Legislators / Michael J. Petersen
Michael J. Petersen
Republican · House District 2
Hear from them directly
Contact Rep. Michael J. Petersen
- Email: mpetersen@le.utah.gov
- Phone: 435-770-6925
- Office: 350 N. State Street, Ste 350, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114
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Watch or join a meeting
Every committee hearing and floor session is open to the public and streamed live on le.utah.gov. Each committee's agenda has the link to watch or join online, and how to sign up for public comment.
Michael J. Petersen serves on:
- Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee
- House Government Operations Committee
- House Transportation Committee
- Government Operations Interim Committee
- Transportation Interim Committee
- Federalism Commission
What they've said
103 remarks on 25 billsH.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Presents a motion to concur with the Senate amendments to substitute H.B. 54, explaining that liveries that rent boats are exempt from providing a separate boating safety course because they already provide safety information.
▶ Watch at 3:08Read what they said
You, uh, made one simple change, uh, Representative motion to, oh, can I Concur? Make a motion to concur. Thank you. Thank, Thank you representative. That motion in order, which I speak to it. Yes. Thank you. Um, what we did is we said because liveries companies that that rent boats, because they already provide voter safety information, they're exempted from having to, uh, to provide another course to their folks. Thank you. Representative. Uh, discussion to the motion to concur with the Senate amendments on first substitute HB 54. See none will go ahead and place the motion. The mo, uh, motion is the house concur with the Senate amendments on first substitute HB 54.
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves to concur with the Senate amendments to the bill.
▶ Watch at 7:15Read what they said
You Mr. Speaker? Uh, I have bad news. I'd like to make a motion to concur with the Senate amendments.
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains that the word 'activities' was removed from the list of items for which accommodations will be made.
▶ Watch at 7:31Read what they said
Yes. We just removed the word activities from uh, from the list of things that we will make accommodations for.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves that the House concur with the Senate amendments to the bill.
▶ Watch at 17:23Read what they said
Good morning and thank you Mr. Speaker. Uh, I make a motion that we adopt the, uh, that we concur with the Senate amendments.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains three changes in the Senate amendments: lowering the daily fine from $10,000 to $1,000, applying it per health system instead of per facility, and moving the compliance date back one year.
▶ Watch at 17:35Read what they said
I would thank you. Uh, we, there're just, uh, really three simple things that we did. One is that we, uh, said that it, so there's some fines associated with not complying with the need to, uh, show the parent or show the child the child's records. We moved them from $10,000 a day to $1,000 a day. Then we moved that, uh, instead of per facility because, uh, some, some of our companies have 150 facilities that would've been, uh, a ginormous un undoable thing. So it's per per health system. And then we, uh, reduce the, oh, then we, uh, change the compliance date out another year. So three simple things.
S.J.R. 8 Joint Resolution to Initiate a Law School at Utah Valley University · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Raises concerns that the proposed location does not serve Cache Valley and that Utah Valley University is not the right institution to sponsor a law school.
▶ Watch at 50:58Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. Speaker. Uh, cash Valley also, we have, uh, we take Umbridge with this idea of importance of Wasatch Front. Uh, Cache Valley is, is really heaven. But anyway, um, I, I'd also wanted to say, I, I'm concerned that, uh, not only, not only do I have problems with the, with the location of this, where it doesn't serve, uh, really Cache Valley, but it also, I have, I have concern that we have two universities. There are two universities in, in the state, and I don't know that it's, uh, that Utah Valley University is a, is the right location, or excuse me, the right kind of a, a university to be, to be, uh, …
S.B. 292 Autonomous Systems Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Asks to yield to the sponsor for a series of questions.
▶ Watch at 1:10:13Read what they said
Thank you. Mad Madam. Speaker Pro te uh, would the sponsor yield to a couple of questions? Will the sponsor yield to a series of questions?
S.B. 292 Autonomous Systems Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Asks about the lines 373 to 375 and says the bar for the new manufacturer and developer claim seems nearly impossible to reach.
▶ Watch at 1:10:24Read what they said
So I'm looking at lines 3 73 to 3 75. Madam Speaker, I, I'm not an attorney, so I'm, I'm not sure I understand this, but as I look at these lines, the, uh, it seems to me that the bar set, if, if, if someone needs to, if someone needs to claim damages or sue the bar is set, probably, it's probably an impossible bar to ever reach. So I'm wondering if the, if the sponsor could respond to that, help me understand this.
S.B. 292 Autonomous Systems Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Asks whether the new claim would have to be brought as a class action.
▶ Watch at 1:12:04Read what they said
And, and so that, that, uh, I guess item B, would that would've to be a class action suit, uh, is my assumption?
S.B. 192 Legislative Activities Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Expresses concern about language on lines 372 onward regarding technical corrections by Legislative Research and General Counsel and supports circling the bill.
▶ Watch at 55:44Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker ProAm. I, I just, uh, I also have concerns. I I look at the section, uh, beginning on, uh, line 3 72 where it says that the Office of Legislative research and General Counsel under the direction of general counsel shall review, examine and correct any technical errors. I I, I just worry that, uh, we might be getting into space. That's, I, I, I, I think it's a good idea to circle and and to look at this. Thank you.
S.B. 192 Legislative Activities Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says he has concerns about the section requiring General Counsel to review and correct technical errors, and supports circling the bill to examine it.
▶ Watch at 55:44Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker ProAm. I, I just, uh, I also have concerns. I I look at the section, uh, beginning on, uh, line 3 72 where it says that the Office of Legislative research and General Counsel under the direction of general counsel shall review, examine and correct any technical errors. I I, I just worry that, uh, we might be getting into space. That's, I, I, I, I think it's a good idea to circle and and to look at this. Thank you.
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asked what the difference was between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:49:15Read what they said
Would you tell us again what the, I, I I'm sorry Mr. Speaker, but I don't understand what the, what the difference was.
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asked to yield for a follow-up question.
▶ Watch at 1:49:40Read what they said
May I ask another, a follow up Question? Representative, will you yield to a follow up question?
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asked to confirm that the funding changed from $17 million from performance funding to $50 million.
▶ Watch at 1:49:45Read what they said
If I understand correctly, we went from 17 million from performance. Now we're now it's instead of 17, it's 50 million. Is that correct?
H.B. 543 Uniform Commercial Code Amendments · House floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Supports the bill, saying the sponsor's account of the issue proved accurate after discussions with him and others over two to three years.
▶ Watch at 59:47Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, I rise in support of this. Um, when, uh, the good, uh, sponsor from Huntsville told me about this issue two to three years ago, I was shocked to discover that what he told me was actually true. And so I'm grateful for this, uh, for this coming forward. And it has been, uh, it has been discussed and, and, uh, I've been in discussions with others, uh, other elected officials about this for like, like I say, two or three years about, uh, to talk about this. So I'm grateful that he's, that he's brought this forward. I standard support.
H.R. 7 House Rules Modifications · House floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Asked the sponsor to clarify the purpose of having members present from the table rather than from the dais.
▶ Watch at 1:06:48Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Um, not that I have an issue with it, I just wondered if the good sponsor could clarify the purpose or the value of having, uh, of having us always present from the, from the table rather than from the diocese.
H.R. 7 House Rules Modifications · House floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Asks the sponsor to clarify the purpose of requiring members to always present from the table rather than the dais.
▶ Watch at 1:06:48Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Um, not that I have an issue with it, I just wondered if the good sponsor could clarify the purpose or the value of having, uh, of having us always present from the, from the table rather than from the diocese.
H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Introduced the substitute bill, which exempts delivery companies from the online course because they already provide their own training on site.
▶ Watch at 1:48:03Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I appreciate you giving us, uh, another, uh, another try at this. Um, once we, once we, uh, met here, we, as you, as you might recall, we had some, uh, folks, uh, voice some concerns. And so we've addressed the concerns and the, and, uh, so in first substitute you'll see that, uh, the real issue was deliveries. And, um, they're concerned that if they had to, uh, uh, uh, put people through our, through our online course, that would gum up their processes. And so, uh, what we learned is that deliveries have, uh, have their own training right on right on site when they, uh, you know, when they rent a, a, a boat. …
H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Said the yearly requirement is meant to reinforce safety early and could be reduced to every three years after five years.
▶ Watch at 1:52:13Read what they said
We, we are open to options. Okay. Uh, Senator, let me, let me tell you, uh, the purpose of starting with every year at first, okay, uh, I have been on, I'm a boater, uh, and I've got my kids all drive the boat and all this stuff, right? Uh, it is every time that I am on a reservoir or lake here in the state, that someone breaks the safety protocols. I mean, it is, it is every time. And that also happens on the road, right? Um, it's not always you, but other drivers are also, you know, breaking those safety rules. I'm just kidding. But you get, the idea is initially the proposal is every year. And …
H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Said the added safety component is not a large burden alongside the existing quagga mussel requirement.
▶ Watch at 1:53:44Read what they said
I think the key for us is, as people are aware of the qua mussel, which is really, really important for all of our infrastructure here in the state, if we keep that, and I don't know how, I don't know what the percentage is of how many boats go. I mean it would, this would be interesting, but how many boats go to Lake Powell and then go somewhere else in Utah? I'd be surprised if it was less than 80%. Right. But if, uh, and so having that, having that qua mussel and those stations and all the other influences that we're doing with Quam mussel, adding this safety component, it doesn't feel like it's that big of …
S.B. 220 Veteran Scholarship Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks why the 10-year limit was originally placed on the tuition waiver.
▶ Watch at 1:11:49Read what they said
Thank you. Just a a a quick comment and a question. This is great. Why did we put a 10 year cap on it originally? Do you know?
S.B. 220 Veteran Scholarship Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Shares that he lost federal GI Bill benefits at the 10-year mark, believes the limit was meant to mirror the federal rule, and says repeated deployments were not anticipated; says he will not take a position for or against the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:12:20Read what they said
Um, so, so I lost a bunch of GI Bill when I hit the 10 year mark. Mine was federal GI Bill. I think the reason they put the tenure on it was to, to mirror the federal. But what the federal or the state didn't anticipate is, uh, people deploying eight or 10 times in, in 20 years. Yeah. And then having them unable to use the benefit. And so, uh, I will not speak in favor or against because I can't do that, but I'm just telling you that's what why. So thanks. Thank just The experience chairman.
S.B. 220 Veteran Scholarship Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Moves to approve SB 220 favorably and send it to the full House.
▶ Watch at 1:14:16Read what they said
Thank you. I'd, I'd like to make a motion that we approve favorably SB two 20 Veteran Scholarship amendments to the full house.
S.B. 220 Veteran Scholarship Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says the bill is a great idea and that he is glad it was done.
▶ Watch at 1:14:29Read what they said
I'll just re reiterate. I think this is a great idea and I'm, I'm glad you've done this. Thank you.
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Explains that the bill was prompted by his daughter's graduate assignment to write to a legislator and by reports of similar experiences, and that it rests on the state constitution's protection of conscience.
▶ Watch at 2:26:45Read what they said
Teacher, uh, that amendment was a single word, but I, it reflects, uh, one final request from, uh, from Yushi. So I appreciate you doing that for me. Um, uh, I have a co-presenter, uh, professor Wilson, who's probably trying to, to join us. And I, I'll let her introduce herself in just a second. Um, this, this, uh, HB 2 0 4 started, uh, I have a daughter who's just finishing her master's degree outside of state, a master of social work, and she called me and said, dad, I just got, uh, I just got an assignment to, uh, write a letter of advocacy to my state legislator later. And she was told that what it had to …
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says accommodations can include excused participation or alternative deadlines or exams, and that disputes go to a neutral arbiter, a change requested by Utah institutions. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:40:04Read what they said
Well, but I would also add, you can, uh, uh, you know, back down into, uh, lines 47 and 49, you can excuse participation. You can alter, uh, give an alternative deadline or alternative examination assignment or activity. So it's, it doesn't necessarily have to be a new, a new, a new piece of curriculum. Furthermore, again, as, as, as rep, uh, as, uh, professor Wilson pointed out if, if, if necessary, it goes to a, a neutral arbiter, Um, thank you. Uh, which By the way, was a, a, an addition by by Yushi. That was one of their requests.
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · Senate Education Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says he meant to define activity, will offer a floor amendment, and does not view the problem as ubiquitous but as isolated experiences that should not be ignored.
▶ Watch at 3:04:28Read what they said
Um, first, uh, I met with folks from a FTA week or so ago, and I had intended to define activity, and I forgot to add that in there because activity's not to, it is not to, uh, uh, we're not saying, uh, it wasn't intended. The lecture was gonna be involved and you, and you just said, I don't want to hear about this. So, so I will get back to that. And, and I'll, and I'll have a floor amendment that, uh, that Senator Brammer can, can add to this. All right. Because I didn't, I didn't mean to do that. And I, and I apologize for, for, uh, letting that slip by. But I will also say …
H.B. 464 Parent Taught Driver Education Amendments · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Says there are no private driver education providers in the speaker's area and that some students using the Hope Scholarship cannot use it for driver education, and supports the bill.
▶ Watch at 28:18Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker ProAm. Uh, a couple of quick comments. First is, uh, so I'm up in Cash County and, uh, I checked last week and there are no, there are no private, uh, businesses providing driver ed services. Well, I've got, I've got kids in my family, grandchildren, as well as neighbors who are on, uh, uh, taking advantage of the Hope Scholarship Program. And the, the schools in our district don't allow them to use that, uh, to take driver's ed courses. So, in other words, there are children in our valley who have no option. There is no other way for them to, uh, receive the instruction that they need. That'd be my first point. The …
H.B. 409 Legislator Leave Amendments · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Says the bill mainly helps teachers stay in the retirement system and keep accruing service time while serving.
▶ Watch at 43:46Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, I appreciate the chance to make a, make a, a quick comment. I, uh, I understand the, the concerns that, uh, that folks might be double-dipping or something in, in the system, but as I've studied this, I, I think, I think really what this comes down to, 'cause if I do the math, there will be very few school teachers who would prefer the salary made here over what they receive through their district. Really what this is going to do is help folks to remain in the, uh, in the retirement system because for the, for, for these six or seven weeks they're here. Unless they choose is they, they're not, they're not …
H.B. 409 Legislator Leave Amendments · House floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Says the bill mainly helps educators stay in the retirement system by continuing to accrue service time during the session.
▶ Watch at 43:46Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, I appreciate the chance to make a, make a, a quick comment. I, uh, I understand the, the concerns that, uh, that folks might be double-dipping or something in, in the system, but as I've studied this, I, I think, I think really what this comes down to, 'cause if I do the math, there will be very few school teachers who would prefer the salary made here over what they receive through their district. Really what this is going to do is help folks to remain in the, uh, in the retirement system because for the, for, for these six or seven weeks they're here. Unless they choose is they, they're not, they're not …
S.B. 151 Public Safety Funding Amendments · House Transportation Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Asks why the bill funds about three quarters of the need rather than the full amount.
▶ Watch at 1:21:30Read what they said
Thank you. Just a, just a single question. You said this would fund three quarters of the need. I'm wondering why we're not funding a hundred percent of the need
H.B. 373 Higher Education Innovation · House floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill and says legislative oversight would help ensure the funds are spent as intended.
▶ Watch at 1:31:52Read what they said
Thank, thank you Mr. Peter. I just, I just wanted to quickly rise in support of this if, if this gets funded the $17 million I I, I so appreciate that, that the good, uh, chair of our higher ed appropriations committee is, is, is bringing forth this legislation because if it gets funded for $17 million, this will ensure that, that we as a legislature have guardrails over this and can ensure that that, uh, the money spent the way we intended it to be spent. So again, I rise in support and thank the, uh, thank the good chairwoman
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Explains that the substitute holds both vendors and healthcare providers accountable to fix the records access issue.
▶ Watch at 1:08:43Read what they said
Uh, but would you like to discuss or, uh, uh, get, uh, to you on the motion to, uh, adopt third substitute HP 2 59? If it's all right, I, I'll do it with the whole, with the whole package. I'd like to try to tell us the differences between, so the body can decide the, The, the differences is that, is that, um, we're going to, in this, in this bill, we're gonna hold vendors and healthcare providers both accountable and responsible to make sure this issue gets fixed.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Explains the differences in the third substitute, saying it holds both vendors and healthcare providers accountable for fixing the issue.
▶ Watch at 1:08:43Read what they said
Uh, but would you like to discuss or, uh, uh, get, uh, to you on the motion to, uh, adopt third substitute HP 2 59? If it's all right, I, I'll do it with the whole, with the whole package. I'd like to try to tell us the differences between, so the body can decide the, The, the differences is that, is that, um, we're going to, in this, in this bill, we're gonna hold vendors and healthcare providers both accountable and responsible to make sure this issue gets fixed.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Presents the bill on parents' right to access their children's medical records, describes a constituent's MyChart experience, and says providers and records companies must make data available to parents.
▶ Watch at 1:09:47Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, this bill is really about the sacred right of parents to direct the upbringing, education and healthcare of their children. The principle's not just a preference, it's it's actually founded in, in natural law as well as in our constitution. This last summer, I was on a hike and, uh, and I had a constituent call me and she said, uh, that she went on to her, um, MyChart account to look at her child's healthcare record. And, and there was a, a, a note up there that said, when your child turns 13 proxy access to their MyChart will default a teen unlimited unless your teen consents to full access. I was incredulous. I …
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Presents the bill as protecting parents' right to direct their children's healthcare, citing a constituent's experience finding parent access to a teen's MyChart records restricted at age 13.
▶ Watch at 1:09:47Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, this bill is really about the sacred right of parents to direct the upbringing, education and healthcare of their children. The principle's not just a preference, it's it's actually founded in, in natural law as well as in our constitution. This last summer, I was on a hike and, uh, and I had a constituent call me and she said, uh, that she went on to her, um, MyChart account to look at her child's healthcare record. And, and there was a, a, a note up there that said, when your child turns 13 proxy access to their MyChart will default a teen unlimited unless your teen consents to full access. I was incredulous. I …
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Answers that the health facilities are private.
▶ Watch at 1:13:48Read what they said
Thank you. Yes, representative. Thank You. Mr. Speaker, is the health facility, are all health facilities private facilities, or are they state owned? These are private facilities. Mm-hmm.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Agrees to yield and says the bill gives parents unlimited access except in specified cases such as court order or termination of parental rights.
▶ Watch at 1:14:47Read what they said
Yes, I will. Yes, representative Daley. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm curious if the restriction on the information available for, um, teen patients is universal, or if it's just certain medical records that a patient has or a parent has restricted access to. So parents, if you, if you look at the bill, you'll see the parents have unlimited access. Uh, accepting for, if you look over on lines 37 through 41, a healthcare facility may not restrict except for under these, uh, the parental rights have been terminated or required by court order, or the medical record relates to sexual assault in accordance with 7 7 38 2 0 4.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Explains that the bill gives parents unlimited access, with exceptions such as termination of parental rights, court order, or sexual assault records.
▶ Watch at 1:15:03Read what they said
So parents, if you, if you look at the bill, you'll see the parents have unlimited access. Uh, accepting for, if you look over on lines 37 through 41, a healthcare facility may not restrict except for under these, uh, the parental rights have been terminated or required by court order, or the medical record relates to sexual assault in accordance with 7 7 38 2 0 4.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Says current statute lets a child consent to certain care without removing the parent's right of access, and that providers have read it otherwise.
▶ Watch at 1:15:47Read what they said
Perfect, thank you. The, the currently, this is what this, this is what is in statute. And what it appears is that the healthcare providers and or the, uh, medical record providers have understood that when, that, when state law said that, uh, a child can consent, that that was giving away, uh, the, the, the parent's right to, uh, or, or that, that that was giving away privacy. But that's not the way the statute reads. If you, if you look at the statute, it says that the child can consent without mom and dad saying it's okay to do again, STD treatment or, or, or testing or smoking cessation. It does not take away the, the parent's, uh, …
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Argues that current statute lets minors consent to certain care without removing parents' right to access records, and says providers have interpreted it otherwise.
▶ Watch at 1:15:47Read what they said
Perfect, thank you. The, the currently, this is what this, this is what is in statute. And what it appears is that the healthcare providers and or the, uh, medical record providers have understood that when, that, when state law said that, uh, a child can consent, that that was giving away, uh, the, the, the parent's right to, uh, or, or that, that that was giving away privacy. But that's not the way the statute reads. If you, if you look at the statute, it says that the child can consent without mom and dad saying it's okay to do again, STD treatment or, or, or testing or smoking cessation. It does not take away the, the parent's, uh, …
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Says that under current practice parents can access appointment information but medical records are denied.
▶ Watch at 1:16:54Read what they said
I, I, I apologize for not understanding it. It is completely, it is. No, I think I, there is some access to, uh, making appointments and such, but the, but the medical records are denied.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Says parents are denied the medical records in that case, though some access to scheduling appointments remains.
▶ Watch at 1:16:57Read what they said
It is completely, it is. No, I think I, there is some access to, uh, making appointments and such, but the, but the medical records are denied.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
In closing, cites parents' due process rights under the 14th Amendment and urges support for the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:18:07Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, once again, um, 14th amendment due process rights of parents, uh, it, it is not an overstep of the state to require that, uh, that we abide by the United States Constitution. There, there really, there really isn't a more sacred right than, than than parents who have this innate desire to take care of their children and who know best for their children. And so I would urge you to vote, uh, in support of the bill. Thank you.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Gives closing remarks that the bill reflects parents' due process rights under the Fourteenth Amendment and urges support.
▶ Watch at 1:18:07Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, once again, um, 14th amendment due process rights of parents, uh, it, it is not an overstep of the state to require that, uh, that we abide by the United States Constitution. There, there really, there really isn't a more sacred right than, than than parents who have this innate desire to take care of their children and who know best for their children. And so I would urge you to vote, uh, in support of the bill. Thank you.
H.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Presents the resolution on religious freedom, describing its purpose and its tie to the nation's founding and the 250th anniversary, and offers to yield for questions.
▶ Watch at 37:29Read what they said
current, uh, recent Supreme Court holdings in in this space. It's, it's meant really to give a perspective and, uh, an an opportunity to see where we are here, 250 years of anniversary, uh, recognizing the Judeo-Christian world, biblical view that is part of our founding, as well as, uh, where we are today in exercising this, this wonderful right that makes America so unique and, uh, remarkable in the world stage. Uh, with that, Mr. President, we'll be glad to yield any questions.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Says a substitute is on its way and suggests holding off until it arrives.
▶ Watch at 1:15:11Read what they said
We have a sub that's will be here any second, so we'll, we'll hold off. Thank you
H.B. 190 Child Care Business Tax Credit · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Said he does not think this is the proper role of government and would prefer increasing child tax credits instead.
▶ Watch at 1:21:05Read what they said
Thank You, Mr. Speaker. A, as much as I appreciate the issue that, that we're, that we're, we're challenged with here, the problems that folks in our state are having. I, I just ever since I've been thinking about this bill the last several weeks and months I've been, uh, I just, I'm convinced this is not the proper role of government. And despite the fact that my favorite president has been supporting this kind of thing, I, I, I, I, I struggle with this. I, I think I would prefer that we increase, uh, child tax credits. I think we just passed one recently, but I think we'd be better off to, to do that, to support families through …
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Moves to adopt amendment one to the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:07:07Read what they said
Good morning and thank you Mr. Speaker. Uh, motion to adopt an, uh, amendment house. Amendment one.
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Explains that amendment one makes two small changes requested by the government operations division.
▶ Watch at 1:07:43Read what they said
Yes. Thank you. It, uh, it just includes two quick, uh, tweaks that we made with, uh, uh, the request of our, uh, government operations division Department Peterson.
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Presents the bill as a companion to HB 460 from 2024, prohibiting compelled speech and letting students decline activities that conflict with their conscience, with a definition of fundamental alteration requiring students to master essential learning outcomes.
▶ Watch at 1:08:26Read what they said
Um, this is a sort of a companion Bill hb, uh, to HB four 60 that we passed in 2024 that protected state employees, uh, gave them conscious protection. And this is for our higher ed students. Um, my, my daughter is finishing a social work degree out of state, and, uh, she called me and told me that she was, she required by her teacher to write a letter of advocacy on a, on a, on a topic that was aligned with her professor, but not with her. And she was, uh, to, to write this letter. And she wrote, uh, she, when she told me about it, I was a little alarmed that this seemed like a compelled …
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Responds that the bill lists reasonable accommodations such as excused participation, alternative deadlines or assignments, and that students can appeal to a neutral arbiter.
▶ Watch at 1:12:42Read what they said
So, first of all, class discussion. Uh, first of all, I, I would, uh, I would remind us of line 45 through 47 that says, you can excuse participation. You can offer an alternative deadline or schedule, or you can offer an alternative examination assignment or activity. So, so there are, there are already written in, we, we, we know what the reasonable accommodations are. Now, as, as to the can, can the student get out of the discussion? Again, the student, especially because of what we just passed about that first amendment, the student is required to write to the teacher. 'cause we need to have some sort of, um, uh, record Mr. Um, Dr. So andSo, uh, this, …
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Says the bill was revised with the Attorney General, Government Operations, and the University of Utah to address accreditation concerns, that students can still discuss difficult topics, and asks for support.
▶ Watch at 1:18:01Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, I, I didn't mention in my, in my, uh, presentation, I should have told you that, um, we've been working long and diligently with Yushi, with the Attorney General's office, with the Department of of Government Operations, and with the University of Utah, the, our first, our first draft. In fact, when it came out, they had significant concerns about the very, uh, about accreditation. And so we worked with, we worked with them to, to, uh, so that these concerns were no longer going to be valid, and they are no longer valid. Uh, we answered them in the bill. Um, accreditation is not going to be an issue as far as can you …
H.B. 68 Housing and Community Development Amendments · House floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Opposes the bill, saying state housing spending has not made enough progress and that a new division would add government cost and complexity.
▶ Watch at 1:35:39Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro Tem. I, I, I appreciate my good colleagues' efforts on this. I don't think I've seen anybody spend any more blood, sweat and tears on the bill than I have on this, and I appreciate him. But having said that, for far too long, the state of Utah has spent massive amounts of money on this housing issue. Hundreds of millions even. I think it's actually over a billion dollars we've spent. And for what, what have we got? I contend we've really made no progress. Our, our kids are gonna struggle more than they ever have to get a, to get a home in our state. Today, we've a, a question, do we, do …
H.B. 68 Housing and Community Development Amendments · House floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Opposes the bill, arguing that creating a new housing division would add government, increase costs, and fail to solve housing affordability.
▶ Watch at 1:35:39Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro Tem. I, I, I appreciate my good colleagues' efforts on this. I don't think I've seen anybody spend any more blood, sweat and tears on the bill than I have on this, and I appreciate him. But having said that, for far too long, the state of Utah has spent massive amounts of money on this housing issue. Hundreds of millions even. I think it's actually over a billion dollars we've spent. And for what, what have we got? I contend we've really made no progress. Our, our kids are gonna struggle more than they ever have to get a, to get a home in our state. Today, we've a, a question, do we, do …
H.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom · Senate Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Presents HCR 4, a non-binding resolution that affirms and promotes religious freedom in Utah and encourages respect across diverse traditions.
▶ Watch at 58:02Read what they said
Thank you. Appreciate you, uh, giving me a minute this morning. HCR four speaks to the core values I believe that define our state and our nation. Its purpose is to affirm and promote religious freedom in Utah, encouraging practices that build understanding and respect across diverse traditions in the state as originally diverse as ours. From our strong latter-day saint heritage to the growing communities of other Christian denominations, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and those of no faith, this resolution reminds us of the importance of protecting and celebrating religious liberty as a foundational right. Why does this matter now? I believe that it in our increasingly polarized world, Utah, can lead by example. We've seen national debates on …
H.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom · Senate Education Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Responds to the comments, saying the resolution encourages people of all beliefs to engage respectfully and does not favor any one religion.
▶ Watch at 1:08:26Read what they said
I I, I, I appreciate all the comments that have been made this morning, including from my, my friend, Senator Riebe. Um, we live in kind of an interesting state. Um, there is a predominant religion here. And one of my concerns, one of, like, one of the reasons I I thought this resolution would be helpful is because I, I fear that sometimes, and I'm a member of that predominant religion, sometimes we, we might sort of huddle together to the exclusion of others. And, and, and, and I, in my own experience, that's often been because folks don't want to force their, their religion on other people. And so rather than deal with it, they huddle together again …
S.B. 52 Substitute Teaching Requirements Amendments · House floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says he has substitute taught several times while his teaching license has been expired for about 30 years, and supports the bill.
▶ Watch at 24:25Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Um, the last couple, last few years I've been substitute teaching, uh, probably three or four dozen times just for, uh, just for the experience and just so I can make sure I'm still aware of what's going on in the classroom. And my license expired, what, some 30 years ago? Probably when I left, uh, when I left. Um, my, my career as a, as a high school counselor. But I appreciate, uh, what the good sponsor's doing here because, uh, even though I'm, I'm not licensed any longer, I think I'm pretty qualified to be a, to be a substitute teacher. And so I appreciate that she's, uh, making this possible for everyone. Thank …
H.B. 234 Education Testing Amendments · House floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Supports the bill, saying norm-referenced results show how a child compares with peers or national standards, which he says parents want to know.
▶ Watch at 58:47Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, it's, it's been a while since I did my sta uh, stats classes, but as I recall, I think, I think the good representative from Salt Lake County was correct. The criterion reference test is going to, uh, is going to align with, with what are we doing in, in, in, how is your child doing in a specific, uh, in a specific class or a specific skill or knowledge. The, the norm reference testing is going to tell us how does your, is really about how does your child with those ideas compare with, with a, with a peer group or with a national standard. And my experience has been that, you know, usually …
H.B. 309 Juneteenth Observance Amendments · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Asks whether the holiday could fall on a weekend.
▶ Watch at 59:22Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I could just make a, a, well, lemme ask a quick, may I ask a question? Representative Hollins, will you yield to a question? Yes, yes. Representative Peterson. So if I understand it correctly, uh, the holiday could fall on a weekend, sometimes on a Saturday and Sunday, is that correct? Yes, it
H.B. 309 Juneteenth Observance Amendments · House floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Says the change could lower costs for businesses and the community because the holiday will not always fall on a workday.
▶ Watch at 59:42Read what they said
So in my guesstimation, this would actually cost businesses and the community less financially because sometimes it won't 'cause because it won't always fall on a, on a regular workday. So for folks who are wondering if, you know, we, we, we, uh, looked at a bill this last week on election day and, and there was concern about the cost. Well, this makes it even celebrating this holiday cost even less. I would just point that out. So thank you.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Presents the bill, which would require medical record systems used by health care providers to let parents see their minor children's records, after a constituent could not access her 13-year-old's records.
▶ Watch at 3:13:48Read what they said
Uh, thank you. Appreciate you, uh, putting our, putting me on your agenda tonight for just a minute. I I will go quick. This summer, I got a, I got a phone call from a, a constituent. She said, Hey, I'm, I'm trying to, uh, access my child's health records via the website. She's 13 years old, and it tells me that I have to get her consent. And I was shocked. And, uh, actually I was incredulous. I, I, I said, well, when I get home, I'm gonna go look this up. 'cause there's no way. She sent me some screenshots and I didn't, I just didn't believe her. And when I got home, I looked it up. And …
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Says he has worked for several months with health care providers and the attorney general's office, and that the substitute reflects where they reached agreement.
▶ Watch at 3:20:34Read what they said
I would just say that I've, I've been working with for several months with, uh, healthcare providers, with the attorney general's office, and so this is, uh, this is where we've landed and I think it's in a, actually a really good place for us.
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · House floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Asks the sponsor to yield to questions.
▶ Watch at 1:03:18Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the sponsor yield to a series of questions? Representative Teuscher, will you yield to a series of questions?
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · House floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Asks the sponsor to yield to a series of questions.
▶ Watch at 1:03:18Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the sponsor yield to a series of questions? Representative Teuscher, will you yield to a series of questions?
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · House floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Asks how many times the electronic signature process has been used successfully in the state.
▶ Watch at 1:03:26Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, first I, I wonder if, if, uh, if we could know how many campaigns or referenda or, or, uh, how many times has this process been used so far in the state successfully?
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · House floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Asks how many times the electronic signature process has been used successfully in the state.
▶ Watch at 1:03:26Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, first I, I wonder if, if, uh, if we could know how many campaigns or referenda or, or, uh, how many times has this process been used so far in the state successfully?
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · House floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Says the process has not been tested, worries it may not work for rural voters, and states he cannot support the bill yet.
▶ Watch at 1:04:01Read what they said
Uh, Mr. Speaker, I won't ask another question. I'll just make a comment. And that, as much as I think there's some great things about this, I, I, I, I appreciate the idea that, we'll, that we'll save money for folks. It potentially could save money for folks, but if we force people to do this, uh, it's never been tested yet. And I I I, I may come from a rural, a rural county. Uh, I'm, I'm afraid of my folks in AM in Amalga or Lewiston, and, and this doesn't work, and it's their only option that, that, so, so I'm just, I'm just afraid we don't know if this is ready for prime time. That's the answer. …
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · House floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Says the process has never been tested, raises concern about access for rural voters, and says he cannot support the bill yet.
▶ Watch at 1:04:01Read what they said
Uh, Mr. Speaker, I won't ask another question. I'll just make a comment. And that, as much as I think there's some great things about this, I, I, I, I appreciate the idea that, we'll, that we'll save money for folks. It potentially could save money for folks, but if we force people to do this, uh, it's never been tested yet. And I I I, I may come from a rural, a rural county. Uh, I'm, I'm afraid of my folks in AM in Amalga or Lewiston, and, and this doesn't work, and it's their only option that, that, so, so I'm just, I'm just afraid we don't know if this is ready for prime time. That's the answer. …
H.B. 342 Federal Grant Process Amendments · House floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Asks why the grant approval thresholds increase so sharply.
▶ Watch at 1:18:42Read what they said
Thank you. I I'm just wondering, those are some ginormous jumps. We've, uh, we're allowing the, uh, the governor and others to ac accept from like 10 million to 25 million from, uh, one of 'em is up to like a hundred million. I'm just wondering what the, what's happened that we need to make these ginormous leaps,
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House Education Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Thanks the committee and says Professor Wilson will introduce herself.
▶ Watch at 53:40Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, and, and, and I'll, if it's all right, we'll let, uh, professor Wilson, uh, introduce herself in just a minute.
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House Education Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Presents HB 204 to protect students from assignments that violate their conscience, citing his daughter's assignment and concerns raised by constituents.
▶ Watch at 53:47Read what they said
Um, last year, my, I have a daughter who's just finishing her, her, uh, master's in Social work degree at a school outside of our state. And she, as she typically does, she calls me about some of the assignments that are going well or not going so well. And this one, she called and said, dad, I, I'm supposed to write a letter to a, to a legislator, uh, advocating for L-G-B-T-Q policy. And she asked if I could Helper. Uh, she was a little thrown off by that. And so, uh, we walked her through it. But, uh, as I've been holding town halls, I've had several people come and tell me they've had similar kind of situations …
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House Education Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Invites Professor Wilson to introduce herself and share her views on the bill.
▶ Watch at 56:17Read what they said
So, uh, Robin, if you wanna introduce yourself and, and, and share your thoughts about this for a minute. Yeah.
H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Presented H.B. 54, which would combine the existing muscle aware course with a new boating safety course into one shorter course covering life jackets, alcohol, speed and proximity, and invasive species.
▶ Watch at 1:11:04Read what they said
How Are you? Nice to see you. Thank you. Short is good. Um, I gotta tell you, I've, I've, and you all know I've had some bills that were a little controversial over the years, and I don't think I've received more inquiries on a bill in six sessions that I have on this one. So I hope that I can clarify for you what this boating safety education, uh, bill is. Um, lemme start by saying this. I I, in the summer or late fall, uh, the transportation committee, um, heard from outdoor recreation, uh, proposal to add a new course for boaters. Uh, originally it was a 90 minute course to teach boater safety, everything from anchoring to, …
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House Education Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Thanks the committee and asks for support of the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:14:44Read what they said
Yes. I, I appreciate that. And, uh, and, and we, we need the first substitute, so I, I appreciate your support on that.
H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Responded that the course is a constant reminder that may help reduce accidents, though it will not solve the problem completely.
▶ Watch at 1:14:47Read what they said
That's a great question. Uh, you, you, you're right. I think there, I don't think it's gonna stop everybody but it, but the, the constant reminder, and especially as, as folks from a younger age as they're told these important principles, one of my favorite activities, I, I, it's, I shouldn't tell you kind of a sick, kind of a sick activity, but I sit at the, we have a, we have a boat at, at, uh, a Bear Lake, a sailboat. And so I like to spend my time at sitting at the end of the dock and watching the boats come in and out. And it's, it's a circus. Um, it's crazy, especially on holidays to see what …
H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Explained that the bill would consolidate the existing annual course into a shorter course focused on need-to-know material.
▶ Watch at 1:16:15Read what they said
Yeah. So there's a, so there is a, a muscle aware course to teach you about the qua muscle that you take. And I'm, and I'm saying, let's don't, let's don't make, uh, this don't have that 30 or 40 minute course and a new 90 minute course. Let's consolidate them. Let's get rid of all the stuff you don't really need. Right. I, I call, I, I classify everything in the need to know. Nice to know. Let's just put the need to know into a course. That's 20 minutes And we're already, we are already requiring a course. Correct. So this Is an annual course, this is Revising, correct. That course. And, um, and making it shorter. Correct. …
H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Said the proof requirement would apply mainly to liveries, not to owners letting family members use their boats.
▶ Watch at 1:18:15Read what they said
If, if I'm gonna let my son take my boat, I don't, I I'm certainly not gonna be the guy that's, uh, that's, that's required of that. But if I was a livery, like it says in here Yeah. Then you are.
H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Explained that the yearly requirement follows the existing practice and that the timeframe was not changed in the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:19:23Read what they said
So, so the reason why I, I, the, for right now, the reason the bill is, is every year is because that's the way we do it, is it's every year. I didn't adjust the time, the timeframe. It happens every year. The, the QA once that's right. Yeah.
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House Education Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Says some commenters had not read the substitute, explains the fundamental alteration standard, and asks to have Professor Wilson comment briefly.
▶ Watch at 1:19:47Read what they said
Um, I, I, I worry that some of the folks, some of the comments were had not, some of the commenters hadn't read the substitute. So I wanna just, I just wanna reiterate this idea of fundamental alteration that, that we don't, we recognize the need to master essential learning outcomes of the course. I'm just reading from the, from the, from the bill, the master learning essential learning outcomes of the course of the program or the degree, and to acquire the knowledge, the skills and competencies. We're not looking to, uh, say that folks don't need to learn what they need to learn. And, and if it's all right, Mr. Speaker, uh, or Mr. Chair, holy cow, you …
H.B. 204 Higher Education Student Belief Accommodation · House Education Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Urges support for the bill, saying it builds on last year's conscience definition and protects all students.
▶ Watch at 1:21:41Read what they said
So, so with that, um, I, I would, I would urge your support. I think this is, uh, it plays off again the bill from last year. That's where we got the definition of, of, of, uh, of conscience. And, and I, and I, and I truly believe this is going to be a blessing. This is, this is not a, this is not an issue for the right or for the left. This is just, this will protect all of our students. So thank you. I appreciate your support.
S.B. 140 Election Adjustments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Moved to approve SB 140 and send it to the House for full consideration.
▶ Watch at 35:05Read what they said
I'd make a motion that we approve SB one 40 election adjustments and, uh, send it to the house for full consideration.
S.B. 140 Election Adjustments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Moved to place SB 140 on the consent calendar.
▶ Watch at 35:51Read what they said
I'd like to make another motion if I could Chair. You may, uh, I'd Like to make a motion that we, uh, put, uh, SB one 40 on the consent calendar.
H.B. 167 Signature Collection Modifications · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Asks whether the bill makes initiatives, referenda, and campaign petitions operate the same way.
▶ Watch at 53:14Read what they said
Thank you. So I might understand that this would, that this would, uh, make it so that, um, initiatives referenda and campaigns would be the same then. So it sounds like right now they, they operate a little bit differently and this just puts us in com, makes everything uniform. Is that, is that correct?
H.B. 167 Signature Collection Modifications · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Asks whether the bill applies only to candidate nominations.
▶ Watch at 53:49Read what they said
Okay. Thanks. Okay. And, uh, chair prerogative here. Per, per your bill, it looks like this applies just to candidate nominations, right? I mean, you're, you're talking about signature collection for a candidate and that's what this is about, correct?
H.B. 167 Signature Collection Modifications · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Says the bill is similar to last year's version, brings things into conformity, and opposes holding it.
▶ Watch at 56:36Read what they said
I, I would just say, I, I I think this, the sponsor is correct. We did this last year. Uh, I don't think it's doing anything really, uh, new or earth shattering. It puts us in conformity. And so, uh, I'm gonna, I'm gonna oppose the hold motion and hope that we can send this through. Thank you.
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Asks whether cost has been a problem for petitioners.
▶ Watch at 44:43Read what they said
Thank you. I, I've got, I got two or three questions and, and I want also begin with sort of a follow up with what Representative Maloy just asked. Are you mentioned cost is one of the issues? I've not, I I've personally not heard anyone say that the cost that was a causing them an issue. Is that a, something you've been hearing about?
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Asks why paper is not still allowed for groups that want it.
▶ Watch at 46:07Read what they said
Okay. Great. Thank you. Appreciate that. Uh, my next question, um, why, why mandate, why, why not if a group wants to continue with the paper? I, I think about, I think about, uh, you know, we didn't, we didn't like mandate that, that you could no longer use a slide with her. We said, you know, as, as, and, and, and I, I grew, sorry, I'm old, but I, we grew up there and then we sort of slowly picked up the calculator. So I'm just wondering why. Sounds Like you were talking to Marilyn here about that. She gave me the same example. Um, well, It, it, it was one of my concerns though.
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Expresses concern that the system is not ready and asks to delay the mandate.
▶ Watch at 1:03:07Read what they said
Thank you. Um, you're an energizer bunny. I gotta tell you, I I don't know anybody that works so hard to make these things happen. You're awesome. You, you do a great work, uh, representative. But having said that, I, you know, you, you blew me away when you said the Olympic Hills cost and you started, started to reel me in. Um, but I'm, but I gotta tell you, I'm concerned that esp you know, especially when right here, the LGS office and the clerks, they didn't gimme any confidence. And, and when I see a 2028, uh, it, it doesn't all operate yet. And then I see it's gonna happen in 2028. We wanna make this happen in …
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Moves to hold the bill so the date can be repaired before returning.
▶ Watch at 1:07:40Read what they said
I'd like to, uh, motion that we hold and see if we get at least this date thing repaired a little bit and then, and then come back.
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Says the system is not ready and suggests a later date such as 2032 or 2033, and favors holding the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:11:46Read what they said
Thank you. And I appreciate what, what you've said there. My concern is that if we, um, we're not, it's not ready for, it's not quite ready for prime time. I mean, some of the, some of the, the, the, the, uh, application, I mean the application, if you want to use it like in Lewiston, right? And it doesn't, you're not connected to the internet, you're, it's not gonna work. And, and I know we're headed there, but if we don't make it there, if we think we've had troubles in the past about signature gathering, all hell's gonna break loose if we require it. So, um, and you know, we, we have, uh, what an HB two 18 …
H.B. 104 State Holiday Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Asked how banks and other businesses would respond to the holiday and whether it would have economic effects.
▶ Watch at 1:30:01Read what they said
Thank, thank you. I I, uh, I appreciate there's no fiscal note, but if it's a, if, if it's a becomes a holiday, what do you anticipate will happen with, uh, what's gonna happen with, with the way the community operates on, on that day, uh, banks and so forth. That'd be up to them. We're not requiring anything. Um, it'd be up to their individual policies. I mean, there's already state code that they're required to give time off with enough notice, uh, to go vote. Uh, my hope is that this would be a good reminder to, to go actually do that, to encourage those, uh, folks to take advantage of that. But there is no requirement for …
H.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom · House floor debate (day 10) · Jan 29, 2026
Presents H.C.R. 4 on religious freedom, noting it passed the House last year but died in the Senate, and reads a passage from the resolution encouraging practices that exemplify religious freedom in public spaces and respectful dialogue among diverse faith traditions.
▶ Watch at 43:54Read what they said
Good morning and I was disappointed too, Mr. Speaker. I was looking forward to a raus debate. Uh, you might recall that last year we passed this bill through, uh, this resolution through the house with strong support and that as often heightens happens a good where, uh, it died in the Senate where most good bills go to die. And, uh, so we're back today and, and I would just remind you that this HCR four just really speaks directly to the core values of Utah and the nation. Um, it's to affirm and promote religious freedom herein in our state. I'll just read one statement from the resolution. Uh, of course it's a concurrent. So the governor and …
H.B. 381 Electric Mobility Device Amendments · House Transportation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Petersen asked why cities have not addressed the issue themselves instead of waiting for the state.
▶ Watch at 1:58:32Read what they said
Thank you. So, um, maybe you can help us understand this is absolutely an issue and I, I'm glad I'm, yeah. So my question is why, what, what's been the hold up for cities to just deal with this over the course of the last few years instead of waiting for the state to step in?
H.B. 381 Electric Mobility Device Amendments · House Transportation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Petersen said cities usually ask the state to stay out of local matters and asked why this is different.
▶ Watch at 2:01:13Read what they said
I, I'm, I'm, I'm, I'm trying to still understand, and I get it, that the cities don't typically want the state to, right. I mean, you're, I I hear from folks in cities all the time mm-hmm. Stay out of our business, stay out of our business. Mm-hmm. And so I'm just trying, I I'm still not clear as to why this is different than other things. You,
H.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Thanks the committee and says the resolution is unchanged from last year's version.
▶ Watch at 1:04:26Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Committee. And this might be quick. I mean, you, you voted in favor of last year, so we'll, and we didn't change a single word, so hopefully you'll feel the same way this time.
H.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Presents HCR 4 as affirming religious freedom in Utah, describes its provisions on interfaith dialogue, sacred sites and religious literacy, and urges members to support it.
▶ Watch at 1:04:43Read what they said
I'm Representative Peterson, Mike Peterson. I spell Peterson just slightly. One letter different than the good vice chair. Tom Peterson. SEN instead of SON Does that mean you're Swedish instead of Danish? Is that No, we're Dan, we're Danish. You're Danish. Okay. That's right. I'm proud of it. Alright, go ahead. You ready for me? Alright. Yes, please, uh, appreciate the opportunity to talk with you today about, uh, concurrent resolution four titled Concurrent Resolution regarding Religious Freedom. As I said, you might recall this from the 2025 session when, uh, we successfully passed through this committee and through the ran, uh, and outta the house, but ran into time problems in the Senate where all good bills go to …
H.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Responds that students could pray over their food as one example of religious expression.
▶ Watch at 1:11:56Read what they said
Religious expressions? Sure. A as a, uh, one example I would give that they could pray over their food. One of the things I've experienced. Are you waiting for my answer now? Could I, is this, is this my answer time? I wanna make sure I don't, I don't speak over you. Yeah.
H.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Says Utah culture discourages open religious expression in schools and argues the resolution encourages respectful dialogue among faith traditions.
▶ Watch at 1:12:21Read what they said
It was wonderful. Um, you know, it's, it's, it's interesting because it culture we have in Utah, um, we don't wanna, we, we have this idea, we don't wanna push through the Gena, our, our, the predominant the Gena people. And so oftentimes we do sit back again, what I, I think prayer's a great example. I'll, you know, I'll travel the country and I'll, I'll be in, uh, Alabama. I'll do a presentation at a, at a school district and they'll say, we'll go to lunch. And they'll say, Dr. Peterson, would you mind if we offer a blessing on the food? But in my own home state, that has never happened. We don't, we don't dare to do …
H.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Explains that the resolution is a non-binding message encouraging voluntary religious expression.
▶ Watch at 1:15:31Read what they said
Yep. And so, again, like as, like I said, this is this, as you know, resolutions are not binding law. They are just, it's a, it's a message. It's, it's, it's meant to, to message folks to be, it's okay if you, if you want to, if you want, again, pray over your meal.
H.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Responds to the motion, saying open dialogue about faith reduces discomfort, and urges a favorable vote.
▶ Watch at 1:25:55Read what they said
Do. Thank you. Thank you for the motion. Um, I think I, I worry that sometimes in our, in our 'cause I see it in with my kids and my grandkids over the years, that sometimes our, in our effort to not make others uncomfortable, we make others uncomfortable. And sometimes keeping things because we don't wanna make it uncomfortable, we keep it to ourselves and we keep to ourselves, which makes others uncomfortable, which isn't, and which is exactly the opposite of what I'm, uh, what this, what this resolution encourages. This resolution encourages us to talk and be free. Um, and I think the open, I think having open dialogue will decrease disharmony. Our nation is rooted in …
H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · House floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Rep. Petersen introduced HB 54, which would combine the existing muscle awareness course and a safety course into one shorter course, and said people who already know the material could skip the course and take only the test.
▶ Watch at 28:35Read what they said
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Uh, I gotta tell you, this is, uh, I don't think I've had a bill that's had as much caused as much commotion for me as this one. Um, I sometimes joke that my, one of my favorite summertime activities is to sit on the edge of the, of the dock there at Bear Lake, where I have my sailboat to watch the circus as boaters who have no idea what they're doing, try to navigate in and out of the marina. Um, those who are regular boaters, and I don't know if you are Mr. Mr. Speaker if you own a boat, but if you own a boat, you know that every year, every year, …
H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · House floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Rep. Petersen made his closing remarks, saying the bill makes things easier for boaters and that he had answered constituent questions about it, and asked for the House's support.
▶ Watch at 31:38Read what they said
The that's awesome. I'm really surprised, but I've answered a lot of questions the last week or so from all kinds of folks coming outta the woodwork, wanting to know what the heck I'm doing with this bill. Um, again, this is a blessing. This is a, this, this makes it easier on boaters. And so I'd appreciate your support. Thank you. Thank
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