's cost is not yet known and that the bill relates to companion legislation on base funding. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:30:43Read what they said
I don't know what the, uh, what the cost that the state board may have in terms of that, um, uh, analysis. Many ways, this is a partner, uh, with Senate Bill 180 1, um, that, or 180 6 that Senator Baldry is also doing, which says, Hey, we've got some difficult policy questions around base funding. And this would be part of, I think, the same analysis.
S.B. 272 Transportation Funding Revisions · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Responded that the bill does not fund transportation yet and instead calls for a study of policy options with recommendations by 2028.
▶ Watch at 1:31:50Read what they said
This isn't actually funding any Bill, Senator Rebe. Um, this is saying there are, as you point out, some challenging policy questions, and let's study what those policy, uh, options should be, what that policy that the legislature should adopt looks like and come back with recommendations. So that beginning in 2028, we have a framework to adopt.
S.B. 272 Transportation Funding Revisions · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Gave a closing statement saying the bill sets a 2028 start date, would not take money from rural routes, and lets charter schools compete for funding; moved to pass substitute SB 272 out favorably.
▶ Watch at 1:39:58Read what they said
Uh, I do, but I'll, I'll just like to have a closing statement if I may. Yeah, go ahead. So, yeah, just wanted to address some of the concerns that I've heard today. And, uh, you know, I heard from Mr. Horsley, you know, they've got 25% unfunded. Well, charter schools have 0%, so, um, I don't disagree with those who are upset or a concern that, you know, this 85% that they've been promise has not been, those promises have not met. But again, we're talking about 0% versus someone who's not getting their 85% or only getting 25% versus charters who are currently getting zero. This removes the prohibition and looks at a study to decide what that …
S.B. 272 Transportation Funding Revisions · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said the bill does not give preferential treatment to charter schools and that she wants to pursue the study.
▶ Watch at 1:43:24Read what they said
Sure. Um, I would just say, um, that there is no, this isn't preferential treatment. There is been no treatment, and this seeks to, to, to look at that option. And, um, I am, I'm still interested in pursuing this study, and I think that we could find out a lot of good things by, by going there. So with that, I'll, uh, conclude my summary.
S.B. 291 Student Transportation Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Supports the bill, says the fiscal note should be considered, and moves to recommend SB 291 favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:51:54Read what they said
Uh, if I may make, uh, speak to the bill, I make a motion, please. Sure. So, um, Senator Buss represents, uh, part of the same city that I do, and I definitely understand the hazards there. And I would just, uh, say to the, the last, uh, comment that, let's see what the fiscal note is. If we don't support it, we won't pay for it. And so, um, you know, I'm, I'm, I'm not looking to close down conversations or ideas. I think that we ought to be open to exploring this and allowing, you know, we ultimately the legislature will fund it or, or not. Um, but we, we can't just continue to, um, ignore, uh, situations …
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Presents S.B. 186, saying it would help determine how to best support charter schools that must meet the same reporting, compliance, and accountability requirements as district schools but receive less funding.
▶ Watch at 19:02Read what they said
Uh, I'll keep this brief because, uh, I was not brief last time. Um, but this is the, the bill that will help us to determine, uh, how we can best help our charter schools that, um, currently do not have, that they have the same reporting compliance and accountability requirements as district schools, but have, uh, received significantly less funding to meet those requirements. And without I'd conclude my presentation.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Requested personal privilege to introduce a student from Providence Hall who is visiting the Senate.
▶ Watch at 26:12Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Today I have with me a student from Providence Hall, uh, and from Mr.
H.B. 71 Health Provider Directory and Access Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Says the bill is short and simple, repealing a code section on a community education program and returning $6,800 in ongoing funding to the general fund.
▶ Watch at 47:56Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This is a short and simple bill. It does two things. Uh, first it repeals, uh, section of the code entitled, uh, community education program, which returns ongoing funding of $6,800 to the general fund,
H.B. 139 Female Genital Mutilation Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Presents the bill, saying it removes the statute of limitations for female genital mutilation prosecutions so survivors can seek justice at any time, because the current four-year limit is unrealistic when victims are infants or children.
▶ Watch at 48:13Read what they said
uh, that was used to maintain a community education program on female genital mutilations. The most important part of this bill is that it removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting female gen genital mutilation to allow those survivors to seek justice in any timeframe. Currently there's a four year statute of limitations for victims to bring the perpetrators to justice, which is unrealistic since most victims are infants or children at the time of the incident. And with that, I conclude my presentation.
H.B. 20 Correctional Facility Capacity Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Introduces a guest, John Demark, a former marine officer and current wealth manager, and welcomes him to the Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:37:42Read what they said
Today I'd like to introduce you to my guest, John Demark, who is a former marine officer and current wealth manager. Thank you. Thank you. Welcome to the Senate
H.B. 122 Pregnant and Postpartum Inmate Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Balderree, as floor sponsor, thanks Pierucci and moves to pass HB 122 out favorably.
▶ Watch at 55:38Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, if I may have a point of personal privilege. Sure. Thank you. As a floor sponsor for this bill. Um, I'm just grateful that, uh, representative Pucci is continuing to work to make sure that our mothers and that humanity is served through this bill. And, you know, by, um, by any measure, um, we, I guess I wanted to share with you the, the statement from Moha mug Gani, who said, the true measure of any society can be found and how it treats its most vulnerable members. So I thank you for this bill. And with that, I would make the motion that we pass out with a favorable recommendation house Bill 1 22.
H.B. 299 School Response to Sexual Offense · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Relayed concerns from a local school board president about legal liability, juvenile records, FERPA, and IDEA and Section 504 issues, suggested language changes, and said she will support the bill today but may oppose it if concerns are not resolved.
▶ Watch at 1:09:28Read what they said
I know it was a three day weekend, and so I certainly didn't expect anyone to do any work over the weekend, but I did have some suggestions from my local school board president, who's the school board president of the largest district in the state. And so, um, she wanted to suggest some language amendments. Um, she liked the intent, but she was worried about how this could open districts to legal action and liability, particular with five oh fours and IEPs and concerns about dis uh, disability discrimination and civil rights violations. And so she had some language, uh, suggestions and I'll just share them with you. And they are in your email. And again, I know you'll …
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Presents S.B. 186, which would fund a charter school funding study, a one-time appropriation for charter school support and reporting, and a charter school service center.
▶ Watch at 26:32Read what they said
You Mr. President and thank you Senator Winterton looking out for me. I appreciate that. This bill, uh, Mr. President is Senate Bill 180 6 charter school base of funding amendments and the State Board of Education, along with charter schools, has identified a structural funding imbalance of $50 million when comparing charter schools to similarly sized school districts. I do not believe the legislature has intentionally underfunded charter schools, but the gap developed gradually over 25 years as funding requests went unaddressed and disparities compounded over time. SB 180 6 does three things. First, it's a comprehensive charter funding study, uh, with the State Board of Education fiscal analysts and charter school stakeholders to compare charter school funding with …
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Says she understood the question but does not know the answer and suggests Senator Fillmore would know.
▶ Watch at 29:20Read what they said
I did understand the question. I don't know the answer. Uh, I'm sure if Senator Fillmore was, was here, he would know the answer to that question.
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Summarizes the bill, says charter schools educate many Utah students, cites enrollment trends and funding disparity estimates, and presents letters of support.
▶ Watch at 30:40Read what they said
Yes. Thank you. I'd like to speak to the equity charter schools educate thousands of Utah students between district and charter schools. Charter schools are currently the only schools that have, uh, increasing enrollments while our district schools are declining. And so this, uh, this is an important area that I'm happy to address. As a matter of fact, when we, when we talked with the State Board of Education Finance members, they actually estimated that the disparity was not only 150 million that they thought it was $118,400 or higher, which is what the, the study will actually show the actual numbers. So I'm happy to address that. And also lastly, uh, if you can see the stack of …
S.B. 253 Library Materials Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Asked whether the bill would limit how principals and administrators can respond to a librarian's conduct.
▶ Watch at 30:51Read what they said
So I have two questions, if I may. Go ahead. Thank you. Um, the first would be in lines 250 through 258. Are you intending to tie the hands of principals and school administration on, on how they can react to the conduct of a librarian? That's how I read it, because that's question one. Okay. And then the, and do you want, and then I can stop and ask the second one, or,
S.B. 253 Library Materials Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Disagreed with that reading and asked how much it would cost to hire librarians with master's degrees.
▶ Watch at 31:59Read what they said
Uh, thank you for that, uh, reply. Uh, that's not how I, I see it. Uh, I don't see any way that they can, um, go after someone who has done what they've been asked not to do. So, um, that's my opinion. And then the other one is, how much will it cost to hire librarians with master's degrees? And, you know, does a degree necessarily equate, uh, with good judgment? I would argue that a degree doesn't always equate with good judgment. Yeah.
S.B. 253 Library Materials Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Said most public testimony favored the bill and that she wants a thorough debate, so she asks that the bill be held.
▶ Watch at 54:46Read what they said
So my concern is today we heard, um, from, with the exception of one person, we heard all in favor of the bill, I have people texting me saying that they were online and they were not promoted that we're against it. So we have not had, um, good thorough debate. We've heard from one person. Um, and so for that reason, I'm asking to please hold the bill so we can have proper debate.
H.B. 146 Mentoring and Supporting Teacher Excellence and Refinement Program Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
As floor sponsor, spoke in support of making the pilot program permanent so veteran teachers stay in the classroom.
▶ Watch at 1:00:28Read what they said
Uh, as the floor sponsor of this bill, I have to, I have to speak in support of this. I think it's great that we're transitioning this pilot to something permanent. And so that will empower our teachers to not just lead, um, from the principal's office, but right. Uh, right where they like to be, which is in the classroom. And it's gonna ensure that we don't lose our veteran teachers, um, to administration. And I'm just super excited about this bill and thank the sponsor for bringing it forward.
H.B. 143 Special Education Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
As floor sponsor, thanks Rep. Peterson for the bill and notes that it requires a 30-day notice to parents.
▶ Watch at 1:39:20Read what they said
As the floor sponsor of this bill, I just wanted to thank, um, Representative Peterson for bringing this forward and, and letting the audience know as well that a 30 day notice is, um, is required as part of this bill. And thank you so much for helping our this population.
H.B. 143 Special Education Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Moves that the committee pass the first substitute of HB 143 out favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:40:33Read what they said
I recommend that we pass out with a favorable recommendation to the full body of the Senate House Bill 1 43.
S.B. 144 Relocation Assistance Amendments · House Transportation Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Presented SB 144, which raises the maximum direct relocation assistance from $50,000 to $75,000, adjusts it for inflation annually starting in 2027, and offers reimbursement or a fixed one-time payment option.
▶ Watch at 1:45:21Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, Senate Bill 1 44 is about giving more financial help to businesses and farms that are forced to move because of government projects. Like when the state buys land to expand a highway, it increases the relocation payments when a business farm or nonprofit is displaced by a government project. And the state provides money to help them reestablish themselves elsewhere. This bill raises the maximum amount of that direct financial assistance from 50,000 to 75,000. So, um, this, this has, this, uh, assistance has been not adjusted for inflation for 18 years. So this rectifies that. And, uh, it will also ask, um, udot to update the limit every year, starting in July, 2027 …
S.B. 144 Relocation Assistance Amendments · House Transportation Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Introduced Jacob Torres to provide additional information on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:47:02Read what they said
And with that, I'd like to, um, turn some time over to, um, my friend Jacob Torres, who has, uh, he who brought me this bill.
S.B. 270 State Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asks whether there is an estimate of the bill's cost, since no fiscal note is attached.
▶ Watch at 1:50:41Read what they said
you. Um, I see there is no fiscal note. I'm assuming that this will cost, is there an estimate of what this would cost?
S.B. 270 State Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Says wait times for commissioner hearings have grown and expresses hesitation about adding workload for commissioners, noting a pending request for another commissioner in Salt Lake.
▶ Watch at 1:51:16Read what they said
I just want to say Senator. Um, you know, I think as most people know, a portion of my practice is family law. And right now I used to always wait two months for a hearing before commissioner. Now it's often three or four months. And so, um, I am, I'm hesitant to, um, I'll vote for your bill today, but I'm hesitant to support anything that's gonna put more workload on the commissioners. One of the yet unmet needs, uh, greatest needs in the district court, according to the information we were provided from the, um, chief Justice and others, is that we need another commissioner in the Salt Lake area. Salt Lake. Um, I do have a, a …
S.B. 270 State Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Says the commissioner funding request can proceed and that more commissioners would help.
▶ Watch at 1:52:19Read what they said
No, you can step on my request all you want. If we can get more commissioners, that's gonna help.
H.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom · Senate Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moves to pass HCR 4 with a favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:07:49Read what they said
I move that we pass with a favorable recommendation, HCR forward to the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 129 Commemorative Day Amendments · House Transportation Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Presents S.B. 129, which would create a voluntary Utah Civic Engagement and Service Day on the first Friday in September and clarifies existing law without mandates, closures, or new costs.
▶ Watch at 1:55:28Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's great to be here. So, today I'm going to be speaking to a bill that was brought to me by UVU students. And, uh, just directly following my presentation, I would invite you to, um, promote them online. There are three of them, uh, that you can hear from today. So, Senate Bill 1 29 Commemorate of Day Amendments takes the first September, uh, or excuse me, the first Friday in September to create a day of civic service. And the way that this bill came to me is the students care deeply about the health of our civic culture and the future of our state. And the idea of this bill was already taking …
S.B. 129 Commemorative Day Amendments · House Transportation Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Spoke on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:58:35Read what they said
I would wait. Okay. We've got, uh, three students online as part of the presentation. Let's see. Are they there yet? No.
S.B. 129 Commemorative Day Amendments · House Transportation Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Rejects the motion to hold, noting the bill passed the Senate and discussions in her caucus about resolutions versus bills.
▶ Watch at 2:07:39Read what they said
Um, so On the motion to hold, Yes, I would reject that motion. Um, so this, as you know, passed through the Senate and we have had discussions in our caucus as well about periods and more along the lines of resolutions versus, um, bills. And so, um, for that reason, uh, and the support that I've had in the Senate, I would reject that motion.
H.B. 211 Real Property Recording Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Explains that H.B. 211 clarifies that land patents issued by state agencies may be recorded without notarization, as has been practiced since 1988, and says the Association of Utah County Recorders supports the bill.
▶ Watch at 6:08Read what they said
Senator Balderree. Thank you Mr. President. In 1988, statute was created that said land transfers needed to be notarized in order to be recorded. The Uintah County recorder discovered that this wasn't happening across the state with land patents that were issued by state agencies because another part of statute 57 dash four A says that it recorded with the Great Seal of Utah notary, it isn't needed. So this bill simply puts into statute what is proper and has been practiced since 1988. The Association of Utah County Recorders is recommending and supporting this bill. It's merely a cleanup bill that is 38 years overdue. It's bipartisan, has had unanimous support all the way across. Thank you.
S.B. 131 Charter School Eligibility · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains that the bill expands charter school lottery preference to certain students within a political subdivision, clarifies why the term was used instead of school district, and moves that the bill pass.
▶ Watch at 17:13Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, we discussed this bill just yesterday, so I'll keep it brief, but I did want to address the question that the good Senator Escamilla asked yesterday, which is, uh, about the political subdivision. And, uh, I did speak with her privately, but for those who may be interested, um, why the term political subdivision and not just school district here is why All Lake Mountain School district schools are over capacity. So the school district is the appropriate boundary for lottery preference, but not all schools in Davis school district are at capacity. But the city of Syracuse is growing rapidly and new households are stressing districts along the West Davis corridor. Davis school District …
S.B. 144 Relocation Assistance Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Presents S.B. 144, which would raise the relocation assistance cap for tenants forced to move for reasons other than eminent domain from $50,000 to $75,000 and adjust it for inflation going forward.
▶ Watch at 12:34Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this one again is simple. Uh, what it does is it says, if you are forced to move due to, um, I not domain reasons, but you're not a property owner but a lessee, then this would take the requirement and the cap, which was existing in code from $50,000 in relocation assistant funds up to $75,000 to account for inflation, which has not been adjusted for 18 years. It also includes, uh, an adjustment going forward so that we don't have to come back to it again. Um, this is, this is super helpful. Helps small communities, businesses, services, and, um, farms to, you know, if they've been in a location for 5, 10, …
S.B. 131 Charter School Eligibility · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Presents S.B. 131, which would let charter schools optionally extend their lottery preference from a two-mile radius to a political subdivision boundary such as a school district when schools are at capacity, with no new charter schools or funding changes.
▶ Watch at 27:41Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Senate Bill 1 31 is expanding fair access to charter schools Utah families deserve fair, predictable access to quality public education options, especially in fast growing communities like mine. Current charter school lottery rules rely on a fixed two mile radius, a standard that no longer reflects how families live, commute, or participate in their school communities. As Utah grows, this outdated rule can unintentionally limit access for local families. Senate Bill 1 31 modernizes This approach while preserving choice, fairness and accountability. What students are eligible? If you look at line 23 A you can see it is when schools are at capacity. What does it do? It allows charter schools to extend their existing …
S.B. 90 Occupational Licenses for Veterans and Service Members · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Presented S.B. 90, which would let veterans and service members translate military training into Utah occupational licenses through a crosswalk administered by the Department of Professional Licensing, citing reduced delay and cost and financial strain on veterans.
▶ Watch at 35:17Read what they said
Present. Thank you, Mr. Chair. The purpose of this bill, occupational licenses for veterans and service members is to create a reliable pathway for veterans and service members to translate their military training and experience into Utah occupational licenses without unnecessary duplication, delay, or cost. In simple terms, the bill answers the question. If you did this job in the military, why should you have to start from scratch? In civilian life, a military crosswalk functions as a translator between military service and civilian employment. In the military service members hold specific occupational codes, uh, MOS and the Army and Marine Corps, A FSC in the Air Force, uh, NEC in the Navy, the MOS and the Coast Guard. In …
S.B. 189 School District Funding Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Sen. Balderree moved to replace the bill text with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:32:26Read what they said
So the motion is to delete entitle and body SB 180 9 and replace it with first substitute SB 180 9 School District Funding amendments.
S.B. 189 School District Funding Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Sen. Balderree described rapid growth in her district and asked the committee to consider the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:41:05Read what they said
I just have a comment. Um, I live in this district and just for those who aren't familiar with the district, if you are, you know, you know, you know, so for example, in Saratoga Springs, uh, we have one high school. We're building another, which is expected to be completed in 2028. By the time the school opens, we'll be at capacity at 3,600 students. In just two years, Saratoga Springs was responsible for just under 10% of the entire state's growth. And my district, my senate district is the fastest growing in the state. If you wanna know the age of our average resident, we have the youngest population in the nation in Eagle Mountain, the age average …
H.B. 75 American Indian and Alaska Native Education Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Moves to pass House Bill 75 to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:51:30Read what they said
I recommend that we, uh, pass with a favorable recommendation. House bill 75 to the full body.
S.B. 129 Commemorative Day Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Presents S.B. 129, which creates a Utah Civic Engagement and Service Day on the first Friday in September to encourage volunteerism and civic engagement, and says it does not mandate observance, close offices, or add costs.
▶ Watch at 12:20Read what they said
Commemorative Day Amendments, uh, began not in a committee room, but with students at Utah Valley University. Young people who care deeply about the health of our civic FU culture and the future of our state future. Uh, this bill was already taking shape before the tragic act of political violence that occurred on September, in September of 2025 at UVU. In the wake of that day, the purpose of this legislation became even clearer to create beauty for ashes and bring people together through service rather than division. SB 1 21 9 is not about mandates, closures, or new costs, it's about clarifying and correcting existing law and in one important area, encouraging Utah Utahns to engage constructively with …
S.B. 100 Federalism Revisions · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Introduces Senate Bill 144 on relocation assistance and says it came from a real person's experience in Utah.
▶ Watch at 37:06Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Potm. Senate Bill 1 44 came from a real person and a real Utah story.
S.B. 144 Relocation Assistance Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Presents S.B. 144 to raise the relocation assistance cap from $50,000 to $75,000 for small businesses, family farms and nonprofits, with an annual inflation adjustment starting in 2027.
▶ Watch at 37:10Read what they said
and a real Utah story. Uh, this idea was brought to me by Jacob Torres, whom I met years ago. While he was volunteering and completing his undergraduate degree, he is now an attorney. And Jacob saw firsthand how small businesses, family farms and nonprofits are disproportionately harmed when displaced through eminent domain, often through no fault of their own. This bill is about fairness, continuity, and keeping local businesses alive. When government action forces relocation, when properties acquired through eminent domain displacement is unavoidable for small businesses, especially those leasing property relocation costs can be crippling. Current law caps, the relocation assistance at 50,000 a limit last updated in 2008. That cap has not kept pace with inflation or …
H.B. 19 Drinking Water Utilities Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Presents H.B. 19, which would require community water systems to have an emergency response plan, report security breaches to the Utah Cyber Center within two hours, and classify the plan as a protected record, with annual reporting by the Division of Drinking Water to two legislative committees.
▶ Watch at 24:11Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, Utah's drinking water systems are becoming more reliant on digital control systems, which makes them more vulnerable to cyber attacks and system failures. While our federal government already has emergency planning in place, this bill is going to put it into our state, which would require a community water system to have and complete an emergency response plan to report any security breaches to the Utah Cyber Center. Within two hours of discovering the breach, require the division of drinking water to report annually to two legislative committees on security at community water systems and classify community water's emergency response plan as a protected record so that we keep it safe from those who are …
S.B. 129 Commemorative Day Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Presents S.B. 129, which would establish Utah Civic Engagement and Service Day on the first Friday of September as a voluntary day of service and remembrance, a idea brought to her by UVU students after the September 10 violence.
▶ Watch at 42:58Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this bill actually came to me from a group of u uh, UVU students. Um, and they had this idea before the violence happened on September 10th, um, with Charlie Kirk. So this bill isn't necessarily about him, but they were even more motivated to to run a bill. And they came to me and they, I just want you to have that context when I wanna tell you what this bill will do. So it would establish, uh, Utah Civic Engagement and Service Day. Uh, they wanted to take something and make beauty for ashes, something tragic that happened and make it into something that brought people together. And so their idea was, let's …
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Moved that S.B. 72 pass with a favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 46:00Read what they said
I recommend that Senate Bill 72 pass with a favorable recommendation to the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Moves to pass SB 12 out favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 49:37Read what they said
I recommend that we pass out with a favorable recommendation Senate Bill 12 to the full body of the Senate.
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Said she will vote in favor, noting her understanding that no federal exemption allows a protection and advocacy agency to focus primarily on one disability category.
▶ Watch at 2:18:52Read what they said
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I just wanna explain my vote that I will, Huh? Sorry. I'll be voting in favor of the bill. And, uh, it's my understanding that there's no federal exemption allowing a p and a agency to focus primarily on one disability category. And I just wanted to make that on the record.
H.B. 19 Drinking Water Utilities Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 19 as a bill on security at community drinking water systems, covering emergency response plans, breach reporting to the Utah Cyber Center, annual reporting to legislative committees, and protected-record status for response plans, and says she is open to questions.
▶ Watch at 21:23Read what they said
In light of the recent water audit findings that came out last Friday, this bill could not be more timely. The good representative Colin Jack asked me to be a sponsor and I was happy to do this. This is a good Samaritan bill. So what it does is it addresses the security at our drinking water facilities. First, it requires a community water system to complete an emergency response plan. Second, ask them to report a security breach to the Utah Cyber Center within two hours of discovering the breach. Third, it requires the division of drinking water to report annually to two legislative committees on security at community water systems. And lastly, it classifies a community water systems …
S.B. 220 Veteran Scholarship Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Moved that S.B. 220 be passed out of committee with a favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:25:12Read what they said
I recommend that we pass out with a favorable recommendation Senate Bill two 20 Veteran Scholarship amendments to the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · Senate Education Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Introduces SB 186, which would address charter school funding, including a one-time appropriation for a charter school service center and a study of funding disparities.
▶ Watch at 42:04Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. So today, uh, I'll go ahead and kick it off, and then I'll introduce you to my sidekick here. Um, Senate Bill 180 6 charter school-based funding amendments, um, has in its request, charter schools are requesting a one-time 15.995, uh, appropriation to help close the funding gap with similarly sized districts to support required reporting. This includes a one-time appropriation of 1,500,000 to create a charter school service center modeled after existing recess to improve efficiency and shared support. We are requesting funding from the education stabilization fund. Charter schools request that the SBE fiscal analysts and stakeholders conduct a comprehensive study of the funding disparities and develop a proposal to resolve these inequities. And …
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · Senate Education Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Moves to recommend SB 186 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:05:19Read what they said
I would love to. I move that we recommend Senate Bill 180 6 to the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · Senate Education Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Responds that the service center would need only one-time funding because charter schools would pay ongoing dues, unlike district-funded agencies.
▶ Watch at 1:10:06Read what they said
Okay. Thank you. Um, I thank you, Mr. Chair. So I would just say, as mentioned earlier in this presentation, charter schools are known for building schools at significantly cheaper rates than district schools. Um, so in this instance, um, the senator mentioned that the, that the Charter School Service Center would cost more than the Reese's that exist. And I would say to that, the difference is that unlike the, the district funded risa, the charter school service center would be, would only require one time funding, where the district, uh, risa's receive ongoing funding. So actually, they're cheaper in the long run because the charter schools pay the dues. So I don't know if you missed that in …
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · Senate Education Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Spoke on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:13:00Read what they said
Seeing none, we'll have you sum. Thank you. I'll wa Okay. And you are the maker of the motion, so you can sum too. Okay. I will waive. Okay.
H.B. 1 Public Education Base Budget Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 10) · Jan 29, 2026
Presents H.B. 1, the public education base budget amendments, covering appropriations, enrollment changes, the weighted pupil unit increase, one-time funding, and technical statute changes.
▶ Watch at 16:42Read what they said
most expensive and second most expensive appropriation committee subcommittees, but today we'll talk about the public education based budget amendments, which provides most of the operating funding for our public schools. The Bill appropriates more than $8.8 billion to support operating in capital budgets and public education for fiscal year 2027, including $5 billion from state funds, including general education and uniform school funds. 936.7 million in state fund transfers to restricted accounts. 3.3 billion from other sources such as restricted revenues, local property tax revenue, federal funds and dedicated credits. And the bill also appropriates $1.1 billion in restricted fund and account transfers for fiscal year 2027, including over $1 billion from the state income tax or uniform school …
S.B. 71 Evidence Retention Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend SB 71 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:14:37Read what they said
Senator Baldry, I recommend that we pass out with a favorable recommendation Senate Bill 71 to the full body of the Senate, Senate Senator b Senator Rec, uh, Baldry, recommend Like all those neighborhoods. And then, yeah, throw under me things like We need to mute Senator Brammer.
H.B. 34 Victim Rights Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Moved to pass HB 34 favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:50:43Read what they said
Thank you. I move that we, um, pass HB 34 to the full body of the Senate, Senate Victims' Rights Amendments.
H.B. 39 Prison and Jail Standards Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Moves that HB 39 pass to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:58:36Read what they said
Any volunteers? Senator Baldry That we pass House Bill 39 Prison and jail standards amendments to the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Says they have a question and asks Senator Winterton to yield.
▶ Watch at 44:55Read what they said
Yes. Uh, I have a question if I may. Uh, go ahead. Senator Winter. Yes. Will you yield?
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Balderree asks whether the exceptions cover counties without an in-county impound yard and temporary cases near county borders.
▶ Watch at 45:03Read what they said
In those exceptions, does it address, um, the allowance for counties where there is no, uh, in county impound yard or for temporary exceptions, um, such as, you know, your county is, you're right between counties, you're on the edge of the border. Does it allow for those provisions? Yes.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Asks whether the bill allows exceptions for counties without an in-county impound yard and for temporary situations near county borders.
▶ Watch at 45:03Read what they said
In those exceptions, does it address, um, the allowance for counties where there is no, uh, in county impound yard or for temporary exceptions, um, such as, you know, your county is, you're right between counties, you're on the edge of the border. Does it allow for those provisions? Yes.
S.B. 131 Charter School Eligibility · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Presents SB 131, which would let charter school lottery preference extend to the boundaries of a political subdivision such as a school district, citing rapid growth in her district.
▶ Watch at 37:03Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. This bill is simple. Senate Bill 1 31 provides an option for the current two mile charter school lottery preference to be extended to the boundaries of a political subdivision, such as a school district. I represent the New Lake Mountain School District, which includes the cities of Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain growing by more than 1000 students each year. It is the fastest growing district in Utah, and perhaps the nation. The newly elected Lake Mountain School Board strongly supports charter schools. District schools are already overcrowded and charters can alleviate some of the pressure for bonding for new school buildings. The lottery preference in Senate Bill 1 31 will enable new and expanding …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Reads a local school board email raising concerns that the bill would limit districts' ability to respond to growth and to make cost-saving design choices.
▶ Watch at 2:18:16Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to, um, share with the committee some concerns from my local school board. Uh, I tend to agree with Senator Fillmore that this bill has some merit, but there are definitely some things that need to be to, um, worked out. And I wanna give you some examples of how this is problematic for high growth areas such as mine, which is the, the fastest growing, um, district in the state. And, uh, for those of you that dunno, that's Lehi, Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, and a small part of Draper. Um, and so I'm just gonna read straight from an email because she said it best. Um, she said, while individual construction …
S.B. 77 Dual Language Immersion Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Moved to send SB 77 first substitute to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 3:04:18Read what they said
Um, um, recommend with favorable recommendation, Senate Bill 77, substitute one to the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 77 Dual Language Immersion Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Said the bill was developed over two years with the State Board of Education and stakeholders, has drawn little opposition, and mainly cleans up language.
▶ Watch at 3:04:47Read what they said
Um, I know, uh, you know, touching this DLI, uh, touching the dual Language immersion program is always an interesting, uh, conversation, but I can assure you that now for two years we've worked with state board, worked with state, uh, with the state education community, and worked with the relevant stakeholders. That's why there isn't a lot, any negative, uh, pushback or feedback on the bill. So, in a lot of ways this is fairly, uh, insubstantial or inconsequential. It just cleans up this language. I appreciate the committee's support. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
S.B. 129 Commemorative Day Amendments · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Introduces SB 129, which would create a voluntary Utah civic engagement and service day in early September, and describes its purpose and cleanup provisions.
▶ Watch at 1:18:26Read what they said
Thank you. And I would just note chair that, um, you are always representing, um, your former university presidency in purple. And I love purple is my favorite color. So with that, I'm excited to be here today. I'll speak with you, but I'll, I'd like to introduce my guest first, if that's okay. Sure, sure. So, uh, with me today is a student from Uni, Utah Valley University, hence the Green and the UVU. Um, these students, um, are with, uh, the Tocqueville Fellows and the Center for Constitutional Studies. They came to me with the bill idea, and so we're here today because of them. Okay, Thank you. So, Senate Bill 1 29 is, um, it's, it's to …
S.B. 129 Commemorative Day Amendments · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Asks the committee to hear from student Curtis Bristol about why the students brought the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:21:17Read what they said
But before that, I would like to give an opportunity to hear from, um, student Curtis Bristol to tell us why they came to me with this bill.
S.B. 129 Commemorative Day Amendments · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Explains that the first Friday of September was chosen to avoid Labor Day and September 11 and to stay close to September 10.
▶ Watch at 1:24:53Read what they said
So, uh, thank you. If I may answer. Sure. Madam Chair. So, Senator Owens, um, actually the, the date was going to be close, as you know, there are a couple holidays. There's Labor Day, and there is, um, again, there's the remembrance of nine 11. And so, uh, we went, we didn't want to conflict with those, so we tried to make it between those so that it would be differentiated because it was a different event. So, um, that's why we chose that date because it was close, it was close to right September 10th, but again, we don't wanna do it on September 11th. We don't wanna do conflict with Labor Day. So they just chose the …
S.B. 144 Relocation Assistance Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Presents SB 144, which would raise the relocation assistance cap from $50,000 to $75,000 for small businesses, family farms, and nonprofits and add annual inflation adjustments starting in 2027.
▶ Watch at 2:00:43Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, uh, I'd like to just state at the front that this, uh, Senate bill came directly from a real Utah story. Um, the person who brought this bill to me, Jacob Torres, uh, who was a, a friend of mine that I knew when he was a student and a volunteer, and he is now actually an attorney. And the reason he's not here today is because he had a deposition. So I speak on his behalf and wanted to make sure that, uh, he got credit for this idea that I think is a good one that you will like. So, Jacob noticed that, uh, firsthand how small businesses, family farms and nonprofits are …
S.B. 144 Relocation Assistance Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Explains that a small business is one earning less than $1.5 million.
▶ Watch at 2:06:00Read what they said
That's a great question. So it is, uh, if they make anywhere less than a one and a half million dollars.
S.B. 90 Occupational Licenses for Veterans and Service Members · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
Presents the bill as a military crosswalk to help veterans translate their skills into civilian work, then concludes and notes there are no questions.
▶ Watch at 27:11Read what they said
Uh, as a reminder, this bill is a military crosswalk that will help our military veterans translate their skills and experience into the civilian workforce. I've had a lot of excitement about this bill, and I feel like we've spent a lot of time. So with that, I will conclude my presentation. Thank you. Looking for questions, seeing no questions.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
Argues that expanding the Supreme Court to seven justices strengthens the court by improving deliberation and reducing bottlenecks.
▶ Watch at 50:46Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. I just would like to address, uh, the question that I've been hearing, uh, in this room and a couple of other places about, uh, well, why should we do this? The, the justices didn't request this, and I, and I would like to share my thoughts on that. So, history teaches us that institutions almost never volunteer to limit or share their own power, unless legitimate legitimacy, public trust, or long-term stability at stake. The most enduring systems of government are not those that clinging to power, but those that are willing to distribute it to function better. Expanding the Utah Supreme Court from five to seven justices, follows that tradition. This proposal is not …
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Notes that police and ICE officers do not need a warrant when they encounter someone breaking the law in public.
▶ Watch at 2:59:34Read what they said
I just want to remind, um, those that may not be aware that local police officers don't need a warrant when they encounter someone breaking the law in a public space. And the same hold true, the same holds true for our ice officers. They have a, it's codified under federal law and they have a constitutional duty to perform.
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Clarifies that warrantless action applies only when officers encounter someone breaking the law.
▶ Watch at 3:04:52Read what they said
I just wanted to clarify, um, one of the comments that Senator Escamilla made, and that is regarding the no warrant. To be clear, the no warrant only appli applies to our police officers and ICE agents when they encounter, not just when they encounter someone, anyone, when they encounter someone breaking the law. This is not about rounding up anyone, just for fun, just for kicks. This is about doing it. When we see someone breaking the law, that is literally their job. That's it.
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Questions the reliability of the reporting and repeats that she asked for a copy. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 3:05:50Read what they said
Because they've never been wrong before, but, okay. I just asked if you had a copy. So, okay.
S.B. 84 Department of Commerce Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Introduces S.B. 90, which would create a clearer path for veterans and service members to translate military training and experience into Utah occupational licenses, after federal military code changes delayed it.
▶ Watch at 32:22Read what they said
Senator Balderree? Yes, Mr. President, I am excited to bring this bill forth today. Senate Bill 90 is a bill that I actually wanted to run my first year, but it just wasn't ready yet. Um, sometimes we're waiting upon the federal government. Sometimes you're waiting on the federal government. Um, sorry, we have a, I'll have a citation later today. And those, those are my visitors here too, but, okay. There we go. It just happened to coincide with the time I'm presenting my first bill. So double bonus. Um, anyhow, sometimes we're waiting upon the federal government and they often change their military codes and they were in the process of changing those codes so it wasn't ready. …
S.B. 90 Occupational Licenses for Veterans and Service Members · Senate floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Presents S.B. 90, saying it would let military training and credentials be recognized in occupational licensing so veterans and service members do not have to start over, and describes the bill's crosswalks and comparison to other states.
▶ Watch at 33:59Read what they said
unnecessary duplication, delay, or cost. In simple terms, the bill answers the question, if you did this job in the military, why should you have to start from scratching the civilian life? And military training is rigorous, but often treated as invisible. Our veterans are asked to redo training they already completed because there is no consistent way to recognize military credentials. This isn't just a veteran's issue, it's a family issue. And licensing delays mean delayed income, which affects housing stability, childcare and overall family wellbeing. As a matter of fact, something I found out in the course of my research was that the number one cause of veteran suicide is not PTSD. It's up there, it's financial stress. …
S.B. 90 Occupational Licenses for Veterans and Service Members · Senate floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Introduces her constituent Ron Williams of Draper, describes his community and teaching work, and presents a citation recognizing him.
▶ Watch at 38:48Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Today is a special day here. To my right, we have the honorable, um, Ron Williams and Mr. Williams happens to live in my district a well, uh, a fortuitous fact that I didn't know for several years. But he is my constituent. He lives in Draper and I've had the privilege of knowing him, like I said, many years. And when you truly want to know someone, you watch how they show up in different settings. And Ron consistently leads with integrity, compassion, and purpose. He's an exceptional teacher, a trusted spiritual leader, and an inspiration to everyone he meets. His story is one of triumph over tragedy. Ron is not just a survivor, he's …
S.B. 90 Occupational Licenses for Veterans and Service Members · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Presents S.B. 90 to create a military credential crosswalk so veterans and service members can get occupational licenses faster, and introduces Jason Chipman.
▶ Watch at 50:29Read what they said
Thank you for working me into your schedule. I appreciate it. So I am ecstatic to present this bill today. Um, been working with a lot of different partners to get to this point today. As a matter of fact, for just fun facts, this was a bill that my very first session, um, Libertas had suggested that I would be their partner. And, um, frankly, we, it wasn't quite ready, so we had to wait. So it's been since, uh, 2023 and today is an exciting day. So veterans are returning home ready to work, but licensing delays, stop them. Many veterans have the skills and experience to work immediately yet state licensing roles, uh, force them into months …
S.B. 90 Occupational Licenses for Veterans and Service Members · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Says stakeholders including the Veterans and Military Affairs Commission and the Division of Professional Licensing were involved, and that the bill grants rulemaking authority.
▶ Watch at 1:03:28Read what they said
Yeah, so we, we worked, we worked, we brought all the stakeholders that we could think of to the table. So, um, we, we just heard from the deputy director of the v Veteran Military Affairs Commission, Brian Garrett, which probably was when you were outta the room. And then of course, Mike, uh, mark Steinle, the director of doppel. And so, um, yeah, deliberately brought them into the equation and this would grant rulemaking authority for them to make those decisions.
S.B. 90 Occupational Licenses for Veterans and Service Members · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Gives examples of military medics, truck drivers, and cybersecurity specialists who could qualify faster for civilian licenses.
▶ Watch at 1:03:53Read what they said
But just for real world, real world examples, let's say there was a military medic, um, they might qualify faster for an EMT or nursing license, or a military truck driver might meet the requirements for a, a commercial driver's license, A CDL. Um, a cybersecurity specialist may translate military credentials into civilian IT licensure. Here's another, um, experience that, um, was actually brought up on a podcast that I was on. He, as we, as you know, we have a huge aerospace industry in the state. And, um, this gentleman, his son had, was the top dog at, at an airfield for seven years, came home to Utah and found out that he had to have a piece of …
S.B. 52 Substitute Teaching Requirements Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Said licensed and unlicensed teachers vary in quality and that the bill reflects local control, with principals and districts responsible for staffing.
▶ Watch at 2:14:42Read what they said
Uh, I would just like to say as I've worked as a teacher in public and private schools, and I would ask, I guess the committee members to consider whether they've seen, uh, someone who is not a good teacher who was licensed, because it happens in both places with or without the license. And, uh, some of the best teachers I worked with were not licensed. So I will just leave that comment out there. 'cause I think that's kind of a universal experience that we've seen. It, it, it seems to me, just to comment, I, it, it seems to me that this is the ultimate form of local control, right. And it, it really is up to, …
S.B. 52 Substitute Teaching Requirements Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Gave a brief response and asked for a follow-up.
▶ Watch at 2:15:52Read what they said
No. I'll like, I'll, I'll have a, some, Okay. May I have a follow up? Sure.
S.B. 52 Substitute Teaching Requirements Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Said their school districts want the bill, cautioned that it could let some students lack licensed teachers, and said they will vote yes. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:15:58Read what they said
I, I just realize that my school districts would like this. So I'll be voting yes, but I just wanna caution people that thi this could open the door for kids to not have a licensed teacher. And that's my concern. And, uh, to your point, there are licensed teachers that maybe aren't as dynamic as licensed teachers, but we try to put guardrails around these events. And I think this is a guardrail that when I look out in the audience, I see people that, um, have their own cars and they drove here. I don't see people that struggle with buses and food stamps and, you know, I, I don't know, I'm making a generalization here, but, um, …
S.B. 30 Human Trafficking, Exploitation, and Smuggling Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Asks why the bill uses the word commercial in the child trafficking provision and whether conduct without payment is still covered.
▶ Watch at 16:50Read what they said
Thank you. I have a question about line 5 37, uh, where it states human trafficking of a child for commercial sexual exploitation. And so I guess I'm concerned that it, when we narrow the definition to commercial that we are going to, we don't care if someone is, um, you know, exploiting children not for profit. So I'm just wondering why they chose the word commercial instead of just leaving it plain human trafficking.
S.B. 30 Human Trafficking, Exploitation, and Smuggling Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Asks a follow-up about whether conduct for self-gratification with no money exchanged is covered, and is told parallel code addresses it.
▶ Watch at 18:24Read what they said
follow up, follow up. I may have A follow up question. Please go ahead. So I agree that it is predominantly about profit. Um, but what about just self gratification with no money exchanged? You said that there is parallel code that covers that. So we're okay. Senator? Yes. Oh, excuse me, Mr. President.
From the official recordings' automatic captions, with speakers and summaries identified by AI. Use the ▶ links to check the recording before you rely on a quote.