Legislators / Karen M. Peterson
Karen M. Peterson
Republican · House District 13 · House Rules Vice Chair
Hear from them directly
Contact Rep. Karen M. Peterson
- Email: kpeterson@le.utah.gov
- Phone: 385-285-6790
- Office: 2122 W 1800 N STE D #340, CLINTON, UT, 84015
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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.
Karen M. Peterson serves on:
- Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee
- House Education Committee
- House Political Subdivisions Committee
- House Rules Committee
- Education Interim Committee
- Transportation Interim Committee
What they've said
152 remarks on 40 billsS.B. 193 State Legal Holiday Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Proposes a verbal amendment on line 62 to strike Washington and Lincoln.
▶ Watch at 41:23Read what they said
I'm on the first substitute, yes. So line 62. Okay. I'd like to strike Strike Washington and Lincoln and replace it with presidents.
S.B. 193 State Legal Holiday Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Speaks to the amendment, noting it is their last day in the legislature and that the federal name of the holiday is President's Day.
▶ Watch at 41:42Read what they said
Yes. You know, it's my last day here in the legislature and it has always kind of bothered me that we haven't had this called President's Day. That's the name of it as a federal holiday, and we've had a lot of incredible presidents. So I think we can go ahead and align it while we have this section of code open.
S.B. 251 Local Health Department and Department of Environmental Quality Coordination · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains that the bill came from DEQ and local health departments working together to create a process for local governments and health departments to recover extraordinary costs from responding to environmental enforcement, and that the amount to be paid is not set by the bill.
▶ Watch at 57:20Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. So this bill came about, um, from a conversation between DEQ and our local health departments, um, who have worked together to create this piece of legislation. What it does is it creates a coordinated effort between DEQ and local health departments and local governments to recoup costs in the event that there's an extraordinary expense incurred in responding to environmental enforcement activity in the community. So this just really sets the process, if something like this happens, um, then, um, then you know, the outcome of of, um, how much will be paid out or whatever will be a result of the process. The outcome isn't set, just, um, starting to put together a process. …
S.B. 251 Local Health Department and Department of Environmental Quality Coordination · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Says they are not familiar with why the reporting decision was made between those entities and agrees to continue yielding for questions.
▶ Watch at 59:00Read what they said
You know, I, I am not, uh, familiar with why that decision was made, um, between those entities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm, I will sponsor continue to yield.
S.B. 251 Local Health Department and Department of Environmental Quality Coordination · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Summarizes that the bill keeps administrative rulemaking under legislative direction, that the process was requested and worked on together by the entities involved, and urges support.
▶ Watch at 1:00:04Read what they said
So, um, so this bill still requires, um, that, you know, while we allow administrative rulemaking procedures, um, administrative rulemaking procedures always do follow under the direction of the legislature. Um, so, um, this is a process that they've all requested and worked on together and I'd encourage your support.
H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains that the Senate made two changes to the bill: one on how stakeholders operationalize holding their budgets until they go through truth in taxation, and one technical change requested by the Tax Commission.
▶ Watch at 2:09:59Read what they said
Uh, there were two changes to the bill in the Senate. Um, both that I, I worked with the stakeholders on the first was how they're gonna operationalize, holding their budgets, um, so that they don't use money that they don't have yet because they haven't gone through truth in taxation. That was resolved in this, uh, substitute as well as the technical change requested from the tax commission.
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains that the Senate amendments make two parts of the bill immediately effective: the criminal penalties for impersonating government officials and the ban on paying for or giving value to remove signatures, including prepaid postage.
▶ Watch at 2:58:45Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. Speaker motion to concur with the Senate amendments. That motion is nor as I speak to it. Yes. So the two, uh, amendment or the a amendment that they made affects two portions of the bill. So as you recall, this is the bill that said the same rules apply for signature gathers if you're paid, that apply to people who are paid to remove signatures. So the same rules apply. Um, the Senate put in a immediate effective date on two portions of the bill. The first bill, the first part is the deceptive practices. Uh, in the bill it says you cannot, uh, impersonate that you're from the government and that those criminal penalties, …
S.B. 216 Higher Education Performance and Enrollment Funding · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Presents S.B. 216, which changes higher education performance funding metrics to fit each institution's mission and focus on adult learners, and revises enrollment funding and capacity planning.
▶ Watch at 1:09:15Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker ProAm. So, um, this is our performance funding bill. So we've had performance funding metrics for our universities. So this is, uh, the way that we reward our universities for certain outcomes, um, that, um, that we want. So we, we, we set metrics, we set standards, and then we, we, um, reward our universities for meeting those standards and metrics. We've had this for a while, um, and we've learned some things along the way. And one of the concerns, there's probably two big concerns that have come up with our current, um, performance funding metrics. The first is that, um, every, every university and technical college has the same metrics. So if you think …
S.B. 216 Higher Education Performance and Enrollment Funding · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Gives closing remarks, saying the bill helps ensure state tax dollars lead to institutional outcomes that benefit students, and asks for support.
▶ Watch at 1:15:30Read what they said
Thank you. We've done a lot of work in our legislature the last couple of years thinking about ensuring the ROI of our institutions and thinking about how our state tax dollars go, uh, to our institutions. And also just the experience that our students have. We wanna make sure that our students are able to go to our institutions and participate in programs that really do lead to outcomes. Uh, performance metrics is one of the tools that we have as a legislature to ensure that's happening. So I'd appreciate your support. Thanks.
S.B. 324 Outcome-based Investment Grant Pilot Framework · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Moves to recall S.B. 324 from the Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:22:59Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I'd like to make a motion to recall Senate bill three twenty four from the Senate.
S.B. 324 Outcome-based Investment Grant Pilot Framework · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says the bill needs the amendment.
▶ Watch at 1:33:37Read what they said
you like to speak to that motion? Yes. This is the bill that just needs the amendment.
S.B. 324 Outcome-based Investment Grant Pilot Framework · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says the amendment was requested by the Senate sponsor and has now been added to the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:34:18Read what they said
Yes. Um, this amendment was at the request of the Senate, uh, sponsor and it didn't make its way over. It made its way over just now. So we're getting it into the bill. Thank you.
S.B. 324 Outcome-based Investment Grant Pilot Framework · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says the amendment is the only change and asks that the bill be sent on to the Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:35:05Read what they said
Thank you. The, so that's the only change. Um, we passed this bill out earlier, I think yesterday afternoon. Um, so if we could, uh, send it on its way, that would be much appreciated. Thank you.
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Explained that the House had moved $17 million from the performance funding account to the grant program, while the Senate appropriated $50 million instead.
▶ Watch at 1:49:21Read what they said
Yes. So, um, when we passed the bill out of here, we took $17 million from the performance funding account, um, to fund this grant program. Um, when it went through all of our EAC processes, um, they instead just appropriated 50 million to the program.
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Said the $17 million will still be swept from performance funding, and that the bill did not need that language to accomplish its purpose.
▶ Watch at 1:49:52Read what they said
Yes. They're still going to sweep the 17 million, um, from performance funding to cover the, I think that portion of it, but I don't think they needed that in the bill to accomplish. Um, but yes, that's what happens.
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Summarized the Senate and House funding negotiations, described the bill as a one-time pilot, and asked for floor support.
▶ Watch at 1:50:20Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I, I think those of us on higher education appropriation saw how this wrangling went. The Senate started at a hundred million. We came down, we went back up. Um, this is where we landed. I would ask for your support on the legislation. It's a one time pilot. Uh, and I'd appreciate your support. Thank you.
S.B. 324 Outcome-based Investment Grant Pilot Framework · House Education Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moved to pass the substitute SB 324 favorably, saying the pilot's limited scope is a sensible way to learn how outcome measurement works.
▶ Watch at 2:02:27Read what they said
Uh, I'd like to make a motion to pass out for substitute SB 3 24 with a favorable recommendation. The motion is an order. Would you like to speak to it? Yes. Um, you know, I, over the years I've seen a lot of money sent out to a lot of organizations to do grants and I, I do appreciate, um, first of all that this is limited in scope, that we're really just kind of ticking on too at first to see how it goes. Um, but that we are thinking about what those metrics are and, and do we really have a good way to understand outcomes for the investments that the state is making. So, um, I …
S.B. 244 Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in Schools · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves the first substitute and explains that it adds the appropriation to the bill, which is the only change.
▶ Watch at 1:48:37Read what they said
Uh, thank you. I'd like to move first substitute in my name. That's in order. We'd like to speak to it. Yes. The first substitute just adds the appropriation to the bill. That's the only change.
S.B. 244 Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in Schools · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says the bill requires schools to review their emergency response plans for cardiac emergencies and provides funding for schools to purchase defibrillators, and invites questions.
▶ Watch at 1:48:59Read what they said
go ahead. I'm Glad I could be the only Aye on that last motion. Um, alright, so this Bill, um, just sets up with our LEAs the opportunity, um, well the requirement for them to look at their, um, emergency response plans specifically around cardiac emergencies. Our schools are really, uh, the places of community gathering and they want, we want to make sure that they have, uh, emergency response plans if someone has an instance or heart attack, um, on one of our school, uh, in one of our school buildings. And also, um, provide some funding so people can, um, purchase, uh, the defibrillators for their schools. So that's what the bill does. I'm open to any questions.
S.B. 244 Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in Schools · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Describes the bill as requiring schools to review their emergency response plans for cardiac emergencies and providing funding for schools to purchase defibrillators.
▶ Watch at 1:48:59Read what they said
go ahead. I'm Glad I could be the only Aye on that last motion. Um, alright, so this Bill, um, just sets up with our LEAs the opportunity, um, well the requirement for them to look at their, um, emergency response plans specifically around cardiac emergencies. Our schools are really, uh, the places of community gathering and they want, we want to make sure that they have, uh, emergency response plans if someone has an instance or heart attack, um, on one of our school, uh, in one of our school buildings. And also, um, provide some funding so people can, um, purchase, uh, the defibrillators for their schools. So that's what the bill does. I'm open to any questions.
S.B. 241 Early Literacy · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says the amendment responds to school district questions about how special education students are covered, and clarifies early literacy intervention for students with an IEP or Section 504 plan.
▶ Watch at 1:49:54Read what they said
Yes. So this amendment came from some of our school districts who, um, had some questions about how special education students this would be applicable to them. And this is a clar. Um, some clarification on if a student's on an IEP or a 5 0 4, that there are different, uh, ways that we'll think about how, uh, we do their early literacy intervention efforts for those students specifically.
S.B. 241 Early Literacy · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents the bill, saying it identifies K-3 students below benchmarks, creates individual reading plans with parents, expands evidence-based instruction and trained staff, and works with teacher preparation programs; explains that retention is one option with good cause exemptions and parental involvement; and closes by asking for questions.
▶ Watch at 1:50:34Read what they said
Thank you. So, uh, earlier this year, we had a new Kem Gardner report come out, specifically focused on early literacy. And, um, while we have amazing teachers in our state, they're doing incredible work, amazing families and incredible students, it was clear that we can do more. There's more that we can do to ensure that our children read. And if we wanna talk about the role and responsibility of our school system, one of the most important things we can do is create a strong foundation in literacy for our students. And so this bill, um, thinks about what more can we do as a state to ensure, especially our students K through three are reading. We know …
S.B. 241 Early Literacy · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Asks for support, saying early investment in students is important and that students should be ready to read and learn.
▶ Watch at 1:53:42Read what they said
Uh, I'd really appreciate your support on this bill. It's an important piece of legislation and I really think, um, the more we can, uh, invest early in our students, the less we invest later. Um, because they're ready to read and they're ready to learn. Thank you so much.
S.B. 324 Outcome-based Investment Grant Pilot Framework · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Explains that SB 324 sets up a pilot program to evaluate the outcomes of two state grants through an independent review process, with help from legislative staff in drafting.
▶ Watch at 2:21:48Read what they said
You. So every year our state spends millions of dollars, uh, sending out to different organizations to do grant programs, um, through grants to do to run different programs. And, um, it's hard sometimes to know what the outcome of those dollars are. Um, often we ask the organization that we gave millions of dollars to to tell us how it worked rather than doing maybe an independent evaluation of what we expected those outcomes to be and being able to look at, at, um, how those programs actually operated. So what this bill does is it sets up a pilot program. So this is, uh, something we're going to try in relation to, uh, our office of legislative. Um, …
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Asked why the bill applies to school boards but not to special service districts, city councils, or county commissions.
▶ Watch at 1:17:42Read what they said
Thank you. Senator Weiler. This Peterson over here. Um, so how come school boards but not a special service district, city councils, county commissions?
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Agreed to make the motion and moved to hold S.B. 269.
▶ Watch at 1:22:30Read what they said
You probably want me to do it. Uh, I'd like to make a motion to hold, uh, s SB 2 69.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Spoke in favor of the motion to hold, citing local control, consistency across entities, and local boards' ability to set their own agenda timing.
▶ Watch at 1:22:37Read what they said
Yes. Um, well, I appreciate, um, opportunities to increase transparency opportunities for public to be involved. Having also been on the city council prior to coming to the legislature, um, and having participated enough with school boards. I know that there, there's, um, there needs to be some sort of drop dead date by, or, or time by the, by which an agenda needs to be published. But there are issues and things that come up in that, you know, intercepting period. And so, so making it too far before or making it too close, um, you're trying to find the sweet spot. And, um, I guess in my mind, if the sweet spot is not 24 hours, it is …
S.B. 119 School and Classroom Amendments · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Asked what adoption of the open resources might look like, noting charter schools and districts may want mission-specific curriculum or only parts of it.
▶ Watch at 1:33:46Read what they said
Um, so, um, I, I remember when I first heard about this bill, I heard about it in context of Texas doing something similar. And so I guess my question is, I, I know that they're not very far down this road, so we can't necessarily look and say it works, it doesn't work, whatever, you know. But, um, but they are far enough down the road that maybe with our experience, um, what I'm wondering about is adoption. So once, once the, you know, we come up with the open-end resources, a lot of our schools, especially our charter schools, kind of pride themselves in their mission, in their charter and their thing. And, um, I, I'm not sure …
S.B. 119 School and Classroom Amendments · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Noted a community college's cost savings with open resources and asked whether the bill covers professional learning and implementation support.
▶ Watch at 1:36:13Read what they said
So, one more question, if I may. Um, just please go ahead. So, you know, as xal at Community College, for example, uses almost all OER, right? They, they have a, a lot of great curriculum and it's, it's lowered their costs significantly. So I think there's, there's definitely, um, advantage often to thinking about how we can do some of this a little bit better. I guess my second question is sometimes, um, districts and teachers, educators specifically, like certain curriculum because of the support or professional learning that they get tied to that curriculum. So does this bill just cover the creation of the curriculum, or does it also cover those pieces that help the curriculum actually be …
S.B. 119 School and Classroom Amendments · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Supported passing the bill, citing use of Utah educators, flexibility, likely savings even with low adoption, partial first-year funding, and trust in the superintendent.
▶ Watch at 2:01:43Read what they said
It? Yes. Um, I, I particularly appreciated the fourth sub where you talked about how we could use Utah educators to create this curriculum. I think that's, it's an untapped resource, really, in our state. And I like the flexibility, um, because as you know, kind of my questions implied, like we do have schools that have specialty spaces. And so while, while we know not everyone's gonna use this resource, we also know even if, even if our adoption rate is low, it still will probably be a cost savings because of the cost of curriculum. And so, um, and then I probably, my last thing that makes me feel maybe a little bit more comfortable with it is …
H.B. 604 Local Government Official Amendments · House floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Moves a substitute motion to circle the bill and asks to speak to it. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 46:49Read what they said
I'd like to make a motion to circle, Substitute motion to circle. Can I speak to that? Uh, yes. Representative.
H.B. 604 Local Government Official Amendments · House floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Says wordsmithing on the House floor is problematic, and that the bill can be worked on later rather than solved that night. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 46:59Read what they said
I, when we are wordsmithing on the house floor, it's, it's a little problematic. Um, and I, I would just actually like to reiterate what my colleague in front of me just said, which is, if this impacts one person and this bill actually, uh, won't even impact that person because of the, um, of the, the way it's drafted, it feels like something we can continue to work on and not try and solve right now tonight on the floor. Thanks.
H.B. 597 Alcohol Amendments · House floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Peterson speaks in support of the bill, noting the complexity of alcohol policy and the goal of allowing full-service restaurants near parks while balancing prevention.
▶ Watch at 58:51Read what they said
Thank you. I just wanna rise in support of this bill. You know, when, um, I first came into the legislature and the speaker at the time asked me to work on alcohol policy, I asked him what I'd done wrong. Um, because this is a complicated space. There are a lot of stakeholders, there are a lot of interests in this space. And, um, navigating through making sure that we keep our state like we want. We wanna hold Utah values and we want to make sure we're, um, thinking about prevention and thinking about, um, the impacts of alcohol at the same time of allowing good commerce and economic development opportunities in our state and making sure that …
H.B. 599 Social Services Funding Amendments · House Rules Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the first substitute of H.B. 599.
▶ Watch at 25:46Read what they said
Uh, I'd like to make a motion to favorably recommend for a substitute of House Bill 5 99.
H.B. 599 Social Services Funding Amendments · House Rules Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Speaks in favor of the motion, thanking the Social Services committee for identifying savings that required statutory changes and thanking the sponsor for the bill.
▶ Watch at 25:51Read what they said
Would you like to speak to it? Yeah, I would. Uh, I really appreciate the work of our Social Services committee and thinking about how we could, uh, shift things and, and then recognizing which ones need statutory changes. So, um, I, I, um, I hope that your committee, um, can fill our appreciation for figuring these things out as they work through their process. And I appreciate you bringing the bill.
H.R. 8 Resolution Admonishing and Censuring Judge Don M. Torgerson · House Rules Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Proposes an amendment to narrow the resolution in light of the public comments.
▶ Watch at 49:30Read what they said
Um, I think in light of the comments that we heard, I, I'd like to put forth an amendment. Okay.
H.R. 8 Resolution Admonishing and Censuring Judge Don M. Torgerson · House Rules Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Describes the amendment as removing several passages from the resolution.
▶ Watch at 49:39Read what they said
Yeah. So let me tell you quickly what it would be. It would be to remove lines, um, 32 through 35, line on line 40 after the comma
H.R. 8 Resolution Admonishing and Censuring Judge Don M. Torgerson · House Rules Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Describes the amendment as removing several passages from the resolution.
▶ Watch at 49:56Read what they said
Yeah. Starting, like get rid of, yeah. After the word privilege. Mm-hmm. Um, remove the rest of that, whereas through 41 indicating this opportunity, consider a lighter sentence. Okay. And then lines 66 through 68.
H.R. 8 Resolution Admonishing and Censuring Judge Don M. Torgerson · House Rules Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Says the amendment helps focus the resolution on the judge's conduct.
▶ Watch at 50:15Read what they said
Yeah, I, um, as we listen to comments today, um, I can appreciate trying to, um, differentiate the conduct of the judge specifically with, um, with some of the other factors related to the case. And so, in my mind, this still goes, um, it's clear that we were not okay with the conduct of the judge and, um, so, but maybe takes out some of the other things in the bill that might be a distraction from what we want to talk about, which is the conduct of the judge. So that, that would be my motion.
H.R. 8 Resolution Admonishing and Censuring Judge Don M. Torgerson · House Rules Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Summarizes that the amendment keeps the focus on the judge's language and supports public confidence and informed retention decisions.
▶ Watch at 57:26Read what they said
Thank you. And, and I appreciate much of, um, your comments. I I think that we really are trying to get to the, the thing that is most objectionable, right? And, and, um, I think this resolution does a really good job of, of pointing, pointing to the language used to, um, even I would say even with these lines removed, I think it's clear for the public to understand what our concern is, um, in how this, this proceeded. And, and, and we want, um, we want confidence in our judiciary. We want confidence in our judges. And so when things like this happen, like shining a light on those things so that the public can make good decisions …
H.B. 521 Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account Amendments · House floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Supports the bill's concept of turning one-time education funds into ongoing funding, comparing it to the school trust model, and says a vote today supports discussing the idea.
▶ Watch at 33:58Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I really appreciate the sponsor bringing this concept forward. And, and, um, you know, I was involved back when we, uh, negotiated Amendment G and part of the spirit of that compromise was, um, was understanding how do we continue to meet education's needs long term, provide flexibility when there's a lot of volatility, um, in the state budget. Um, and that's why we have the public education stabilization account, which has been really great, but on years when we don't need it, I, I have wondered, is there a better way to make sure those dollars benefit education in the long run instead of a lot of one-off projects? And, um, so I like this concept. …
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Presents HB 373 to create a pilot grant program, funded from a performance funding account, that gives matching funds to the eight universities for research in areas approved by the committee, and notes some administrative cleanups for the Nucleus Institute.
▶ Watch at 40:59Read what they said
It's higher Education Innovation Innovation Day, right? That's right. That's right. I know. Hopefully you all saw the, all the students research today. That was fantastic, wasn't It? Yes. Yes. Every time they come, I think, what did I do in college? Like, I, I did not solve all the problems. All these kids are fantastic. Um, Kate, if you're ready for me, we're ready. Um, so when we talk a lot about our universities and colleges, often we really focus on, um, the students that they teach, um, the programs that they have. And one of the things I don't think we talk nearly enough about is the research that is happening at our institutions and how, um, the …
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Thanks the committee for the motion and says higher education institutions have an opportunity to drive economic development and help the state and country stay ahead of China.
▶ Watch at 46:08Read what they said
I, I just say appreciate the motion. I I think that our higher education institutions have just incredible opportunity to drive economic development in our state, um, to help our industries and to keep our country and our state ahead of China.
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Presents HB 242, saying it followed a failed Clinton city referendum after paid signature removers were not subject to the same rules as paid signature gatherers, and that the bill makes those rules the same.
▶ Watch at 1:58:43Read what they said
Thank you so much. So, um, back in August of 2024, the Clinton, uh, city council voted on a, um, land use development, um, with a vote of three, two to approve that development. Um, and, uh, citizens in Clinton for the first time in the history that I'm aware of, uh, launched a referendum initiative. Lots of volunteers got involved. I've never actually seen anything like it. People were mobilized all of our city to gather signatures. Um, those volunteers were able to gather enough signatures. In fact, they gathered more signatures for the referendum than anyone has ever voted in a municipal election in Clinton. So it was a big deal in our community. A lot of people …
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Says the bill did not address sending prepaid postage envelopes to people to remove their signatures, because that had not been considered.
▶ Watch at 2:00:26Read what they said
to people to remove their signatures? It, it Didn't contemplate that because we hadn't seen that, but
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Thanks the committee for the motion, explains that the bill bars paying per removal because it targets specific people, and says the issue is important to her community and statewide.
▶ Watch at 2:04:08Read what they said
Uh, I appreciate the motion. Um, this, this does, um, say that they can't be paid by the per person that they get their name to removed because they're targeting specific people. And so that was an intentional choice to say that that is actually a prohibition to be able to target specific people and then get paid. It creates a weird incentive for the signature gatherers. So I'd appreciate your support. This was really important in our community, and I think we're seeing how important it's statewide.
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Comments on a statewide signature petition effort and says that removing a small number of signatures from targeted people could undermine the whole effort.
▶ Watch at 2:04:31Read what they said
Thank you. And I'll just make a commentary before I go back to, uh, Senator Balderree, you know, know we're, you know, we've got this Prop four thing going on right now. Some of you might have heard of it. Um, and, you know, we may have a potential where, you know, 175,000 people have signed to put on the ballot, and if 20 or 30 signatures can be removed, it won't be on the ballot. And so I do, I do appreciate what your comments, because it is a little different when you just can target a very small number of people and, and, and undermine the whole effort.
S.B. 195 Workforce Development · House floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Presents S.B. 195, which sets up short-term Workforce Pell grants for students in certificate programs, and describes how the bill sets program approval, quality checks, and data tracking to meet federal requirements.
▶ Watch at 1:29:34Read what they said
I'm ready to go. Um, SB 1 95 is a bill I'm really actually quite excited about. So when the one big beautiful bill passed, it created an opportunity for our state to set up workforce, Pell Workforce. Pell, um, is like Pell Grants, which you're probably familiar with, but these are short-term Pell, uh, grants that students could get to go to short-term certificate, uh, certification programs, um, offered both by maybe our technical schools, but also in the private sector, um, to just upskill their, um, uh, their skills, uh, and make themselves more marketable. Especially as our economy changes, as our industries change. This gives us an opportunity to have some funding for those students to, um, …
S.B. 77 Dual Language Immersion Amendments · House floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill, saying it builds on dual immersion programs and that university-level accreditation standards are important. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:39:50Read what they said
Thank you. I'd just like to rise in support of this legislation watching. Um, all of this evolve over the years where we are, um, really offering our students, uh, incredible opportunities to continue their education, uh, in language, uh, because of the dual immersion programs that we have has been really spectacular. And I like, um, that this bill is thinking about the next steps to that. I also wanna respond just to, um, some of the questions that have been raised. It is really important for our higher education institutions to be able to be, have their programs accredited. And um, one of the things when we think about accreditation and when we think about, um, you know, …
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Rep. Peterson introduced HB 352 as a first step toward having higher education institutions operate more as a system, using horizontal and vertical integration to serve students and taxpayers.
▶ Watch at 52:19Read what they said
Okay. Thank you. Um, and thanks for having us. It was like herding cats to get a quorum, huh? So, um, okay. So this bill, um, came about because, um, about a year and a half ago we did, um, an OLA audit on our system of higher education. And there was a couple of findings related to that audit, um, specifically about institutions acting independently that led to program duplication. Um, the competitive behavior that we've created within the system that sometimes serves us well and sometimes doesn't, um, kind of a lack of role clarity, weak program oversight, and some data gaps. So, um, the commissioner and his, um, and his board of Higher Education and his office …
H.R. 4 House Rules Resolution - Legislation Disclosure · House Rules Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Said she appreciated the sponsor working with the committee on concerns raised earlier and that she liked the change.
▶ Watch at 40:29Read what they said
Would you like to speak to it? Yeah, I appreciate the sponsor working with us, listening to some of the things we talked about last time. I think that's great. I like it.
H.B. 501 Water Modifications · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Asks the sponsor to yield to a question.
▶ Watch at 1:54:42Read what they said
to the bill representative Corinne Peterson. Thank you. Would the sponsor yield to a question?
H.B. 501 Water Modifications · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Asks to have the sponsor yield for a question.
▶ Watch at 1:54:45Read what they said
Thank you. Would the sponsor yield to a question? Sure. Representative Bolinder, will you yield? Yes, yes. Representative,
H.B. 501 Water Modifications · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Asks about the bill's definition of state money, which includes federal grant money administered by the state, and how it applies to programs such as USDA water programs.
▶ Watch at 1:54:53Read what they said
Uh, thank you. On lines 4 39 and four 40 of the bill, it defines state money and, um, it defines it as money distributed or administered by the state, including federal grant money. Um, so can you speak to that definition? It's pretty broad. It's broader than state money. Um, it, and I'm wondering about things like, um, the USDA programs that a lot of our communities rely on for water projects.
H.B. 501 Water Modifications · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Asks the sponsor to explain the bill's definition of state money, which includes federal grant money administered by the state, and its effect on programs like USDA water grants.
▶ Watch at 1:54:53Read what they said
Uh, thank you. On lines 4 39 and four 40 of the bill, it defines state money and, um, it defines it as money distributed or administered by the state, including federal grant money. Um, so can you speak to that definition? It's pretty broad. It's broader than state money. Um, it, and I'm wondering about things like, um, the USDA programs that a lot of our communities rely on for water projects.
H.B. 501 Water Modifications · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Expresses concern that the definition is broad and could cause communities to lose access to federal grant opportunities.
▶ Watch at 1:55:43Read what they said
uh, so I'm concerned about a little bit how broad that definition is when we talk about skin in the game for state projects with our political subdivisions. I think, um, I think there's some fairness in that, but, um, this definition feels really broad to me. And, and when you're working with, I know we've, we've kind of exempted some of our smaller communities. Some of these federal grant programs are really critical for them to be able to get, um, some federal dollars. We've had a lot of opportunity in the last while to get federal infrastructure dollars in our state. And, um, I I just wanna be cautious, um, here that, you know, while we, what we …
H.B. 501 Water Modifications · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Expresses concern that the definition is broad and could cause smaller communities to lose access to federal grant opportunities.
▶ Watch at 1:55:43Read what they said
uh, so I'm concerned about a little bit how broad that definition is when we talk about skin in the game for state projects with our political subdivisions. I think, um, I think there's some fairness in that, but, um, this definition feels really broad to me. And, and when you're working with, I know we've, we've kind of exempted some of our smaller communities. Some of these federal grant programs are really critical for them to be able to get, um, some federal dollars. We've had a lot of opportunity in the last while to get federal infrastructure dollars in our state. And, um, I I just wanna be cautious, um, here that, you know, while we, what we …
H.B. 425 Local Government Fees Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Presented H.B. 425, which sets a framework for transportation utility fees, including a study requirement, a public process, a restricted account, and a 10-year expiration, and answered brief committee questions on the compromise.
▶ Watch at 1:33:30Read what they said
house bill 4 25. Thank, Thank you. This on? Okay. Yeah. Um, so you've heard this bill before, so I can be brief. Um, so this is a bill related to, um, transportation utility fees. So you may feel like we have, uh, you know, been, been here before. We are, we have a good agreement at this point with this bill moving forward. So let me just give you a really brief, uh, reminder about what this bill is and why we have it. So for over a decade, we've had cities, um, in our state charging transportation utility fees, and there have not been any rules around those fees. So, um, what this bill does is it sets …
H.B. 425 Local Government Fees Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Gave closing summation, thanking stakeholders and Senator Brammer, and said the policy began as a ban and became more permissive after a Supreme Court ruling, while expressing uncertainty about its constitutionality.
▶ Watch at 1:37:32Read what they said
Uh, I, I just really appreciate everyone has really, um, leaned in on this bell. Um, and, and so we are to the point now where it is supported by everyone you heard, and also our non-profit religious entities. So thanks. Okay. Thank you very much. Well, this policy started out as a straight ban like three or four years ago and has come a long way. Unfortunately, we got very permissive and the reason we got permissive is 'cause the Supreme Court gave a bunch of permission to do this. I'm not a hundred percent convinced that this is a constitutional method, but at the end of the day, uh, here we are. Uh, but I appreciate, I appreciate …
H.B. 143 Special Education Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Explains that the Senate amendment clarifies which special education process applies when a student's program is moved, depending on whether the school is closing, so districts know which process to follow.
▶ Watch at 29:09Read what they said
Representative Peterson moves to concur with the Senate amendments. Like to speak to it. Yes. So the, um, in the Senate, we made a clarification for if a student is programmed, their special education is program is moved. If they, they follow this process, but if their school is closing and that's why their program is moved, then they follow the other process in the law. So we just made a clarification for our school districts to know which process to follow.
H.B. 88 Public Assistance Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Peterson says stakeholders need time to understand the bill's effects and supports circling it. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:18:04Read what they said
Yes. I I'm sure like many of you, my phone's kind of blowing up back here with stakeholders who don't understand quite what this bill will mean for them. And I think, uh, we deserve to give them an opportunity to take a look at it.
H.B. 88 Public Assistance Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Peterson says concerns from cities and counties about business licenses, public services and senior meal programs justify more time. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:19:14Read what they said
Corinne Peterson on the motion to circle. Uh, thank you. I I just, I'm hearing some pretty legitimate concerns, especially from our cities and counties on specific things like how they issue business licenses, how non-emergency public services work, how senior meal programs work. People are not quite sure how they're supposed to operationalize this bill and I think it's fair to give them a minute to, to figure that out.
S.B. 160 Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Asked the sponsor to define what neurotypical means.
▶ Watch at 55:41Read what they said
Thank You, uh, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate that. I can't let you leave here without one question. So I'm hoping you'll, uh, help me understand what neurotypical means. Maybe you could define that for me.
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Presents H.B. 373 as a bill to fund university research using one-time performance funding money, through a competitive grant program with matching funds and some administrative cleanup provisions.
▶ Watch at 1:25:54Read what they said
Um, so often when we talk about our universities and our colleges, we talk a lot about the programs that they have and, um, the teachers and the educators that are in those programs. But we don't talk enough, I think about the research that is happening at both our two R one institutions, but also all of our regional universities. So this bill really focuses on how our colleges and universities are literally changing the world and helping Utah through their research. So I don't know if you know that the, in Utah, the first artificial transplant was performed at one of our universities. Um, the 3D graphic advances that led to companies like Pixar happened at our schools. …
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Explains that the $17 million is unearned money in the performance funding account because a university system missed a metric, and that university presidents support using it for this grant program.
▶ Watch at 1:30:33Read what they said
Excellent, excellent question. So, um, we have money that's already allocated and appropriated to the performance funding account. So that account has existed for many years. There's funding in there, but that funding, the universities have to meet certain metrics to qualify for it. It's a fund that if the universities don't meet the metrics, they don't get the money. 'cause it's about based on their performance. So last year, about two years ago, actually, the system did not meet its access metric. So because they didn't qualify for that funding, we've had $17 million sitting in the performance funding account. So nothing is not getting funded because this money, um, was there, it, it's was just literally money that …
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Closes by urging support, saying university research matters for the state's industries and that a small amount of matching funds could leverage much larger sums.
▶ Watch at 1:32:31Read what they said
Thank you. I I would end with this. The research that we're doing in our state is so critical and so important not just for our industry and for what we're doing, but really like, if we want to beat China, we've gotta invest in research. We've got to, uh, make an intentional effort to, uh, make sure that we're advancing in all of these ways. Um, in medical, in aerospace, in defense, in so many ways that we just need to stay ahead and our universities are poised to help us. Um, this is a small way we can provide some matching funds for them to leverage these dollars. The, the director of the SDL, the Science Dynamics lab …
H.B. 554 State Debt Collection Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Moved to recommend HB 554 favorably.
▶ Watch at 42:44Read what they said
Thank you. I'd like to make a motion to pass out house bill 5 5 4 with a favorable recommendation. The motion is to recommend Favorably House Bill 5 54.
H.B. 425 Local Government Fees Amendments · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Presents H.B. 425, which sets limits on local government transportation utility and other fees, including restrictions on broadband and public safety fees, a required study and public process, and a 10-year expiration for fees under the process.
▶ Watch at 52:24Read what they said
Representative. I'm Corinne Peterson. Thank you, speaker. Um, so this bill, you may feel familiar because we have seen it before. Um, we've been negotiating for a bit of time and we have an agreement on this bill, so we're gonna be moving it forward now. Um, so for over a decade, we've had about a dozen communities in our state that have charged what's called a transportation utility fee. Uh, it's a fee that appears on your utility, um, bill, and it covers impact on roads. That fee was challenged and that challenge went clear to the Utah Supreme Court, where the Utah Supreme Court did rule that cities do have the ability to charge these fees so long …
H.B. 425 Local Government Fees Amendments · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Gives closing remarks asking for support, noting the bill is supported by the League of Cities and Towns and the Taxpayers Association, and that the party who brought the original suit is neutral.
▶ Watch at 55:58Read what they said
Um, thank you colleagues. I'd appreciate your support. I appreciated the people that have worked with me on this issue for, uh, a number of years. Um, so this bill at this point is supported by the League of Cities and Towns. It's also supported by the Taxpayers Association. Bertus who brought the original suit has, uh, is neutral on the bill and, um, our religious, um, nonprofit communities are also comfortable with the bell. So I'd ask for your support.
H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Explained that H.B. 236 would require taxing entities to discuss possible tax increases in May and adopt an operating budget without the increase on July 1, with a second budget showing the increase, so the public can see the difference before the truth in taxation hearing.
▶ Watch at 1:46:18Read what they said
Thank you. You guys have been thorough today. I'm excited. Um, so this bill came about because I think I heard from my constituents we're probably, you heard from your constituents this fall, which is, uh, many of them Uintah Truth and Taxation hearings and felt like, um, that the decision had already been made before they showed up and they felt frustrated by that. At the same time I heard from elected officials who said, um, it feels like the public is coming in too late in the process. Like we've, we've been meeting with our budget committee for six months and, and, um, they're just coming here at the end. And, and so it felt like to me …
H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Answered that entities must operate on the base budget, must still hold a budget hearing to change budgets, and that the bill still caps budget increases as current law does.
▶ Watch at 1:51:02Read what they said
So, um, yes. I, I would say it probably is a little bit, I mean, they're, they're gonna have to just show the difference, right. They're gonna have to show this is what you're, you know, what, what we'd move to. And then they would still have to move to that budget in a public hearing. Um, so it's the truth And taxation wouldn't trigger that move. They would still have to hold a budget hearing to move to a different budget. Okay. And it still caps the amount they can't go higher than they were would before. Same as it is now. Yeah.
H.B. 364 Certified Teacher Librarian Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Noted the bill was not prioritized in public education appropriations and said the amendment does not remove the state board rulemaking requirement if the bill is unfunded, offering to work on it.
▶ Watch at 59:33Read what they said
I'll be brief. Um, thank you, first of all for being here. Um, it's always nice to have, um, our educators be able to come to the hill, so thank you for being here. And, and, um, as you probably have ascertained the last couple of years, we care a lot about the reading materials that are in our schools. And so we appreciate, um, our librarian's work to curate great collections for our students to have, um, that available to them. So thank you for being here. You kind of touched on one of my questions, which was, um, so as I understand it, you didn't go to public ed appropriations and receive prioritization, so you didn't go present …
H.B. 364 Certified Teacher Librarian Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Agreed on the district part but said the state board requirements remain regardless of funding, and offered to work on that.
▶ Watch at 1:01:11Read what they said
Yes. That's how I read it. On, um, on that first part, on like, um, your subsection 2 56 through 59. Mm-hmm. What doesn't change is the requirements of the state board, whether the money comes or not, that come below that. So like your three b, like line 64. So, but I can work with you on that. Um, if the bill Thanks. Thank you.
H.B. 329 State Employee Maternity and Leave Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Spoke against the substitute, saying it would create an unfunded mandate for school districts and charter schools, and supported keeping the underlying bill.
▶ Watch at 51:54Read what they said
You, um, I, I would rise against the, um, substitute amendment and support the underlying bill. Um, I appreciate the work of our teachers all across the state and, and, um, and, and the districts as their employees, but this is millions of dollars in an unfunded mandate that we would be passing onto our LEAs. And we need to be really cognizant of that. They're mindful of their employees. They know, um, you know, um, what causes turnover. They know, um, the demographics of their employees, and I think we should allow them the discretion to figure that out themselves and, um, not create unfunded. I also really appreciate the original sponsor of the bill and how much she …
H.B. 329 State Employee Maternity and Leave Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Opposes the first substitute as an unfunded mandate on LEAs and supports the underlying bill, which he says addresses concerns raised by members.
▶ Watch at 51:54Read what they said
You, um, I, I would rise against the, um, substitute amendment and support the underlying bill. Um, I appreciate the work of our teachers all across the state and, and, um, and, and the districts as their employees, but this is millions of dollars in an unfunded mandate that we would be passing onto our LEAs. And we need to be really cognizant of that. They're mindful of their employees. They know, um, you know, um, what causes turnover. They know, um, the demographics of their employees, and I think we should allow them the discretion to figure that out themselves and, um, not create unfunded. I also really appreciate the original sponsor of the bill and how much she …
H.B. 329 State Employee Maternity and Leave Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Opposes the substitute as an unfunded mandate on school districts and charter schools and prefers the underlying bill.
▶ Watch at 51:54Read what they said
You, um, I, I would rise against the, um, substitute amendment and support the underlying bill. Um, I appreciate the work of our teachers all across the state and, and, um, and, and the districts as their employees, but this is millions of dollars in an unfunded mandate that we would be passing onto our LEAs. And we need to be really cognizant of that. They're mindful of their employees. They know, um, you know, um, what causes turnover. They know, um, the demographics of their employees, and I think we should allow them the discretion to figure that out themselves and, um, not create unfunded. I also really appreciate the original sponsor of the bill and how much she …
H.B. 420 Municipal Office Vacancy Modifications · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Asks whether the bill would fix a case in her city where a coin-toss winner withdrew, causing the process to restart.
▶ Watch at 44:04Read what they said
I have a question for the witnesses. Go ahead. Okay. Um, so we just had this in my city when we had, you know, and it was a little bit chaotic because there was a three-way tie. And then, so they went through, I think they did the coin toss thing. Mm-hmm. They did. And then the person that won the coin toss said, I'm gonna withdraw because I think I like the other guy better. And then they didn't all know what to do. They had to recess and take a break and then start the whole thing over with that guy with John. Anyways, it was super confusing. So do you feel like this is gonna fix that?
H.B. 420 Municipal Office Vacancy Modifications · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Asks about a departing council member who still votes on their replacement after moving out of the city.
▶ Watch at 45:09Read what they said
Yeah. Okay. And one, and one last question. Um, the other thing is I don't, and I don't know if this addresses this, I didn't see it, but, you know, we allow if you are leaving the council, that you still could vote. Mm-hmm. But it was kind of weird because the person moved out of our city, but they still gotta come back and vote on their replacement. And that's kind of weird.
H.B. 420 Municipal Office Vacancy Modifications · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the first substitute of HB 420.
▶ Watch at 47:27Read what they said
I'd like to make a motion to favorably recommend first substitute house bill four 20. Motion is to favorably recommend first substitute house bill four 20.
H.B. 420 Municipal Office Vacancy Modifications · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Says the sponsor resolved the governor's concern without adding gambling to code, and supports fixing the vacancy process so it stays transparent because vacancies are common.
▶ Watch at 47:36Read what they said
Yeah, I appreciate that. Um, the sponsor was able to resolve the governor's concern and we're not gonna have gambling in code. That's good. And um, also, I do think that, that, um, we actually have vacancies a lot and, and if there are issues with the process, we do need to fix it because, um, a vacancy on a council is pretty common. So I think when I was on the city council, we had two or maybe three in the two terms I served, you know, it, so it happens fairly regularly. So I think if there's issues with the process, let's get 'em fix because we just want it to be transparent. We don't want people to …
H.B. 143 Special Education Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Presents HB 143 substitute, which requires school districts to notify parents before moving a special class to a different school, so parents can understand the change and plan for their student's services; says the bill was reviewed with the State Office of Education for federal compliance.
▶ Watch at 1:36:03Read what they said
Thank you chair, and thanks for, um, having me in your committee today. So this bill came to me, um, from a group of parents, um, who have special education students who are in a contained classroom. So not just every student with an IEP, but as students that are in, um, a special class is how we've defined it in the bill. Um, who receive their services, maybe not at this school, where they would go if they were a general education student, but somewhere in the district to receive services. Um, the, the parents' concern was that sometimes school districts determine to move these students, uh, to different schools to receive the same programming, not to change their, …
H.B. 143 Special Education Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Answers that districts are expected to use one or more methods, such as email, sending something home with the student, and mail, to notify parents.
▶ Watch at 1:38:55Read what they said
Yes. I mean, 'cause they're supposed to do one or more, so hopefully they're sending 'em an email and they're handing their kid, you know, something at the school, you know, to get to their parent. They're sending a mail and they're sending an email.
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Presented HB 373 as a pilot program that would let the eight universities compete for state-matched research grants, funded one time from unearned performance funding, with research topics approved by this committee and a scoring rubric.
▶ Watch at 1:08:42Read what they said
I'm gonna be speaking to the first substitute today, which has been online, so hopefully that's when you're able to read. Um, so I just wanna start off by talking about how often when we think about higher ed, we focus on how our universities teach students. We focus on what programs they offer, but I have thought a lot this last year about how we don't talk enough about the research that's happening at our institutions and how it is not just changing Utah, but it is changing the world because of the research that we're accomplishing. So here's a couple of things that have come outta Utah universities. Um, the first artificial heart transplant was performed here. Um, …
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Said regional universities could apply if they are doing applied research.
▶ Watch at 1:12:17Read what they said
Yes. So the idea is that any, especially our regional type universities, if they're doing applied research, they can apply. Perfect.
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Explained the account is funded by an ongoing appropriation and a base budget earmark, and that about $17 million went unearned because universities missed the access metric.
▶ Watch at 1:12:35Read what they said
Yes. So, um, two, two ways. Um, we have an ongoing appropriation that goes into our performance funding account, and then we also have a little earmark that comes out in the base budget that goes to performance funding. So that account has been there. Um, and then there's a number of metrics that the universities have to earn, um, performance funding on. And this is the access metric. They didn't meet the access metric, um, last year. And so this is the money that was left over that our universities did not earn. It's about $17 million.
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Explained that Amendment 1 lets the program use part of the set-aside funds for administration instead of a new appropriation, lowering the amount without changing the total.
▶ Watch at 1:17:32Read what they said
So, um, what the amendment does is if we use this account, rather than having them ask for an additional appropriation to administer the program, they would, it would just allow them to use a portion of the money We're gonna move over for administration. So we don't need to find additional money for administration of the program. That's all the amendment does. Doesn't change the amount. In fact, it lowers the amount because now we don't have to come up with money for grand administration. So that's what the amendment does.
H.C.R. 11 Resolution Urging Healthy Activities in Schools · House Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asked whether the resolution signals to the federal administration that the state is interested in health efforts as rural health funds become available.
▶ Watch at 2:19:25Read what they said
Uh, may i, May I ask? Sorry, can I Ask the sponsor a question? Yes, please. Go ahead. Um, so my question is, um, as this rural school, I mean, I'm sorry, this Rural Health money has come to our state and all of this opportunity, it feels like I've heard kind of this conversation around that the administration is watching states to see how they're signaling and showing that they're interested in some of these efforts on making children and our students and our populations healthier. And so when I read this resolution, my mind was actually thinking about this is another way we can demonstrate to the administration that we're interested in this. But I, maybe I'm reading …
H.B. 440 School Lunch Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asked how much flexibility school community councils have when the bill already sets a lunch-time target goal.
▶ Watch at 4:03:24Read what they said
Um, doesn't help when we sit next to each other either. I think it's great fun. I was gonna tell a story, but I'm not going to. Okay. Um, I have a couple of questions about, um, about the legislation. Thanks so much for discussing it with me earlier. Mm-hmm. So, um, one of my questions is, um, well it, it feels like local control. 'cause we're having our school community councils kind of look into it. It does also feel like we have, uh, a specific outcome we anticipate. 'cause we have, um, we have this school lunch target goal, um, that I know came from the state school board's policy. So talk to me a little bit about …
H.B. 440 School Lunch Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asked why lunch time warrants extra parent notice and surveys from school community councils when academic topics like reading do not.
▶ Watch at 4:05:40Read what they said
So appreciate that Ffy. I, I appreciate That's all in that, that, uh, amendment. Yes. Um, okay. And then my second question is just kind of in the, the process. So I mean, it's a pretty prescriptive process as far as what this meeting has to look like. I mean, school, I've been on school community councils in every school my kid has gone to. Right. And I, I know how those usually go. Um, so, um, this like, notice that this is the conversation we're having and you have to, you know, notice your parents, right? And then you have to do a survey, um, which is, it's just kind of interesting to me because school community councils, um, …
H.B. 440 School Lunch Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Cited her prior bill on Salt Lake City School District's shared governance and cautioned against giving school community councils authority over matters like bell schedules.
▶ Watch at 4:27:29Read what they said
Thank you. Maybe. There we go. Thank you. I, I appreciate, um, the sponsor listening to some of my concerns today and, and talking to me. I, one of the things I've just been thinking about is, um, last year I, I ran legislation around, um, Salt Lake City School District because they got into this place where they moved to this shared governance model where all of a sudden, uh, councils at their schools were making decisions around things like bill schedules. And it became a huge problem. And so we actually had to run a bill to say, you cannot have this kind of model. And I, I guess I'm a little concerned when we start telling the …
H.B. 440 School Lunch Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Thanked the sponsor for listening but said she would vote no because the bill is not quite ready, hoping to support it on the floor.
▶ Watch at 4:36:16Read what they said
I'm, I'm gonna be very brave. I I really do appreciate how much the sponsor has listened to my concerns and, and I know that I do feel confident she'll keep working with us. Um, but because it's not quite there, I'm not gonna be there today, but I'm hoping I'll be there by the time we get there on the floor.
H.J.R. 15 Joint Resolution Amending Court Rules to Address Sanctions and Dismissals · House Rules Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the substitute and says the discussion about representing public entities improved the bill.
▶ Watch at 56:19Read what they said
Uh, I'd like to go ahead and make a motion to favorably recommend, um, for substitute HDR 15. That motion is in order. Would you like to speak to it? Yeah. Um, I particularly appreciated the conversation about, um, how that works when somebody's representing a public entity. And, um, anyways, it feels like that gets us better to a better place than we were maybe were. So I appreciate the legislation. Thanks. Okay,
H.B. 212 County Formation Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moves to adopt the first substitute of HB 212.
▶ Watch at 58:12Read what they said
I'll try this. I don't know exactly where we're at on this, but I, I'd like to make a motion to, to adopt the first substitute of house bill two 12.
H.B. 234 Education Testing Amendments · House floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Raises concerns that the likely qualifying test cannot measure growth, that the effect on opt-out rates is unclear, and that mixed assessments complicate school comparisons, and says she is not ready to vote for the bill.
▶ Watch at 53:46Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I, um, appreciate the sponsor's work on thinking about assessment in Utah, and I do think that, um, there are ways that we could definitely improve our assessment system here in Utah, but I do have concerns about this specific piece of legislation for a couple of reasons. So, um, let me just talk through those really quick. So our assessment system is a system of assessments, right? And, and we have to get approval on that system from our, our federal partners. That's how we have our ESSA plan. Um, I appreciate that the current administration is, is willing to be a little bit more flexible with states. And we've seen previously, and I I'm really …
H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains that the substitute clarifies how entities communicate about what happens if they want to raise taxes and what happens if they do not.
▶ Watch at 12:52Read what they said
Yes. So this difference between the original bill and the substitute is the number of entities reached out and said, you've made it clear what happens if we want to raise taxes. It's not as clear as if, if we don't want to raise taxes what we need to do. And I, I'd prefer entities not raise taxes. So we clarified that for them.
H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Says the substitute clarifies for local entities what happens if they choose not to raise taxes.
▶ Watch at 12:52Read what they said
Yes. So this difference between the original bill and the substitute is the number of entities reached out and said, you've made it clear what happens if we want to raise taxes. It's not as clear as if, if we don't want to raise taxes what we need to do. And I, I'd prefer entities not raise taxes. So we clarified that for them. Like a good substitute discussion to that motion to adopt to the motion to adopt for substitute on HB 2 36.
H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Presents the bill, which would require entities considering a tax increase to notify the public in May and let them operate on a base budget starting July 1 until a tax increase is approved in August.
▶ Watch at 13:37Read what they said
Thank you. So I think colleagues, many of us heard from constituents who attended Truth and Taxations hearings this fall and felt a lot of frustration. They felt often that the decision had already been made before they even got to the meeting. Um, we also heard frustrations from elected officials who said, we followed the process, but by the time we invite the public in, we are pretty far down the road. And, uh, having heard those concerns from my constituents and probably many of yours as well, um, I Uintah work on some legislation that would try to bring the public in a little bit earlier so they would know a tax increase is even being considered. And …
H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains that the bill requires entities considering a tax increase to notify the public in May, and lets them operate on a base budget starting July 1 until a tax increase is approved in August, so the public can weigh in at the Truth in Taxation hearing.
▶ Watch at 13:37Read what they said
Thank you. So I think colleagues, many of us heard from constituents who attended Truth and Taxations hearings this fall and felt a lot of frustration. They felt often that the decision had already been made before they even got to the meeting. Um, we also heard frustrations from elected officials who said, we followed the process, but by the time we invite the public in, we are pretty far down the road. And, uh, having heard those concerns from my constituents and probably many of yours as well, um, I Uintah work on some legislation that would try to bring the public in a little bit earlier so they would know a tax increase is even being considered. And …
H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Gives closing remarks that the bill would bring public input earlier in the budget process and give entities a plan if a tax increase fails.
▶ Watch at 16:13Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, I just think that this bill will help us be more responsive to those concerns that we heard. We want public input. Our local entities need public input as they determine their budgets and having them come to the process a little bit early, having our entities figure out a plan B if their tax increase doesn't pass and knowing what they're going to do is also a lot better process for them. So I'll, without I'd ask for your support. Thank you.
H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Urges support, saying the bill brings public input earlier and gives entities a plan B if a tax increase fails.
▶ Watch at 16:13Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, I just think that this bill will help us be more responsive to those concerns that we heard. We want public input. Our local entities need public input as they determine their budgets and having them come to the process a little bit early, having our entities figure out a plan B if their tax increase doesn't pass and knowing what they're going to do is also a lot better process for them. So I'll, without I'd ask for your support. Thank you.
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Moves the first amendment in her name.
▶ Watch at 1:01:32Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. Speaker. I'd like to move the First Amendment in my name.
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains that the amendment adds a specific reference to faculty, staff, and students in the alignment process.
▶ Watch at 1:01:42Read what they said
Yes. This amendment just, uh, adds, uh, some spec, a specific call out for our faculty, staff and students that they will be part of the conversation as we work through this alignment process and just ensures that they see themselves in this process so it can be successful. Thank you.
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Describes the bill as setting up a process for the Utah Board of Higher Education to define regions for system alignment, with board recommendations due to the legislature in August.
▶ Watch at 1:02:26Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, having had the opportunity to work in the higher education space the last, uh, couple of years, I, I think that this bill can help us continue to move our higher education system in the way that we want it to best, uh, serve our students and best serve, uh, our state. So two years ago I had requested an audit of higher education and one of the things that came out of that audit was a look at how we, uh, approve programs and how the system itself works together to ensure that programs are both available but they're not duplicated. Um, so as after that audit, um, we ran legislation last year, but then the …
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Says the regions have not been determined, that the process will take years, and that the goal is to let students move between technical colleges, USU, and Salt Lake Community College.
▶ Watch at 1:05:12Read what they said
Yes. First, let me say that Tula Technical College plays a very important role in Illa County. And so we'll want to ensure that that school continues to meet the needs. I know that that, um, that school's the gem of that community and they've all done a lot to, uh, ensure it's successful, including working, uh, with industry partners out there and other, um, job force opportunities so that their students are connected to that. So, um, I don't know what the regions are gonna look like, and that's part of this. We don't wanna predetermines the outcome, we want them to look, but we have thought a lot about Utah's, uh, university, or, sorry, Utah State University statewide …
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Gives closing remarks that the bill aims to ease student transfer within the higher education system and urges support.
▶ Watch at 1:07:29Read what they said
Thank you. Um, our, our system of higher education works best when we do think like a system and when we ensure that our students can move through our system in a way that makes sense for them and doesn't make them take classes over and over again. We don't want that. We want ease, ease of transfer. We want our students to see their pathways and we want them to be successful. So I hope you'll, uh, support this bill. Thank you.
H.B. 358 School Scheduling Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Moves to adopt Amendment #1 to HB 358.
▶ Watch at 3:28:37Read what they said
Uh, I'd like to move the amendment Correct? Yes, please. I, I'd like to move the first amendment.
H.B. 358 School Scheduling Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend HB 358.
▶ Watch at 3:29:13Read what they said
I'd like make a, yeah, I'd like to make a motion to favorably recommend House Bill 3 58 School scheduling amendments.
H.B. 358 School Scheduling Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Says some schools are considering different scheduling options and having to come to the board often, and that the clarification would help them know what options fit their students.
▶ Watch at 3:29:22Read what they said
Yeah. I, I do think that we have some schools who are trying to think about some different scheduling options there right now, having to come quite often to the board. And if this, if this helps clarify and lets them know what options are available that best fit their students. I think that's a good idea.
H.B. 358 School Scheduling Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the first substitute of HB 358.
▶ Watch at 3:31:51Read what they said
I'd like to make a motion. We favorably recommend first substitute of house bill 3 58. That motion is in order.
H.B. 425 Local Government Fees Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Presented H.B. 425, which would bar general fees for broadband and public safety, require a study, separate vote, annual review, referendum, and a 10-year expiration for transportation utility fees.
▶ Watch at 42:52Read what they said
go ahead. Thank You so much. So, um, it's on closer. It is on. I Don't know how close I can get this. Let me, Hmm. You are on. And How about now? Okay. I had to push the button. Okay. Okay. Alright. Um, how's Bill 4 25? This may feel familiar to you if you've been here for a minute. Um, so this is a bill I ran. Um, actually this is round three, but we have a good agreement at this point. Um, the first year we thought we had an agreement right until the end, and then time ran out. And then last year we were still negotiating. So this year we have a great agreement on …
H.B. 425 Local Government Fees Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Explained that cities must take a separate, standalone public vote on a transportation utility fee rather than including it in the consolidated fee schedule.
▶ Watch at 48:44Read what they said
Yes. So, um, you know, when you're on the city council, um, or you're, um, on the city council, you have to take to two kind of important votes. Uh, each year, you know, the, the vote to set your budget right and the vote to do your consolidated fee schedule. So that's like, how much am I gonna charge to rent the Bowery at the park? How much are what, what are all my other fees that not everyone pays? But if you did certain things, you'd have to pay. How much is our garbage rate, for example? That's all in your consolidated fee schedule. What we're saying is you can't just tuck this fee in on that list. …
H.B. 425 Local Government Fees Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Gave closing remarks, saying the fee is already being charged and that the guardrails help cities and their residents, and thanked members for their support.
▶ Watch at 55:08Read what they said
Uh, I appreciate, um, the comments. You know, the interesting thing about this is, you know, this fee's out there, cities are charging in, and, and I think that helping them have these guardrails is good for everyone. It's good for them, it's good for their, their constituents. And so I appreciate the support. Thank you.
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · House floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Introduces H.B. 242, saying it makes the rules for paid signature gatherers and paid signature removers the same, including age, impact statement, badge, and misrepresentation penalties, after a local referendum's signatures were removed.
▶ Watch at 1:00:37Read what they said
Thank you. I have been the next bill on the calendar for like the last 45 minutes, so I'm really excited we're finally here. Okay, so this bill came about because, uh, in my community this year, we had the first referendum we have ever had against a, uh, city council decision, a three, two vote on our city council. And, um, uh, the citizens in my community didn't agree with that decision and, um, launched a referendum effort. They got more people to sign the referendum than have ever voted in a municipal election in my city. So it was very intense, um, and very, um, a very thorough effort following, getting all those signatures. Um, the, um, the …
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · House floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Answers that volunteers do not need a badge, that paid gatherers' training is addressed in a separate proposed bill, and that the two bills are being coordinated so the rules match on both sides.
▶ Watch at 1:03:03Read what they said
So there's legislation proposed this session around, um, training related to people who are paid signature gatherers. Um, and if that bill passes, we have some coordinating language to make sure that that is, we're trying to just curate parity between both sides. So, um, what we've been working to, uh, make sure that those bills coordinate, so the rules remain the same on both sides.
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · House floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Closes by asking for support, saying the bill keeps the law consistent for people on both sides of the issue.
▶ Watch at 1:04:03Read what they said
Uh, I'd really appreciate your support on this bill. It was a very frustrating experience for my constituents to do all that work and, and gather all those signatures and then, and then feel like the, the, it wasn't fair, um, in how it all played out. And, and I think keeping the law consistent is also really important for people on both sides of the issue. So thank you. I'd ask for your support.
S.B. 130 River Restoration Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Asked whether line 122 could require at least an equal amount of matching funds so the $2 million could go farther.
▶ Watch at 1:53:22Read what they said
Representative Peterson, I have a question about line 1 22. Um, and it's just a, a minor question. Overall, the bill felt pretty easy to understand. Um, my question is, um, right now it says, provides an equal amount of matching funds and, um, I think that's great. I, but I almost almost wonder if that could be the floor. I wondered if you'd be interested in it providing at least an equal amount of matching funds. What I'm wondering is if one of those entities was like, we can come up with 75% of the funds, but can you give us 25? It just would make this $2 million go farther if the communities could, would come up with …
S.B. 130 River Restoration Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Confirmed she would propose adding 'at least' to the matching funds language on line 122.
▶ Watch at 1:54:06Read what they said
That's fine. I wondered if you were okay if I added provide at least an equal amount of matching funds on line 1 22.
S.B. 130 River Restoration Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Moved to adopt Senate Amendment 1 in the sponsor's name.
▶ Watch at 2:00:43Read what they said
Representative Peterson, I'd like to make a motion to move Senate Amendment one in the sponsor's name.
S.B. 130 River Restoration Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Declined to speak, saying the sponsor had explained the reasoning.
▶ Watch at 2:00:52Read what they said
Would you like to speak to that motion? Uh, no. I think he explained the reasoning behind that. Okay.
S.B. 130 River Restoration Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Moved to amend line 122 to read 'provides at least an equal amount of matching funds.'
▶ Watch at 2:02:09Read what they said
Thank you. I'd like to make one more, uh, amendment on line 1 22, which did not change with the Senate sub. Um, add the words at least after provides, so it will read, provides at least an equal amount of matching funds.
S.B. 130 River Restoration Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Said the change could stretch state money further and allow ranking applications by contributions.
▶ Watch at 2:02:39Read what they said
Yeah, I just feel like they might be able to make their money go a little farther and they could maybe rank applications if people are willing to give a little bit more, it would make the state money go a little farther. So feels like that might be a good idea. Okay. Thank you.
S.B. 130 River Restoration Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend the substitute bill as amended.
▶ Watch at 2:03:29Read what they said
I'd like to make a motion that we favorably recommend for sub SB one 30 as amended.
S.B. 130 River Restoration Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Said the Jordan River is a statewide asset needing attention and thanked the sponsor for working with local communities and leveraging funding.
▶ Watch at 2:03:44Read what they said
Um, so I don't live on the Jordan River. I live in a little bit different part of the state, but it is an incredible asset to our state, the Jordan River, and, and it is something that needs our attention. Um, and, um, I don't have to live there to know that. And so I appreciate that you're working with your local communities, you're thinking about ways we can leverage funding, um, to really make it, um, a greater asset for all of Utah, Utah.
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Presented HB 352 as a response to a higher education audit, saying it begins system alignment across the state's institutions.
▶ Watch at 1:35:35Read what they said
I'd like to start by saying my bill is the proper role of government. You're gonna like it. Um, okay. So, um, about, about a year and a half ago I requested an OLA audit, um, on our higher education system, specifically around, um, how things were working, uh, across the system. And then specifically, um, how, how do we determine which programs we have and, um, if those programs are in the right place, and those types of things. So we had no lag audit. It came out about a year ago, and there were a couple of findings from that audit. So this bill that we're talking about today is part of our response to that audit from …
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said the presidents helped draft the bill and are cautiously supportive, citing regional partnerships already underway.
▶ Watch at 1:46:50Read what they said
Right. Yeah. Well, I'll start and then if, uh, commissioner has additional comments. Um, so the presidents have been very integral in the drafting of this legislation and in this, these conversations about what this could look like. So, um, this has not been done. Um, nobody was surprised by this bill file. Everyone knew it was coming, and everyone knew that this is the, the way that we're, um, pushing and pulling together. So, um, so the presidents are, I don't, I don't know if I want to say they're all on board and excited and super happy, but, but there's so many pockets of promise already happening in our state. And I think that they also, um, have …
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said the bill has a fiscal note and is a first step requiring the board to report back, that accreditation is not put at risk, and offered to add language on faculty and student involvement.
▶ Watch at 2:01:10Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I wanna highlight a couple of things. Um, the first is that there is a fiscal no on this bill. We do know that doing all of this work is not free, and that as a state, if we're really invested in this, then, then we are going to have to, um, think about that. But this bill does not redesign the entire system. It doesn't, it, it gives us the first step. It gives the, the commissioner the authority and the requirement to start this process and then come back to us. That's what this bill does. This bill doesn't take off, you know, jump in the whole thing and tell exactly how we're doing everything. …
H.B. 234 Education Testing Amendments · House Education Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asks whether the state's assessment advisory committee has had a chance to review and give feedback on the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:23:23Read what they said
Um, thank you and thank you for all the additional information you've provided us this week. I appreciate that. Um, so I, um, I'm gonna back up a little bit. So I, I have had the opportunity at different times to, um, help with ESSA applications and, and through that process and, and, um, there's a couple of things. Um, first USB has had for many years kind of an assessment committee. Uh, all of the assessment experts from all across the state meet together to kind of talk about, um, what works and what's not working and they help with the system design and all of that. Uh, my question is, has that committee had any opportunity to hear …
H.B. 234 Education Testing Amendments · House Education Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asks how a different norm-referenced test would meet the state's ESSA accountability and peer-review requirements, given that the RISE is a uniquely Utah test.
▶ Watch at 2:24:24Read what they said
Okay. And then my second question has to, um, questions I guess have to do with ESSA. So, um, we have ESSA, you know, we have to have an ESSA plan turned into, um, the Department of Ed. I appreciate the Department of Ed giving more flexibility to states. I think we all welcome that. We're all very interested in that. We appreciate the waiver opportunities. Um, but our ESSA application, I mean, part of that is really, um, being clear about what our accountability system is and it's accountability system, not just for individual students. Sometimes I think when you talk about accountability systems, we think about, um, how do we get information about a specific student? And that's …
H.B. 234 Education Testing Amendments · House Education Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asks whether the bill covers the cost of mapping the tests to Utah standards as well as the assessment cost.
▶ Watch at 2:27:02Read what they said
And then, um, I'm, I'm sorry, what was your second? So the question about, um, the cost of the peer, so in the bill it talks about that the LEAs will cover the cost of the assessment. What I'm not sure is that the LEAs are, are they also covering the cost of the mapping? Yeah,
H.B. 143 Special Education Amendments · House floor debate (day 11) · Jan 30, 2026
Presented HB 143, which would extend existing school boundary-change notice protections to special education students, including the name and location of the new school, transportation, and effect on the IEP.
▶ Watch at 59:16Read what they said
Um, so this bill was actually brought to me by a group of parents who have special education students who pointed out to me that in the code we have a lot of protections. If we move the boundaries on a general education student and they have to move, for example, from Clinton Elementary in my area to Parkside Elementary. We have a lot of, um, uh, notification requirements and, and ways that we connect with the parents to let them know that changes happening. If we move a special education student that's in a contained classroom from one school to another school, we have no protections in code about ensuring that that student has proper notice and making sure, …
H.B. 143 Special Education Amendments · House floor debate (day 11) · Jan 30, 2026
Said parents currently receive notice of changes, sometimes on short notice, and the bill would let them comment to school board members and others in the district on how a change affects their student.
▶ Watch at 1:00:46Read what they said
Yes. Yes. And that is, that is a change right now. Um, they, they notice them, um, and, and sometimes short amounts of notice. Um, but this says that parents are gonna have the opportunity to, uh, give comment to their school board member, um, and people in their district about how they impact, uh, that change will impact their student.
H.B. 143 Special Education Amendments · House floor debate (day 11) · Jan 30, 2026
Gave closing remarks saying special education students should receive the same protections that general education students receive.
▶ Watch at 1:02:38Read what they said
Uh, thank you so much for the, the comments. Um, you know, these sped kids are close to my heart and so, um, I think affording them the same protections we provide general education students is, uh, something that our legislature should do. Thank you.
H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Presents HB 236, which would move up public notice of a possible tax increase, require two budgets in June, and keep base budgets in effect until the August truth in taxation hearing.
▶ Watch at 56:35Read what they said
Thank you. I don't know how many times I've been to this committee, so it's great to be to a new committee. All right. So House Bill 2 36. I think all of us, um, heard from constituents this year, um, and elected officials who, after truth and taxation happened in August. We had packed rooms all across the state and people feeling frustrated that I Uintah the meeting, but I felt like the decision had already been made. And at the same time, we had the elected officials who were saying, we have been working on this budget for months. And everyone showed up at the end. And, and the frustration went both ways. And so, um, having served …
H.B. 236 Truth in Taxation Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Responds to the motion, saying the additional work of a plan B budget is worth doing for transparency with the public.
▶ Watch at 1:13:31Read what they said
To respond to the motion. Yes. Uh, I appreciate the motion. And, and maybe just one comment. Um, you know, that there, there was a concern about are you are creating more work? And, and what became alarming to me is, well, what's our plan B, if your tax increase isn't gonna go, what was your plan B guys like, I, I feel like plan B is a good idea. And, and, and when we are creating a little bit more work to be more transparent with the public, it feels like worth work worth doing. So thanks.
S.B. 1 Higher Education Base Budget · House floor debate (day 10) · Jan 29, 2026
Presents SB 1 as the higher education base budget bill, which appropriates the same amounts as fiscal year 2026 ongoing, about $1.9 billion from the general fund and income tax for operating and capital plus $91.5 million for performance funding, and reflects an estimated $12.9 billion total fiscal 2027 higher education budget; says the committee may revisit whether this remains the base.
▶ Watch at 17:49Read what they said
Thank you. So SB one is our higher education base budget bill. So this is the bill that appropriates the base budget to the system of higher education to each of our eight, um, public degree granting institutions and to our eight, um, technical colleges. So as you heard before, this is just the base budget bill. Um, so it, it, um, appropriates the same amounts as fiscal year 2026 ongoing. Um, so this is approximately 1.9 billion from the general fund and income tax for operating and capital. Another 91.5 million from the income tax fund for performance funding restricted account. And, um, the bill also reflects, uh, the estimated fiscal year 2027 total budget of higher education institutions, …
H.R. 3 House Rules Resolution - Abandoning Legislation · House Rules Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Rep. Peterson moved to favorably recommend House Resolution 3.
▶ Watch at 22:57Read what they said
Thanks. I like to make a motion that we favorably recommend house rule's Resolution three.
H.R. 3 House Rules Resolution - Abandoning Legislation · House Rules Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Rep. Peterson said the proposal would let a legislator abandon a bill publicly so the public knows it is dead for the session, and another legislator could later open it.
▶ Watch at 23:04Read what they said
Yes. So I have seen over the years, sometimes, um, legislators, um, think of an idea and they file a bill and, and the, the response that they give for that bill file is unexpected for them. Um, and they hear from a ton of public, they decide the bill's not moving forward. But the rest of the session, everybody that's up here is getting emails about it doesn't matter how many times the sponsor says, I'm not running it, I'm not running it. There's no way for us to actually kill the bill. I mean, we could strike the enacting clause. That is the, the way. And then even that's so wonky that I don't know that the public …
H.B. 227 Student Journalist Amendments · House Education Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Says her family has a newspaper background and asks whether the bill would allow a student to write about a presidential candidate. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:59:31Read what they said
Thank you. Um, so my daughter is a student journalist. She writes for the Statesman at Utah State University. Mm-hmm. And my grandfather was the faculty advisor over the signpost at Weber State University. So I come from a newspaper family. We own lots of newspapers in my family over the years. And, um, I very much appreciate, um, the, uh, ability to train up young journalists, the a journalists play an important role. Um, but to the bill, I do have a number of questions, so I'm gonna ask you a few. Okay? Sure. Um, the first one is you said, um, it wouldn't really be appropriate for a student to write about, about a presidential candidate, whether they …
H.B. 227 Student Journalist Amendments · House Education Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Asks whether the bill's advisor language would prevent an advisor from requiring edits and whether poorly written work could still be published. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:00:37Read what they said
Okay. That's good to know. Um, so as a teacher, um, you know, you have, um, probably in line 64 that a student media advisor may teach professional standards of English and journalism, which I think is important, but it doesn't preclude that media advisor, um, if a media advisor Uintah the student and said, your article's really poorly written, it's got problems. Right. Or if they said, you did not have good sources, and I don't feel comfortable printing this. Or if they said, you used a straw man argument and that's not strong opinion, um, you know, a good way to, to do your article that could, they could still print the article because it's really just that …
H.B. 227 Student Journalist Amendments · House Education Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Asks how the editing process would work in a high school paper, raises Supreme Court rulings on high school newspapers, and asks for thoughts on regulation and liability. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:01:44Read what they said
Absolutely. So as this is drafted, they couldn't, I mean, if a student said, I still want my article in the paper, even though you think it Okay, not equality work. Mm-hmm. It could still be published. Right. And so I think that's another really tricky place where we're putting our administrators in. And then, um, could I respond to that a little bit as well? So I, in my newsroom, so we have our chief editors, depending what section it would be. So if it was like a student life article was an opinion based article, that's chief editor will be reading that paper and giving those clarifying notes. It's not necessarily your immediate advisor that would be going …
H.B. 227 Student Journalist Amendments · House Education Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Says the explanation makes sense and that the state can regulate high school media more than college media. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:04:46Read what they said
And if that make, does that make sense? Yes, It makes sense. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. But I do, I do think that, you know, we, we do have an ability to regulate here more than we would with a even a, a college paper. So that's my thoughts. Thank you.
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Presented HB 242, saying it applies the existing paid signature gatherer rules, including age, disclosure, certification, badge and misdemeanor penalties, to paid signature removers, following a Clinton City referendum.
▶ Watch at 37:03Read what they said
Thank you. Um, so I'm gonna tell you a little story about how this bill came to be. So, in August of, um, 2024, um, the Clinton City Council voted in a three two vote to approve a new housing development in Clinton. And the first time that I am aware of in Clinton's history, um, we had a referendum and volunteers were mobilized all of our city. I have never seen a grassroots effort like I saw in my community, um, for that referendum. And they did, um, a lot of work. In fact, they gathered enough signatures, they gathered 3,883 verified signatures, which is more than anyone has ever voted in a municipal election in Clinton. So when …
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Explains that the bill applies only when someone is paid to remove signatures, and that individuals can still remove their own signatures through the same process.
▶ Watch at 52:17Read what they said
Um, and thank you for the opportunity. So this bill is specific to if you pay people to remove signatures and, and, and something that we, there's no change on is an individual's ability to remove their own signature. That process is not changing at all. So there's no changes to, if I signed something and I personally decided I want go turn the form in to the county to remove it, that process is not changing at all. If someone talks to me as a volunteer and says, um, you know, you signed this and not, you know, if you don't want to have your name on it, you can. This is your process for going to do that. …
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Says she just learned of the committee's discussion and agrees that matching the rules is her intent, and would support coordinating through a coordination clause.
▶ Watch at 55:14Read what they said
Yes. So I just became aware of that this morning how your committee had, had had a discussion about that. I think matching those rules is my intention here. So if we'd like to match them, uh, through coordination clause, I think that would be a great idea.
H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Thanks the committee in summation, saying the bill responds to frustrations residents felt over the Clinton referendum.
▶ Watch at 55:41Read what they said
Um, I appreciate that motion. This was, um, very interesting to watch in my community. I've never seen anything like it in my community. I've lived there 20 years and, um, I really appreciate us being able to respond to the frustrations that residents felt. Um, this was an incredible grassroots effort in my community and, and the frustration they felt was very justified. And so thank you for, um, supporting this bell and um, helping to remedy it for the next folks. So thanks.
H.B. 143 Special Education Amendments · House Education Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Presented HB 143, which would require school districts to notify parents at least 30 days before moving a student in a special education class to a different school, provide specified information, and allow comment to the school board.
▶ Watch at 1:31:29Read what they said
All right, here we go. First one of the session, Ryan. I think we're all starting. Um, so, uh, last year actually during the legislative session, there was a group of parents here at the Capitol, um, that I met with. Um, and they talked to me at that time about an experience that they had had with their special education student when their student who was in a contained classroom. So that's not just a student with an IEP, but a, a student in a specific classroom to, um, best serve their needs. Um, moved to a, got moved to a different school and they felt like there was no opportunity as a parent to have enough notice to …
H.B. 17 Public Infrastructure District Meeting Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Asks the sponsor whether he would be open to striking lines 41 through 45 so boards always meet in their area, since annual meetings could keep the St. George problem; the sponsor says he is ambivalent.
▶ Watch at 32:08Read what they said
Yes, please. Thank you. I, I guess, um, I have a question for the sponsor. Um, I guess that was kind of my question, which is, uh, Representative Ward was kind of getting at, which is, uh, when you started presenting with the bill, you said the concern that was brought to you was that they were meeting in St. George and they weren't meeting close by. Correct. And if we're not sure how often they're meeting, my concern is if they're just being once a year, then they can keep being in St. George, which is this problem you're trying to solve. So, um, I I guess my question is, are you open when we get to committee action, …
H.B. 17 Public Infrastructure District Meeting Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Moves an amendment to strike lines 41 through 45.
▶ Watch at 35:23Read what they said
Um, I'm gonna move my amendment first and we'll move the sponsors if there's an interest in doing that. Um, uh, I'd like to strike lines 41 through 45.
H.B. 17 Public Infrastructure District Meeting Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Says the amendment matches the sponsor's intent that people can access meetings when reasonable, and that boards should meet close by.
▶ Watch at 35:45Read what they said
Yes, please. Um, I, I think we, as we had the conversation today and, and trying to meet the sponsor's intent of the legislation, which is that people can access these meetings, um, if, if it was reasonable, especially when these boards are not, um, necessarily, um, public officials that we, we, um, we just say when you're meeting meet close by. I think that works. So that's my motion.
H.B. 17 Public Infrastructure District Meeting Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Restates the motion to strike lines 41 through 45 with grammatical clarifications and waives summation.
▶ Watch at 36:49Read what they said
I'll waive submission is waived. I'll restate the motion to amend the bill by striking lines 41 through 45 with other punctual and grammatical clarifications.
H.B. 17 Public Infrastructure District Meeting Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Moves to recommend HB 17 as amended favorably.
▶ Watch at 39:05Read what they said
Representative Peterson, I'd like to make a motion to move out, um, house bill 17 as amended with a favorable recommendation.
H.B. 17 Public Infrastructure District Meeting Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Says anything that increases public access to board meetings is a good thing and thanks the sponsor for the bill.
▶ Watch at 39:19Read what they said
Would you like to speak to it? Yeah, I think anytime we can increase the public's a access and opportunity to, to meet with their board, I think it's a good thing and I appreciate him bringing this bill.
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