Legislators / David P. Hinkins
David P. Hinkins
Republican · Senate District 26
Hear from them directly
Contact Sen. David P. Hinkins
- Email: dhinkins@le.utah.gov
- Phone: 4357482828
- Office: PO Box 383, Ferron, UT, 84523
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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.
David P. Hinkins serves on:
- Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee
- Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee
- Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee
- Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee
- Federalism Commission
- Native American Legislative Liaison Committee
- Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Confirmation Committee
- Legislative Water Development Commission
- Senate Education Committee
- Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee
What they've said
174 remarks on 90 billsH.B. 313 Landscaper Certification Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Presents H.B. 313, which amends provisions on landscape work, requires continuing education for licensed contractors who do landscape work, and coordinates with H.B. 40.
▶ Watch at 10:00Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This bill amends provisions relating to landscape work. It requires the division of professional licensing to defend, to identify a specialty contractor that may engage in, uh, landscape work. Provides continual education requirements for a license C that engages in landscape work and coordinates the provisions, uh, that this bill enacts with provisions of House Bill 40, Utah Construction Trades Licensing Agreements, ACT amendments. And with that, I'm open to questions. Say no questions to you for action.
H.B. 125 Department of Natural Resources Related Modifications Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Presents the bill, covering DNR rulemaking authority, law enforcement work periods, state engineer electronic records, a $5 million fiscal note for water litigation funding, lifting the cap on secondary water metering, expanding the USG board from seven to eight members, and alternative energy development tax credits.
▶ Watch at 51:00Read what they said
Uh, yeah, that was the, uh, the Department of Natural Resource Amendments and this department, uh, rulemaking authority clarifies that rulemaking authority can be enacted outside an advisory board and is also a division of law enforcement work periods, uh, that updates the language regarding the work pay period of DNR law enforcement employees to align with standard practices and an 80 hour, uh, in a two, uh, week period, or 160 hours in a four week period. Also, electronic records allows the state engineer to maintain its official records, either physical or electronic form. Also field notes and computations and maps, uh, both physical and electronic maps documents on public records also covers mineral lease and royalty contracts, uh, …
H.B. 468 Mobile Mammography Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Presents H.B. 468, which requires insurance coverage for mobile mammography in rural third through sixth class counties, states it has no state fiscal note, and says insurance carriers helped craft the language; then calls the question.
▶ Watch at 52:32Read what they said
Thank. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, what this bill, the breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. What this bill does is it provides, uh, the insurance companies have to provide, uh, coverage in the counties of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth class in rural Utah counties. And there's no fiscal note to the state here. And, uh, the insurance carriers were engaged in crafting the language to ensure feasibility. And with that, so I call the question.
H.B. 508 State Facilities Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Hinkins said he supports the bill, arguing the state is largely self-insured, has had little default, and should save money.
▶ Watch at 55:48Read what they said
Anyway, uh, I would just like to be in support of this bill. You know, we're basically self-insured in most everything in the bond. We are actually self-insuring ourselves. We pick our contractors pretty much, and it costs us much to go after these bond companies sometimes. And you may not even get it from them, uh, to cover these costs. And so being self-insured, our state's big enough to do that. And we've had very little default in this process that we've had going for several years. And so I would just say that we need to, uh, save the money where we can. And I believe this is saving us money.
H.B. 401 Geothermal Study Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asks whether an amendment exists for the bill, notes the funding source changes to a department, and asks that the bill's text be replaced with a first substitute, then asks that the bill be circled. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:11:07Read what they said
Does there need to be, I'm looking to see if there's any amendment on this. I see. Uh, it's red. I just didn't know if there needed to be There. Could be because there the money was gonna come out of, uh, general funds. Now it's gonna come out of the department of, uh, First sub. What is that move? Okay. So I would ask that we, uh, delete title and body house bill 4 0 1 and replace first substitute. I don't see anything online. So is there a one on, am I looking at the right Bill? I don't see it there, but, uh, do you want Me to, so why don't we circle this one and make …
H.B. 473 Colorado River Authority Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Moves to circle House Bill 401, the geothermal study amendments.
▶ Watch at 1:21:06Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President moved on. Circle House Bill 4 0 1. Motion to encircle House Bill 4 0 1 geothermal study amendments.
H.B. 401 Geothermal Study Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Explains that the bill is being changed by substituting a new version of H.B. 401 for the original text.
▶ Watch at 1:21:25Read what they said
I talked about it earlier today, uh, was, uh, to do a, uh, an expiration, uh, for, first I need to substitute the bill. I better substitute it first. Uh, I'd like to delete Title and Body House bill 4 0 1 and replace it with First substitute House bill 4 0 1.
H.B. 401 Geothermal Study Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Describes the substitute bill, which directs Utah State University to study geological and environmental impacts of geothermal energy development in Utah and report findings to the Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee.
▶ Watch at 1:21:57Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, this changes, uh, the bill to Utah State University to conduct a study on geological and environmental impacts on geothermal energy development in the state of Utah requires Utah State University to report findings to the Public Utilities Energy and Technology Committee.
H.B. 462 School Bus Internet Access · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 462 as a grant program for rural school districts to install and operate internet connectivity on school buses, and says eligibility is limited to certain counties with fewer than 3,000 students, then opens for questions.
▶ Watch at 12:21Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. President. This bill Grants, uh, is a grant program for rural school districts to install and operate internet connectivity on their systems, on their school buses. To be eligible, you have to be of a fourth, fifth, or sixth class county and less than fewer than 3000 students to enroll in this program. And with that, I'm open to questions. Thank you for the presentations.
H.C.R. 13 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Technical Education · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents H.C.R. 13, which encourages the State Board of Education and local education agencies to create and offer courses that prepare students for certain careers, and asks whether the call for the question was heard.
▶ Watch at 18:14Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. President. Uh, this resolution encourages the State Board of Education and local education agencies to create and offer instructions in courses that would prepare our students for certain careers. Uh, and so it just encourages for more technical education in the state. And with that, I call the question. Thank you. Uh, did I hear you call the question?
H.B. 530 State Permitting Council · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 530, which creates a permitting coordinator in the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity to work with agencies on permitting efficiency and information sharing without authority to approve or deny permits, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 1:36:44Read what they said
it's a, uh, creates a, uh, permitting coordinator with the go, uh, go Governor's Office of Economic Opportunities and it authorizes the permitting coordinator to work with governmental entities and identifying administrative and legislative changes that may improve the efficiency and transparency and predictability of state permitting. And it clarifies the permitting coordinator does not have the authority to issue approved, deny, modify a permit, and it authorize the permitting coordinator to share information with the state, federal, tribal, and local agencies. Permits, uh, the coordinator to activities, sharing information and other government entities does not obligate the state or a permitting agency to approve a permit enter into a binding agreement. And with that, I'm open to questions.
H.B. 349 Statewide Water Storage · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Asked whether the state could share in the cost of a reservoir to allow public recreation and fishing.
▶ Watch at 43:32Read what they said
Uh, one of the things that I was, uh, that makes it for the public use is to be able to put, uh, fish in there so people can fish. And so I'm wondering, you know, like if you know to help pay for the price of the reservoir, the state would have, uh, 'cause normally it's an irrigation company or something like that, that usually has, uh, is there something in this, uh, build that would actually make it so that the state could share in it to make it, uh, for well water skiing, recreational, as well as, uh, you know, to be able to fish and all that sort of stuff?
H.B. 349 Statewide Water Storage · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Noted that a reservoir might need to be built larger to leave water for fish.
▶ Watch at 45:04Read what they said
Yeah. Yeah. The only, uh, Mr. Chairman, the only disadvantage would be you have to build it twice as big. 'cause you gotta leave enough water in there for the fish to live, you know, is what I mean. So sometimes it's, I don't know if it makes it more feasible or not to have to build it twice as big as it.
H.B. 349 Statewide Water Storage · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moved to pass HB 349 first substitute with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 48:17Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, I make a motion that we pass out house bill 3 49. First substitute favor recommendation.
H.B. 76 Data Center Water Transparency Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moves to replace the first substitute of the bill with the third substitute.
▶ Watch at 52:28Read what they said
Okay. With that, I would make a motion that we delete title and body, uh, house bill 76 for substitute and replace it with, uh, house Bill 76, third substitute.
H.B. 125 Department of Natural Resources Related Modifications Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moved to replace HB 125 with first substitute HB 125.
▶ Watch at 1:08:06Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chairman. I would like to make a motion that we delete title and body, uh, house Bill 1 25 for substitute and replace it. Oh, it's already been replaced Or no? No, we, we need to And Yeah. Delete title and Body House bill 1 25 and replace it with first substitute House bill 1 25. Okay. Thank you. Senator Motion is that we delete title and Body House Bill 1 25 and replace it with first substitute house bill 1 25.
H.B. 125 Department of Natural Resources Related Modifications Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moved to pass HB 125 first substitute out favorably.
▶ Watch at 1:11:44Read what they said
Yeah, I'd like to just make a motion that we pass out, uh, house bill 1 25. First substitute with payable recommendation.
H.B. 125 Department of Natural Resources Related Modifications Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Spoke in favor of the bill, saying the inflatable-vessel exemption would reduce boat-wash delays while still focusing on the main risk of spreading mussels.
▶ Watch at 1:12:29Read what they said
I would just like to say, you know, that we, we spent a lot of money to try to keep these, uh, invasive mussels out of our water systems. And it's already, we already know that it's in Lake Powell and a lot of these, uh, things here are exempting so that they don't, we are making it to where we, they have to wash their boats off when they leave and different stuff. And, uh, you know, some of these could have slowed down the process of things that actually are gonna cause the trouble. They may not get a chance to get into these boat washes or whatever. And so they head down the road sneak out 'cause …
H.B. 467 Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Modifications · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moved to replace the third substitute with the fourth substitute of HB 467.
▶ Watch at 47:15Read what they said
Thank you. I make a motion that we delete title and body, uh, third substitute 4 67. Replace it with, uh, fourth substitute house bill 4 67.
H.B. 394 Veterinary Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moves to place the first substitute of HB 394 on the consent calendar since there is no opposition.
▶ Watch at 1:43:10Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. Chairman, since there is no opposition to this bill, I would ask that we put it on consent.
H.B. 219 Higher Education Civics Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Says that without set parameters some schools may not teach these documents, expresses support for the bill, and asks the sponsor whether she wants to address concerns raised.
▶ Watch at 1:53:24Read what they said
Thank you. When I was younger, I used to stay up later and watch a mo a show, a talk show called Jay Leno, and he had this thing called, uh, jaywalk. And they had to interview people that as college graduates that didn't know a damn thing about anything. And so to allow, uh, the, if we don't set these parameters up, in my opinion, if you, some, some schools will teach it, but some won't. And I think if we just leave it up to them, we're gonna still have a bunch of idiots wandering around the streets of New York and Los Angeles not having a clue why we're celebrating our 250th year here in the United …
H.B. 219 Higher Education Civics Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Says students should learn the country's history, compares this to civic service in other countries, and asks the committee to pass the bill with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:05:19Read what they said
Thank, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, you know, these we're talking about, uh, higher educations as paid for by taxpayers and, you know, other countries they make, uh, like Denmark and Sweden, they make their children or their high school graduates serve in the military for a year to teach 'em this type type of stuff. And we don't do that in the United States. So, I mean, it's a volunteer army right now and everything, but, you know, I think that's the least they could do is for patriotism to learn a little bit about where we came from and, 'cause you don't know where you're going if you don't. And I just think that, you know, we're not …
H.B. 219 Higher Education Civics Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Says students should understand the freedoms they have and asks that the bill be passed out favorably.
▶ Watch at 2:08:21Read what they said
Yeah, I would just like to say that, you know, everybody has the right for freedom of speech, but they need to know why they have that freedom of speech. 'cause most countries don't have that. And so I think that, uh, that's not asking very much of our citizens or our college graduates to know that. And so with that, I would ask that we pass this bill out favorably.
H.B. 312 School Curriculum and Standards Modifications · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Spoke about the value of learning American history and moved to pass the bill out with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:27:34Read what they said
Yeah, thank you. Uh, I would like to make a comment if it wasn't for learning about our AM American history about Christopher Columbus, and when he sold the, uh, sailed the ocean blue in 1492, you know, uh, it was about 530 years ago, and, uh, we're celebrating 250. I mean, there was, America was like, they discovered 250 years before the all that. And so, you know, it means a lot to know our history, and I think being forced into it, sometimes that's what it takes. Like me, I have to almost be beat into anything. So I would just make a motion that we pass out 312 second substitute with the paper recommendation.
H.B. 462 School Bus Internet Access · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Supports the bill, saying students in San Juan County travel long distances for events and need to keep up with homework, and that satellite internet may make the service affordable; says it will need monitoring.
▶ Watch at 2:32:20Read what they said
Well, this isn't a question, but it's a statement basically that, uh, you know, a lot of the ki uh, kids that I represent down in San Juan County travel a long ways to go to sporting events. And sometimes they'll be on the bus for four or five hours and, and trying to keep up on their homework and stuff for their, being on athletic teams and stuff like that is a real burden on 'em. And I think with the, with SpaceX's, uh, starlink that's gonna be coming out here real shortly, that will be, it's already out. And I have a grandson that has it on his pickup truck, and he has it all the time. I …
H.B. 462 School Bus Internet Access · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moves to pass HB 462 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:34:06Read what they said
Yes. Thank you. Uh, Mr. Chairman, I would make a motion that we pass out house bill 4 62 with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 462 School Bus Internet Access · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Says students already have phone service at all times, and that school-issued internet would help them complete schoolwork and allow monitoring; asks that the bill pass favorably.
▶ Watch at 2:34:49Read what they said
I think that, you know, right now they can, with their cell phones and stuff, they pretty much have service all the time, so they're on north darn things all the time anyways. But this way it would kind of, uh, like I said, to be able to do it with their school, uh, uh, books and stuff like that so that they'll actually do their homework and maybe can monitor more, more that way and make sure they're getting their, their schooling done. So with that, I would ask that we pass it out favorably.
H.B. 358 School Scheduling Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Noted there was no opposition and asked whether the sponsor would like the bill placed on the consent calendar.
▶ Watch at 2:38:12Read what they said
Since there was no opposition, I would wondering if the sponsor would like to put on consent.
H.J.R. 8 Joint Resolution Regarding LEA Reporting Requirements · Senate Education Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moves to pass HJR 8 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:42:12Read what they said
Thank, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would make a motion that we pass out HJR eight with a favorable recommendation. So the motion is to pass out HJR eight with favorable recommendation, discussion to that motion.
H.B. 168 Hunting and Fishing Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Asks whether money collected in poaching cases, such as proceeds from auctioned vehicles, guns, and animals, would go into the new fund and where that money goes now.
▶ Watch at 10:40Read what they said
I do. Uh, thanks you, Mr. Chairman. I was just wondering, uh, so the money that, uh, is collected from, uh, poaching. Now, what all does that entail? I mean, a lot of times when they get caught poaching, they lose their vehicle, they could lose their guns and their animal, and then they auction that off at the end of the year. Will all that money go into this fund you're talking about? That's, Yes. That's the intent, Mr. Chair is the money would go into the account to, uh, focus on mitigating, poaching, uh, and, uh, and other issues. Sometimes they may have to, uh, have some expenses if, uh, uh, DNR law enforcement may have to have …
H.B. 168 Hunting and Fishing Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Says the answer raises oversight questions about the money and asks for a DWR answer on appropriations before he votes.
▶ Watch at 12:58Read what they said
Yeah, that probably an, uh, brought up more question than it did answers, but I was just, uh, so the money now goes into the DNR account. Uh, Just a, just a general Vision, wildlife restricted account Sounds tome like, and they distribute it from we, our appropriations allows where it can go, but this would be where now there would be no oversight over it. So I'd have to have someone from DWR speak on if it's a, in their appropriations. I'm not sure if that's, Well, I, I, I can go ahead and, you know, myself be okay with this. Uh, but I need to get that answer before I pass it, before I vote on it, on …
H.B. 326 Animal Depredation Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Recalls past feral hog problems in Utah and Idaho, describes the damage hogs cause to farmers, and says he is glad the bill addresses the issue.
▶ Watch at 30:04Read what they said
Uh, I thank you. I'd just like to say that type Van Abil that, uh, several years ago about, uh, equine on, on swine and, and, uh, they was having some out on Fremont Island. There was some like Russian hogs or something they'd got from Georgia or somewhere, Arkansas or something like that. Yeah. And they brought 'em in there. And now of course, they'd be able to walk off from there. Back then there was enough water. They was stranded on the island. But yeah, uh, we, we had some, uh, people hunting, but like you say, feral hogs are 6 million feral hogs in Texas. And if you go down there, they'll, and they turn nocturnal where …
H.B. 326 Animal Depredation Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moves to pass the bill out of committee favorably.
▶ Watch at 47:14Read what they said
Senator Hinkins. I would make a motion. We pass, uh, pass this bill out favorably. Okay.
H.B. 509 Wetlands Study Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend HB 509 second substitute to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 57:41Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion we pass out, uh, house Bill 5 0 9. Second substitute favor, recommendation.
H.B. 509 Wetlands Study Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Said extending the window to ten years would cost more and asked the committee to pass the bill.
▶ Watch at 58:53Read what they said
Just costs more money, that's all probably huh? To go 10 years instead of five, whatever. Anyway, I, I'd, I'll, I'll just say that. Just let's pass it out.
H.B. 385 Specialized Product Sales Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moves to pass HB 385 second substitute out with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:26:24Read what they said
Senator Hinkins. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would make a motion that we pass out, uh, second substitute house bill 3 85 with favorable recommendation.
H.B. 86 Restricted Person Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moved that HB 86 be passed out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:39:48Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. Chairman. I would just, uh, I'd like to make a motion that we pass out house bill 86 restricted persons amendment with the favorable recommendation from full parties
H.B. 534 Firearm Immunity Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moves to pass HB 534 first substitute out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:48:47Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chairman. I would like to make a motion that we pass out house bill 5 34 first substitute with the favorable recommendation.
H.B. 84 Dangerous Weapon Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moves to pass HB 84 third substitute as amended with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 42:36Read what they said
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I always make a motion that we pass out house bill 84 third substitute with a favorable recommendation As amended.
H.B. 412 Energy Development Planning Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Said they had no question for the moment and would return to it later. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:03:10Read what they said
I I'm good. I was just, okay, we'll come back to you in a little bit.
H.B. 412 Energy Development Planning Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Described a solar development in Lehi that included access routes for migration and said the bill's approach of advisory wildlife input is useful. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:03:15Read what they said
I, uh, Senator, I went or representative Uintah a development, uh, in Lehi this past year to look at what they're doing, a large development out there solar, and asked this very question, um, what is there any thought? And I was pleased to hear that they had actually designed some routes through that, didn't have it all blocked off. They had access routes through for migration. So I appreciate what you're doing here and, and just with the little forethought, those things can be put in, but not everybody does that. So I think it's important. Was that an energy development? Yeah, solar energy. Yeah. And, and right near there, Eagle Mountain has left a migration corridor right through …
H.B. 247 Great Salt Lake Related Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Responded that a faster timeline could be possible but cautioned about protecting endangered species in the Colorado River, which feeds water to Utah reservoirs and the Great Salt Lake, and about watershed management.
▶ Watch at 1:29:51Read what they said
Well, You might be able to move it faster, but problem is you've got also the Colorado River you gotta realize we've got endangered species in that river, four of them that, uh, if we don't protect them, we're gonna stop taking water outta the Colorado River. And if you don't realize it, starvation Reservoir, a Deer Creek Reservoir, strawberry Reservoir, Utah Lake, all that water's coming from the Colorado River. A lot of it, you know, other than the contributors. But, uh, so we've gotta make sure that we take care of the Colorado River. And we're in a fight right now with the downstream states, California, Arizona, and Nevada. And so if we don't protect species, I mean …
H.B. 251 Diligence Claims Water Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Presents H.B. 251, which addresses diligence claims for water rights and recognizes certain livestock watering ponds on homestead parcels that only catch precipitation and are under 20 acre-feet.
▶ Watch at 26:03Read what they said
Senator Hinkins, Uh, thank you Mr. President Pro temp, uh, this diligent water rights or the rights where water was used in nine before 1903. And to prove up the diligent claim of the land that had been surveyed and creates opportunities for diligence. Uh, it was surveyed until after 1903. Uh, house Bill 2 51 is a product of over two years of effort by the house sponsor, the state engineer and the water lawyers. It recognizes livestock watering ponds that only catch precipitation and are less than 20 acre feet in size that are on a homestead parcel. With that, I'm open to questions.
H.B. 369 Agriculture and Food Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Says the bill expands the definition of environmental actions to include judicial review.
▶ Watch at 29:58Read what they said
Hinkins, uh, Thank you Mr. President Prote. This, uh, bill expands the definition of environmental actions to include judicial review
H.B. 419 Environmental Legal Action Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Describes House Bill 419 as adding judicial review of certain permits issued by the Department of Oil, Gas and Mining and making technical and conforming changes, then opens the floor to questions and discussion.
▶ Watch at 30:04Read what they said
of environmental actions to include judicial review of certain permits issued by the Department of Gas, oil and Mining. And it makes technical changes confirm conforming changes. Uh, with that I'm open to questions, Discussion to the bill. Seeing none back to you.
S.B. 189 School District Funding Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Comments on federal land trades near St. George and Salt Lake areas and says state trust land should be used for school land rather than borrowing to buy it.
▶ Watch at 1:24:00Read what they said
This isn't directly at that bill or this bill and, uh, but I remember a few months ago, Senator Lee tried to make some trades with the BLM for ground around our, uh, areas like St. George. And he got kind of condemned for, uh, even thinking about taking and getting land in Utah that belongs to Utah from the federal government and all the people that are complaining about that, they probably all chastised him for this and this ground should be for the state of Utah, especially for our school, school kids. And so, you know, we wouldn't even be talking about this having to borrow money to buy land if we'd have our land that's already state …
S.B. 189 School District Funding Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Explains his vote as an aye on the condition that the sponsor works with Senator Fillmore on a quicker loan repayment.
▶ Watch at 1:27:10Read what they said
I would just like to, uh, explain my vote. I would like to be an eye on two, but under the circumstances that she will get with Senator Fillmore and talk about a quicker, uh, loan repayment back to this, uh, the trust fund or whoever they borrow the money from. So with that, I'm an eye on two
S.B. 312 Educator License Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Said he may vote against the bill unless it is changed, but would like the committee to advance it so the sponsor can work on it further.
▶ Watch at 1:31:46Read what they said
Thank you, Madam Chair. I would just like to explain, the way I'm probably gonna vote is because I know Senator Johnson is very, uh, concerned about the, uh, the teachers that are being, uh, maybe misclassified on stuff, but I also know that he's more concerned about the children of the state than he is the teachers. And he says that he would fix this bill. And I take him at that, at that value, knowing that, that he will. And so I think that, uh, our committee should get it out and, uh, give him the chance to, to meet with more people and, 'cause it's getting late in the session. And I really do think that, uh, …
H.B. 145 School Excused Absence Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Said they favor the bill and asked whether the required grade point average could be lowered from 2.0 to 1.0.
▶ Watch at 1:44:22Read what they said
Thank you. I'm in favor of this bill, but also I would like to know if we could change on line 83, it says a grade point average of at least 2.0 coming from school myself, that was pretty hard to get 2.0. So I would, was wondering if we could change that to a 1.0?
H.B. 194 Utah State Board of Education Ethics Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Agrees with expanding the bill over time but wants it to pass as it is, as quickly as possible this year.
▶ Watch at 2:03:11Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, and I agree with that, uh, as far as, uh, expanding that, but, you know, I've never actually ate an elephant myself, but I've heard to eat at one bite at a time, and I'd like to see this bill get through this process this year. And that sounds like a bill for somebody else some other day or something that you could do next year. But I would like to see this bill go through as it is, as quickly as possible.
H.B. 194 Utah State Board of Education Ethics Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Moves that HB 194 pass out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:03:35Read what they said
So I would make a motion that we pass out house bill one 94th favorable recommendation.
H.B. 251 Diligence Claims Water Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Sen. Hinkins explained that H.B. 251 creates a diligence claim option for water used before 1903 where the land was surveyed after 1903, and that it recognizes small precipitation-fed livestock watering ponds on homestead parcels.
▶ Watch at 37:33Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, diligent water rights or water rights that, uh, where water was used before 1903 to prove location of your diligence claim on the land had to be surveyed and House Bill 2 51 creates an opportunity for diligent claims where the land wasn't surveyed until after 1903. House Bill 2 51 is also a product of over two years effort by the house sponsor and the state engineer and water lawyers. It recognizes livestock watering ponds that only catch precipitation and are less than 20 acre feet and size and are on homestead parcels. With that, I'm open to questions.
H.B. 419 Environmental Legal Action Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Reports no questions and calls for the third-reading roll call vote on the bill.
▶ Watch at 42:32Read what they said
See no questions. Call The question. Question is, shall house Bill four 19 be read A third time roll call vote.
H.B. 401 Geothermal Study Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Presents H.B. 401, which creates a study to find geothermal resources near existing coal or gas power plants so that current transmission infrastructure can be used.
▶ Watch at 57:19Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. President Prote. Uh, in Utah we're very fortunate to have, uh, a lot of natural resources and one of the main ones that we have is, uh, hot water under our surface of the land, the geothermals. And this bill creates a study. Uh, we were very lucky to have, uh, geothermal and other natural resources that we have. But what this bill does is to try to find, uh, these, uh, resources under areas that we can actually, uh, near coal fired power plants or gas fired power plants so that we can use the, uh, infrastructure that's already in place. The power lines transmit transformers and the transmission that's available for that. And so …
H.B. 473 Colorado River Authority Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Said the funding is being moved with the agency, and moved that the committee pass the second substitute out favorably.
▶ Watch at 55:06Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, that money's just being moved from the executive over to the natural resources, so it's just shall basically moving it over. Yes. So it's, that's correct. Since we're moving the agency, we have to take the money with it. And so with that motion, uh, with that, I would like to make the motion that we pass out, uh, second substitute house bill 4 73 with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 157 Department of Natural Resources Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Moved that the committee pass H.B. 157, third substitute, out favorably.
▶ Watch at 1:04:57Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. Chairman, I would make a motion that we pass out, uh, third substitute house bill 1 57 with favorable recommendation.
H.B. 348 Dedicated Water Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Moves to pass HB 348 first substitute out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:13:22Read what they said
You. Uh, Mr. Chairman, I would make a motion that we pass out house Bill 3 48 first substitute with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 410 Water Leasing Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Expressed support for the bill, comparing it to the Colorado River water efforts, and moved to pass HB 410 first substitute out favorably.
▶ Watch at 1:29:52Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. Chairman. You know, this is real similar to the same thing that we've done on the Colorado River with the last couple years we've been doing this. So we, uh, appropriated some money for that and, and it's worked out real well. I mean, we still haven't got a lot of water in the Colorado River, but, you know, at least it's an effort and it's kind of helped with our, uh, relationship with the downstream, uh, states, California, Arizona, and, uh, Nevada that we've been making efforts for that. And so I think it's the same thing with the communities here in Salt Lake. This, uh, you know, it's, I know the, the road to …
H.B. 410 Water Leasing Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Asked the chair whether he would like a motion to approve the minutes of the February 18 meeting.
▶ Watch at 1:32:25Read what they said
Mr. Chairman, last item. Mr. Do you like to Make, would you like me to make a motion to on the minutes, approve the minutes of February 18th?
H.B. 410 Water Leasing Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Moved to approve the minutes of the February 18, 2026 meeting.
▶ Watch at 1:32:41Read what they said
I'd like to make a motion that we've approved the minutes of February 18th, 2026.
H.B. 293 Public Education Student Athlete Protections · Senate Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Moves to adopt Senate Amendment #1 to the bill.
▶ Watch at 36:29Read what they said
I You were both so eager to, uh, we just want to, we, we wanna, uh, add amendment one to So moved.
H.C.R. 11 Resolution Urging Healthy Activities in Schools · Senate Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Moved to pass H.C.R. 11 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 55:25Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would make a motion. We pass out HCR 11 with a favorable recommendation.
H.C.R. 11 Resolution Urging Healthy Activities in Schools · Senate Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Thanked members for their feedback, agreed that funding is needed to get children moving and eating well, and asked for a vote.
▶ Watch at 55:42Read what they said
Thank you. Thank you. I wanna say I just, I really appreciate all that feedback, and you're absolutely right. We need to help find funding to get our kids moving, to get our kids into those good habits of, of health and fitness and eating right and learning about nutrition. And it has, it has to come with some funding eventually. So I'm hoping this is kind of a launching point for that, of making this a priority. Anyway, thank you. I'd appreciate your vote.
H.C.R. 11 Resolution Urging Healthy Activities in Schools · Senate Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Asked that the resolution be placed on the consent calendar since there was no opposition, and made that motion.
▶ Watch at 56:31Read what they said
Mr. Chairman, if, uh, it's all right with the committee, since there is no opposition, if she'd like this, put on consent. Love that. If that I'd make, make that motion.
H.B. 353 Higher Education Credit Transfer Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Moved to pass HB 353 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:33:38Read what they said
Uh, thank you. Uh, Mr. Chairman, I would make a motion we pass out house bill 3 53 with a favorable recommendation.
S.R. 3 Senate Resolution Regarding Animal Sheltering During Disasters · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Asks whether the resolution is similar to the story of Noah bringing animals onto the ship during a natural disaster, and asks the sponsor to yield.
▶ Watch at 1:25:59Read what they said
Would this be something like, uh, they had Noah when they had that natural disaster when they brought all their pets and loaded 'em on the ship or whatever or something Like that? Oh, Senator. He and Senator, uh, will you agree to yield?
S.B. 62 School Finance Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Opposes the bill, saying smaller schools budget a year in advance and could be left in deficit if funds are pulled, which would be unfair to them.
▶ Watch at 3:07:26Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. President. I would just like to say that, you know, a lot of these, uh, smaller schools say have to budget kind of a year in advance the way we've got the system set up, that we are actually working on 2027 budgets. And so we're actually a year, uh, there's a year behind. And so a lot of these smaller schools may have hired a teacher more than they should have. And so if we pull that money from 'em, that means they're gonna be in the whole, uh, less that one person, that teacher. And so I would be opposed to this because they have to fiscally be responsible. Uh, and so if they …
H.B. 214 Firearms Liability Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Presents House Bill 214 as the floor sponsor, saying it holds firearm manufacturers and sellers harmless from harm caused when a buyer misuses a product, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 46:09Read what they said
Senator Hinkins, uh, Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this bill basically holds, uh, firearm manufacturers and, uh, related items against, uh, so that the seller and the manufacturers are held harmless from, uh, things that somebody that may have bought their product does something stupid with it. And so that holds them harmless from that. And so with that, I'm open to questions.
S.B. 111 Veterinary Post-employment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sen. Hinkins says he opposes non-compete clauses, shares examples of local businesses growing after employees left, and supports the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:32:18Read what they said
Thank, thank you Mr. Ps. President. So tamp, you know, I, uh, really hate non-compete clauses, period. I mean, where I live, I mean, we, we all train our competition and, and always has been. It's always been that way. Uh, I worked for a company that taught me the trade and I have taught other peoples the trade that's, we've all gone into competition. We've all done well. I, up in Plain City, one trucking company blossomed to about five or six or 20 trucking companies. It's been very successful. And I think that, uh, a lot of us don't go to college. We, that's how we do. And so I think non-compete clauses are just a waste of …
S.B. 111 Veterinary Post-employment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sen. Hinkins says rural areas with only one veterinarian lack choices and that having more vets available is important.
▶ Watch at 2:34:17Read what they said
I'd like to add to that, you know, having, uh, two or three vets in the area, a lot of times you can't get ahold of him. And so if there's only one vet there and he's got a corner on the market, uh, it's like having a, a hospital and only having one doctor. I just think that it's good to have choices and, you know, some people may not even like your dog. You might have bit him and you don't wanna mess with it no more. And so therefore you're gonna need another bet. And if he's not around, what are you gonna do? Thanks.
H.B. 126 Micro-Education Entity Facility Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Moved to pass the first substitute of H.B. 126 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:02:18Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Chairman. I would make a motion that we pass out, uh, house Bill 1 26. Uh, first substitute with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 310 School Reintegration Plan Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Moved to delete the title and body of HB 310 and replace them with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 2:03:37Read what they said
Ahead. I would like to delete title and Body House bill three 10 and replace it with first substitute house bill three 10. Okay. So the motion is to delete and title the body, uh, first sub, uh, HB three 10, and replace it with first substitute HB three 10.
H.B. 310 School Reintegration Plan Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Moved to pass the first substitute to HB 310 with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:06:34Read what they said
You Mr. Chairman. Uh, I would make a motion we pass out first substitute house bill three 10 with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 214 Firearms Liability Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Explains that the bill amends firearm liability provisions covering claims against firearm sellers and manufacturers and requires courts to dismiss claims that do not meet specified requirements, and says it holds manufacturers harmless when a firearm is used in an appropriate manner.
▶ Watch at 19:09Read what they said
Thank Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this bill amends the provisions that requires, uh, for certain claims arising from a firearm or a related item, uh, brought against a seller or a manufacturer of a firearm or firearm related item. Uh, trade association and for certain rising claims from a firearm, uh, requires a court to dismiss claims that fail to meet specific requirements. And so what it's, this bill basically does is, uh, holds manufacturers of firearms, uh, harmless because someone uses it in an appropriate manner. And so I'm open to questions.
H.B. 101 Firearm Background Check Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Presents H.B. 101, which exempts certain transfers of National Firearms Act firearms from a background check when a recent ATF approval exists, and clarifies that transfers to federal firearms licensees do not require a criminal background check.
▶ Watch at 53:37Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this Bill exempts an individual from undergoing a background check for the sale of a, or transfer of a firearm that is related under the National Firearms Act. If the individual has received an approved application within the last 30 days for the cell or transfer of a firearm from the Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, firearms and Explosives, and it clarifies that Federal Firearms License does not need to undergo a criminal background check for the transfer of a firearm to the Federal Firearm's license and makes technical changes. With that, open to questions.
H.B. 251 Diligence Claims Water Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Sen. Hinkins moved that the committee pass HB 251 per substitute with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 46:06Read what they said
Uh, thank, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would, uh, make, I'd like to make a proposal that we pass out House Bill 2 51 per substitute with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 251 Diligence Claims Water Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Sen. Hinkins thanked the committee and asked that the bill be sent on to the Senate.
▶ Watch at 46:31Read what they said
I appreciate the motion and what it is. And, and I'll tell you, it's been a lot of fun to, to kind of dig up a few things of history and, uh, and to understand what was done. Remember the, the days I spent with my grandpa. And so, uh, anyway, I appreciate the, the, the motion. And I'd ask you to Yeah. Send it on to the Senate.
H.B. 419 Environmental Legal Action Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Sen. Hinkins said staying in step with federal rules matters for extraction and reclamation work and moved to pass HB 419 favorably.
▶ Watch at 53:32Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, there's nothing more important than staying in, uh, in step with the federal government. We wanna make sure that we're in compliance and that we don't hold up the any, uh, extraction industries or reclamation as well. You know, also the reclamation of Office of surface Mining. 'cause we re we've, we've reclaimed a lot of the old mines that were left vacant by the previous, uh, uh, industries. And so we wanna make sure that we get these things taken care of, especially in the uranium fields and stuff like that. So this is very important, this change and stuff. And, uh, just like to make a motion that we pass out House Bill four 19 …
H.B. 419 Environmental Legal Action Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Sen. Hinkins said the change follows Office of Surface Mining guidance in the federal register and keeps Utah in compliance, and described reclamation of old mines.
▶ Watch at 54:42Read what they said
I don't think so. I think this is, uh, just that this is their guidelines from Office of Surface Mining, which is the federal agency, and we're just complying. And that's not gonna, that shouldn't change. It's in the federal register, that that's what the change is. And so I think we'll be in compliance. You know, we get a lot of money from the coal industry to reclaim these old mines and stuff like that. So we wanna make sure that these, or you know, we've had people get in some of these old mines that we had to send in rescue to get people out of 'em. And so to get these things, and you gotta be able …
H.B. 419 Environmental Legal Action Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Sponsor declined to add a summation and waived closing remarks. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 57:24Read what they said
Uh, thank you. I'll, I'll Waive. Thank you, Senator. I'll waive Thank you. Motion and waive.
H.B. 187 Water Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Moved to pass HB 187 second substitute with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:03:30Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would make a motion that we pass out house bill 180 7, second substitute with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 369 Agriculture and Food Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Moved to pass H.B. 369 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:08:27Read what they said
Senator Hankins light is on. Ready to go. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would make a motion. We pass out house bill 360 9 with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Moves to pass HB 376 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:35:13Read what they said
I feel like a one man show here today. I'll tell you what I, anyway, I make a motion. We pass out house bill 3 76 with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 376 Land Management Funding Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Expresses appreciation for the sponsor, supports the education component, and says forest management reduces fire damage.
▶ Watch at 1:35:33Read what they said
I might just have to add my appreciation representative. I was on that fire, um, with the Congresswoman Molloy, spent the day there, um, just near your home. And, uh, an eerie feeling in the moonscape, blackness of the canyons. Um, you don't wish that on anyone. We've lost a generation of, of these skilled, um, forest treatment. And so I love the education piece to bring this back and, and, uh, yeah. Take care of our, our forest fire's. Not all bad if we can use it as a great tool, but when it's out of control and catastrophic, it causes a lot of damage. So thank you. From my viewpoint, we'll bring it to you for summation.
S.B. 271 High School Activities Governance · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said he could support holding the bill and seconded the motion.
▶ Watch at 1:11:53Read what they said
Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would, uh, I, I think I could support that. The only bill I've seen less support for is my Senate bill 2 49 that went down three to one. And so I'd hate to see this get voted down at this time. And so I, I I support that. Uh, motion.
S.B. 271 High School Activities Governance · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said he supports the intent of the bill, suggested the association look at its own practices, and said he would return to the sponsor for discussion.
▶ Watch at 1:12:17Read what they said
I, I guess I have, I, I have a few comments, and that is that, having said on the Administrative Rules committee, um, I, I have some, uh, feelings, you know, with hearing, uh, about some of the stuff going on at the Athletics Association. I have some feelings that I actually support what, uh, what Senator Grover's trying to do. And, uh, you know, maybe, maybe the bill isn't where it needs to be, but I, I certainly don't want to, uh, vote the bill down. Uh, I, but, but I do think, you know, I, I've gotten texts from a few people, um, that actually would be here to testify, they said, but, uh, they're afraid of reprisals. …
S.B. 272 Transportation Funding Revisions · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Asked whether the substitute has a fiscal note and what the bill would cost.
▶ Watch at 1:30:20Read what they said
Ahead. I was just wondering, uh, there, the substitute doesn't have a fiscal note attached to it as of yet. I don't know if it hasn't caught up yet or not. So I was just curious if they knew how much this was gonna cost.
S.B. 272 Transportation Funding Revisions · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said he does not expect the fiscal note to change much. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:31:09Read what they said
I don't see that that fiscal note would change much based on that, but, okay.
S.B. 272 Transportation Funding Revisions · Senate Education Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Opposed the bill, citing rural students who would seek transportation to distant schools and concern that it opens a path with no return.
▶ Watch at 1:38:46Read what they said
Yeah, thank you. I think this is just opening up a can of worms in my opinion. I have, uh, school districts like down in, uh, Garfield County that, uh, children that are living in Animo, Utah are going to Junction High School, which is in the Piute school district. And so maybe they'd like to go to the Panguitch School District, which that is part of their county. Also in LaSalle, uh, up in Spanish Valley, just south of Moab, that's in San Juan County. Those kids are going to the mo to the Grand County School District. They would probably like to go to Monticello, which would be their, uh, actual school district that would be in their …
H.B. 52 Tribal Endorsement of Utah Driver License Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Asks that House Bill 16 first substitute be replaced with a second substitute.
▶ Watch at 4:35Read what they said
Senator Hinkins. Uh, thank you Mr. President. Uh, I would like to ask that we delete title and Body House bill 16 first substitute and replace it with second substitute house bill. 16
H.B. 52 Tribal Endorsement of Utah Driver License Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Asks to delete the title and body of House Bill 16 first substitute and replace it with second substitute House Bill 16.
▶ Watch at 4:37Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. President. Uh, I would like to ask that we delete title and Body House bill 16 first substitute and replace it with second substitute house bill. 16
H.B. 16 Solar Power Plant Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Explains that the substitute ties state incentives to farmland that produces a certain amount of crops or vegetation, and requires wildlife impact consultation and reclamation requirements.
▶ Watch at 5:24Read what they said
Uh, yeah. This bill is, uh, established critical, uh, for the state incentives that has, if it's on, uh, farmland, it's, uh, raises a certain amount of produce or vegetation, and then also it requires the wildlife impact consultation to make sure that we're not impacting wildlife in the areas that they're putting these as well as, uh, uh, what we do with the reclamation of them. And so with that, I'm open to questions, Looking for discussion on the bill.
H.B. 16 Solar Power Plant Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Says the bill gives counties more say at the local level over how solar projects are handled.
▶ Watch at 6:39Read what they said
Gives more, uh, go ahead. Go ahead. Thank you, Mr. President. It gives more, uh, of the, what they can do at, at a local level, uh, with the counties. And so basically it would be up to them on how they, uh, determine it.
H.B. 16 Solar Power Plant Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Says incentives apply to land of limited value, and that agricultural or wildlife habitat land falls under different scrutiny.
▶ Watch at 7:05Read what they said
Well, the incentives are, uh, out there if they're on, uh, land, that's not, uh, of much value other than for solar pe, uh, where if they're agricultural and, uh, or, uh, wildlife habitat, it has, it falls under different scrutinies.
H.B. 16 Solar Power Plant Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Says the bill does not apply to every solar plant, only to plants on useful ground that apply for incentives on farmland.
▶ Watch at 7:42Read what they said
Uh, no, it's not, not really correct. Every solar plant, it's just the ones that are being put on, uh, useful ground. So the mine 1 35 on does not apply to just anything. It's just only the ones that are applying for incentives, uh, on farmlands. Is that,
H.B. 16 Solar Power Plant Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Asks which line is being cited, then says the provision relies on local jurisdictions to decide what is viable.
▶ Watch at 9:18Read what they said
Uh, I I, I'm not catching the line that, what line is it that you're talking about? 1 5, 1 55. 1 35 0 1 35 1 1 35 5 first may not construct a solar plant without first applying for and receiving from a government body. And that's mostly local jurisdiction that gives it to the counties to make their discretion of what's viable and not viable.
H.B. 16 Solar Power Plant Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Says his county has over 10,000 acres of solar farms, that local residents are concerned, and that the county wants more discretion over where solar facilities go.
▶ Watch at 10:18Read what they said
Well, thank you. And, uh, just to kind of elaborate on that, you know, in my county there's over 10,000 acres of solar farms and it's, it's raised a lot of uproar of the locals there that when they're driving through ars Cenic County, that's been set aside for beautification of the desert and whatnot. And, uh, all these solar panels are lying in the, uh, mullen reef. And so they're, we've set, put all these wilderness areas out there, and so their county wants to have a little more discretion of where these things go. And so with that, I would call the question
H.B. 16 Solar Power Plant Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Explains his vote by comparing solar facility siting to an earlier billboard debate and saying local governments should have discretion.
▶ Watch at 11:30Read what they said
I ran a bill a while back about, uh, billboards and I know Salt Lake City had a big to-do about it. Not wanting it here, not wanting it there. Well, we can't just put things everywhere if we want 'em. And so this is basically, it's the same thing. We don't wanna have our solar panels anymore. And you want billboards in Salt Lake City, uh, where you don't want 'em. They should have some discretion. And so with that,
S.J.R. 8 Joint Resolution to Initiate a Law School at Utah Valley University · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Supports the bill, saying Utah needs more legal education opportunities because many relatives had to leave the state for law school, and urges passing it without circling.
▶ Watch at 40:54Read what they said
Uh, thank, thank you. And, uh, you know, Utah, we're, we've got, uh, a lot of, uh, our population is, uh, our youth and we need this opportunity here in the state. You know, we've opened up a vet veterinarian school in ut uh, Utah State. We didn't go out shopping for other colleges. That was just an automatic fit. Uh, UVU is in the center of our state, uh, which, uh, I think is, you know, appropriate to, to be there as well. And you know, I've, I've had several ne nephews and nieces, and almost every one of them have had to leave the state to get their, uh, law degree. I've had some go to Nebraska, some …
H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Hinkins says counties must apply, the bill arose from Garfield County, and it aims to keep access roads open to archaeological sites, and that SITLA supports it.
▶ Watch at 1:30:31Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President Pro Temp. Uh, this is, uh, something that the counties have to, uh, apply for and it came to the sit because of Garfield County. It was a, a certain area down there and most of this in the Red Rock country where there's, uh, archeology, uh, as well as, uh, petroglyphs and, uh, and so the people are being locked out of these places, uh, and not being able to, I mean, it doesn't really do any good to have these places there if you can't visit 'em. And so the county takes pretty much, they're the ones that have to petition it and they take responsibility for that area. And as Sony counties of …
H.B. 101 Firearm Background Check Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Describes HB 101, which concerns firearm transfer background checks and makes technical changes, and opens the floor for questions and discussion on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:38:19Read what they said
If the individual has received an approved application within the last 30 days for a cell or transfer of a firearm from the Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives, and clarifies that this federal firearms license does not exceed, undergo criminal background check for transfer of a firearm to a federal firearms license and makes technical changes. With that, I'm open to questions, Discussion to the bill.
S.B. 253 Library Materials Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Said he opposes holding the bill, noting public hearings will also occur in the House and that the session is nearing its end.
▶ Watch at 55:45Read what they said
Thank. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, this is the first, uh, uh, public hearing. There'll be one in the house when this passes the Senate. They'll have a, the, they'll have opportunities to talk about this, but, you know, we're starting to get into LA later part of the session, and we'd like to help all that we can to get these bills through, because we got a mess of them. We need to get as many through as we can. So, uh, there, there are other, be other opportunities for the public to speak to this. So I always say that we need to, I'm, I'm opposed to holding the bill.
S.B. 118 Mental Health Services in Higher Education · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Moves to delete the title and body of SB 118 and replace it with first substitute SB 118.
▶ Watch at 1:06:41Read what they said
Thank you. I would make a motion that we delete title and body Senate bill one 18 and replace it with first substitute Senate bill one 18.
S.B. 118 Mental Health Services in Higher Education · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Moves to proceed to the next item on the agenda and keep this bill in committee.
▶ Watch at 1:33:32Read what they said
Mr. Chairman, if I may, could I make a motion that we Sure. Uh, move to another item on the agenda and, uh, leave this on the, in our committee so that if there's something that comes up, but right now, I would like to see us move to another item on the agenda.
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Says the bill's list refers to early settler religions and objects to adding other religions, then moves to close discussion.
▶ Watch at 2:01:14Read what they said
Yeah, well, thank you. And you know, I bringing all these other religions in on line, uh, 84, where it says, early settlement of North American colonies by religious refugees. I, including Puritans, Catholics, Quakers, and Jews. The Mormon church wasn't around then. The, I don't know if the Holy Rollers was around then. They're not talking about any other religions. They're not talking about Hindus. They're not talking, they're talking about the ones that was the early settlers of America. And to bring all this other crap in here is not right. Uh, that that was the people that was here that settled the country. And it's not, I'm talking not after the fact of anything else. It's just …
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Moves to pass SB 268 out of committee favorably as amended.
▶ Watch at 2:20:59Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would make a motion that we pass out Senate bill 2 68 with a favorable recommendation as amended. Okay. So the motion is to send out, uh, senate Bill 2 68, Senate bill 2 68 as amended with a favorable recommendation.
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Says the bill is a good bill, notes the House will have a chance to weigh in, and calls the question.
▶ Watch at 2:24:23Read what they said
I will waive as well. Uh, well, I, I'll, I, I actually would like to say, you know, this is the first, uh, public hearing on this bill. It's a Senate bill, so there'll be a house, uh, opportunity to weigh in on it. And that committee can stay there as long as they want. But I really appreciate the, uh, the, the sponsor of the bill, and I think it's a good bill, and I appreciate it. And, uh, it's just call a question.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Sen. Hinkins moves to pass the bill out of committee favorably as amended, with the sponsor to work with school districts on the notice period.
▶ Watch at 2:36:40Read what they said
Uh, thank you. Uh, Mr. Chairman, I would like to just make a, a motion to pass this out. Has it been amended? Yeah, it's amended, yeah. Uh, with the, with the caveat that, uh, the sponsor gets with the, the school districts and stuff, because, you know, I don't wanna put a burden burden on 'em as well because a lot of our areas down, you know, rural areas might be different. I, I, I would just wanna make sure that they're happy with it, whether it's 60, 60 hours or 24 or 48, whatever. I just, I'll, I'll make the motion to move it outta committee 'cause it's got plenty of time to work on it with them. …
S.R. 4 Resolution Encouraging the Integration of Agriculture into Residential Development · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moved to pass SR 4 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 34:49Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. Chairman, I would make a motion then that we pass out SR four with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moved to adopt House Amendment 1 to HB 64.
▶ Watch at 41:23Read what they said
Um, so looking motion, Senator Hinkins, Uh, thank, thank you Mr. Chairman. I make a motion that we adopt house Amendment one. Okay. In, uh, representative ALB brick's. Name for house Bill 64. Thank you. The motion is we adopt amendment one and representative ALB brick's. Name to house Bill, uh, 64.
H.B. 101 Firearm Background Check Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moved to pass HB 101 out of committee favorably as amended.
▶ Watch at 1:39:49Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would make a motion that we pass out House Bill 1 0 1 with a favorable as amended with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 60 Water Rights Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Praises the state water engineer for her work and says the job is one of the toughest in the state.
▶ Watch at 1:44:43Read what they said
Everyone thinks the governor's job's tough, but it's not a state engineers water engineer is even tougher. So I applaud you for, uh, even accepting this, uh, job. And, uh, it is the toughest job in the state of Utah, including the governor's job, in my opinion. So thank you for, for all that you do. I just wanted to acknowledge you.
H.B. 60 Water Rights Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moves to pass House Bill 60, first substitute, with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:02:54Read what they said
You, Mr. Chairman. I would like to, I'd propose to pass out House Bill 60, uh, first substitute with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 63 Livestock Watering Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moves to pass HB 63 as amended with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 2:34:57Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. Chairman, I would make a motion that we pass out House bill 63 as amended With the Favor Recommendation Motion's. In order we favorably recommend House Bill 63.
S.B. 180 School Nutrition Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Hinkins moved to replace SB 180 with the first substitute, SB 180S01.
▶ Watch at 1:12:56Read what they said
Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would make a motion that we delete title and body Senate Bill 180 and replace it with first substitute Senate bill 180. Okay. So the motion is to, uh, delete title and body s sp 180 and replace it with first substitute SB 180 School Nutrition Amendments.
S.B. 180 School Nutrition Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Hinkins moved to pass the first substitute of SB 180 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:19:26Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman, I would like to make a motion that we pass out, uh, first substitute Senate Bill 180 with the favorable recommendation. Okay. So the, uh, motion is to send out SB 180 School Nutrition Amendments, uh, with the favorable recommendation.
S.B. 181 School Discipline Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moved to replace the bill with first substitute SB 180 1.
▶ Watch at 1:20:44Read what they said
Would someone that like to move that substitute? Chairman, Since my light's on, I would like to make a motion that we delete Title and Body Senate bill 180 1 and replace it with first substitute Senate bill 180 1. Okay. So the motion is to delete title and body of, uh, SB 180 1, and, and replace that with first substitute SB 180 1 School Discipline Amendments.
H.B. 163 Grow Your Own Educator Pipeline Program Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Said San Juan County has a high Native American population and difficulty keeping teachers, and that the bill will help allow local residents to earn degrees to teach special education.
▶ Watch at 1:36:13Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you. Uh, Mr. Chairman, I would just like to say thanks for this because I represent San Juan County, which has half Native American population, and, and it's very hard to keep, uh, teachers down in that area, and so be able to have, and there are special education needs there. And so half the school districts are strictly Native Americans. And so to be able to allow those individuals to get degrees, to be able to teach special ed and stuff like that, it's, uh, uh, really, uh, important to my district. And I really appreciate this. So it's, it'll help a lot. Thanks. Yeah.
H.B. 163 Grow Your Own Educator Pipeline Program Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moved to pass HB 163 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:39:46Read what they said
Uh, Senator Hinkins. Thank You, Mr. Chairman. I would make a motion that we pass out house bill 1 63 with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 163 Grow Your Own Educator Pipeline Program Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moved to adjourn the meeting. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:41:16Read what they said
So, uh, seeing, uh, motion to adjourn. Thank you. That's our last motion. Motion to adjourn.
S.B. 249 Public Employee Negotiation Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Introduces Senate Bill 249 and Brad Asay, who will present with him.
▶ Watch at 53:17Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chairman. And I appreciate the opportunity to present, uh, Senate Bill 2 49. Uh, I have with me, uh, Mr. Brad Asay, if you'd like to go ahead and
S.B. 249 Public Employee Negotiation Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Gives closing remarks, thanking the committee and saying the bill would protect state and school employees from retaliation and allow them to choose representation.
▶ Watch at 1:09:19Read what they said
Well, well, thank you. And I would just like to thank the, our rules, uh, chairman, uh, Senator Fillmore, for allowing this to come to a committee hearing. We're making progress, whether we're, you know, we appreciate the committee for the indulgence of listening to our plea to, uh, help our, uh, union employees, state union employees that, uh, they, they won't have to the fear of retaliation from, uh, employee, you know, uh, the representatives of the state or whoever may their supervisors are, or their coworkers. And, you know, we have the right to speak. We should have the right to work and, and pick the choices. I mean, this is a choice whether you wanna be union …
S.B. 49 Natural Organic Reduction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Asks whether the process being discussed is like the wood chipper scene from a film, then asks Plumb to yield.
▶ Watch at 32:27Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. Before, before I go president, I was just wondering, I watched a movie one time called Fargo and they run this guy through a wood chipper. Is that something what we're talking about here? Center. You yield Acquaintance in the wood chipper. I remember it. Will you yield Senator Plumb?
S.B. 49 Natural Organic Reduction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Asks whether Plumb wants to respond to the wood chipper question and briefly comments on the answer. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 32:43Read what they said
Do you wanna respond to that one? I almost try to Fargo accent. You don't need to. Wasn't good. Okay.
S.B. 189 School District Funding Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Sen. Hinkins commented on public opposition to federal land transfers and said the state needs land for schools and communities.
▶ Watch at 2:00:56Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would just like to mention that a lot of these people that are asking for things now, were some of the people that, uh, asked, uh, Senator Lee not to work with the BLM to transfer land with the state because there we'd sell it off. Well, yeah, we're gonna sell it off for school, school grounds and stuff. And so I think that it's kind of ironic that they condemned the, our congressmen and, uh, our US Senator Vickers for trying to get land land that's in Utah, Uh, into the name of Utah. So we can doce things like this for our, expand our communities, and that's all they were ever asking for. …
H.B. 75 American Indian and Alaska Native Education Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Notes there was no opposition and asks whether the sponsor wants the bill placed on the consent calendar.
▶ Watch at 2:52:39Read what they said
Since there was no opposition to this bill, could we ask the sponsor if she'd like to put on consent?
H.B. 75 American Indian and Alaska Native Education Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Moves to place the bill on the consent calendar.
▶ Watch at 2:52:46Read what they said
is to put this, I would make the motion. The motion is to put this on the consent calendar.
H.C.R. 1 House Concurrent Resolution Regarding Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Presents the resolution expressing Utah's support for the advanced nuclear industry and nuclear manufacturing in the state, including commitments on safety, transportation, waste management, and medical isotopes.
▶ Watch at 8:17Read what they said
This bill expresses, uh, Utah's support for advanced nuclear industry, uh, the desire to do nuclear manufacturing here in Utah. And, uh, commitment to helping technology companies overcome challenges regarding safety of manufacturing, transportation of waste management, and the signals that Utah is committed to fostering the development of technical solutions to remaining challenges and also is, uh, value valuable isotopes, including medical isotopes that are found in spent nuclear fuel. With that, I'm open to questions.
H.B. 11 Dyed Diesel Fuel Search Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Supports the bill, describing livestock hauling inspections at auction yards and the risk of fuel tampering, and thanks the sponsors.
▶ Watch at 18:03Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I'd just like to say thanks as well. You know, sometimes they, uh, down at the auction yards in, uh, Salina, they actually come and inspect, uh, people's vehicles that's hauling cattle and livestock there. And, and it's, uh, a lot of times you don't know if somebody there checking the fuel or if it's somebody there sabotaging, dumping a cup full of sugar in their tanks. And it would be nothing more detrimental than to get halfway upline at Canyon and have an engine seized up on you with a load of cattle on your truck. And it could be endangered, uh, to the livestock as well as the people that's hauling, uh, livestock like …
H.C.R. 1 House Concurrent Resolution Regarding Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Presents H.C.R. 1, a committee-recommended resolution supporting advanced nuclear manufacturing in Utah and the production of medical isotopes, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 29:11Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. President. Uh, this is a, uh, committee recommendation bill by the Public Utilities and Energy Technology interim committee. And, uh, all the build uh, the resolution is, uh, to expresses Utah's support for advanced nuclear industry, uh, the desire to have nuclear manufacturing done in Utah and the commitment for technology companies to overcome challenges regarding safety of the manufacturing, as well as fostering the development of technical solutions, which includes, uh, medical isotopes, which is in the past we were, uh, able to get 'em for through, uh, some of the nuclear reactors in Canada. We've now are purchased most of 'em from the Netherlands and this would give us an opportunity to have our …
H.B. 16 Solar Power Plant Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Explains that the House sponsor requested changes to some wording in the substitute bill.
▶ Watch at 46:11Read what they said
Uh, it was just requested by the house sponsor that there was some issues and so, uh, some of it was just like verbiage that was needed to be changed.
H.B. 16 Solar Power Plant Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Presents the bill, saying solar projects came in quickly without many conditions, and that it removes incentives for solar on agricultural land while favoring non-agricultural land.
▶ Watch at 46:37Read what they said
Uh, thank you. Uh, as we know, there's been a lot of solar projects coming into the state and it, it happened all at once and so there wasn't a lot of, uh, stipulations and a lot of our agricultural land that were spending money to try to keep agricultural land in, uh, place here in Utah for food and fiber. And so this allows us to be able to, uh, and there's a lot of, uh, areas in our state that this, that is a good place for solar projects that's somewhat wasteland, that's not agricultural based. And so this is, uh, a bill that kind of, uh, takes the incentives away to do their, uh, on, on uh, …
H.B. 16 Solar Power Plant Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Responds that the state does not offer incentives for natural gas exploration as it does for solar plants.
▶ Watch at 47:59Read what they said
Ahead. Thanks for the question. We don't do incentives for natural gas exploration like we do for solar plants.
H.B. 69 Drinking Water Restructuring Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Requests personal privilege and introduces his niece, who is present in the gallery.
▶ Watch at 1:04:38Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. Uh, president, uh, personal privilege. Granted, Uh, with me, I have my niece,
S.B. 21 Geothermal Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Moves to replace the bill's text with the second substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:12:00Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chairman. I would make a motion that, uh, we delete title and body Senate bill 21 and replace it with first substitutes Senate bill. Second, Second. Oh, second. Second. Substitute 21. Thank You. Thank you for the motion motions that we delete Title on body Senate bill 21 and replace it with second substitute Senate Bill 21.
S.B. 21 Geothermal Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Moves to pass SB 21 second substitute out favorably to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:19:54Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. Chairman. I would just make a motion that we pass out Senate Bill 21 second substitute favorable recommendation for the full body of the Senate. Thank you. Motions in order that we favorably recommend passed out. Senate bill 21, uh, uh, per substitute. Second substitute. Second. Thank you.
S.B. 234 Rulemaking Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Moves to pass SB 234 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:40:49Read what they said
Thank. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to make a motion that we pass out Senate Bill 2 34 favorable recommendation.
S.B. 234 Rulemaking Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Says rural Utah needs jobs and that Wasatch Front pollution concerns should not limit development elsewhere, and urges a favorable recommendation of the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:42:21Read what they said
I would just like some that, you know, I, I understand there's issues in Salt Lake Valley. I mean, they get inversions and things, but that, that, that's not the whole state. This is a policy for the whole state. And, you know, rural Utah needs to spread some people out, therefore, they need jobs out there and for things to be killed because of the people, residents of Salt Lake City. When we, when we live out in Emery County or Carbon County, it's not fair to us. And so if you wanna get people off the Wasatch front so there isn't so much pollution, you need to create some jobs outside. And a lot of these in groups …
H.B. 35 Bears Ears Visitor Center Advisory Committee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Says the bill extends the Bears Ears Visitor Center sunset from 2026 to 2028, after an interim committee recommended it 11 to 0.
▶ Watch at 28:03Read what they said
No, I knew you wouldn't. Uh, thank you Mr. President Pro Temp. Uh, this bill was, uh, recommended by the Economic Development Workforce Service Interim Committee. Uh, it was voted 11 to zero and what the all it does is extends the Sunset on the Bear Ears Visitor Center. I'm not sure if it was because of, uh, trying to find a place for it or if it was a financial issue, but, uh, the Sunset was 2026 and this moves it to 2028. So with that, I'm open to questions.
S.B. 216 Higher Education Performance and Enrollment Funding · Senate Education Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Responded that he had intended to use his light and would put it back on.
▶ Watch at 1:18:02Read what they said
did you have your light on? You want to use my Go Ahead. Well, I did, but uh, I'll put it back on.
S.B. 216 Higher Education Performance and Enrollment Funding · Senate Education Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Said the trades have been neglected in higher education and that colleges should address the state's workforce needs.
▶ Watch at 1:18:16Read what they said
You know, like, anyway, I always just like to compliment you. Uh, you know, uh, I think that the, the trades have been neglected through our higher education personally and, uh, you know, like the IBEW and National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, they've had to do their own apprenticeships because, uh, education has not been there for our trades, like plumbing and, and metal works and different things like that. You know, I mean, they seems like they've done pretty well with welding and a few, few things, but, you know, actual fabrication and things like that, I think it's been neglected and now we're, uh, so far behind in our trades and I just, it's time that, you know, …
S.B. 216 Higher Education Performance and Enrollment Funding · Senate Education Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Moved to pass SB 216 as amended with a favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:21:02Read what they said
Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a motion that we pass out, uh, Senate Bill two 16 as amended with a favorable recommendation for the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 115 Child and Animal Abuse Cross-reporting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Says child welfare agencies are already overburdened, especially in rural areas, and opposes the bill, referencing its cruelty to animals language.
▶ Watch at 19:28Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. And, uh, I'd just like to say, you know, our, uh, family home, uh, child services and stuff is kind of overburdened as it is trying to take care of children and stuff in our rural areas and stuff like that. And just to add something more to 'em, like this is just a little bit much, I think. And, uh, on, uh, line 55 where it says cruelty to an animal. You know, I, I butcher animals, I eat 'em, and I just don't see where, you know, some people, they might be pets to them, but to me it's, uh, dinner. And so I think that's completely how this got outta committee. I, I'll …
S.B. 201 Shelter Animal Euthanasia Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asks what the penalty is if rescues or shelters do not follow the notice process, and what would make shelters comply.
▶ Watch at 39:18Read what they said
Yeah, I, I have a couple questions. Uh, number one is, what, what's the penalty if they don't do it? If rescues don't respond? Is that what you're, Well, whoever's going to euthanize the animal, they don't, they don't advertise it for 48 hours or 24, whatever you decide. Uh, what if they don't do it, what's the penalty for them for not just saying, nevermind, I'm not gonna worry about it. So Is there a penalty associated? I don't see one here. No, I, I don't think so. I I don't have one for, for the rescue groups. Um, I'm not sure what that would be For the shelters. So what's the intent? I mean, what do you do? …
S.B. 201 Shelter Animal Euthanasia Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asks whether the bill covers only animals that cannot be adopted out, or also injured animals.
▶ Watch at 40:19Read what they said
Mr. Chairman, so this is just animals that they can't adopt out? Some of them are Or is it animals that might be injured or?
S.B. 201 Shelter Animal Euthanasia Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Questions what the bill adds, since shelters already try to place animals before euthanasia.
▶ Watch at 40:57Read what they said
Not really. I, Okay. I don't know. I don't, I don't really understand what you're gonna get out of this. Be honest with you because you already checked to try to help 'em adopt the animals out before it comes to that, don't you?
S.B. 201 Shelter Animal Euthanasia Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asks what would make shelters change if the bill has no penalty.
▶ Watch at 41:23Read what they said
So Mr. Mr. Chairman, so what's gonna make them change if there's no penalty? What, what, what's gonna make 'em, uh, are you gonna put it in the Newspaper that they're Not doing it or what? I mean, it's just a gentle caressing kind invitation that they do that.
H.B. 61 Navajo Trust Fund Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Moves to pass H.B. 61 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 59:53Read what they said
Uh, Thank you Mr. Chairman. I would just make a motion that we pass out House bill 61 Navajo Trust Fund amendments with the favorable recommendation.
S.B. 198 Water Project Management Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asks about non-consumptive hydropower uses and about old hydropower filings on a local reservoir that have kept water from being used for power.
▶ Watch at 1:18:32Read what they said
Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was just wondering, uh, Most of that would be non consumptive use anyways, would be just, uh, for hydro, uh, electric plants and stuff. So it's not like they're going to be diverting the water, basically, it just go through their infrastructure to generate power. But my question is, uh, what would happen, what happens to these little, uh, reservoirs, like a mill site down in my area in Jills Valley, that the, the hydro was filed on 20, 30, 40 years ago by municipal cities in, uh, Salt Lake Valley to, to use Thehy Hydro off of it. And so therefore, our local area and, uh, can't use the, uh, outlet of our …
S.B. 198 Water Project Management Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Says he will look into the question and asks whether it is relevant to the bill, noting intermittent irrigation-based hydropower.
▶ Watch at 1:20:49Read what they said
Okay. Well, I'll check into it, but I, I was just kind of curious more than anything that, since this brought up hydro on in the water rights and things like that, if that was pertinent to what we're doing there, because, you know, an irrigation company, they're, they control the flow of the water. Mm-hmm. And, and they don't really flow during the winter time at all. So it's just intermittent, it's almost like a windmill. Pretty much. It's not like it's running all the time. 'cause it's, you know, that's just whenever the water shuts off at night, they may not even be turning. So anyway, I was just curious. So thank you, Mr.
S.B. 198 Water Project Management Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Says the bill was not presented to the legislative water task force and moves to hold the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:32:20Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, two years ago I had a bill of my own that is, uh, dealing with water and it hadn't been presented to our legislative task force. And so with that, I would ask that we, uh, uh, pass on this bill right now and move the agenda. Um, have a motion to, That's my motion.
H.B. 5 Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Base Budget · Senate floor debate (day 10) · Jan 29, 2026
Presents the base budget bill, including intent language on a Great Salt Lake water purchase and a fiscal year 2027 appropriation of about 1.1 billion.
▶ Watch at 6:57Read what they said
The natural resource Agriculture environmental quality based budget includes one-time changes and ongoing funding. The Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Natural Resources, the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, and the Colorado River Authority of Utah, which is part of the governor's office. Section three of the base bill includes the budgets in for entities in the Department of Natural Resources and the governor's office. Reviewed in the 2025 interim accountable budget process. The first substitute adds intent language as well as 40,000,001 time on item 41 in the fiscal year to 2026 from the restricted funds for the Department of Natural Resources to purchase water for the Great Salt Lakes as …
H.B. 5 Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Base Budget · Senate floor debate (day 10) · Jan 29, 2026
Moves to suspend the constitutional three-reading requirement for the base budget bills.
▶ Watch at 8:25Read what they said
I make a motion that we suspend the three reading, uh, from the Constitution for the
H.B. 5 Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Base Budget · Senate floor debate (day 10) · Jan 29, 2026
Calls the question on the first substitute of H.B. 5 under suspension and requests a roll call vote.
▶ Watch at 9:00Read what they said
With that Mr. President, I call the question. Thank you. The question is, under suspension, the role shall first substitute house bill five pass. Roll call vote.
H.B. 12 Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Moved to pass HB 12 out favorably.
▶ Watch at 1:01:01Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chairman. I would make a motion that we pass out house bill, uh, 12 with favorable recommendation.
H.B. 12 Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Asked whether the sponsor would agree to place the bill on the Senate consent calendar.
▶ Watch at 1:01:26Read what they said
Mr. Chairman, since there is no opposition, I was wondering if this sponsor would like to put on consent.
H.B. 66 Soil Health Program Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Comments that the practices also reduce costs for landowners by reducing passes with equipment.
▶ Watch at 1:04:58Read what they said
Very good. And, and it also, uh, reduces cost for the landowner as well, because they have less passes with their, that's a lot of
H.B. 66 Soil Health Program Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Notes there was no opposition and asks whether the sponsor would agree to place the bill on the consent calendar.
▶ Watch at 1:10:20Read what they said
Since there is no opposition, I was wondering if the sponsor would like to, uh, have it put on consent. That great, Mr. Chairman?
H.B. 66 Soil Health Program Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Moves to place HB 66 on the Senate consent calendar.
▶ Watch at 1:10:29Read what they said
Make that motion. The motion is that we place House Bill 66 on Senate consent calendar.
H.B. 67 Lead Acid Battery Disposal Sunset Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Hinkins moved that the committee pass House Bill 67 out with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:12:12Read what they said
I would like to make a motion that we pass out House Bill 67 with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 67 Lead Acid Battery Disposal Sunset Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Hinkins said the bill was non-controversial and unanimous, and asked whether the sponsor wanted it placed on the consent calendar, then moved to do so.
▶ Watch at 1:12:50Read what they said
This was a non-controversial bill and it was unanimous, so I was wondering if the sponsor would like this put on consent. That'd be great. I'll make that motion. You'll agree.
H.B. 19 Drinking Water Utilities Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Hinkins said the fiscal note reflects only state costs, that water users will bear rate increases, and that cyber fraud has harmed a local water company.
▶ Watch at 1:26:29Read what they said
Uh, thank, thank you. And, uh, this fiscal note is what the cost is to the state. It's not what it is to the, the water users, their, them themselves will be billed into their rates, uh, their power rates. And so there it'll cost a lot more than what it's showing the 36,000. But that's just the cost of the state. And so that doesn't reflect the water systems. What, uh, and you know, the main part of this bill is to, uh, assure the integrity of our water quality. But, uh, as if always you follow the money, and usually what's the bridge that they done there was, uh, done in Emery County was that they went after …
H.B. 19 Drinking Water Utilities Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Hinkins moved to pass HB 19 out favorably for the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:31:10Read what they said
I would make a motion we pass out house bill 19 with the favorable recommendation for the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Says rural districts already have difficulty bonding and that local sourcing and local conditions should be considered, and states opposition to the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:14:49Read what they said
Uh, thank you. I, uh, have several questions. And the main thing is we have a hard time bonding for schools in rural areas anyway, you know, and, and, uh, be able to bond and then have o oversight, have Big Brother come and tell us how we're gonna build our buildings and what we're gonna do. And, you know, I can see on Wasatch front, they've got a high potential for earthquakes, but, you know, down in Blanding, Utah, they're one of the more, it's been said that was one of the most, uh, safest for natural disasters. So why are they gonna have to build with the same standards that we have on the Wasatch front? You know? …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Says the bill will expand over time and states that he intends to oppose it.
▶ Watch at 2:18:01Read what they said
In my opinion, this is just the camel's nose under the tent, and it's just gonna escalate from here. Everything we do, we escalate from here. And I think I'm gonna put a stop to it if I can right now.
S.B. 53 Public Land Management Advisory Board Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Made a joking remark about the presentation.
▶ Watch at 1:04:53Read what they said
Yeah, the only thing that would've impressed me more if you'd have done in in French. In in French, you've done your Presentation In French. Let me start over.
S.B. 70 Natural Disaster Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Raises concern about rural and Navajo reservation communities that lack animal shelters and says he is likely to vote no.
▶ Watch at 1:28:03Read what they said
Yeah, thank you. And I appreciate you attempting to look out for the animals and stuff, but I represent a lot of rural communities also on the Navajo reservation. Would that pertain to them because, uh, Navajo Mountain or Monument Valley, I mean, they don't have animal shelters and different things like that. And I'm just, uh, very concerned about it. And so I'm probably gonna be a no on this to be honest with you.
S.C.R. 3 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Nuclear Weapons Testing · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Said nuclear testing in Nevada has given nuclear power a bad name and that downwinders were exposed to radiation and developed cancer, and moved to pass S.C.R. 3 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:40:28Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chairman. I would just like to emphasize that, you know, probably that, uh, nuclear testing that happened in Nevada and stuff is what's probably given nuclear power, a bad name for the last 50 years. And I think that, uh, that's a reflection on our, uh, communities and stuff like that because they're afraid of nuclear power now because of this testing. And a lot of them people did get radiation exposure and has, you know, developed cancer and stuff. And so I think this is a great resolution. But personally, and I would like to make a motion that we pass out SCR three with the favorable recommendation.
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Asks whether SCR 4 is similar to the state's existing abandoned mine reclamation work done for federal agencies.
▶ Watch at 1:45:18Read what they said
Thank you. And this basically kind of expands like the abandoned mine that we as a state that you do for the feds anyway, isn't it a kind of, you take their mandate of reclaiming the mines, abandoned mines and stuff, and they give you basically the primacy or the, the, not primacy, but you know, they give you the obligation to, uh, reclaim these mines and stuff. And so basically this would be something similar to what we're already working with the federal agency now with the Department of Office of Energy Chairman and, uh, Senator Hankins.
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Asks whether the arrangement would let the state keep working during a federal shutdown.
▶ Watch at 1:47:00Read what they said
I have one more question. So this would allow us to keep business going if there's a shutdown at the end of the month on, uh, federal, uh, so like A federal shutdown? Yeah,
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Moves that SCR 4 be passed out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 1:49:25Read what they said
Ahead. I would like a make motion that we pass out SCR four with a favorable recommendation.
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Says passing the bill lets the division begin negotiating an MOU that would help with the BLM's staffing shortage.
▶ Watch at 1:49:51Read what they said
Well, I think that, uh, you know, when it comes right down to it, we pass this out. It just gives our, our division the right to start negotiations talking to the bill m to finalize an MOU that will help us both with them and us. I mean, it's boots on the grounds for them where they're, they, they have a shortage of personnel. I think it just speaks well for itself.
S.B. 17 Credit Card Processing Fees Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Moved to pass SB 17 out with a favorable recommendation.
▶ Watch at 42:55Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to make a motion that we pass out Senate bill 17 with the favorable recommendation.
S.B. 69 School Device Revisions · Senate Education Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Said he wants the bill to advance to the Senate floor and that he will probably vote against it on the floor.
▶ Watch at 1:29:08Read what they said
I just, I'd just like to explain my vote though, because, you know, the thing that is, is I, I'd like to see this, uh, leave, leave the committee to go on the Senate floor because I think it's such a big issue for, for the schools and for the state of Utah. But I also wanted make it known that I probably will vote against this on the floor because I have a grandson that's a junior in high school and he'll probably kill me if I vote for this. So, Uh, He, he loves, he loves his cell phone more than he loves his grandpa, be honest with you. So anyway, I just, uh, wanna make that known.
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