Legislators / Evan J. Vickers
Evan J. Vickers
Republican · Senate District 28
Hear from them directly
Contact Sen. Evan J. Vickers
- Email: evickers@le.utah.gov
- Phone: 435-586-9651
- Office: 2166 North Cobble Creek Drive, Cedar City, UT, 84721
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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.
Evan J. Vickers serves on:
- General Government Appropriations Subcommittee
- Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee
- Business and Labor Interim Committee
- Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee
- Senate Business and Labor Confirmation Committee
- Federal Funds Legislative Oversight Committee - Rural Health Transformation Grant
- Senate Government Operations Confirmation Committee
- Medical Cannabis Governance Structure Working Group
- Senate Political Subdivisions Confirmation Committee
- Senate Business and Labor Committee
- Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee
- Utah Behavioral Health Legislative Policy Committee
What they've said
519 remarks on 135 billsH.B. 436 Moderate Income Housing Infrastructure Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Asks whether the bill would move transportation projects up in fast-growing areas and how rural communities would be affected.
▶ Watch at 19:13Read what they said
Senator Vickers, When we talk about transportation projects and transportation commission, I'm always sensitive because, uh, when we get into rural Utah, oftentimes, uh, it's really difficult to get a project. You know, for example, it took us five or six years longer to get a freeway interchange done in Cedar City than maybe would've done on the north, the Wasatch front. So my question is, because I'm, as I understand the bill, if I read it correctly, it it does incentivize towards a fast-growing area, which, which I understand the needs for the infrastructure in those fast-growing areas, but how can I go back to my constituents and say, we're still just as well off as we were before? …
H.B. 436 Moderate Income Housing Infrastructure Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Says he remains skeptical and thanks Musselman for answering the question.
▶ Watch at 21:26Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you Mr. Senator. Go ahead, Senator. Mr. President, like I say, I just, you know, I have to be a little skeptical by nature, so thank you for the answering question.
H.B. 59 Identification Verification Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Says the bill corrects last year's change so restaurants again need not scan every customer's ID unless the customer appears to be 35 or younger, and moves that H.B. 59 pass.
▶ Watch at 44:51Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This is correcting an issue that we kind of messed up last year. Uh, this corrects it going back for alcohol identification. When you go into a restaurant now it reverts back to the system where they don't have to, uh, identify your card Jew unless you appear to be 35 years or younger. So we, uh, inadvertently had that so that they moved it to the same as like in a bar or a tavern. We automatically have to, to identify everyone have scan everyone. And so this moves it back to the previous policy and, uh, with that I would make a motion that five fifth substitute house bill 59 pass. Thank you. The …
H.B. 265 Non-nicotine Inhalation Product Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
States that THC may not be combusted in any form in Utah, says CBD and THC must be separated, and thanks the sponsor for making that distinction.
▶ Watch at 1:22:31Read what they said
Mr. President, I appreciate the, you know, the sponsor, you know, speaking with me before the presentation and just wanna clarify too that, uh, THC is not allowed to be, uh, combust used in any combustible form in the state. So I I'm sure he and I know that he made that clear and, and so we just have to be, so you need to separate the difference between CBD and THC and he has done a good job with that, so I appreciate it.
H.B. 3 Appropriations Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Pays tribute to Senator Stevenson's long service and thanks him, Senator Sandall, and the budget staff.
▶ Watch at 2:02:45Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I rise, not so much to discuss the bill, but maybe more of a personal privilege. I've, uh, figured there May be a few of them. Senator Bickers. Yeah, I've, uh, watched Senator Stevenson for many a number of years. I had the great privilege one year of working as his vice chair and watching the budget process. And, um, and now I see it coming to, uh, close. Probably this is the last, uh, I assume this would be the last budget bill that he will run. And, uh, I just want to pay homage to a great statesman, uh, a great professional, a great legislator, a great friend along with him, you know, …
H.B. 527 Pharmacy Pricing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains that the bill lets pharmacies appeal below-cost reimbursements to pharmacy benefit managers, gives the insurance commissioner enforcement power, and adds a penalty for violations.
▶ Watch at 2:57:28Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tem. The bill is dealing with interactions between, uh, retail pharmacies and PBMs. Prescription benefit managers think of Express Scripts or CVS Caremark Prime Therapeutics. Um, specifically when a, a pharmacy is reimbursed for a product, they're, it's based on a certain pricing scheme called mac, which is maximum allowable cost. Oftentimes the reimbursement rate is actually below cost. And so the, this gives the pharmacy a mechanism where they can appeal that to the PBM and have them correct that and then allow them then require the PBM to allow the pharmacy to reimburse it, or I mean to reprocess it free of charge and get the, you know, after they've made the correct …
H.B. 527 Pharmacy Pricing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves under suspension of the rules that the substitute bill pass.
▶ Watch at 2:58:53Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Uh, president pro tem. Uh, under suspension of the rules, I would move that four substitute house bill 5 27 pass.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains that the bill removes a proposed 2000-hour requirement for nurse practitioners and expands nurse anesthetist prescribing authority while barring ketamine prescriptions.
▶ Watch at 3:05:40Read what they said
Yes. This is the, uh, OPULAR licensing bill. Uh, the provision, one of the provisions it was, uh, heavily negotiated it was the adding additional hours, 2000 hours to a nurse practitioner, uh, requirement. Uh, the house decided, the house committee decided that we, we'd like to pull that out and work on that as some do some additional work on that. So that provision was pulled out. And then another question was we were expanding slightly the ability of a, a nurse anesthetist to prescribe and it was, there was some concerns about ketamine so we specifically said that they would not be able to prescribe ketamine.
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asks about the implementation date, which he understands was moved to the end of 2027.
▶ Watch at 13:05Read what they said
D I'll go ahead. Yeah, just a couple of questions. Uh, one had to do, I know in the committee we talked about the, the date of implementation and the penalty, and I, I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this, but it looks like that, uh, it's moved to the end of the year of 27. Is that correct? Seven 31st? Is that, Yes, Senator, am I looking, am I reading that correctly?
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asks whether the bill changes how certain minors can protect information they have shared.
▶ Watch at 13:40Read what they said
I know there was, there was also some discussion about there are certain, uh, minors that have the ability to protect certain information. Uh, does that change that in this bill? Senator
H.B. 259 Parental Access to Children's Medical Records Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asks whether a minor who was sexually active and working with a physician could still protect that information under the bill.
▶ Watch at 14:09Read what they said
Senator. Certain minors have certain information. Senator, I don't what, Where to go with that. Senator, follow up? I think the, the one that we were talking about is if, uh, if an indi if a, a minor was sexually active and working with the physician, would the, and under those circumstances, they had the ability to protect that information, would they still be able to protect that information?
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Explains that a coordinating clause was added to the bill covering specialized product retailers, the Department of Agriculture, and the Tax Commission, and moves to concur.
▶ Watch at 23:34Read what they said
Thank was present motion to Concur. We had to put a coordinating clause between the creative retailers, specialized product retailers, uh, the Department of Agriculture and, uh, the Tax Commission. Motion
H.B. 408 Data Sharing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asks the substitute's sponsor whether it would repeal all prior work on the data portability law.
▶ Watch at 23:41Read what they said
Yes. Senator Vickers. Mr. President pro tem. Uh, question for the sponsor of the motion to substitute. I assume he would yield.
H.B. 408 Data Sharing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asks whether the substitute would repeal all prior work on the data portability law.
▶ Watch at 23:57Read what they said
Um, as I look at the, the substitute, and I'm listening to this discussion, so you're repealing this act and I wanna make clear, is it repealing everything that we've done up to this point? Or is because we have done significant work in the past on this, is it, would that, would this substitute repeal that work as well? Yes.
H.B. 408 Data Sharing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asks whether the sponsor of the substitute has consulted the executive branch.
▶ Watch at 24:32Read what they said
Um, I would imagine since the executive branch was heavily involved in that, uh, and I'm not sure what that to their engagement on this, but I'm curious, have you engaged with them and the, the thoughts from, from the executive branch on your
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Sen. Vickers explains that the bill would have the Board of Higher Education develop regions pairing a technical college with a degree-granting institution to share programs, services, and courses for efficiency, based on existing collaboration in southern Utah.
▶ Watch at 25:45Read what they said
President. This is, uh, kind of some ideas that have been ruminating in higher ed for a little bit. Uh, how can you know, we have institution, individual institutions making some decisions and oftentimes overlapping with other institutions without knowing it. Uh, looking at ways that can be more efficient. So the idea is how can we get more alignment within that, that group, and we've actually had some examples in, in southern Utah, kind of on their own. SUU, Utah Tech University, Dixie Tech Technical College and Southwest Technical College and Snow College have been working together, uh, collaboratively as a kind of a region to determine, you know, see if there's things that they could collaborate on, if …
H.B. 352 Higher Education Alignment · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Sen. Vickers moves that the bill pass under suspension of the rules and waives summation.
▶ Watch at 27:41Read what they said
Okay. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, I would waive summation under suspensions the rules. Move the house. Bill 3 52 pass.
H.B. 323 Solar Panel Disposal Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asks what would happen to a homeowner who needs to dispose of a damaged solar panel and whether that homeowner could face the steep fines.
▶ Watch at 35:14Read what they said
Question. So, and maybe related to the previous question, uh, a question that came up during the committee is the individual, the individual house home homeowner that hasn't, a solar panel that is damaged or something like that and they need to get rid of it. Uh, you know, what happens to them? 'cause the fines are, seem to be pretty steep. Would you know, would that individual be faced with a, a fine like that? Or what do you, what's your expectations?
H.B. 311 Elections Study · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says some government processes still require individuals to appear in person to submit paper forms.
▶ Watch at 35:17Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, sometime government processes still require individuals to appear in person to submit a form in paper, you know,
H.B. 147 Government Form Submission Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says he wants to double-check something before acting on the bill.
▶ Watch at 36:51Read what they said
Thank you. Let me double check one thing, if you don't mind. Oh, excuse me. Make sure I don't have a sub. A sub online.
H.B. 147 Government Form Submission Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says the substitute is in the representative's name and makes a motion to circle the bill.
▶ Watch at 37:06Read what they said
Um, that's actually in the representative's name. So let me put a motion. Motion to circle.
H.B. 147 Government Form Submission Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Confirms the motion is in his name and renews the motion to circle the bill.
▶ Watch at 37:21Read what they said
Let me look at that one more time before I accept that motion. Or call the motion. Oh, it is in my name. Still a motion to circle. I'll double check. Motion to Circle. All in favor say
H.B. 389 Cannabis Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Explains that the bill moves most medical cannabis program duties from DHHS to the Department of Agriculture and Food, replaces the seven-person licensing board with a three-person full-time board appointed by the UDAF commissioner, allows low-THC products to be processed and sold in cannabis pharmacies, and adds funding to the University of Utah medical cannabis research center.
▶ Watch at 37:42Read what they said
to the substituted bill. Thank You. This is the companion bill to SB 1 21 that we run. Kind in parallel with, uh, working with the medical cannabis program. This, the, the bill that we had passed earlier dealt with some individual things, dealing with some of the, some of the program. This is some other changes that are going on. They're proposing, uh, coming out of our working group. Uh, it does. We've had a, uh, bifurcated, um, management system where we have DHHS doing some and, and u DAF doing others. This is moving most of the, the relevant programs out of DHHS into the Department of Agriculture and Food. We've had a, a volunteer seven person licensing …
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asks whether very few, if any, candidates have chosen the existing electronic signature option.
▶ Watch at 39:41Read what they said
You. I am aware that at least currently in a sign signature gathering process, at least for candidate gathering, that there is an option to do electronic. It was my understanding that very few, if any, have chosen that. Do you know if that's accurate or not?
H.B. 389 Cannabis Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Moves that the fourth substitute of H.B. 389 pass.
▶ Watch at 39:45Read what they said
Thank you. Under suspension of the rules, I would move that four substitute house bill 3 89 pass.
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asks why candidates have not used electronic gathering and whether it is a good idea to move to 100% electronic gathering.
▶ Watch at 40:22Read what they said
Follow up Mr. President, if I could, uh, do you know why that they haven't been using that? Maybe Senator, you know, Senator Rebi can answer that, but, uh, I'm, I'm struggling. I guess I'm struggling whether trying to decide whether this is a good thing or a bad thing to go to a hundred percent, you know, electronic gathering. So I do you by chance know why people haven't chosen that? Or Senator Stevenson?
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Moves to delete and replace the fifth substitute of H.B. 572 with a sixth substitute and begins to explain the differences.
▶ Watch at 45:27Read what they said
Thank you. I've got a couple of motions. Uh, motion to delete and title embody fifth substitute House bill 5 72 and replace it with sixth substitute house bill 5 72. Uh, the difference, uh, there was,
H.B. 572 Behavioral Health, Mental Health, and Social Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Explains the sixth substitute, which adds funding for a receiving center in the Uintah Basin and brings in a homeless shelter capacity provision from another bill.
▶ Watch at 45:36Read what they said
Uh, the difference, uh, there was, this is the behavioral health commission bill that we've doing, working with the Behavioral Health Commission and doing a number of things, including some funding for the operation of a receiving center in the UN Basin. Uh, but the sixth substitute also brings in a, an important piece of, uh, policy from another bill that is dealing with, uh, homeless shelters. Basically just giving the author authorization to expand their capacity under certain critical situations. And so that's what the sixth substitute is doing, is bringing that into this bill.
H.B. 572 Behavioral Health, Mental Health, and Social Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Moves to amend amendment number one.
▶ Watch at 46:22Read what they said
Uh, further motion a motion to amend amendment number one in my name. That Motion is according motion.
H.B. 572 Behavioral Health, Mental Health, and Social Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says the bill is the behavioral health commission bill, developed with the commission, and that its funding primarily supports the receiving center in the basin; opens to questions.
▶ Watch at 47:05Read what they said
Thank you. As I mentioned, this is the behavioral health commission bill that we've been working on, uh, throughout working in coordination with the commission and, uh, moving forward does the funding piece is to fund, primarily fund the operation of the receiving center in the UN basin. So with that, I'm open for any questions.
H.B. 508 State Facilities Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Vickers said the approach is similar to the University of Utah's self-insurance process.
▶ Watch at 55:30Read what they said
Senator Vickers? That's exactly what this is the University of Utah self insurees at the, um, met Center. And this will follow a similar format.
H.B. 147 Government Form Submission Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Explains the motion to substitute the bill and notes a delayed implementation date for smaller districts, which the substitute includes.
▶ Watch at 58:05Read what they said
do need to make a motion to substitute, uh, delete and title and body. Third substitute House bill 1 47. Replace with four substitute house Bill 1 47. My presentation, I mentioned that there's a delayed implementation date for some of the smaller districts. Uh, less than a million dollars in revenue. The substitute actually brings that in.
H.B. 147 Government Form Submission Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says he has explained the bill and is open to questions.
▶ Watch at 58:41Read what they said
Now further explanation on the bill. I think I've pretty well explained it and it's, it's been recent enough that I would be open for any questions.
H.B. 147 Government Form Submission Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Waives submission under suspension of the rules and moves that the fourth substitute for H.B. 147 pass.
▶ Watch at 58:53Read what they said
Thank you. I waive submission under suspensions of rules. Move that four. Substitute house bill 1 47 pass. Thank
H.B. 323 Solar Panel Disposal Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Sen. Vickers asks whether a homeowner who takes a solar panel to a landfill would face any new penalty under the bill, and says constituents have raised this concern.
▶ Watch at 1:30:40Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Yeah, I would also like to ask a question. Uh, I did a little homework in the meantime too, talk to the house sponsor and got similar answer. I just wanna make sure I understand it. So if, as I understand it now with, uh, the way we understand the bill, uh, if currently if an individual had a solar panel or two that they had to replace and they took it to the landfill, there really would be nothing different than what's going on now. They could take it, but it in the future, you know, when they get the money that'll be going into the study would be setting up a process, a study …
H.B. 323 Solar Panel Disposal Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Sen. Vickers thanks the sponsor for clarifying the landfill disposal question.
▶ Watch at 1:32:05Read what they said
Thank you. And I, I really appreciate the clarification 'cause I think there was a little bit of confusion, so thank you very much.
H.B. 311 Elections Study · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Moves to delete and replace the bill's title and body with a substitute. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:14:27Read what they said
Motion to delete and title and body second Substitute hospital 2 69. Replace it with four substitute hospital 69.
H.B. 269 Ambulance Provider Payment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Explains that the bill provides predictable, limited annual adjustments to ambulance reimbursement, aligns base rates with emergency care costs, removes unnecessary sunsets, and does not create new taxes or appropriate new state funding.
▶ Watch at 2:15:03Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, you may or may not remember. This is a, a bill that provides an opportunity for ambulance carriers and providers to be paid accurately and predictably. Uh, it updates and stabilizes how ambulance services are reimbursed in Utah. Uh, we're aligning the, the base rate with a, a real world emergency care. But you know, like I say, we are taking some off because of the fiscal note. Allows predictable, limited annual adjustments. It removes unnecessary sunsets, uh, does not expand any. The exceptions that are considered in balanced billing, uh, still allows for that under certain circumstances, but it does not expand those exceptions. Uh, it does not create new taxes, does not appropriate …
H.B. 269 Ambulance Provider Payment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Moves to waive summation and pass the substitute bill under suspension of the rules.
▶ Watch at 2:16:23Read what they said
Thank you. It waives summation to move the four substitute hospital 2 69 under suspension of the rules
H.B. 510 Municipal Incorporation Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to delete the title and body of the first substitute and replace them with the second substitute.
▶ Watch at 33:19Read what they said
Yeah. Mr. Chair, I would make a motion that we delete and title and body for substitute. Ask bill five 10, replace with second.
H.B. 510 Municipal Incorporation Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether the sponsor is willing to work on the issues raised and notes Sen. Cullimore is the floor sponsor.
▶ Watch at 40:56Read what they said
Senator Vickers. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So you, you mentioned those, those two questions that came up. Um, and is that something that you're, uh, willing to work on? It looks like you're center sponsor, Senator Cullimore.
H.B. 510 Municipal Incorporation Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the second substitute of HB 510 with the understanding that some work remains.
▶ Watch at 41:30Read what they said
Uh, Mr. Chair, I would make a rec make a motion that we, faith, liberty recommend, um, second substitute house bill five 10 with the con with the idea that there's still a little work there.
H.B. 149 Sexual Material Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the bill as a third substitute.
▶ Watch at 57:07Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we favorably recommend House Bill 1 49. Third substitute.
H.B. 197 School Materials Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether the database shown in the demonstration is a company the state contracts with.
▶ Watch at 1:04:21Read what they said
I had a question. Um, so is, I noticed that on the, on your demonstration that you had, Gail, is that a company that you mentioned that we have a contract with them who we as in the state or
H.B. 197 School Materials Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Raises concern about recent sensitive-material laws and suggests ending vendor contracts when problems occur.
▶ Watch at 1:05:41Read what they said
I, I guess what I'm getting at, we, we passed a lot of sensitive material stuff in the last few years mm-hmm. And I'm, I don't even know if that's even settling into the districts and to the, you know, the school board and, and getting implemented. Yeah. But it seems like to me, if there's, if there's one particular vendor that's ever having a problem with, it would just terminate the contract. And, and I think, honestly, I think that, um, USBE and UETN are having really serious contract, uh, conversations right now about how to handle this situation as well. And, and that's why having this language in there really helps them say, okay, well here's a line, …
H.B. 197 School Materials Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Notes that selling such items online, including vapes and certain hemp products, is already illegal.
▶ Watch at 1:15:52Read what they said
Yeah, I just wanted to point something out. I, um, you know, create 'em and, and those things might have been a bad choice just because it's already illegal to sell those online. So anyway, he not, I'm not saying that you can't do it, that you can't buy it online, but, uh, you just wanted to point that out, that it is illegal to sell, you know, crate and hemp and, and vapes online.
H.B. 183 Sex Designation Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Asked why the change is being made and whether it applies throughout the code or excludes some sections.
▶ Watch at 1:21:07Read what they said
Yeah, I had a qu a question as I was reading the bill, I was going why that was the first question came up as why it's like, could you help me understand why that we would wanna do that? And then also a follow up question, is this throughout the whole code or is under my understanding at leaves some a section, at least one section out? So I just was curious.
H.B. 183 Sex Designation Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Asked whether leaving some sections unchanged creates confusion by using gender in some places and sex in others.
▶ Watch at 1:22:23Read what they said
Yeah, I, I guess the follow up question is if, if we're leaving it outta some that creates disunity not unity, but 'cause if you got gender one area sex in another, then that, that is does a little, is a little confusing least to me. But I'm not, I'm, I'm not your friend to phone either, so I don't know.
H.B. 502 School Attendance Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to replace the third substitute of H.B. 502 with the fourth substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:45:50Read what they said
You have Yeah, I'd like question. I'd go ahead and make the motion to substitute with an, then I've got a couple of questions after that, if that's okay. So I'd make a motion that we delete entitled and body third substitute has bill 5 0 2 and replace it with four substitute 5 0 2.
H.B. 502 School Attendance Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Asks how many school districts are expected to adopt the optional program.
▶ Watch at 1:46:20Read what they said
And to follow up, just a couple of questions. Um, you mentioned that, you know, the LEA doesn't have to do this. It's, it's optional. How many have you talked to that are you think, how, how, I guess, how much popularity is it gonna get? How many districts do you think will imp implement it?
H.B. 502 School Attendance Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether the fiscal note carries over to the fourth substitute and whether it is funded.
▶ Watch at 1:46:45Read what they said
I guess the follow up question I saw on the third substitute, there was a fiscal note. Uh, I assume the fiscal note pretty much carry over to the four substitute. And if that's the case, is it funded?
H.B. 502 School Attendance Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the fourth substitute of H.B. 502.
▶ Watch at 1:50:29Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you Mr. Chair. I would make a motion we favorably recommend for substitute house Bill 5 0 2
H.B. 502 School Attendance Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Thanks the sponsor for the presentation and says he learned a few things.
▶ Watch at 1:51:03Read what they said
Appreciate the, the presentation and you know, I learned a few things today, so thanks. Thank you.
H.B. 548 Primary Election Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Asks how the ratio would apply to municipal races with one, three, or four open seats, including at-large seats.
▶ Watch at 1:55:09Read what they said
Okay, so, you know, I actually, I was reading the bill and I was trying to figure out, you know, I was put in my mind. So if, help me understand if I got this right. So, uh, if municipality had, you know, for like one city council seat had, um, or a mayor seat, that'd be probably better. If you had three or four, then you could choose whether to go on or If there were three, because it's up to three times. Okay. So if you had four, you would have to have a primary. Okay. But if there were only three, the city could opt out of the primary. So if there's an election with three council …
H.B. 548 Primary Election Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether a municipality's choice would apply to each election or be kept permanently.
▶ Watch at 1:57:47Read what they said
Senator Vickers? Yeah, I've got a question I just thought of. Um, is this an help if, is this something that the municipality would make at each election or would it be something that, uh, decide and then keep that in perpetuity?
H.B. 548 Primary Election Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether the decision might depend on the candidates or on fiscal year considerations.
▶ Watch at 1:58:11Read what they said
I didn't, you know, and I don't know, I was just wondering if, you know, if the difference would be on who, who the candidates were or something. I don't Know. Mm-hmm. Yeah.
H.B. 548 Primary Election Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Says the idea seems sensible and that common sense often does not guide legislation, though it does in this case.
▶ Watch at 1:58:53Read what they said
Kind of intriguing idea. You know, I like it. It's Too sensible. We've gotta make things difficult here. I actually said to somebody yesterday, rationality and common sense often doesn't mean a thing in legislation, but I think it does today.
H.B. 548 Primary Election Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Comments on the Senate floor sponsor's absence from the committee hearing.
▶ Watch at 1:59:22Read what they said
Thank you committee. And can I just put on the record that, um, my Senate floor sponsor is dead to me because he didn't even show up to this committee. So I like you all a lot more. Actually, he's next door presenting in the judiciary, so they're beating the crap out of him. So
H.B. 597 Alcohol Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether the 70/30 food-alcohol split is based on dollars or quantity.
▶ Watch at 2:05:33Read what they said
Yeah, thank you. Uh, being naive on this, so does the 70 30, is that based on dollars or what's that based on?
H.B. 597 Alcohol Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to delete the title and body of H.B. 597 and replace them with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 2:08:20Read what they said
I, I'd make a motion that we delete entitled and Body House 5 97 replace with first sub.
H.B. 597 Alcohol Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether this year's bill changes anything for package agencies in rural Utah.
▶ Watch at 2:10:51Read what they said
I, I should have asked this earlier. Um, yeah. In the bill this year, is there anything done with the packaging agencies, the, the ones that are more like rural Utah and that,
H.B. 597 Alcohol Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Explains his yes vote and thanks the sponsor and Senator Stevenson for their work on the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:12:34Read what they said
Yeah, I, I guess a way of explaining my vote of which is yes, but I just wanna express appreciation to you and Senator Stevenson for the, the work you do. And, and I know how much it takes to get a bill like this. I know that you've been working on it since the session ended a year ago. That's sir. And it takes, and it takes a lot of work. There's a lot of stakeholders, a lot of people that have very high, high, uh, interest in this. And, uh, so I appreciate the work coming forward, but I wanna recognize that because this, I this is not, uh, just a simple bill, this Thank you taking a …
H.B. 599 Social Services Funding Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Vickers asked whether the children's dental program would move under the University of Utah's dental program, as its adult program has.
▶ Watch at 2:14:45Read what they said
Yeah, you did spur a question I hadn't thought of. Um, so on the Children's Dental program mm-hmm. I know that the, the University of Utah has been really a great partner in mm-hmm. You know, starting out with a kind of a small pilot and then moving to all adults now. So will it, and, and the children's program has kind of been in another, another contractual arrangement. Yep. So is this, and now, is that moving to underneath the auspices of what University of Utah has been doing at their, their dental school and their program or?
H.B. 599 Social Services Funding Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Vickers thanked colleagues, staff, and the chair, then made a motion to adjourn.
▶ Watch at 2:18:23Read what they said
Yeah, just comments along those lines. I, I really appreciate, I also appreciate my colleagues that have been diligent in this committee, but, uh, and our staff is always amazing and we appreciate you so much and appreciate that all that you do to help us do better job. But, uh, Mr. Cherry also wanna be hoish to you. You've been a, a great chair and you've been very diligent and, and do a great job conducting the meetings and appreciate you personally too. So, well, thank you for that one. I would make a motion. We adjourn.
H.B. 318 Agency Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 318, which requires agencies to justify fees with costs for new fees and for existing fees when reauthorized, building on pilots over recent years.
▶ Watch at 35:45Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this bill is the one we've, that we've been working on actually for a couple of years in setting up, uh, requirements for the agencies when they establish a fee to be able to justify that fee with the costs. And this, uh, simply is going through and finalizing. We've done some pilots part, part of it, I guess you could call it pilot with some of the things that we've been doing over the last couple of years. This is putting a more into permanent position. So that is, as a new fee comes on, and also existing fees as they are reauthorized, those, the agency would have to come up with the, the …
H.B. 318 Agency Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to waive summation and pass the bill. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 36:34Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. I would waive summation and move that house. Bill three 18 pass.
H.B. 572 Behavioral Health, Mental Health, and Social Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to adopt amendment number two, a further correction to bring the fiscal note in line.
▶ Watch at 1:58:03Read what they said
The next motion is to, uh, accept amendment number two in my name. Okay. And that is a fiscal note Correction. Yeah. This is another slight correction, uh, to get the fiscal note in line.
H.B. 572 Behavioral Health, Mental Health, and Social Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Notes that the bill has been further amended and that amendment number two is the one to be moved. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:58:33Read what they said
The bill is further amended. There Is an amendment one number one on line, but we're not going to move that one. Number two is the one we need to move. So thank you.
H.B. 572 Behavioral Health, Mental Health, and Social Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 572, which funds an ongoing receiving center in the UN basin and a family outreach specialist in the Office of the Medical Examiner, and makes reporting and Behavioral Health Commission duty changes recommended by the commission.
▶ Watch at 1:58:41Read what they said
Alright, proceed. Okay. Thank you Mr. President ProAm. This bill is the one that we do each year working with the Behavioral Health Commission. A couple years ago we set up the Behavioral Health Commission to start having as an umbrella organization over all the behavioral health issues that are going on in the state. And I gotta tell you, the people that have been working on this are just, they, they need sainthood. They're, they really have been wonderful people to work with and their, you know, their expertise and, and they bring so many experiences to, to the, to the, uh, process of working with people that are struggling with these issues. The bill this year, uh, the …
H.B. 402 EMS Controlled Substance Licensing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to pass First Substitute H.B. 402 under suspension of the rules.
▶ Watch at 2:12:09Read what they said
Thank you. Edward Summation, move the first substitute hospital 4 0 2 pass under suspension of the rules.
H.B. 176 Trust Business Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Asked how the bill distinguishes an attorney serving as trustee from holding and controlling trust assets.
▶ Watch at 17:56Read what they said
Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. And, and I've talked to you about this before, but you know, as we've gone through the discussion of this and spent some time in the interim and things, so kind of help, help me understand the difference between you doing trust work and like holding access to and control of assets, you know, that might be in the trust. Does that make sense?
H.B. 176 Trust Business Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Asked whether an attorney assigned as trustee would control trust assets and whether that remains true under the bill.
▶ Watch at 18:20Read what they said
So I know that in certain cases that if you're assigned as the trustee, as you know, as an attorney mm-hmm. Then you would have control over the, the trust, you know, so the, the assets of the trust, right? Mm-hmm. So, and is that, is that still the way that works or, Uh, in, in the bill?
H.B. 176 Trust Business Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moved to pass third substitute HB 176 out favorably.
▶ Watch at 22:31Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we fade, we recommend third substitute hospital, 1 76
S.B. 305 Hospital Quality Incentive Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Sen. Vickers presented SB 305, which would let hospitals pay a new assessment to recover about $70 million net lost under federal changes, with no net cost to the state, and asked Dave Gessel to speak.
▶ Watch at 40:47Read what they said
Oh, thank you. Appreciate it. You know, it's this time of the session when you're running, and it could, of course, it couldn't be farther away either, you know, so, you know, it always takes a, it takes a minute to get back. At Least you didn't have to go up to the fourth floor. That's true. I was there a few minutes ago. Oh, were you? Okay. Yeah, we were going back and forth on that one. When you're Running excuse. So thank you Mr. Chair. Appreciate the opportunity to present. Uh, in the past we've allowed, uh, in the state of Utah, we've allowed hospitals to do hospital assessments where they can put in some money and then …
S.B. 305 Hospital Quality Incentive Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Sen. Vickers thanked the committee, said the assessment is an important component, and said hospitals need viable funding to provide quality care.
▶ Watch at 51:58Read what they said
No, I appreciate the consideration. It, it is an important C component. I've worked with hospitals a number quite a bit during my career up here. And, uh, it's critical to make sure that they have viable funding. Uh, especially when times, uh, when reimbursements and different things vary and fluctuate. It's hard, hard to predict and especially the, the smaller hospitals. So this has been critical and it really affects hospitals all the way up through the chain from the small to the large. But, but it is critical that we continue to have, provide the resources that we can to them to make sure they provide good quality care to our, to us as Utahans. Thank you.
H.B. 361 Elections Provisions Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moves to replace the third substitute with the fourth substitute of the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:04:25Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we, uh, delete ENT title and body third substitute has both 360 1 replaced with four substitute.
H.B. 361 Elections Provisions Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the fourth substitute of the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:05:03Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we favorably recommend four substitute hospital 360 1.
H.B. 513 Attorney General Funding Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend the first substitute of H.B. 513.
▶ Watch at 1:09:30Read what they said
You, Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we favorably recommend for substitute Hospital five 13
H.B. 545 Budgetary Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moved to delete the title and body of the second substitute and replace it with the third substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:14:28Read what they said
Make a motion that we delete entitled and body second substitute house Bill 5 45 and replace with third substitute Discussion to that.
H.B. 439 Water Planning Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend H.B. 439, second substitute, as amended.
▶ Watch at 1:29:12Read what they said
Senator Vickers. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we favorably recommend House Bill 4 39, second substitute as amended.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Presented S.B. 31 covering several professions and explained its provisions on nurse practitioner hours, acupuncture, athletic training, and minor surgical procedures.
▶ Watch at 31:00Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Appreciate the opportunity to be before your committee again today. Um, The bill that we're for us today, and, uh, if it's with your permission, I've got some handouts for the committee, the staff prepared. Uh, please do. Thank you. Yeah, if you can give that to their staff so they can hand those out. I really appreciate our, our legislative staff and putting together some of these really good summaries. And I think this is a bill that deserves a good summary so that you can look at it. Um, it's a, a product for a lot of work. Uh, this is the, the bigger LER bill that we do every year starts, you …
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Asked permission for Jeff Shumway of the Office of Professional Licensure Review to come up and answer the athletic training question.
▶ Watch at 44:13Read what they said
Yeah. You know, if your permission, Mr. Vice chair, I, if I could ask, uh, Jeff Shumway from the Office of Professional Licensure Review come up and that would be great. Talk about that one.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said the amendment had been discussed and was needed.
▶ Watch at 52:40Read what they said
No, I appreciate it. We've discussed that well and we just, it's an amendment we need to make. Yeah. Okay.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said he prefers keeping the 2000-hour requirement and that further work is planned over the interim with a task force.
▶ Watch at 55:00Read what they said
Yeah, thank you. Comment on the amendment. You know, I appreciate that. And, you know, and, and a good representative of the sponsor of the amendment, uh, indicated, you know, there's a lot of negotiation that went into it. Yeah, you're right. Um, I, I agree with you that there needs to be some additional work done in this area. I would prefer to leave it where it is. And let me explain why. There's a couple of things. One is I think that puts us in a little stronger position to look at going forward, but it also puts us in a position, at least for the next year, as we're looking at some additional work that we have, …
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said the hours were a negotiated step forward, that more discussion is expected, and that some legislators want more or fewer hours.
▶ Watch at 58:58Read what they said
No, we were trying to get to a point to where we could felt comfortable, at least going forward. We have some additional hours required. And I apologize for making a phone call. I was, I just had to verify that we weren't, that the amendment wasn't going to pull out the minor surgical procedure portion. 'cause that would've been a disaster if it did. But, but no, we did not indicate that. We did indicate there would probably be some additional looking at it, but we, we do feel comfortable, at least at this point in time going forward, requiring some additional hours, you know, to have experiential, uh, rotations and experiential hours going into their practice because you …
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said the 2000-hour requirement should remain and noted that national scope-of-practice standards are part of the negotiation.
▶ Watch at 1:03:21Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you. Uh, like I said, I, you know, I certainly live up the will of the committee. That's the legislative process and the beauty of the legislative process, quite frankly, getting a lot of different eyes looking at things. Uh, but it, in, through my experience with the bill and the negotiations with this, I think we'd be in a better position if we left the 2000 hours in the bill. Uh, and, uh, Representative Whyte alluded to the fact that there's a national organization that determines whether we have full scope of practice for our nurse practitioners in the state. And, you know, that was part of the negotiation process that we got through to the 2000 …
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Thanked the committee for its work on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:08:16Read what they said
We'll go to the sponsor. No, thanks for your time today. It's always entertaining. The legislative process is great and, and it's good. So, you know, I appreciate your work you've done and, and appreciate hope you appreciate the work we've done as well leading up to this point. So thanks.
S.B. 261 Pharmacy Practice Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Presented SB 261, which updates the collaborative pharmacy practice agreement definition, adds vaccines and epinephrine to the medications pharmacists may prescribe, and sets up an online process for ordering pseudoephedrine.
▶ Watch at 30:22Read what they said
Thank you Madam Chair. Appreciate the opportunity to present today. Um, ever since I've been the legislature each year I worked with the State Pharmacy Board and worked with a few, few modifications they look forward to, to making the Practice Act. The Pharmacy Practice Act 2 61, uh, is the product of that just, uh, really just three simple things. Um, it amends the definition of a collaborative pharmacy practice agreement to conformed with actually adding where you can initiate therapy. So we have collaborative practice agreements between physicians and pharmacists, and, and in that this definition, it would allow us to, uh, to be able to enter into one of those with initiating therapy. There's, there's a, a …
S.B. 261 Pharmacy Practice Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Explained the list of medications pharmacists may already prescribe and said the bill adds vaccines and epinephrine to that list.
▶ Watch at 32:30Read what they said
There's, there's a few things. Um, may find that section of the bill that where vaccines are added. If you look on lines, if you start on line 4 82, and it goes down to like 4 96, there's a few things that we're allowed to prescribe, uh, smoking cessation, naloxone fluoride, and that was from last year. Um, um, a couple of other things we're just adding vaccines and epinephrine to that.
S.B. 261 Pharmacy Practice Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Explained that vaccines are moved into a section that lets pharmacists give them to qualifying patients without using a collaborative practice agreement.
▶ Watch at 33:07Read what they said
Vaccines over the, over the years have kind of evolved. You know, it used to be you only got them in a physician's office and because of the demand and the the need to reach out to the public and have better access to the public, and it was determined the pharmacies was a good place to do that. Originally, I was done with pharmacy collaborative practice agreements between a physician and a pharmacist. Now it just moves it into the section where, so if a person comes in requesting a vaccine and they meet the criteria, then the pharmacist can go ahead and give it without having to use the, the criteria of a collaborative practice agreement.
S.B. 261 Pharmacy Practice Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said pharmacies would follow the same vaccine procedures as physicians' offices and that this is standard protocol required of pharmacies.
▶ Watch at 34:04Read what they said
Uh, yes, you, we'd follow the same procedures. We, you in the physician's office and most, uh, most of the vaccines you're giving, uh, well, of course there was an awful lot of COVID vaccine, but there, you know, now you'll see flu shots and you can see, um, zo, you know, herpes zostrix, so you can he see, you know, things like that. But yeah, we do. And that is standard procedure protocol mm-hmm. Required of the pharmacies to do that? Yes, it Is. Okay.
S.B. 261 Pharmacy Practice Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Gave a final summary, describing the bill as a collaborative effort of healthcare providers to offer appropriate patient care.
▶ Watch at 36:17Read what they said
No, I appreciate your consideration of this, and, uh, you know, it's just, it's a collaborative effort of all of our healthcare providers to provide good pa patient care and, and provide opportunities to treat them in an appropriate manner. So, thanks.
S.B. 288 Medicaid Provider Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Asks whether the bill's large fiscal note has already been funded.
▶ Watch at 51:50Read what they said
Just a quick question. I was noticing it's got a big fiscal note. Is that, is that one that's, uh, that you know of that has been funded or,
H.B. 337 Nicotine Product Tax Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Says from a retailer's perspective that cessation products are not a big market. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:36:28Read what they said
Yeah. I will say from a retailer's perspective, that we, you know, we've sold those. Number one, it's not a big market and we, there has not been a big run on it
H.B. 337 Nicotine Product Tax Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Asks about her medical specialty.
▶ Watch at 1:53:47Read what they said
Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, just one quick question. What what's your medical specialty? Did I, and maybe you mentioned that I didn't catch it.
H.B. 337 Nicotine Product Tax Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Supports the motion but says he has sticker shock and hopes the rates are tempered before final passage.
▶ Watch at 2:07:25Read what they said
Um, I'm supportive of the motion, but I gotta tell you, I've got sticker shock with the, with the numbers. Um, so I would hope that we can have some more discussion about that even across the board, um, and see where we can land with that. But I, and you know, in particular, I literally the, I, I, I guess I do, I just have sticker shock. I I'm supportive of taking a pretty good swing like, or Senator Musselman talked about, but I would hope that we can temper the swing a little bit before we get to a final passage.
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Asked whether a coordinating clause would handle changing definitions, including processor provisions, given a companion bill.
▶ Watch at 3:14:17Read what they said
I have a couple actually. So I, this, the whole current discussion has been a moving target. It still is, by the way. And even as this morning had some discussions, just a couple of points, because your bill is primarily a regulatory piece, you know, and putting together, uh, in the bill, you have a, a definition of the CRE product that could be sold. I, I'm not sure that that's going to change, but the, there, there is potential movement on the processor. Uh, you know, whether, you know, if a processor can, uh, can still maintain a certain product for a period of time, maybe with a delayed implementation on that. And, uh, I just curious if, …
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Noted the other bill limits sales to tobacco specialty shops, which would be the only retail option if passed.
▶ Watch at 3:15:49Read what they said
Yeah. And the other point would be that in currently in that bill that's going the other direction, it specifically says only they can only be sold in tobacco specialty shops. Correct. So as we look at this bill and you talk about, uh, creative retailer, we have to keep in mind that if that goes through, that would be the only potential retail physician. Is that right?
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Said the bills should be coordinated to the lowest amount.
▶ Watch at 3:17:39Read what they said
Either one of those. We're gonna wanna coordinate on that too, with the lowest amount.
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Confirmed with Dr. Forsyth that both points would be coordinated.
▶ Watch at 3:17:46Read what they said
At least I think that's what we wouldn't, we, Dr. Forsyth, you know, if we want to coordinate those two points so
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Said the lowest threshold should be used and the coordinating clause would handle it.
▶ Watch at 3:18:30Read what they said
As in my mind, we, we need to stick with whatever the lowest is. So It'll work for either one. Yeah. And there again, the coordinating clause, this is the piece that puts the regulat regulation in place.
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Said the goal is to keep the bills moving and possibly combine them into one.
▶ Watch at 3:23:29Read what they said
Idea is to try to keep them, at least in my mind, keep them moving so that we can make those decisions. 'cause there's still a little bit of discussion. Like, like I said, I was in some meetings on the house side this morning trying to figure out the exact policy. Then we can come back and it may end up being we incorporate all of it into one piece. So
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Said the final policy is still somewhat unsettled. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 3:24:03Read what they said
Yeah. Um, anyway, Unfortunately at this point, the final decision on the exact policy is still a little bit in limbo. Yeah. Not, not a lot, but just, there's just a couple of pieces in there's trying to come together on.
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Said seven-hydroxy is far more potent than morphine and urged moving the bill forward while policies are consolidated.
▶ Watch at 3:33:57Read what they said
Thank you. My summation, I would just say, remind everyone that seven hydroxy is a really dangerous product, uh, in concentrated form, which it can be concentrated through, uh, extracts and other means, but seven hydroxy is 20 times more potent than morphine. And we, that's something that is a science and we need to be, keep that in mind. Uh, also recognize that as we move forward, there's still kind of a moving target with where we exactly land. And it may be, some of these may be be consolidated, these ideas may be consolidated and the, but we need to keep moving as we moving it forward. So I'd rec urge you to move forward with that.
H.B. 195 Precious Metals Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend the first substitute of HB 195.
▶ Watch at 43:43Read what they said
Thank Mr. Chair. I would make a motion to favor recommend House Bill 1 95 for substitute Discussion to that motion.
H.B. 530 State Permitting Council · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Notes the bill has a fiscal note and asks whether it has been funded in the budget.
▶ Watch at 47:54Read what they said
Thank you. I noticed it has a fiscal note on it. Has that been funded in the budget?
H.B. 540 Judicial Transparency and Information Access Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Vickers asked about the fiscal note on the substitute and whether it is funded in the budget.
▶ Watch at 53:18Read what they said
Yeah, a couple of questions if I could. Um, I noticed first off, lemme just note kinda address because kind of this heightened sense of awareness about fiscal notes. I noticed the original bill had a big fiscal note if there wasn't a fiscal note on the first sub. Uh, are you fam familiar with a couple of questions? I guess what you have any kind of estimation what the fiscal note will be on the second sub and if it's funded in the budget?
H.B. 540 Judicial Transparency and Information Access Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Vickers asked whether court proceedings are currently recorded.
▶ Watch at 54:18Read what they said
I think, I guess the next question, 'cause I'm a little naive when it comes to the courts and things. So is there are currently those proceedings recorded, are they being recorded currently
H.B. 540 Judicial Transparency and Information Access Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Vickers asked why the bill requires the court record website to be maintained by a third-party vendor rather than in house, and suggested the language allow an option for a third party.
▶ Watch at 57:22Read what they said
Thanks. Just a follow up question. So as I was reading through, um, I caught one thing and I wasn't sure what the, why, why this was, you know, it talks about, um, requirements for the court record, what on the website, like 2 60, 2 63 and it says that the judicial council shall contract in accordance with the chapter and Utah procurement with a third party to establish and maintain the court record website. Is there a reason why we require them to go to a third party instead and if instead of it maybe possibly done in house or, Yeah, there, there's been a lot of conversations about this specifically as well. This was, was an ask …
H.B. 540 Judicial Transparency and Information Access Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Vickers moved to replace HB0540S01 with HB0540S02.
▶ Watch at 1:06:42Read what they said
A Mr. Chair, I would like to make a motion that we delete an entitled and body first substitute hospital five 40 and replacement with second substitute.
H.B. 455 Peace Officer and Dispatcher Standards Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Asks how often this situation would occur and how the candidates would be screened to determine whether they are truly rehabilitated.
▶ Watch at 1:14:46Read what they said
I had, I guess maybe a clarifying question. I was thinking of, um, how often does this occur? So after speaking with Post, it sounds like that, um, at most there's a handful of individuals that would, um, every year potentially fall under this. Um, maybe five, maybe 10, um, out of thousands. So it's a very small list that would otherwise be hired or be qualified. But if not for the statutory requirement, You know, and I, I kind of, I obviously believe in the repentant process and wonder, you know, is there, I I guess a follow up question to that, those that, how do you screen the ones that may or may not be, you know, totally …
H.B. 487 Legislative Branch Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Asks why a provision describing current legislative practice needs to be placed in code.
▶ Watch at 1:19:01Read what they said
Yeah, I, I guess I'm struggling with the lines 35 through 40 with the one specifically you're talking about, you're putting in code. It is like, I mean, that's current practice. I mean, it seems, why do we have to have that in code?
H.B. 294 Employer Verification Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moves a substitute motion to change the number 100 to 125 on lines 9 and 25.
▶ Watch at 1:45:37Read what they said
Yeah, I, I'm gonna try and buy a vote. And so I'm gonna make a substitute motion then on line nine and line 25, we changed the number 100 to 125
H.B. 294 Employer Verification Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Formally moves to amend lines 9 and 25, changing 100 to 125.
▶ Watch at 1:47:26Read what they said
Uh, Lemme, lemme clarify the motion. Okay. Um, motion to amend, amend. So I, I don't think I can make two motions. Okay. Favorably recommend at that point, but I would make a motion to amend on lines nine and lines 25 changing the number 100 to 125.
H.B. 294 Employer Verification Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Says he is trying to reach a position where the bill can pass.
▶ Watch at 1:48:30Read what they said
No, I, I'm just literally trying to get in a spot where we can pass the bill.
H.B. 508 State Facilities Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Sen. Vickers moved to replace the second substitute with the third substitute of the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:50:27Read what they said
Thank Mr. Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we delete entitled embody second substitute House bill 5 0 8 and replace with third substitute 5 0 8 Discussion to that motion. All those in favor of deleting title embody of second sub house bill 5 0 8 and replacement with third sub house bill.
H.B. 508 State Facilities Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Sen. Vickers moved to favorably recommend the third substitute of the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:02:49Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we favorably recommend third substitute, uh, what's the number? 5 0 8 House bill? 5 0 8 favorable recommendation.
H.B. 508 State Facilities Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Sen. Vickers said he agrees with the sponsor and supports moving the bill forward, while expecting possible future adjustments.
▶ Watch at 2:03:42Read what they said
Yeah, I, I agree with the sponsor. You know, I recognize there might be still a couple of adjustments that, uh, as we go, as we start experiencing, but at the same token, I feel actually good move forward.
H.C.R. 7 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Scenic Byway Designations · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Moves that House Concurrent Resolution 7 pass, saying it approves the management plan for the scenic byway in the Zion area from I-15 to Mount Carmel through Zion National Park.
▶ Watch at 21:40Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, a state recognized scenic byway cannot be adopted as a national scenic byway without a prep approval of the court. Um, corridor preservation, uh, management plan. Uh, this one simply approves the management plan for the scenic byway and the Zion area, uh, from I 15 to Mount Carmel through Zion National Park. With that, I would make a motion that HCR seven pass.
S.B. 305 Hospital Quality Incentive Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Explains that the bill would replace about $70 million a year in hospital assessment revenue lost after federal changes, at no cost to the state.
▶ Watch at 34:09Read what they said
in, we in the past, we've approved hospitals to be able to do certain kinds of assessments where they pay, uh, you can call it whatever you want. It's just an assessment fee. And the federal government then would match that, you know, like three to one bring some additional federal dollars in. That was changed in the, the big beautiful bill that was one P portion that was taken out. Although they do allow to allow a state to go above where they were previously up to the curtain cap. So this is what this bill is simply trying to do, is replace some of that money that was taken back. We lost about $200 million a year. This …
H.B. 41 Construction and Fire Codes Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Explains that the substitute delays a county fee assessed on property owners, adds county input on fire-risk recommendations, and has the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands review and justify those recommendations, plus additional rulemaking authority.
▶ Watch at 44:40Read what they said
I do and, and I want to appreciate this. This specific bill is dealing with the woo. We is primarily just bringing our current codes up to date, but it is an opportunity and I I want to give cred credit where credit is due. Um, our good Senate president looked at some things that possibly we could do to help with some of the things that are going on with the IM implementation of, uh, the new maps related to HB 48 from a year ago and the impact on property owners that, that have residences in the, and so we looked at a few things that we felt like that we could do in this particular bill and …
H.B. 41 Construction and Fire Codes Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Explains that the motion is to replace second substitute House Bill 41 with third substitute House Bill 41.
▶ Watch at 46:56Read what they said
Um, motion to, I already made a motion to substitute. Oh, That's right. Nevermind. I'm, I, we're on the motion to substitute. So, uh, the question is, uh, the motion is to delete entitle embody second substitute house bill 41 and replace it with third substitute house bill 41.
H.B. 41 Construction and Fire Codes Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Says the HB 48 wildfire map concerns have been clarified this session, cites a drop in estimated high-risk structures, describes the county input and property assessment petition process, and urges support for the bill.
▶ Watch at 47:18Read what they said
I kinda got ahead of ourselves, but I wanted to pass the bill. Thank you. Uh, Mr. President. Uh, like I say, um, as we move forward, and I know that there's been a lot of confusion about HB 48 and implementation. I think a lot of that has been cleared up this session. We've been able to sit down with our division and talk through some things and there's been a lot of, a lot of more understanding about that as these maps start to be implemented and these effects start to take place. I might note that, uh, from where we were with the Wei, uh, considering the original map that came out, I believe was, uh, from …
H.B. 41 Construction and Fire Codes Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Says the property assessment petition process is not in this bill but already in state policy, and that the bill would add county input and division rulemaking authority for it.
▶ Watch at 51:09Read what they said
Congress president. Yeah, that is, that is not in the bill. This specific bill. What that discussion was about is, is that the, these WWE maps start to be implemented by the state. There will be that opportunity there is that provision already in place going forward. This will help because you'll have some additional input. So a property owner, if they find themselves going forward, whether this bill passes or not, as they go forward, there will be an opportunity to have a property assessment so that individual can petition to first the county with, if this passes, then they can petition first to the county and then the county would, uh, if they agree, then they would push …
H.B. 384 Executive Branch Agency Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Presents H.B. 384 as cleanup language from the Department of Government Operations, which adds the Office of Data Privacy to that department, moves executive branch agencies' payroll services to the new Vantage system, and changes former executive director and director titles to commissioner.
▶ Watch at 39:00Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. President. This is, uh, some cleanup language from the Department of Government Operations and the bill adds the Office of Data Privacy to the Department of Government Operations. It updates executive branch agencies receiving payroll services through the new Vantage system. Also, we're changing some nomenclature, uh, where everyone that we've had executive director and directors and some comm commissioners, they're changing that. Moving to commissioner as the former position. Former title of the position of executive director on most cases. And with that, I'm open for any questions.
H.B. 384 Executive Branch Agency Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Waives summation and moves that the first substitute of H.B. 384 pass.
▶ Watch at 39:53Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. I would wave summation, move the first substitute house bill 3 84 pass. Thank You. And the question is, shall
H.B. 374 Speech, Language, and Hearing Occupations Licensing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Thanks the presiding officer and says the bill is waiting for the fiscal note to catch up.
▶ Watch at 1:09:08Read what they said
You Mr. President Pro Tem. Yeah, we are waiting for the fiscal note to catch up.
H.B. 374 Speech, Language, and Hearing Occupations Licensing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Presents H.B. 374 as a bill correcting licensing provisions for speech, language, and hearing occupations, and explains that the substitute adds a section on speech-language pathologists and speech and hearing aid specialists in schools that had been missed.
▶ Watch at 1:09:11Read what they said
I this is the bill that helps do con do some corrections in licensing with speech, language and hearing occupations. Uh, the, the substitute that we put in place simply picked up a, a section with the speech and language pathologists and speeching hearing aid specialists in schools that we had missed. And so that corrected that. Um, and I'd be open for any additional questions if you might have any.
H.B. 374 Speech, Language, and Hearing Occupations Licensing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Waives summation and moves that second substitute H.B. 374 pass.
▶ Watch at 1:09:47Read what they said
For summation or a motion I'D waive summation, move the second substitute house bill 3 74 pass.
H.B. 58 Insurance Code Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Moves that second substitute H.B. 58 pass and calls for a roll call vote.
▶ Watch at 1:22:02Read what they said
You Mr. President Pro tem. Happy birthday. I would move that, uh, second substitute house bill 58 passed. And the question is, shall second substitute house bill? 58 pass. Roll call vote.
S.B. 305 Hospital Quality Incentive Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Presents S.B. 305, which would let hospitals make a hospital assessment on the portion of federal Medicaid payments above the cap, recovering roughly a third of the funds lost in federal legislation, and says the fiscal note is zero because the assessment covers the cost.
▶ Watch at 1:29:25Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, in the past we have allowed hospitals to do a hospital assessment where they put some money in and then return, uh, you know, about three times that in, in federal money. Uh, the, and they've been, it's been very, very, very helpful to all of our hospitals, especially rural hospitals. The big, beautiful bill, uh, that was one of the provisions that they took out, but they also left another provision in that. So there was a cap rate that you can go up to. Utah had not gone up to that cap, so they, they lost, we've lost everything that was underneath that, but they do allow us to go up, up above …
H.B. 383 Department of Health and Human Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Waives summation and moves that the second substitute H.B. 383 pass.
▶ Watch at 1:35:33Read what they said
Thank you. I'd waive summation and move the second substitute house bill 3 83 pass. And the question is, shall second substitute house bill three eighty three Pass. Roll call vote.
H.B. 174 Sex Characteristic Change Treatment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Asked how long a ramp-down period would be for those who are under 16 at the time of the bill's effective date.
▶ Watch at 1:40:24Read what they said
Yes. Yeah. Just a, a question to clarification really. Um, you know, I'm looking at the per provision where the, if they're 16 at the time of the signing of the, of the bill, and then those others that aren't, if there's some there, then how long of a ramp at ramp down do they have?
H.B. 174 Sex Characteristic Change Treatment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Restated the question about the age groups and how long the ramp-down period lasts.
▶ Watch at 1:40:56Read what they said
Sorry, Mr. President. I, sorry, I should have waited. Go ahead. Uh, the time of signing of the bill then those that are 16, if I understand it correctly, and help me, if I'm not, if they're 16 at the time, then, then they can continue on until they finish their treatment. Those that are younger than 16 would have to ramp down over a certain number of months. I just wanted to clarify how long a period that was.
H.B. 174 Sex Characteristic Change Treatment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Said he wished the ramp-down period were longer for some minors, and that he would support the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:42:01Read what they said
Yeah, and I, I, I, I understand where we're at on it. I, I, I have to admit, I wish the the ramp down was, was longer, but I, I'll support the bill, but I just wish, I would wish that the ramp down was a little longer for those, and I don't know how many there are, to be honest with you. I really don't. But, uh, there are gonna be some kids that get caught in that. So I, I was, I wish that the ramp down was a little longer, but I, I certainly do support the bill. Thanks. Thank You. Thank you.
H.B. 300 School District Taxation Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Asked for clarification on how the two-year period works, noting it is effectively three years.
▶ Watch at 1:51:36Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President with sponsor yield. Senator Harper, will you yield? Yes, go ahead. Senator Vickers. Yeah, Clarifying question. I've heard people a lot smarter than me talk about this. That two years is effectively three. How does that work, Senator Harper?
S.B. 321 Municipal Election Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asks whether the bill mirrors existing state campaign finance requirements.
▶ Watch at 34:09Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you Mr. Chair. Yeah. Appreciate the, you know, actually the bill. It's, it's interesting. I didn't know that. I assume, have you mirrored kind of what we our requirements are?
S.B. 321 Municipal Election Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asks whether the same rules on permitted uses of campaign money still apply to municipal candidates.
▶ Watch at 34:33Read what they said
Yeah. Right. Okay. And so a candidate, you know, tho all those rules of what you can use the money for are still applica applicable to municipal candidates.
S.B. 321 Municipal Election Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Thanks the sponsor and says the explanation was interesting.
▶ Watch at 34:50Read what they said
Okay. Thanks. Interesting. Okay. I, it blew me away because we were trying to answer this question for my wife and it was, yeah, it was super interesting. So,
S.B. 321 Municipal Election Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend Senate Bill 321.
▶ Watch at 35:20Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would make a motion to be favor recommend Senate Bill 3 21.
S.B. 324 Outcome-based Investment Grant Pilot Framework · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moved to replace the bill with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 49:22Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we delete and title and Body Senate bill 3 24 replace it with first sub 3 24
S.B. 324 Outcome-based Investment Grant Pilot Framework · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 49:52Read what they said
Uh, I would make a motion that we favorably recommend first substitute Senate Bill 3 24.
H.B. 416 First Responder Health Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asks how the trust fund would coordinate with workers' compensation and whether firefighters would be paid twice.
▶ Watch at 1:01:22Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. I, I apologize and you may have covered this. I just want to clarify something. Um, d with the, with the trust fund that's set up, does it, how does that work with the workers' comp? Does, is it working? I mean, do you get paid twice or is it, how does that work? How does that coordinate? Yeah, and I apologize if you said
H.B. 416 First Responder Health Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Says he appreciates the work and wants to understand the coordination question.
▶ Watch at 1:02:13Read what they said
Okay. Thanks. I, you know, I applaud what you're doing. Just want try to figure that one out. Thanks.
H.B. 416 First Responder Health Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend HB 416 second substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:02:26Read what they said
I would make a motion that we favorably recommend House Bill four 16 second substitute.
H.B. 416 First Responder Health Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Supports the bill and thanks the sponsor and the firefighting community for their work.
▶ Watch at 1:04:21Read what they said
No, I appreciate what's going on here. I think we all do. And, uh, and it's such a sensitive topic and it needs, needs to happen. So I appreciate the work you've done on it. I appreciate the work that the firefighting community has done on this. This has been something that's been going on for some time. We appreciate them a lot and, uh, and I know that we'll, we'll get it right before we get it, get it all done. So, thanks.
H.B. 147 Government Form Submission Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asked whether the bill applies to any form other than those listed in the exceptions.
▶ Watch at 1:08:10Read what they said
Quick clarifying question. So it is basically any form other than the ones that are listed in the exceptions, then?
H.B. 147 Government Form Submission Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend the third substitute of H.B. 147.
▶ Watch at 1:08:42Read what they said
Thank Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we favorably recommend first, third substitute house Bill 1 47 Discussion.
H.B. 396 Public Project Subcontractor Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Vickers moved to replace the bill's title and body with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:13:57Read what they said
Okay. Okay, Mr. Chair, I would make a motion that we delete entitled and body and house bill 3 96 and replace it with first sub house bill 3 96.
H.B. 396 Public Project Subcontractor Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Vickers moved to favorably recommend the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:28:23Read what they said
And Mr. Chair. I would make, let's see, we did the sub, right? Yes, We're on first sub. Yeah. I would make a, uh, motion that we favorably recommend for substitute with three 90 suits. We Just ought get outta here. Discussion
H.B. 391 Vacancy Replacement Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asked about the bill's coverage of vacancies in several offices, including U.S. Senate, the state Legislature, the state Board of Education, and county offices.
▶ Watch at 1:30:35Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. I was, I was reading earlier, um, I, I thought I, excuse me, just a second. Thought there was some more detail in there. I apologize. I'll, I'll pass on that. Um, okay. Um, okay. So we address US Senator, this state legislator, uh, state Board of Education, an appointment from the governor and vacancy in a county office.
H.J.R. 23 Joint Rules Resolution - Policy Development and Impact · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asks how the resolution differs from current practice when opening bill files, and whether a bill would not be opened if the sponsor has no measurable metric.
▶ Watch at 1:34:27Read what they said
Yeah. Thanks Mr. Chair. I, I guess I'm thinking about how I, you know, open bill files and I'm not sure I see what difference, what I'm already doing. So Yeah, it's identifying in the metrics. If you look at line, um, you know, 30 really identify not just the chief sponsor's policy goal, but if applicable, one or more measurable metrics to evaluate whether the legislation effectively addresses the policy problem. As I talk to our ledge research, oftentimes that's difficult, right? Like we, we don't exactly know where we're trying to go because that isn't clearly delineated. This provides the opportunity for that conversation and then hopefully for us to think through that, what does success look like …
H.J.R. 23 Joint Rules Resolution - Policy Development and Impact · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moves that the committee favorably recommend HJR 23.
▶ Watch at 1:39:14Read what they said
Senator Vickers. Thanks Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we favorably recommend H-G-R-H-J-R 23.
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Presents S.B. 150, which sets up a process for the Office of Professional Licensure Review to convene experts on proposed changes to healthcare scope of practice or care delivery and report recommendations to the legislature, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 38:31Read what they said
There we go. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Appreciate the Opportunity to present for your committee. Senate one 50. We had some dis a number of discussions during the interim, uh, as we talked in, in business and labor, and there was a, also a working group put together, um, by Department of Commerce in discussing some things. The concept is, uh, from time to time, we've, we've seen this happen up here in the legislature where, especially in the medical, uh, professional fields where we have something come forward that could potentially change the scope of practice or change, how, how we provide care, uh, how care is administered, different things. And some, oftentimes it leads to …
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Says the first substitute is being worked on and was amended to add a direct connection between the relevant licensing board and the review group.
▶ Watch at 43:33Read what they said
Yes. Alright. Yeah, we did, uh, we're working on the first sub right now, and it, it was actually amended as well. Alright. There was a slight amendment that, that was the connection portion that I was talking about connecting the board. And that originally we, we didn't have that true connection between the specific board and a number of the boards that could be involved in this. Felt like there really ought to be a direct connection back to them, uh, without specifically saying they had to go back. We felt like that if we had allowed them to pick a, a person to be on that discussion group, that that would be the person that would be responsible …
H.B. 111 Wildlife Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Suggested that the fee could be avoided by changing reporting behavior and said he does not object to the fee amount.
▶ Watch at 51:49Read what they said
Thank you, chair. If I get a speeding ticket, sometimes I can go to the court and say, you can mitigate that fee if you change your behavior. And what you're trying to do is change behavior. The behavior hasn't been to give you the information you need, but you might not need a hundred percent anyway, as the chair says, you know, I mean, you have good data, you get the sense. But I, I'm just suggesting, I I, I don't mind, I'm a little bit different. I don't mind the fee being 50 or a hundred or whatever it is. You need to get the information and the way to do that, if they've not provided it, changed …
H.B. 374 Speech, Language, and Hearing Occupations Licensing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Describes H.B. 374 as removing school audiologist and speech-language pathologist licensing from the State Board of Education, consolidating speech, language, and hearing occupations under one license, phasing out the separate board in 2028, and allowing national certification as an alternative path to licensure.
▶ Watch at 28:22Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, yeah. Dealing specifically with speech, language and hearing occupations, uh, in the licensing field, uh, it specifically is working on some, some kind of, some from the high level perspective. The bill would, uh, would remove licensing of school audiologists and schools, uh, speech and language pathologists from the State Board of Education and consolidate all speech and hearing professions under a single license issued by the by doppel. Um, the bill would phase out and eventually repeal this, the speech and language pathologist and audiologist licensing board on July 1st, 2028. It would clarify the scope of practice for audiologists and speech and language pathologists and grant new discretion to doppel to implement standards …
H.B. 374 Speech, Language, and Hearing Occupations Licensing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Moves that second substitute H.B. 374 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 29:59Read what they said
Thank I'd. Wait for summation and move the second substitute house Bill 3 74. Be read a third time.
H.B. 97 Medical Waste Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Explains that H.B. 97 would let a provider give patients leftover medication from operating room, emergency, or surgical center treatment to take home, with proper labeling and counseling, instead of discarding it.
▶ Watch at 38:50Read what they said
Uh, if you are treated in an operating room or emergency department, an ambulatory surgical center, you're treated with like an eye drop or a anointment, something like that and there's, when you get through with that treatment on site and there's leftover medication, currently the facility would just have to throw it away. This bill would allow the provider to give it to you and we have to have the proper labeling and the counseling that goes with it and then you could take the balance of it home. Common sense approach that one. I'm open for questions.
H.B. 343 Nursing Care Facility Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Describes a policy change that would let certain Medicaid-certified nursing care facility residents be extended up to four years in a facility.
▶ Watch at 41:05Read what they said
and can have, uh, Medicaid beds certified for two years. This would allow them to be extended up to for up to four years in a facility that I'm open for.
H.B. 290 Child Tax Credit Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Takes personal privilege to recognize a former senator seated in the back of the chamber. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 42:59Read what they said
I'm gonna take a personal privilege if I can. We have in the back Jane Davis, a former Senator Jean,
H.B. 384 Executive Branch Agency Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Presents H.B. 384 as a cleanup bill that adds the Office of Data Privacy to the Department of Government Operations, updates payroll and accounting system oversight, changes an outdated audit requirement, and renames director titles to commissioner, then opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 1:15:11Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tam. Let me find the notes. Um, whoops. This bill is a cleanup, I guess you can call it cleanup. Bottom, bottom line. Some modifications to Department, department of government operations. And it does a couple of things. One, we're adding the office of data privacy to the department of F gov ops. It updates, uh, the executive branch agency receiving payroll services through the new Vantage payroll system and, and provide to ex, it also provides for the depart department of government Ops as the host agency of the division of Finance to exercise oversight of the state's new comprehensive accounting human resource payroll system, which is the vantage system. It modifies an out …
H.B. 384 Executive Branch Agency Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Makes the summation and moves that the first substitute of H.B. 384 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:16:48Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President ProAm. I will wait. Summation, move the first substitute hospital 3 84. Be read a third time. And the question is, shall first substitute house bill 3 84? Be read for third time. Roll call vote.
H.J.R. 10 Joint Rules Resolution - Sponsor's Supporting Information · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Says the sponsor is working on modifications to the bill to address challenges with insurance companies and will move it once they are approved.
▶ Watch at 1:24:20Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tem. Um, we do have some modifications we're working on too, that, that, uh, uh, when, when we have that approved, we will move it. But currently the bill and those will be just some modifications to try to help and assist with what's going on with some of the challenges we've had with insurance companies
H.B. 41 Construction and Fire Codes Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Presents the bill, which updates wildland-urban interface and fire code provisions to align with national codes and removes certain residential sprinkler requirements in that interface; says a substitute planned for third reading would add forestry, fire and state lands rulemaking authority, county cooperation, and a delay to the fee implementation, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 1:24:39Read what they said
of the challenges we've had with insurance companies and dealing with properties that exist in the wwe. The, the bill in the current form simply updates the, uh, our wildland urban interface, you know, the code to CR to coincide with the, in the national code. Um, it does, it also, it brings some things into play. So, for example, in the IRC, the industrial, uh, residential code, it, we just, we are do not require sprinklers in, in residential properties. This, uh, would also make it so that those are not required if your residential property is in the wooey. And with that, I'm, like I say, I'm open to any questions. Uh, when we get it over on …
H.B. 41 Construction and Fire Codes Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Waives summation and moves that the second substitute bill be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:26:15Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President ProAm, I would waive summation. Move the second substitute house. Bill 41. Be read a third time
S.B. 83 Controlled Substance Scheduling Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Explains a minor clarification to the bill's definition so that only an FDA-approved product could be rescheduled off Schedule I, and moves to concur.
▶ Watch at 1:27:46Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro tem. Yeah. We made a minor clarification in the definition of, uh, a product that would be, could potentially be coming off a Schedule one substance and being rescheduled, clarifying that that would have to be an FDA approved product, which is what the intent was all along. So, you know, do I a motion to concur.
S.B. 174 Exercise of Religious Beliefs and Conscience Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Asks how the bill differs from current protocols that already let providers decline certain procedures or treatments.
▶ Watch at 1:53:27Read what they said
Yeah. Question, how is, how is this different from all from the current protocol for a practitioner to, you know, decline to perform certain procedures or get involved in certain types of treatments or I guess bottom line, how is this different from what's already the normal protocol?
S.B. 174 Exercise of Religious Beliefs and Conscience Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Says they still cannot see what differs from existing provider protections and will follow up with the sponsor offline.
▶ Watch at 1:54:54Read what they said
Just a follow up. I, i, I guess I'm, maybe I'm missing something. I tried to go through the, the, the four sub quickly to try to see if there was something different, but I'm, I'm still struggling. I'm trying to figure out what's different than what we already have. 'cause we already have protections in place as healthcare providers to decline certain things, but, so I'm, I guess maybe I'll just talk to you offline and try to figure that out.
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Presents SB 223 substitute, which would extend by 10 years the sales and use tax exemption for alternative energy production set to expire June 30, 2027, and explains how the bill's changes affect the fiscal note.
▶ Watch at 1:51:08Read what they said
Yeah. I appreciate you, uh, allowing me to be heard here. The, the bill in its simplicity is extending, uh, a tax credit for energy production i'll alternative energy production. Yeah. The interesting thing is, is, uh, the first, the original version had that section of code in, because we were changing the definition, we were changing to, we were going to add battery storage. Uh, and last year we had that same bill. It came up and the fiscal note was about $2 million, uh, for, it did not get all the way through, obviously. And then this year when we, uh, introduced it, the fiscal note Uintah about $15 million. And, uh, I, so I checked with, with …
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Responds that the credit applies to production and is separate from solar panel credits, and asks to have Steve Young answer.
▶ Watch at 1:55:28Read what they said
Uh, that's a good question. Um, I, and you know, I've probably got an expert with me, could an answer it better than I could, but, and if, you know, if your permission, I could ask Steve Young to come up my, my answer to that question would be that the tax credit is on production of the product. Um, I know that we've talked about tax credit or tax credits on like solar panels, individuals putting solar panels on that. So that's a separate credit and at least in my mind, but if your permission, if I could ask Steve to answer that.
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says he is not sure of the reason and assumes the sunset was set to allow a later review of the credit's effectiveness.
▶ Watch at 1:58:40Read what they said
You know, to be honest with you, you, I don't, I should have checked with the good president of the Senate since he's the last, the one that last extended it. Um, and I'm, you know, I, I know that we've done this in certain sectors at the, you know, with a, with a number of these sales tax credits. So, uh, I'm assuming that there was just a, a period of time where they wanted to come back and review it and see how effective it was.
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Responds to the questions raised and says he is open to the committee's choice, including holding the bill until the next committee meeting.
▶ Watch at 2:10:16Read what they said
Yeah, thank you. I, I, you know, I, we've obviously raised some questions and I know that we're trying to do the right thing, and that's the thing that we care about. Um, and we, and as Mr. Young mentioned, we could have the discussion, you know, hold, you know, hold it in committee that that had only give us us, I dunno, when your next committee is maybe a day or so. It's, uh, Friday. Yeah. See, that'd only give us a day, uh, if we went ahead with the, the motion to amend, it'd actually give us longer to have some discussion about it. Try to come up with, you know, what the fiscal note, I'm, I'm not …
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says he is open to whatever the committee wants to do.
▶ Watch at 2:15:05Read what they said
I am, like I say, I, I'm, I'm open to whatever the committee would like to do and, and just figure it out. Um,
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Agrees to the timing and says he is fine with holding the bill. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:15:27Read what they said
Yeah. Okay. Is it Monday? I, I'm guessing? Yeah, I'm guessing. And it's probably Friday. It'd probably be Tuesday before we could figure it out. But that, I'm fine with that, you know that. Okay.
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks whether the committee will name a point person to work on the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:17:21Read what they said
A quick question. Yes. Do you have a point person on the committee, uh, you or Representative Peterson or Representative Albrecht? Somebody do you want, do you want me to work with, or,
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Presents S.B. 72, which clarifies that producing or distributing animal pornography or bestiality is illegal, adds animal crushing to the code, and keeps existing penalties unchanged.
▶ Watch at 33:56Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you very much. And it's, it's always nice to know that we're human and sometimes we make mistakes, right? Um, well, uh, committee, I bring a bill to you that has nothing to do with cannabis, and I'm not sure how I end up with some of these things. It has been more on the more interesting topics that I've ever looked into. Um, you know, oftentimes we'll have people approach us and, and ask us, you know, if we'll look into something, and this is what happened. I had some law enforcement people in Southern Utah reach out to me and say, you know, there really is an issue with this animal pornography. And …
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Responds that the crushing must be done for nefarious purposes and involve a live animal, so the BB gun example would not apply.
▶ Watch at 38:48Read what they said
No. It, it does have to be used for nefarious purposes. And, you know, I mean, all of us as kids, you know, those have at least grew up in rural areas. We've done exactly what you're talking about. Um, I don't know, you know, if they were to, we are talking about a crushing of a live animal, not, you know, not one that you've already taken care of with your BB gun, but,
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Explains that the standard is the reasonable person standard used throughout the code and that it could change over time.
▶ Watch at 40:03Read what they said
Yeah, Mr. Chair, if I could. Yeah, I do actually. I understand. You know, and if you think about throughout code, we often have a depiction in code as, as a normal person would interpret. Okay. It kind of falls into that category. Okay. So I, I guess it could change with time. I'm not an expert there, but it is, the way I understand it kind of falls into that kind of same category. We have pervasive throughout the code that a, a normal person would perceive. Okay.
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says the bill does not specifically address AI or computer-generated material but that such material would be covered if it falls within the obscenity definitions, regardless of how it is made.
▶ Watch at 41:11Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, specifically, no, but it fall and other than how it falls under the definition of, uh, pornography and obscene material. And so if, if it's doesn't, I'm not, it doesn't really matter, however, how it's generated, if it falls under those categories, then it would be considered.
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says the bill targets depictions of sexual conduct between an animal and a human, and that written material with literary, artistic, political, or scientific value would be excluded.
▶ Watch at 43:54Read what they said
Yes. If I could, Mr. Chair. Yes. And like I say, referring back to those lines that, uh, talking about literary, you know, or it, it's, here again, it's that standard that, and realize that it's hard to even fathom. But we're talking about, um, sexual depictions between, uh, an animal and a human. But the writing, if it comes under the category, if it does come under this category of literary, artistic, political, or scientific value, then no, it would be excluded.
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says the bill targets obscene material made for sexual gratification with no literary purpose.
▶ Watch at 44:34Read what they said
Yeah. You know, we're, we're specifically looking at the obscene material that, uh, is, is purposely done for, you know, sexual gratification. And, and not for any, does not have any literary purpose.
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says the bill does not explicitly require a sexual purpose, though animal crushing is often done for sexual gratification.
▶ Watch at 45:27Read what they said
That's true. And, and, and maybe I didn't make clear in my testimony, often it's done for sexual gratification, but it's not specifically said there.
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says such a book would be excluded because of the literary value exception in the bill.
▶ Watch at 46:16Read what they said
No, because, uh, you have in lines 3 72 and 3 73, that would be excluded Taken as a whole depiction.
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says he consulted the drafting attorney, who advised that the book would be excluded because of the bill's language.
▶ Watch at 47:14Read what they said
If I could respond, Mr. Chair. Uh, I'm not the attorney here. Mm-hmm. But I did phone a friend on this who was the drafting attorney, and he said, no, that would, that that particular book would not, it would be excluded because of those lines.
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Agrees to meet with the drafting attorney and Representative Arthur to consider a possible amendment.
▶ Watch at 49:35Read what they said
Yeah, I appreciate their consideration on that. And absolutely, uh, representative Arthur, in fact, uh, let's get together with our drafting attorney and see if there's amendment you might be wanting to propose, if not the house sponsor.
H.B. 261 Electronic Information Privacy Act Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asked for an example of how the bill would work in practice.
▶ Watch at 36:21Read what they said
Senator Vickers? Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, you know, whenever we do these kind of things, I kind of always wonder, okay, so how does this help, you know, can you give me like a scenario where this would play out?
H.B. 261 Electronic Information Privacy Act Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asked whether the bill balances protecting individuals with giving law enforcement the ability to do its work.
▶ Watch at 38:11Read what they said
Okay. So you, you feel comfortable that it's gonna meet, meet a balance of protecting individuals, but still giving law enforcement the ability to
H.B. 261 Electronic Information Privacy Act Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Moved that the committee favorably recommend second substitute HB 261.
▶ Watch at 40:30Read what they said
You, Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we favor, we recommend second substitute Hospital 2 61
H.B. 261 Electronic Information Privacy Act Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Thanked the sponsor for creating a balance and addressing the issue.
▶ Watch at 40:56Read what they said
No, I appreciate the sponsor, you know, creating a balance and, and addressing the issue. So, thank you.
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks for clarification on whether the same rules apply to the renamed charter school fund.
▶ Watch at 43:45Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you Mr. Chair. Yeah. And I was noticing on just a clarification on the fund,
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks how often districts sell buildings and whether a buyer would have to upgrade or tear down a building that fails safety standards, referencing a related bill.
▶ Watch at 43:59Read what they said
It is, yes. And then, um, I, you answered kinda one question. I I didn't know how often that happened that a, the school district actually sold, you know, facilities, um, and then every, do you know, so the, the bill that Senator Wilson was running, I think it's 2 40 40. Yeah, it just came through our committee yesterday. Yeah. That, that deals with, you know, how buildings are constructed and it brought to light this audit that some of the buildings aren't safe. Mm-hmm. So if, if a building is being sold that falls into that category, then would the buyer, I assume the buyer would be, whether it be a charter school city or someone else would …
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks how the bill would apply in a St. George case where a university bought a closed elementary school.
▶ Watch at 47:05Read what they said
Could I ask a question? Sure, Go Ahead. Just a kind of a follow up question. So I was thinking, you know, there's a unique situation in St. George with right across from Utah Tech. There was an elementary school that, uh, that was sold by the district. And in that situation, it made a whole lot of sense for the university to buy it, and they actually turned it into an innovation center. So with, with the Bill passage, say that a scenario like that pops up, um, where would the university be in line with the, the ability to purchase the building and use it?
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says a charter buying such a building would have to pay fair market value and go through the process, and that the scenario is unusual but still open to discussion. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 48:06Read what they said
Okay. Uh, I guess if a charter did, then they would put them in front of, They would have to purchase it for fair market value and go through the process and, you know, higher education. That's unique. That hasn't been brought to my attention up to this point, but I'm open to that discussion 'cause it's still,
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Offers to keep working with the sponsor on possible adjustments to the bill. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 48:27Read what they said
So I'm happy to work with you still if you'd like to adjust that. Thanks.
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Spoke on the bill.
▶ Watch at 50:47Read what they said
Would make a motion that we favor re recommend third substitute house bill 2 41.
H.B. 241 Charter School Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says he was skeptical of the bill at first but now feels comfortable supporting it after the changes made.
▶ Watch at 51:02Read what they said
I have to, I have to admit, I've been a little skeptical of this bill from first time I heard it and it kind of followed its path and watch through. Um, I, you know, I appreciate some of the changes you made and the approach you're taking and, uh, so I feel comfortable in supporting it now. Thank you.
H.B. 325 Government Records Classification Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asked what problem the bill addresses and for examples of that problem.
▶ Watch at 58:39Read what they said
Yeah, this question. So any, whenever I see a bill like this, I'd like to ask the question. So what's, what's the problem you're solving and can you give examples of that problem?
H.B. 325 Government Records Classification Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Moved that the committee favorably recommend the bill as a third substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:01:47Read what they said
Thanks Chair. I would make a motion that we favor, we recommend, uh, third substitute house bill 3 25.
S.J.R. 6 Joint Resolution Amending Court Rules · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Introduces the yearly pharmacy practice bill, prepared with the pharmacy board, which makes some small changes this year, including to collaborative practice agreements.
▶ Watch at 35:16Read what they said
Senator Vickers Thank Mr. President Pro tem. This is the bill that we typically do with the pharmacy in conjunction with the pharmacy board each year, making some small changes this year, proposing some small changes this year. One is, uh, a collaborative practice agreements that exist
S.B. 261 Pharmacy Practice Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Explains that S.B. 261 clarifies collaborative practice agreements between pharmacists and physicians, adds vaccines and clarifies limits on what pharmacists can prescribe, and creates a path for online sales of pseudoephedrine.
▶ Watch at 35:28Read what they said
One is, uh, a collaborative practice agreements that exist between pharmacists and physicians in certain areas. This, uh, init this, this has a small clarification in that it also adds, uh, vaccines to clarify in certain situations that pharmacists can't prescribe, then it creates an oppor, uh, a path for online sales of pseudo Ferron. With that, I'm open for questions.
S.B. 261 Pharmacy Practice Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Waives summation and moves that the first substitute for S.B. 261 pass.
▶ Watch at 36:00Read what they said
Thank you p Mr. President ProAm. I would waive summation and move the first substitute Senate Bill 2 61 pass.
H.B. 97 Medical Waste Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Explains that HB 97 lets health facilities give patients leftover medication to take home, with required labeling under the Pharmacy Practice Act and counseling from the facility, and calls it a good bill.
▶ Watch at 1:11:14Read what they said
house Bill 97 allows health facilities to give patients the remaining portion of certain medications to take home. Uh, when you go in, think about it. When you go into an emergency room or some kind of a facility like that and get treated, maybe an eye drop, uh, a topical ointment, uh, then there's medication left over. Instead of just discarding it, they, this gives them the option to give it to the patient so they can take home. And it requires the proper label labeling in accordance with the Pharmacy Practice Act. And, and uh, it requires the facility to give counseling so that when the patient leaves they know what to do with the medication. It is …
H.B. 97 Medical Waste Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Waives summation and moves that second substitute HB 97 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:12:06Read what they said
I would, uh, waive summation and move that second substitute. Bill 97 and be read a third time.
H.B. 97 Medical Waste Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Presents HB 269 on ambulance provider payments, saying it sets base and mileage rates, limits what providers may collect, removes automatic repeal dates, and does not create new taxes, appropriate new state funding, or expand balance billing.
▶ Watch at 1:13:25Read what they said
Anguish, president Pro Tem, uh, that could sponsor this bill and I've worked with him on a couple of, uh, occasions as well, has been trying to bring some balance into what a cost to, to provide ambulance care to individuals. So HB 2 69 uh, helps ensure that ambulance providers are paid accurately and predictably for the care that they already provide. So emergency services remain available when, when we need them. The HB 2 69 updates and stabilizes how ambulance services are reimbursed in Utah. It aligns payment rules with how emergency medical care is actually delivered, removes unnecessary statutory instability and maintains strong patient protections. Uh, some of the key points, it aligns the base rate with …
H.B. 97 Medical Waste Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Waives further summation and moves that second substitute HB 269 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:15:47Read what they said
I would, uh, waive further summation. Move the second substitute house bill 2 69. Be read a third time.
H.B. 343 Nursing Care Facility Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Explains that H.B. 343 lets a facility extend the certification period for nursing care facility program beds from two years to up to four years, and says the bill does not add Medicaid beds.
▶ Watch at 1:17:24Read what they said
You Mr. President Pro Tem. Uh, the bill amends a permitted extension of the time period for certifying nursing ca care facility program nursing care beds. So it doesn't expand a nursing home. Uh, Medicaid beds in the state of Utah. The bill has, the bill simply amends how long a facility has to reactivate or recertify those beds. So currently, uh, that a facility can certify those beds for two years. This would give them the ability that if it's certified, that they could extend it to as long as four years. Um, and with that I'm open for any questions. That's simply what it does.
H.B. 343 Nursing Care Facility Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Waives summation and moves that H.B. 343 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:18:14Read what they said
Thank you. I would waive summation, move the house. Bill 3 43. Be read a third time.
H.B. 330 Liability Limitations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Says the sponsors have been working on a couple of issues, so a substitute is being offered, and moves to substitute and recircle the bill to let the fiscal note catch up.
▶ Watch at 1:30:35Read what they said
Thank you. I would, we've been working on a couple of issues so we have a substitute. I'd like to make a motion to substitute, explain what the difference is and then recircle it so we can allow the fiscal note to catch up motion in
H.B. 330 Liability Limitations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Explains the motion to delete the entitled body of substitute House Bill 58 and replace it with a second substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:30:51Read what they said
Yeah. The motion is to delete entitled body first, substitute House bill 58 and replace it with second substitute.
H.B. 58 Insurance Code Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Explains that H.B. 58 is the annual Insurance Department bill and describes its changes, including ambulance membership plan rules, expanded Utah jurisdiction over certain out-of-state coverage, and dentist billing when an insurer fails to issue a compliant explanation of benefits.
▶ Watch at 1:31:01Read what they said
Yeah, the difference is, uh, this is the insurance bill that comes from Insurance department every year and, um, it, there's a couple of changes in in the sub. It adds a regulatory framework for ambulance membership plans including financial reserving requirements and it also expands, uh, Utah's jurisdiction to include coverage in is issued outside of Utah when 10% or more of the insured are residents of this, of Utah and the dental services were provided in Utah and allows Aden dentist to bill a patient for a non-covered service when the insurer fails to issue a compliant explanation of benefits. So with that, Mr. President, that's, that's the changes I'd like, like I say,
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Sponsor explains that the substitute corrects provisions on nurse practitioners and physician assistants after a Utah Supreme Court case, and addresses an athletic training question raised earlier.
▶ Watch at 1:52:02Read what they said
Thank you. This is the, the licensing bill that we discussed, uh, this week. Uh, the change in the force of, it's actually just corrected some things with the nurse practitioners. There's, if you remember the dialogue I had that, that we'd run into a situation where a court case, a Utah Supreme Court case had put in a put the ability of physician's assistants and nurse practitioners in jeopardy of being able to continue to perform minor sur minor surgical procedures. And the this force substitute puts puts a correction in that to make sure that we can move forward, uh, some of the key points. It deals with a lot of pieces. There was a question on the …
S.B. 305 Hospital Quality Incentive Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Explained that the substitute corrects an omission so that any state costs are paid from the hospital assessment, which removes a fiscal note.
▶ Watch at 38:39Read what they said
I do. Yeah. Thank you Mr. Chair. Yeah, the substitute, uh, caught something that, uh, we had missed in the original draft. We've done hospital assessments in the past and, uh, in those hospital assessments, if there was any cost to the state, we'd included those costs to come out of the hospital assessment portion. And the, so the sub simply does that, so it takes away a fiscal note.
S.B. 305 Hospital Quality Incentive Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Described hospital assessments and the federal changes that cut about $200 million in state assessment revenue, and said the bill lets the state raise the assessment to replace about a third of the lost money.
▶ Watch at 39:30Read what they said
Thank you. It appreciate the opportunity to, to present this. You know, we've done hospital assessment, uh, taxes over the, where the, the hospitals pay a portion and then brings in some additional federal money. Uh, and it's been very beneficial to the hospitals from really, from the small hospitals all the way up to the large hospitals. There was a change, uh, you know, with the big beautiful bill or HR one that, uh, took away a lot of that assessment that was been in place was around $200 million to the state of Utah. They did leave, uh, an opportunity though for us to do some additional, uh, assessment and take, you know, so if you look, you …
S.B. 261 Pharmacy Practice Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Presents S.B. 261 as a State Pharmacy Board request that updates the Pharmacy Practice Act, including collaborative practice changes and an online network for secure sale of pseudoephedrine, with no cost to the state.
▶ Watch at 1:24:17Read what they said
Uh, this bill comes from our, the State Pharmacy Board. Each year I'm asked to run some, uh, changes, some updates to the Pharmacy Practice Act. This just a couple of small ones this year. There's, uh, one that, uh, changed the, the format of a collaborative practice act that allows, oftentimes pharmacies will have collaborative practice acts with physicians to provide certain services. This would update it so that it could provide for an initiation of therapy. And then, um, there's a number of states, quite a few states actually have that allowed for a secure method to be able to sell pseudo Ferron online. Um, this provides that opportunity within, within our state. It does set up criteria. …
S.B. 261 Pharmacy Practice Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Waives summation and moves the first substitute of S.B. 261 for third reading.
▶ Watch at 1:25:39Read what they said
Thank you. I'd waive summation and move the first substitute Senate Bill 2 61. Be read a third time.
S.B. 176 Landscaping Procurement Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Says he has watched the bill for years and supports both the bill and the substitute as a reasonable approach, and plans to vote for it.
▶ Watch at 1:45:31Read what they said
It's the second time for Comore Senator, Mr. President. Uh, I've kind of watched this bill for a couple years. It's actually had quite the journey in, uh, business and labor and I've watched, uh, the good, good sponsor, uh, try a number of different iterations and I, I, I tend to, I've, after watching it for this and seeing kind of the path that's taken, I would agree with both the sponsor of the bill and the sponsor of the sub that I think this is a reasonable approach going forward. So I plan to support the bill.
H.B. 384 Executive Branch Agency Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Moves to recommend the substitute bill favorably.
▶ Watch at 36:41Read what they said
Thank Mr. Chair. I would make a motion. We favor, we recommend, uh, house Bill 3 84 for substitute.
H.B. 320 Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend HB 320.
▶ Watch at 40:28Read what they said
Senator Vickers. Thanks, Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we favorably recommend House Bill three 20.
S.B. 310 Uniform Intimate Images Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Asks whether the bill targets situations such as students sharing nude or doctored photos of a friend.
▶ Watch at 42:29Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, so in trying to hopefully I I'm understanding the bill. So you're talking about like a situation like at a school or something where someone's passing around, uh, nude photos of a friend or something, or even doctored nude photos or something. Is that, is that where we're something like we're targeting or, yes.
S.B. 299 Candidate Name Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Asks whether the bill's 'known as' references are meant to cover common nicknames in a county.
▶ Watch at 51:56Read what they said
Yeah, just, just a couple questions. So as, as I was reading through it, I noticed there's a lot of reference to, uh, as known in a county. Is that, is that kind of re reference to maybe, you know, if somebody has a common nickname in a county or something, or is that, is that the intent for that?
S.B. 299 Candidate Name Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Asks whether the bill is simply switching and restating language, since some lines appeared to be struck and then restated.
▶ Watch at 52:42Read what they said
Okay. Thanks. I didn't know if we was just playing, switching things around because it looked like we lined out a bunch and then we mm-hmm.
S.B. 299 Candidate Name Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Moves that the committee favorably recommend SB 299.
▶ Watch at 55:50Read what they said
Thank Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we favorably recommend Senate Bill 2 99
S.B. 299 Candidate Name Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Says the testimony and clarifications suggest the bill is in good order and recommends passage.
▶ Watch at 56:04Read what they said
Yeah, it sounds like, uh, with the testimony and, uh, its testimony that the sponsor and others that, you know, just some clarifications and it looks like the bill's in good order, so I think we ought to pass.
H.B. 324 Utah Marriage Commission Fee Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend H.B. 324 and then declines to add further comment.
▶ Watch at 58:44Read what they said
Yeah, I'll make a motion that we favor, we recommend House Bill 3 24 discussion to that motion back to the sponsor. Waive. Senator Vickers. I waive. Okay.
H.B. 318 Agency Fee Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend H.B. 318 out of committee.
▶ Watch at 1:08:18Read what they said
Uh, thank Mr. Chair. I would make a motion. We favorably recommend Hospital three 18 Discussion to that.
H.B. 318 Agency Fee Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Thanks Rep. Christofferson for his years of work on the bill and says the cost information will be valuable for future fee decisions.
▶ Watch at 1:08:38Read what they said
Yeah, and I, I just wanna express my appreciation to Representative Christofferson because he has spent and spent a few years actually working on this in this very thing. And I chairing, uh, an appropriation committee that oversees about half of the fees in the United State government. There's, there's a lot to, and we've, we've looked at the, uh, fees under our purview there. And so I think this, this information is valuable as we go forward in making those determinations.
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Presents S.B. 223, which extends a tax credit on alternative energy-producing equipment, and notes the fiscal note now reflects zero cost after the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 29:00Read what they said
Thank Mr. President Pro Tem. This bill extends the tax credit on, uh, alternate, uh, energy producing equipment that was put in place, um, and quite a few years ago. Uh, this does extend that, that tax credit orig the original bill we were adding in battery storage, we exempted out just a point of information. I see that it's still listed with a fiscal note, but the fiscal note is actually caught up to the first sub and it it's zero. So, uh, if that has any bearing on the vote, but with that, I'm open for any questions.
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Explains that S.B. 150 creates a process to review new healthcare innovations and technologies through the Office of Professional Licensure, affected boards, and the Business and Labor Interim Committee, and says the goal is to get good information to the legislature.
▶ Watch at 34:30Read what they said
Senator Vickers. Thank you Mr. President Pro Tem, uh, Senate Bill one 50 sets up a process where we can, uh, try to get out in front of some new, new innovations and technology pieces and others as they come into the healthcare world. Um, if they're, if that rises to that level, then our Office of Professional Licensure review or ler uh, working in conjunction with the affected board. Uh, for example, one of the medical professional boards, whether it be medicine, pharmacy, nursing or others, would put together a group to review that process and work with the Business and Labor Interim Committee and the chairs of that committee to determine whether a study needs to go forward. …
S.B. 230 Consumer Credit Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Makes a motion regarding first substitute Senate Bill 31, Professional Licensure Review Amendments.
▶ Watch at 50:06Read what they said
Thank you President ProAm. Motion to encircle first substitute Senate bill 31. The motion is to UNC ccle first substitute Senate Bill 31 office Professional licensure review amendments discussion.
S.B. 230 Consumer Credit Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Moves to delete the text of first substitute Senate Bill 31 and replace it with third substitute Senate Bill 31.
▶ Watch at 50:29Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President pro Tem. I need to make a motion to delete entitle and body first substitute Senate 31 and replace it with third substitute Senate 31. We had a second substitute
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Presents S.B. 31, which covers scope-of-practice and licensing changes for physical therapy, nursing, CRNAs, athletic training, physician assistants, and acupuncture, and includes a two-year fix for physician assistant minor surgery after a court ruling.
▶ Watch at 51:11Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Proto. So this is the, um, I guess you can call it the annual LER license review bill, that we look at all, all interim and then it seems like it is, uh, it continues to go on throughout the session, and that's kind of what's happened here. We're looking at a number of different pieces in healthcare this year. There's a few things, let me explain to you. It covers, uh, physical therapy and occupational therapy. So it permits therapist to prescribe durable medical equipment and grants. Physician therapist, physical therapist, the ability to order medical imaging addresses scope of practice for physical therapy assistance and AIDS in nursing. Um, it grants limited perioperative prescriptive …
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Explains the proposed change from N to or and suggests circling the bill so he can work on the wording with Sen. Weiler.
▶ Watch at 56:42Read what they said
Hold on. Okay. Does the circle have that at? Yeah. What third We're changing the N to or, Um, Mr. President Prote, why don't we just circle, lemme get with, uh, Senator Weiler and we, we can work on that.
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Introduces S.B. 72 on obscene animal abuse material amendments and describes its content.
▶ Watch at 58:28Read what they said
Senator Vickers. Thank you Mr. President ProAm. This is, uh, certainly the most intriguing bill that I've run this year and a different bill than I've probably run in the past. So I would just say that if you're, if you are into bestiality and animal pornography and you think it's okay to produce and distribute, you probably shouldn't vote for this.
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Explains S.B. 72, which would clarify that producing and distributing animal crushing and bestiality or animal pornography material is illegal, and invites questions.
▶ Watch at 58:48Read what they said
and distribute, you probably shouldn't vote for this. If you think it's okay to, uh, do animal crushing and sometimes for sexual arousal, uh, you probably shouldn't vote for this. If you think that we should clarify that bestiality and animal pornography are, it is illegal to produce and distribute, then you would want to vote. Aye. And if you're also, uh, feel like it is, uh, it's inappropriate to, to go do, allow animal crushing, uh, then you should be an aye. And with that, I'm open for any, any questions. Thank you for the presentation.
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Waives summation and moves that S.B. 72 pass.
▶ Watch at 59:33Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President ProAm. I would waive summation and move the Senate Bill 72 pass.
S.B. 210 Nicotine Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Asks whether the disposal money will go to DEQ or elsewhere.
▶ Watch at 1:15:11Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President Prote. Just a follow up question of that, uh, for the sponsor with, will that money go to DEQ for the disposal or where does that go? And you, and you may have said this, and I'm, I'm sorry if you did,
S.B. 241 Early Literacy · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill, saying he trusts the sponsor and a local school board member who urged passage.
▶ Watch at 1:51:16Read what they said
Mr. President Pro Tim. I, I also rise in support. My, my support isn't near as sophisticated as, uh, Senator Johnson's, but I, you know, when it comes to these issues like this, I, I kind of go to people I trust now. I, I really have great trust in Senator Millner. I also have a close friend that's on the school board in Iron County, who's a former educator. And, and her passion is, uh, reading third grade reading. And so I connected the two of 'em 'cause she had a few questions and she came away and told me, she says, we need to do this. I'm on board. And so when she says that, that means I'm …
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Explains that the amendment changes one word on line 1471 from 'or' to 'and', restoring language agreed upon earlier that was switched in transfer.
▶ Watch at 2:23:15Read what they said
Yeah, it was, it simply does change, uh, on line 1471 change as an or to an and. Okay. And that was agreed upon language is actually was in the second sub that we didn't use and when we transferred it over, it got switched. So
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Presents the bill, noting a provision on 2000 hours for nurse practitioner licensure that he says reflects a consensus number confirmed with local and national organizations, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 2:23:38Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I, I'm not gonna rehash the presentation other than to point out that there was one piece with the 2000 hours with nurse practitioner licensure. As I mentioned, it's a very small subset, but I did wanna mention that that is a consensus number. I can reconfirm that today with both the local and the national organizations. And with that, I'm open for any questions.
S.B. 251 Local Health Department and Department of Environmental Quality Coordination · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Asks whether disposal of vape cartridges collected by law enforcement and local health departments would fall under the bill.
▶ Watch at 4:05:40Read what they said
Yeah, just a quick question for the sponsor. He's Agreed to yield. Go ahead. You know, we talked to earlier, I think Senator Plumb had a bill we're dealing with, uh, when we pick up vape cartridges from, you know, in law enforcement and local health department and they have to be disposed of. And the question came up about how DEQ and that would, would, could that fall under this? Um, I don't believe it. Uh, oh. Sorry. Mr.
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sponsor says the bill extends an existing sales tax exemption for energy production equipment, adds battery storage, and proposes a substitute that brings the fiscal note back to zero.
▶ Watch at 26:59Read what they said
Um, what we're doing is proposing to extend a tax credit on energy production equipment. Actually the last time, uh, it was extended was in 2012. Actually, president Adams, you did that. And so we're proposing to extend that credit, it expires. Now we're also proposing to add, uh, battery storage into it, unfortunately. And we had this last year and the fiscal no, was about $2 million. But since there's so many more, uh, projects going on, the fiscal no Uintah like 15 million. So the substitute essentially just takes away that, that fiscal No. Brings it back to zero because since we're exempting, uh, uh, you know, our current, just extending a current exemption exemption, that would take …
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Says no further explanation of the substitute is needed.
▶ Watch at 27:54Read what they said
to any further description or explanation of the sub? No. That, that pretty well explains the whole bill. Really.
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Says the bill extends an existing sales tax exemption for alternative energy production equipment, including nuclear, to support development in that field.
▶ Watch at 28:21Read what they said
Yeah, just let me, you know, like I say, we're extending, you know, an existing sales tax exemption for energy production equipment, alternative energy production equipment in the, in the, uh, electricity field. And, you know, with, uh, nuclear falls under this. So as we, as we start moving forward into that arena, it'll be helpful in, in being able to develop that. But it is just, that's what it is.
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Moves to waive summation and have the first substitute read a third time.
▶ Watch at 28:53Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. I would, uh, waive summation and move the first substitute Senate Bill 2 23. Be read a third time
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sen. Vickers describes S.B. 150 as a process for the Office of Professional License Review to review healthcare innovations and proposes Amendment 3 to add a board-linked member and a researcher to the ad hoc committee.
▶ Watch at 41:03Read what they said
Uh, you know, we've created the Office of Professional License Review ler, and it's been very viable in reviewing different situations, especially in healthcare arenas working, wondering about, you know, give us some recommendations on scope of practice and other types of things. Uh, we trying to, and kind of scheming, trying to figure out what's the best way to use that and try to also to try to preempt some things that come along so you can try to prevent maybe some turf battles and those types of things. But, but really just pro helping as innovation comes along. And, and healthcare is an amazing thing and we're constantly finding innovations of different types, whether it be technology or …
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sen. Vickers says his remarks describe the bill and that he is open to questions.
▶ Watch at 44:55Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I, you know, that describes the bill. I'm, I'm open for any questions.
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sen. Vickers waives summation and moves that the first substitute for S.B. 150, as amended, be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 45:07Read what they said
Thank you. I would wait summation and move the first substitute Senate bill one 50 as amended and be read a third time.
H.B. 314 Firearm Purchase Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Has no questions for the sponsor and moves that H.B. 314 be read and passed.
▶ Watch at 51:35Read what they said
No questions to you for a motion. Thank you. I'll move that. Uh, house Bill three 14. Be read for the be passed.
H.B. 215 Landscaping Restrictions Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Presents H.B. 215, which says homeowners' associations and local governments cannot prevent property owners in wildland-urban interface areas from removing vegetation to create defensible space, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 1:00:54Read what they said
Thank you. Thank you Mr. President. If you own property and it is resides in the wild and urban interface of the WWE area, the bill, this bill simply says that a, a homeowner's association or a missed pallet or county cannot prevent you from removing vegetation for the purpose of, of creating defensible space. With that, I'm open for any questions. Thank you. Senator Vickers, say no discussion.
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Thanks the presiding officer and says he hopes the bill adds a bit more excitement.
▶ Watch at 1:22:50Read what they said
Senator Vickers. Thank you Mr. President. Um, I'm kinda hoping that this adds a little more excitement
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Explains that the bill combines two existing definitions of animal sexual abuse material, adds a new animal crushing definition that uses existing penalties, and says artistic works such as Lord of the Flies are not covered, responding to a committee concern about libraries.
▶ Watch at 1:22:53Read what they said
Um, I'm kinda hoping that this adds a little more excitement to the afternoon than some of your other things we've talked about. I gotta tell you, I, um, sometimes you get asked to look into things that is outside your wheelhouse. This is outside my wheelhouse, but I did have some law enforcement people from Southern Utah come to me and said, this is a real thing. We're having trouble with animal pornography, animal and human pornography. And I said, and we got really? And so we, I contacted Ledge Research, we did a bunch of research and turns out, yeah, there is some serious issues. Here's, here's what's going on. Animal. You can call it bestiality, whatever you …
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Gives a closing summary of the bill and moves that Senate Bill 72 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:25:39Read what they said
Well, I didn't get the excitement I was hoping for it Did I? I Was waiting to, but anyway, AWAI summation and move that Senate Bill 72 be read a third time.
H.B. 193 Transgender Medical Procedures Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asked whether the bill targets youth only or adults as well.
▶ Watch at 1:42:09Read what they said
Okay. I just, I ended up spending a lot more time on this than I expected, obviously. So what is your, the target population? Are you talking just about about youth or, uh, adults as well? Or what is the target population?
H.B. 193 Transgender Medical Procedures Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asked how the third substitute would affect PEHP.
▶ Watch at 1:42:35Read what they said
Okay. And I, I've also had conversations with PEHP. And on this particular version, do you, um, do you know how it would affect this version, this, you know, the current version where that, you're talking about sub three? Mm-hmm. How it would affect PEHP?
H.B. 193 Transgender Medical Procedures Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Said this version would put PEHP at a competitive disadvantage because public employee groups could move to other insurers, making it difficult for PEHP to accept.
▶ Watch at 1:43:22Read what they said
Yeah. And I've had similar conversations. Uh, the short answer is it would negatively affect PHP simply because this version, and I know we talked about multiple version, but this version would put them at a disadvantage. 'cause if there was, um, a public employee group that was, they could simply go to another, another insurance company that was, you know, providing the coverage. So I just wanna make sure everybody knows that if, you know, she's recognized that, you know, this, this is a version she wants to continue to work on. But I, I do want you to know that, that this current version is, is very difficult for PHP to accept.
H.B. 193 Transgender Medical Procedures Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asked whether the sponsor has assessed potential litigation if the bill passes.
▶ Watch at 2:07:51Read what they said
I do have one question. Um, have you assessed the potential litigation if the bill passes?
H.B. 193 Transgender Medical Procedures Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Said he is hesitant to support the substitute because it significantly harms PEHP, though other stakeholders favor it.
▶ Watch at 2:30:29Read what they said
Um, I, I'm gonna, I'm, I'm, I'm hesitant because I, there's, there's various stakeholders in this, involved in this, this substitute significantly does damage to PEHP that I'm concerned about. Um, there's others that like it, but there's other versions that are the same thing. You know, you benefit one, you don't benefit the other. So I'm hesitant to even to vote for the sub. I, I know that that's the one that the good sponsor would like. Um, and I, but I, I did wanna mention that.
H.B. 193 Transgender Medical Procedures Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Explained his no vote, saying the policy discussion is important and still needs to happen but he is not comfortable moving forward with this version.
▶ Watch at 2:39:00Read what they said
I'm gonna explain my vote. Um, and I applaud the, the, the good representative because, and I've kinda watched as I've, I've followed this bill for a while, but as it came to our committee and we start, I started spending more time on it. I think she's really landed on a policy discussion that needs to be had. In fact, it started out something a little smaller. And then, and then in the last, even just in the last two days, I think we've talked about three or four different iterations and versions. It could be and directions you could be going. So I think this policy discussion still needs to be had, but I just do not feel …
S.B. 174 Exercise of Religious Beliefs and Conscience Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Says the bill is not yet in its best form, that a substitute reflecting public input will likely be adopted with additional changes, and that the healthcare aspect of religious liberty is sensitive and needs more work.
▶ Watch at 47:14Read what they said
Thank you. Thank you, chair. Grateful for the opportunity to be here. And, uh, I am I, this is where we need to be, uh, on this bill. SB 1 74. I, I want to say three quick things. We really start even before this bill from a really good place. And, uh, that, that, that's very, very positive. Second, uh, grateful and appreciate all the input and what a wonderful opportunity is to, to talk to such, such a remarkable brain trust, uh, wherever you stand, uh, on, on issues and, and, and gain the benefit of that. And we want to continue those discussions. Third, uh, when we talk about protecting religious liberty and freedom, there's probably not …
H.B. 324 Utah Marriage Commission Fee Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Vickers moved to favorably recommend HB 324.
▶ Watch at 1:02:33Read what they said
Mr. Chair. I would make a, a motion. We favor recommend house Bill 3 24.
S.B. 264 Elected Official Publicity Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Moved to replace the bill with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:07:52Read what they said
Yeah. Thank Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that would delete and title and Body Senate bill 2 64 and replace it with first substitute Senate bill 2 64.
S.B. 264 Elected Official Publicity Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Moved to adjourn.
▶ Watch at 1:09:37Read what they said
And one final motion. Motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye.
H.B. 264 Prescription Medication Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Sponsor explains H.B. 264, covering longer prescription durations for maintenance medications, updates to therapeutic substitution, and clarified standing order criteria.
▶ Watch at 37:22Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this bill is working with substitution of Therapeutic Equivalent Medications in a pharmacy working with the the Good House sponsor. Over the last couple of years, we've tried to make it clear, especially with especially drugs and, and we're looking to make just a few small changes here. The first policy is just makes it easier for prescriber, uh, to write a prescription that'll last longer. So think of your blood pressure medications and maintenance medications could be, uh, issued for as long as two years instead of just one year. Currently, uh, as long as there's enough refills on the prescription and the pharmacist could continue to refill that for two years. Uh, the …
H.B. 264 Prescription Medication Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Waives summation and moves that the first substitute for H.B. 264 pass.
▶ Watch at 38:44Read what they said
Thank Mr. President. I would waive, uh, summation and move the first substitute hospital 2 64 pass. Thank
H.B. 356 Drug Distribution Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Explains that H.B. 356 follows last year's 340B drug law, clarifies definitions and the role of contract pharmacies, and regulates overseas manufacturer conduct rather than drug distribution, without changing policy.
▶ Watch at 40:15Read what they said
of legislation we did last year concerning three 40 B drugs. It does not change that policy in any way. It's just, uh, it clears up some definitional ambiguity, uh, further clarifies, you know, the role of the contract pharmacies. And so, and it does not regulate the drug distribution, but instead overseas manufacturer conduct related to three 40 B. But like I say, this is a follow up to the piece we did last year and just clarifies primarily there were some, found some ambiguity in the definitions and it clears that up.
H.B. 215 Landscaping Restrictions Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Presents H.B. 215, which says municipalities, counties, and homeowners' associations cannot prohibit property owners in wildland-urban interface areas from removing vegetation to comply with defensible space requirements, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 47:21Read what they said
Senator Vickers, Thank Mr. President Pro Tem. If you are a property owner and your property is within a wooey or within the wild down urban interface, this bill is very simple. It just says that a municipality, a county, or municipality or a homeowner's association cannot prohibit you from removing vegetation to, to comply with the defensible space. And if that, I'm open for any questions. Thank you. Is there discussion to the bill sign? None.
H.B. 215 Landscaping Restrictions Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Waives summation and moves the first substitute of H.B. 215 to be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 47:57Read what they said
I'd waive summation, move the first substitute hospital two 15. Be read a third time
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Explains that the bill lets the Public Service Commission obtain detailed operation reports from regional transmission organizations and independent system operators, and says a change returns the community clean energy program to an opt-out structure.
▶ Watch at 57:58Read what they said
Uh, the bill authorizes the Public Service Commission to get, uh, detailed operation reports when we're dealing with in these like, uh, regional transmission organizations and independent system operators, where Utah is a participant in that. And a lot of these will cross state lines, state boundaries. Uh, we're authorizing them to gather information and data and make sure that, that our Utah rate payers are being protected and we're getting the best deal. Also, that we're getting the same consideration as other states. Also, if they're having running into any problem getting the data, we're they are directed to contact legislative leadership, uh, immediately so that that can be addressed. I will tell you one thing, you may, some …
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Gives a closing summary and moves that the bill pass.
▶ Watch at 1:00:11Read what they said
Summation and a motion I waste summation and move This third substitute house Bill 2 38 pass.
H.B. 58 Insurance Code Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Waives summation and moves that the first substitute of H.B. 58 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:03:03Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President ProAm. I would waive summation move the first substitute house bill 58. Be read a third time And the question is, shall first substitute House bill 58? Be read for a third time. Roll call vote.
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Presented SB 55, which would authorize practitioners who use placental tissue in stem cell treatments to have the prescriber notify patients where the tissue comes from.
▶ Watch at 1:31:43Read what they said
Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, it's actually been enjoyable to sit here and listen. Uh, I, I served on HHS for a long time up until last year, and when I, my current duties and business and labor conflict with that committee. So it's, it's nice to sit in and, and listen to some HH STI items. Again, I kind of, I think I can promise you that neither one of these bills are gonna make you cry Representative Clancy, but we'll see. But, uh, anyway, um, I assume we're looking at SB 55 first. Yes. Yep. That will work. A couple of years ago, we, uh, uh, authorized that under certain conditions with a practitioner working inside their scope …
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Explained that the bill only addresses treatment and requires the prescriber to notify patients where the placental tissue comes from.
▶ Watch at 1:34:14Read what they said
This is just in the treatment. So we're just talking in treatment. So, you know, utilizing placenta tissue to use stem, do stem cell treatments on a patient. So, so the note, the piece that really the only policy change in the bill is that the notification that needs to go to the, to the patient is authorized for the, the prescriber or the physician within that practitioner that's working within their scope of practice, would notify the patient where that placenta tissue would come from.
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said he is not an expert on hospital donation practices.
▶ Watch at 1:35:03Read what they said
I am not an expert there. I really couldn't tell you. I, to my, my, uh, superficial knowledge, yes, absolutely. But I, sorry, I'm not an expert there. I don't know.
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Thanked the committee and asked for its support for the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:35:59Read what they said
No, I think it's pretty straightforward and I appreciate your consideration of the bill and appreciate your support.
S.B. 83 Controlled Substance Scheduling Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Presented SB 83 as a process for matching Utah's controlled substance schedules to future federal rescheduling, and addressed questions about cannabis rescheduling and Utah's medical cannabis program.
▶ Watch at 1:36:26Read what they said
controlled sub scheduling amendments. I, in my mind, I think, I feel like this is a more of a common sense approach. We do from time to time, not very often, but once in a while, you'll have an item that is a Schedule one medication, a schedule one medication, that means it's deemed to have no medicinal value, and it's not, you know, legal that, uh, you'll find research being done in particular areas. And there are re there is research being done in certain, uh, controlled substance schedule one items. And, and then from time to time, then they'll be rescheduled. Um, in our state, we, we've put in place a couple of things that help us, but …
S.B. 83 Controlled Substance Scheduling Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said Utah would adopt a federal schedule change and could then make its own rules, but could be stricter than federal law and not less strict.
▶ Watch at 1:40:01Read what they said
You know, then, then we would bring it in at the same schedule and then we would start dealing with it. We, we would have the ability through the Controlled Substance Advisory Council to make other recommendations. You know, and you can always be more strict than the federal government. You can't be less strict, but you can be more strict. Okay.
S.B. 83 Controlled Substance Scheduling Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said the firearm prosecution concern could likely be fixed by amendment or substitute, and that he and the House sponsor could work it out before the floor.
▶ Watch at 1:44:57Read what they said
Yeah, that'd be great. By chanced. Uh, I appreciate Mr. Holland coming forward. And, uh, just to sidebar, we had, uh, I think it sounds like it'd be fairly simple to fix that in an amendment, or if it had to be a sub on the, you know, if it went forward out of the committee. Okay. Good to know. All right. Thank you. All right.
S.B. 83 Controlled Substance Scheduling Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Thanked the committee and public, and said he expects to resolve remaining issues with the House sponsor before floor action.
▶ Watch at 1:46:18Read what they said
No, I appreciate your consideration and, uh, the good questions too, and, and public comment as well. And, uh, like I say, I think, uh, uh, my, between myself and the house sponsor, I think we can work this out before it gets to the floor.
H.B. 557 Revisor's Technical Corrections to Utah Code · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Calls the question on H.B. 272 so the Senate can vote on reading it a third time. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 33:32Read what they said
I'll call the question. The Question is, shall house bill 2 72 be read A third time Roll call vote.
H.B. 139 Female Genital Mutilation Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Introduces H.B. 264 on prescription medication amendments, saying it makes clear that certain medications can be used therapeutically and that he and the House sponsor have worked on it together.
▶ Watch at 50:57Read what they said
Mr. President, uh, this bill is dealing with, uh, some things that we've been trying to do in my Good House sponsor, myself, have been partnering in trying to make it clear that certain medications can be therapeutically,
H.B. 264 Prescription Medication Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Moves amendment number one, a clarification change to the bill, in his name.
▶ Watch at 51:07Read what they said
that certain medications can be therapeutically, uh, substituted. And there is an amendment online. It's amendment number one in my name that makes a small change. A clarification change on line 66. So with your permission, Mr. President, I would like to move that amendment, amendment number one in my name.
H.B. 264 Prescription Medication Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Explains that the amendment clarifies how a pharmacist can substitute a medication when a physician writes a prescription.
▶ Watch at 51:31Read what they said
Yeah, we're trying to make sure it's clear how the process would work for when a physician writes a prescription and how the pharmacist is clear that he can have or he or she has the authority to make that substitution.
H.B. 264 Prescription Medication Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Describes the bill's three changes: a two-year prescription option for non-controlled maintenance medications, clarified language for pharmacy substitutions, and clarified criteria for Department of Health standing orders.
▶ Watch at 52:06Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Yeah, the bill makes three small policy changes, uh, makes it easier for a prescriber to, uh, write a prescription. They will last longer than if they would like. So currently under, uh, state law, the, if a prescription is written for a legend drug, so a legend drug is a prescription. A prescription drug, one that requires a prescription federally requires a prescription, but is not a controlled substance that can be written and refilled for up to a year. So for, for example, if you receive a prescription for a blood pressure medication, it would fall into this category. If the physician puts on the, the adequate refills, then it could be filled up …
H.B. 264 Prescription Medication Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Waives summation and moves that the bill, as amended, be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 54:40Read what they said
Seeing none, Senator Rickers, I would waive summation and move that first substitute house bill 2 64 as amended. Be read a third time.
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Supports the bill, explaining it combines his bill with a regulatory framework that narrows legal sales to raw kratom in tobacco specialty shops for buyers 21 and older.
▶ Watch at 1:12:10Read what they said
You, Mr. Thank you, Mr. President Pro tem. Um, I do rise in support of this. Uh, this is not, this has been a challenging topic to get your hands around. We've been talking about it for, well, I've been working on it, you know, through interim that for like 18 months and trying to find what's the, you know, the right balance. Um, Senator McKell with this substitute is, is Blanding those ideas together. So he's taking my bill, which, uh, which would be Senate Bill 48, which is circled on third, would have banned all seven hydroxy products and some additional alkaloids. Um, there's a re if you know, there was another bill coming outta the house that …
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Supports the bill, explains that the substitute merges his earlier ban proposal with a regulated sales framework limiting raw kratom sales to tobacco specialty shops for adults 21 and older, and urges passage.
▶ Watch at 1:12:10Read what they said
You, Mr. Thank you, Mr. President Pro tem. Um, I do rise in support of this. Uh, this is not, this has been a challenging topic to get your hands around. We've been talking about it for, well, I've been working on it, you know, through interim that for like 18 months and trying to find what's the, you know, the right balance. Um, Senator McKell with this substitute is, is Blanding those ideas together. So he's taking my bill, which, uh, which would be Senate Bill 48, which is circled on third, would have banned all seven hydroxy products and some additional alkaloids. Um, there's a re if you know, there was another bill coming outta the house that …
S.B. 40 Business Entity Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Describes SB 40 as a technical bill with cleanup changes made in the House and moves that the Senate concur with the House amendments.
▶ Watch at 1:29:49Read what they said
this is a very technical bill in nature, really isn't substantive in nature and there were some additional technical changes that had to be made and as we did some cleanup in the house, so I would move that we concur with the amendments.
S.B. 41 Business Entity Technical Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Says the bill is a technical companion to S.B. 40 that makes no substantive changes, and moves to concur in the House amendments.
▶ Watch at 1:32:03Read what they said
Thank you. Motion to concur on these amendments as well. Senate above 40 and 41 are companion bills. It's just because the code was section of code we're dealing with is so big it had to be put in two different bills. Same thing. This is a very technical bill in nature. No substantive changes and there had to be some tech additional technical adjustments in the house. So I have moved that we concur with those amendments.
S.B. 41 Business Entity Technical Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Moves that second substitute S.B. 41 pass and calls for a roll call vote.
▶ Watch at 1:32:40Read what they said
I would move the second substitute Senate Bill 41 pass. And the question is, shall second substitute Senate Bill 41 pass Roll call vote.
H.B. 101 Firearm Background Check Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Says HB 238 is designed to protect Utah electricity ratepayers and establishes a new statutory framework for energy generation and transmission planning.
▶ Watch at 1:40:22Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tem h HB 2 38 is a bill designed to protect Utah rate payers, electricity rate payers. Does by this, by establishing a new statutory framework,
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Vickers moves that the third substitute bill be read a third time and calls for a roll call vote.
▶ Watch at 1:42:51Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President pro tem. I would wait further summation and move that third substitute house bill 2 38. Be read a third time. The motion is shall third substitute house bill 2 38. Be read A third time roll call vote.
H.B. 195 Precious Metals Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Asks the treasurer to confirm that a contracted intermediary would convert a vendor's payment into gold.
▶ Watch at 1:05:24Read what they said
Okay. Senator Vickers? Yeah, thank you Mr. Chair. I I do have a couple of questions. Um, and I, you know, I've supportive that the rainy day concept and, you know, and as far as investing in that, I just wanna make sure I understand correctly and, and, uh, Mr I want to say all I want say is Marlowe, but Mr. Oaks State Treasurer, you mentioned in your testimony that, that we would, if, if a, a vendor re requested to be paid in gold, that that we would, we would go out and contract with them, intermediary that at that point would turn that money into gold for them.
H.B. 195 Precious Metals Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Asks why the state needs to contract for a service that individuals can already do on their own.
▶ Watch at 1:06:24Read what they said
Yep, exactly. Well, I guess the question I got then is, is why, because they can take that paycheck and turn into gold, many vendors. Yeah. And if we're not actually physically giving them gold, I'm not sure why that makes sense for the state to have to contract with somebody to do something they can do on their own.
H.B. 195 Precious Metals Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Asks whether other states that passed similar laws have experience with the program.
▶ Watch at 1:08:41Read what they said
Follow up question if I could. Yes. So, uh, so you mentioned that five states have passed it. Uh, what's, has there been enough history there to know what the experience has been? Has anybody taken them up on it? Uh, have they had challenges with the vendor they've chosen? Uh, um, has there been success failure?
H.B. 195 Precious Metals Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Asks whether the state would select one or more vendors.
▶ Watch at 1:09:29Read what they said
Form. Is that the way It works? I'm sorry. The state would select one Yeah. One or more, right?
H.B. 195 Precious Metals Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Says he is struggling to see why the state needs to be involved when individuals can already convert their pay to gold.
▶ Watch at 1:09:39Read what they said
Okay. I, I, like I said, I'm just struggling when I'm trying to figure out why, you know, especially when the, when an individual can transfer their, their, their check their dollars into gold if they want.
H.B. 195 Precious Metals Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Asks whether opposition is mainly about government competition with the private market or something else.
▶ Watch at 1:16:39Read what they said
Vickers. Uh, thank you Mr. Chair. Yeah. A question for you, because I did receive a number of emails, um, opposing the bill. It seemed like coming from people in the industry similar to what you're saying. So just so I understand clearly, what is, is the opposition primarily because of government competition with a private market? Or is there something else there that I'm missing?
H.B. 195 Precious Metals Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Asks what changed from last year's vetoed version and whether there were talks with the governor's office.
▶ Watch at 1:31:39Read what they said
Yeah, thank you. Just a follow up question. And I, I had forgot that this, uh, was this, at least this policy had been vetoed last year. So what are the changes in this versus that one? And, and do you, have you had conversations with the governor's office?
H.B. 195 Precious Metals Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Asks what changes were made to move the bill from veto to passage.
▶ Watch at 1:35:12Read what they said
Hank I just, you know, I, I just want to be clear, I'm not sure all of the issues have been cleared up, but I just wanted to know what you, what changes you had made to get it from veto to pass?
H.B. 195 Precious Metals Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Says he reviewed the fiscal note and sees that there is a cost that is being absorbed.
▶ Watch at 1:35:39Read what they said
You know, and so that, that, that was the issue. That Was, I noticed the, I looked at the fiscal loan when you mentioned that I looked at the fiscal loan up, it sounds like there's, there's a cost, but it's being absorbed.
H.B. 195 Precious Metals Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Says he is not sure he has read the bill correctly, asks where it addresses competition with others, and asks how merchants would accept gold-backed payments.
▶ Watch at 1:36:29Read what they said
Okay. Thanks. All right. I, I look at it and, and we had lots of emails and that, and I don't, I guess I'm not reading the bill, right? Because first of all, the first thing appears is that this is a continuation of what you started. It's a study. We're gonna set up an RFP look for those vendors, how do we control 'em or, or the parameters of that. And then we're gonna come back and report annually as to here's where things stand now, tell me what else am I missing? Where do we read that we're in competition with others? Because I mean, I have gold backs and, and as I listen to the presentation and …
H.B. 195 Precious Metals Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Says he still has questions but wants to see the idea move forward.
▶ Watch at 1:43:11Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I've still got questions, I'd be honest with you, but I, um, you know, I want to see the, I think I wanna see the idea move forward, but at the same token, I I still have questions. I'm, I'm just, I'm not sold yet. You might say. So.
H.B. 220 Public Safety Data Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Moves that the committee favorably recommend the second substitute bill.
▶ Watch at 1:47:38Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we favorably recommend second substitute Hospital two 20.
H.B. 215 Landscaping Restrictions Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Said the bill seems common sense, noting some HOAs have blocked such clearing, and asked whether it addresses insurance availability in these areas.
▶ Watch at 1:49:09Read what they said
I don't really have a clarifying question, but I, it seems like a common sense thing if, and and I, I guess in a sense by the, what we're saying is the, the WWE code supersedes any others. So really, realistically that's what you're saying. Yeah. And I've seen that actually in some h HOAs, not so much in a municipality, but in HOA where individuals wanted to do that and they wouldn't let 'em. So Yeah. So does this address the problem we're we're seeing now with the people being able to get insurance in these areas? I, I hope it, it, hope it's a step towards that.
H.B. 215 Landscaping Restrictions Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Moved to pass the first substitute of H.B. 215 favorably out of committee.
▶ Watch at 1:50:53Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you Mr. Chair. I would make a motion to be favor. We recommend for substitute house Bill two 15
S.B. 121 Medical Cannabis Program Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Presents SB 121 as a set of annual changes to the medical cannabis program, covering license review timelines, product labeling and names, pharmacy staffing and education, delivery returns, packaging, and a proposed voucher program funded from the restricted account.
▶ Watch at 1:55:42Read what they said
Senator Vickers, you're, you're up. Thank you, Mr. Chair and Committee. Appreciate that. Uh, with your permission, Mr. Chair, I know this committee especially hasn't maybe heard a lot of these medical cannabis bills in the past, so I, I do have, if your permission, I have a, uh, some, a handout that I'd like to pass out to each one. The, the staff has just been so good. These, these bills tend to have some moving parts in them. And so this, this gives you a summary of everything that's included in the bill. Um, each year we look at, we have a, a group of legislators and members of both parties and members of both house and Senate …
S.B. 121 Medical Cannabis Program Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Thanks colleagues and says the bill came from a working group with industry, agencies, legislators, and patient coalitions, and that the recent stakeholder meeting reached agreement with no controversy.
▶ Watch at 2:07:17Read what they said
No, I appreciate your, your comments. Obviously, it's, it's not a, a space that has been, it's been a challenging space, but the one, I think the good thing is is, and I think you can see this with this bill as it comes forward, each year we've had these, you know, as it's from the very start, when we implemented that in 2019 and moving forward, it's, we've, it's one of that we've constantly had to change. And, um, I, you know, you can think about it, that's, that's one of the initiatives that did pass. But even then, the, the sponsors of the initiative recognized that there was challenges. And so that what's brought the working groups together, …
S.B. 194 Election Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Says some counties have high signature thresholds that should be fixed in the future, and says he will support the amendment.
▶ Watch at 1:28:57Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President ProAm. I, I understand why the Amendment's going to pull that out and keep that. I do recognize though, there is a, uh, some isolated situations or certain counties where the signature threshold is quite high because of the way the definition is. So I wish we could fix that. Uh, but I also understand why, um, you know, politically maybe right now is, is better to, to not, and so I'll support the amendment just with the caveat that we just rec that doesn't solve a problem. There is a problem out there, and we need to fix that in the future so we can have further discussion about it. Thanks.
S.B. 194 Election Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Says he has heard from constituents asking that voting not be made harder, and asks the sponsor to yield for a question.
▶ Watch at 1:31:05Read what they said
President Pro tem. Um, you know, we've been pretty active in, uh, election, reviewing our election process and passing, you know, and reviewing a lot of bills. Posing a lot of bills the last couple of years, you know, for, you know, for election law. Question, I, I do have a question for the sponsor. If he would yield, Will you yield Senator McKell?
S.B. 194 Election Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Asks the sponsor how much harder the bill makes it for the public to vote.
▶ Watch at 1:31:30Read what they said
So the question I have is, and it's related to, you know, I've continued dialogue with people in my, my constituency in my area. They, you know, a couple of themes have come forward is, uh, please don't make it harder for me to vote. Please make it, don't make it more difficult. And we talked about that last year. Uh, we certainly don't have a problem with trying, you know, protect people and make sure they don't cheat. But we don't want to, we don't want to make it harder to vote. And one of, one of my colleagues, I heard him say this the other day, and I I have to, I really appreciated the comment. It says, …
S.B. 66 Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Presented SB 66, which reinstates the requirement that a medical cannabis pharmacy license cannot move from one region to another, after a licensing board denied a license holder's requested move.
▶ Watch at 49:32Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. Um, I have no animal noises for this one. So we can guess we can move forward. Um, couple year, a year ago when we did the medical cannabis pharmacy update, and each year there's some provisions we have to modify and, and keep moving forward. And always with the one thought in mind to, to make our medical cannabis program the very best possible medical cannabis program that's in the country. We, uh, when, when we originally set up the program, we established, uh, regions in the state and we allowed certain number of pharmacy licenses, cannabis pharmacy license to go out. And with the idea of having, making sure that there were certain number …
S.B. 66 Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Thanked the committee for the motion and said the bill is meant to take effect quickly, with the sponsor's hope that it could move on the consent calendar.
▶ Watch at 52:46Read what they said
Yeah. I appreciate the motion. Um, we actually tried to get this taken care of during the special session. It just didn't seem to rise to the level of emergency, although we're trying to get it through as quickly as possible. So I appreciate it. And if successful in the motion, uh, just, uh, maybe request, you might consider consent calendar simply because we're trying to move as through as quickly as possible so we can get a immediate effective date. But with that, I'd appreciate your support.
S.B. 66 Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Amendments · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Said the bill is simple and asked the committee to consider the consent calendar so it can take effect as soon as possible.
▶ Watch at 53:33Read what they said
So I just wanted to, at least in the summation, let you know that what we're trying to do is do as quickly as possible. So thank you. And it's a simple bill.
S.J.R. 13 Joint Resolution Honoring Irish and Irish-American Contributions to the Founding of the United States · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend SJR 13 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 34:41Read what they said
Thanks Chair. I would move that we favorably recommend SGR 13 Discussion to that one.
S.B. 84 Department of Commerce Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Explains that the Senate made a minor amendment that did not change the bill in any way and moves to concur.
▶ Watch at 11:00Read what they said
to concur. We just made a, a minor amendment to, did not change the bill in any way, shape or form. Do some corrections. So motion to concur. Okay.
H.B. 192 Vehicle Inspection Fee Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Said that counties along the Wasatch Front have inspection fee caps or market rates, that fees in Utah County range from $30 to $40, and that overcharging would not last long in business.
▶ Watch at 1:08:51Read what they said
May I respond to? Go ahead. Thank you. Uh, chair. Um, I think one market study that's out there now along the Wasatch front, we, uh, our counties still have mandatory admissions checks every year. I don't know, I'm not sure about Washington County, but no, they don't. Along the Wasatch front we do. Um, and in Weber County, they have a cap. They have a mandatory cap that's $40 is what you can, you can't charge more than $40. In Utah County where I'm from, there's no cap. It's just market rate. So it's just whatever it is. So is what's happened is up in Weber, everybody's charging $40 every time down in Utah County, it ranges from $30 …
S.B. 261 Pharmacy Practice Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Sponsor describes SB 261, which clarifies collaborative pharmacy practice agreements, adds vaccines and epinephrine to pharmacist prescribing, and allows online sales of pseudoephedrine with electronic verification, with a provision letting the board skip the program if a system is unavailable or too costly; he says he will move the substitute.
▶ Watch at 41:16Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. Chair. Uh, each year the state pharmacy board, uh, meets and has amendments that they'd like to propose to their code, uh, this year. They're fairly minor, but there are these, this is the product of that. It does a few things. It clarifies the definition of a collaborative pharmacy practice agreement. Quite often pharmacies will have a collaborative practice agreement with physicians to perform certain services. There's some clarification on that. There are has a small list of things that, uh, pharmacists are allowed to, to prescribe and administer, and they're proposing to add vaccines and epinephrine to that. And then the, uh, the final piece is adding a provision to allow for online sales …
S.B. 261 Pharmacy Practice Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Thanks the committee for hearing the bill and for the proposed changes.
▶ Watch at 44:53Read what they said
No, I appreciate, uh, you know, your, the bill being heard and, and a few proposals, the changes we're proposing. So thank you.
H.B. 258 Insurance Coverage Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Vickers says he is very hesitant about the bill, is sensitive to the insurance mandate, and asks whether Senator Cullimore was absent.
▶ Watch at 1:26:09Read what they said
Oh, great. Um, I, I'm, I'm very hesitant, similar to Senator Musselman. Um, it's interesting to listen to the public testimony when it, it appears that this would help somebody if they chose to, to, uh, detransition. Um, I guess I can see why the community would, would oppose the bill because they don't want anything that looks like it is, um, in opposition to transitioning to, I I can get that. I also, um, am sensitive to the mandate on insurance, but I'm like Senator Musselman. I'm, I think I'm doing, I'm very hesitant, but I'll, I'll, I'll say I, I think Senator Cullimore was absent. Is that correct? Okay.
H.B. 392 District Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Explains his vote, saying he has reflected on the bill for some time, cites precedent for three-judge panels, supports the issue, and votes aye.
▶ Watch at 41:33Read what they said
Mr. Thank. Thank you Mr. President. I'd like to explain my vote. Uh, this is one that I've actually been thinking about for some time trying to kinda reconcile in my mind what, what's good policy in that and not, not dealing an awful lot with the court. So I usually reach out to some friends and we discuss things and kick it around. Um, there is some precedent for this and we've done this with some other issues and, and set up different, uh, three panel judge courts. Um, I look at the specific issue, uh, and I, I support what, what's being, try trying to be done. And like I say, it, it hasn't been an easy decision …
S.J.R. 5 Joint Resolution Amending the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Moves to encircle House Bill 33 on political signs amendments.
▶ Watch at 48:15Read what they said
Okay, Mr. President, motion to encircle House Bill 33. Motion encircle House Bill. 33. Political Signs, amendments, Political signs, amendments.
S.J.R. 5 Joint Resolution Amending the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says the bill had a robust discussion.
▶ Watch at 48:37Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, we had a really a, a robust discussion about this, uh,
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says the earlier discussion focused on identifying sign owners, stickers on signs, and whether signs can be placed in parking strips.
▶ Watch at 48:42Read what they said
last week and talking, uh, through there was really focused down on a couple of things. We, you know, the, the premise is to try to make sure that a sign is identified who owns a sign and talked about putting stickers on that We remember we had a lot of discussion about stickers and also, uh, you know, can you put a sign in a parking strip? Those, there were, those were kind of the two things that we really focused in on, uh, during the discussion.
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Moves to replace H.B. 33 with first substitute H.B. 33, which presumes candidate ownership of signs, requires a sticker on signs placed by others, and allows signs in mowing or parking strips next to property with owner permission.
▶ Watch at 49:08Read what they said
So I'd like to make a motion deleting title and Body House bill 33 and replace it with first substitute House bill 33. And the substitute addresses those two issues. And I wanna be transparent about this. So the first is that presumption of ownership. And, uh, we, if a sign is placed with the owner, you know, for a candidate, it's presumed that it's owned by that candidate or his, uh, the group that supports him. If it's anyone else, they do have to have a sticker on it to identify that's the case. And it can be on the front or the back. It just has to be identifiable to somebody standing there. Uh, the other, the other …
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Explains that the bill addresses people altering or destroying signs, lets municipalities collect loose signs for candidates to pick up, presumes candidate ownership, and allows mowing or parking strip placement with owner permission.
▶ Watch at 51:51Read what they said
No, those are the major changes in the bill. Just reminding people in the members of the body that, uh, we're trying to find a balance. And so we've had instances, every, every campaign, we have instances where people are, are altering other people's signs. They're destroying signs. This sets up a process where number one is we can identify a sign who's, whose ownership, who put it there. Even if it's a sign against a candidate, that sign would have to have some kind of an indication on it that who, who put that sign up, who owns that. Uh, also if signs get taken down from time to time, you'll find signs laying around. Sometimes it's people doing …
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Presents the bill, describing its aims on altered and misplaced political signs, ownership identification, and municipal storage of signs, then thanks Senator Riebe for the question.
▶ Watch at 51:59Read what they said
And so we've had instances, every, every campaign, we have instances where people are, are altering other people's signs. They're destroying signs. This sets up a process where number one is we can identify a sign who's, whose ownership, who put it there. Even if it's a sign against a candidate, that sign would have to have some kind of an indication on it that who, who put that sign up, who owns that. Uh, also if signs get taken down from time to time, you'll find signs laying around. Sometimes it's people doing nefarious things. Other times it's just people doing funny things. Sometimes it's just the wind blowing 'em around. And a municipality can gather those signs and …
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Responds that the bill does not add a penalty enhancement, that signs on overpasses are already not allowed, that the 14-day period gives time to remove signs after the election, and that the bill only lets municipalities hold loose signs for pickup.
▶ Watch at 55:27Read what they said
Thank, thank you Mr. President. Appreciate the question. First on the enhancement penalty, actually there is no enhancement penalty in this bill that's already current statute, so that that's already there. Um, the, the question about an overpass, actually, it's not a, it's not allowed to put a pa a sign on an overpass now. Uh, so it, if that was the case, you know, that would, that pla sign placement would've not have been appropriate and not, not legal. Uh, as far as the, the 14 days, that's a kind of a runway to allow individuals to have some time after the election in a timely fashion. I'm, I'm with you. I, I'm, whenever I run a campaign, I …
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Responds that the bill has no enhanced penalty because it is current statute, that signs on overpasses are already not allowed, that the 14-day period gives time for sign removal after an election, and that the bill lets municipalities store strayed signs for candidates to pick up.
▶ Watch at 55:27Read what they said
Thank, thank you Mr. President. Appreciate the question. First on the enhancement penalty, actually there is no enhancement penalty in this bill that's already current statute, so that that's already there. Um, the, the question about an overpass, actually, it's not a, it's not allowed to put a pa a sign on an overpass now. Uh, so it, if that was the case, you know, that would, that pla sign placement would've not have been appropriate and not, not legal. Uh, as far as the, the 14 days, that's a kind of a runway to allow individuals to have some time after the election in a timely fashion. I'm, I'm with you. I, I'm, whenever I run a campaign, I …
H.B. 40 Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Presents H.B. 40 as a minor change that moves one license from one part of the code to another and cleans up language, with no substantive change to any construction trades license.
▶ Watch at 59:04Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this bill is the one that makes a, a minor change moving one section, one license from one part in the code to another, and then it goes through and cleans up some language. That's basically the every 15, 20 years you have to go through. There are codes and, and modify things as we make changes over and over again. You get seeing things out of alignment or in different sections. This, that's all this bill does. There's no substative change to any license, uh, or any in any of the construction trades. Thank you. So with that, I'm open for questions.
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Asks what problem the bill is meant to fix, given the number of recent election bills. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:14:10Read what they said
Um, whenever I see, you know, we've had a lot of election bills in the last few years. There's been a lot of heightened, uh, notoriety and heightened interest and engagement in these. So I, I always kinda have to ask myself this question, what's the problem we're fixing and what's, what's, what's really the problem that we're trying to fix?
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Asks how many cases of noncitizens voting in state elections have been found in recent audits.
▶ Watch at 1:16:21Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. ProAm, a follow up question. I know that there's been some audits done on recent elections looking at this specific thing and also some other aspects, you know, uh, persons that votes counted that shouldn't have been, and those types of things. To your knowledge, how many, uh, cases have been found where someone who was an i, an alien, illegal alien, was able to vote in our state election?
H.B. 22 Vintage Vehicle Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Asks how the 1982 vehicle date was chosen.
▶ Watch at 1:45:51Read what they said
Sponsor yield. Senator Bus, will you yield? Yes, go ahead. Senator Vickers. Yeah. Uh, question present. So she mentioned 19, the sponsor mentioned 1982. I'm just wondering how that date came about. Is that a random pick or is it? I mean, it's making me feel kind old, so I'm just wondering It's 1982 seems to me, but go ahead, Senator Bus.
S.B. 275 State-Endorsed Digital Identity Program Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Moves that the committee favorably recommend S.B. 275 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:00:34Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we favor, we recommend Senate Bill 2 75
S.B. 275 State-Endorsed Digital Identity Program Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Comments that the bill received broad support, including from the agriculture community.
▶ Watch at 1:01:24Read what they said
No, thank you. I appreciate it. It's not, it's interesting that you get, um, you know, this much support for Bill and as I was receiving texts while you're, you know, presenting and even, even agriculture is, you know, is on board for this, right? So there's, you got everybody from sheep to whatever, you know, supporting it. So anyway, I just, I I appreciate your in the bill.
H.B. 40 Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Presents H.B. 40 as a cleanup of construction trades licensing law, including moving alarm company licensing requirements to another section of the code, and states there is no substantive change.
▶ Watch at 38:00Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This is the classic reification of 20 years of work. As we've gone through all the construction trade licensing it, it moves, uh, the licensing requirements for an alarm company from one section of the code to another. And then it goes back through and cleans it cleans up, uh, everything to do with licensing in that construction trades. There's no substantive change at all and in any of the professions, uh, just real realistically is that classic reification and cleanup that we do periodically through different parts of our code that I'm open for. Any questions?
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Presents the bill to allow schools to terminate contracts with vendors that violate student privacy laws without fees, after a notice and 30-day remedy process, and to have the state board investigate and audit violations.
▶ Watch at 58:19Read what they said
at at BYU and other places looking at privacy concerns. A to to us this was actually started as a committee bill and, and we looked at it in committee. There were a few changes that were made in the house that kind of took off the committee bill, uh, designation, but I I think they were fairly minor. But this bill provides schools with the tools to respond decisively when vendors break the law. Currently schools that discover privacy violations often find themselves contractually trapped. They can't termin terminate agreements without triggering penalty clauses or buyout fees even when the vendors are illegally profiting from student data. HB 55 fixes this. It requires contracts to include mandatory termination provisions …
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Answers that the bill lets the state school board investigate violations and lets schools terminate vendor contracts when vendors do not comply.
▶ Watch at 1:00:32Read what they said
Well, what, what this says is if, if vendors have found, if, if the school board or others find violations of student privacy, that the, the state school board can investigate that and then they can terminate the contract with, with the vendor if they're not complying with the, with the rules. They said they were complying with
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Moves that the House bill be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:01:20Read what they said
Uh, I move that HB 55, uh, privacy compliance for education technology vendors. Be read for a third time.
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains that SB 55 corrects an omission so the practitioner in the relevant specialty is authorized to give the required patient notification for placental tissue used in stem cell treatments.
▶ Watch at 23:56Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, a few years, a couple of years ago, we allowed for Senate tissue to be used in stem cell treatments and we required some notification going to the patient. And in under indications we left out one, uh, important piece. We didn't authorize the practitioner to, to issue that notification. So this bill cleans that up and allows the practitioner that's in that specialty to be able to provide that notification. With that, I'm open for questions.
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains that when medical cannabis pharmacy licenses were set up by region, the intent was to keep them within those regions, and describes a change made last year that is now being addressed.
▶ Watch at 25:59Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, when we originally set up the medical cannabis program, we set up regions in the state when we had, uh, indicating certain number of licenses for medical cannabis pharmacies would go in each of those regions. And the intent was to keep them within those regions, not allow them to move from one region to another. Uh, last year in the bill that we were doing to,
S.B. 66 Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains that last year's bill inadvertently left language allowing a medical cannabis pharmacy license application, which was denied, and that this bill fixes that and keeps licenses within each region.
▶ Watch at 26:17Read what they said
Uh, last year in the bill that we were doing to, to add some amendments to the cannabis program, we inadvertently left changed some language that allowed that to happen. Uh, there was one application for that. That application was denied. And the Medical Cannabis Licensing Committee, because of the intent, they were aware of the intent of the legislation and they knew that we were going to come back and try to fix it. It this is the piece that fixes that and keeps those licenses within each region. Thank you again for that presentation.
S.B. 83 Controlled Substance Scheduling Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains that under the bill, if a product moves off Schedule I, the state would adopt the federal schedule it receives, and notes the advisory committee can recommend stricter but not less strict rules.
▶ Watch at 28:21Read what they said
and products that are considered Schedule one and the FDA and DEA will put us in a new schedule on them moving in them to a, a different schedule off of Schedule one. Uh, this bill is more of a common sense approach to, from the state perspective, in that we would say that if, if a move, if a product was moved to a different schedule than Schedule one, that the state would start out wherever the FFDA and the DEA scheduled that we also have in place, uh, controlled substance advisory committee that reviews these changes from time to time and makes recommendations to the legislature. They can make recommendations that are more strict than the federal government. …
S.B. 121 Medical Cannabis Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Presents the bill as the latest in a series of annual changes to the medical cannabis program, including license review timelines, product labeling, a voucher program for low-income patients, and background check changes for caregivers and guardians.
▶ Watch at 31:18Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. You know, I think everybody knows the history of medical cannabis in the state of Utah, and it was, uh, came forward with an initiative that went through we all, at that time, we had the ability as legislature to make changes to that. There was a, you know, really a strong, healthy negotiation that went on and putting that piece of legislation together. It was a, a very long bill and it was line by line and a lot of different pieces in it. And since then, we've moved forward with the idea of every year as we review this, we've had some very thoughtful legislators over the years and currently that are looking at …
S.B. 121 Medical Cannabis Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Responds that the program has seen roughly two or three bills most years, with many changes, and that the total could approach a thousand including special sessions.
▶ Watch at 36:46Read what they said
We've tried to consolidate for the most part, but every year there's two or three, and they tend to be pretty big. Um, not all of them, but some, like today, you know, I just had one that only corrected one piece, but most of the time there's two or three bills, and you'll see that in this legislative session that are adjusting moving parts. And so I don't estimate here with this bill and maybe a couple of other bills that I'm aware of, at least one other bill I'm aware of. There's probably 30 components, but there, most of them are minor changes, but there's still changes. And, and so you've multiply that over the course of the …
S.B. 121 Medical Cannabis Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Says a bipartisan working group and advisory and compassionate use boards exist, a University of Utah research component was added, and the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of Health and Human Services still monitor and regulate the program.
▶ Watch at 37:45Read what they said
Um, we, thank you, Mr. President for the question. We did set up a working group and designated, uh, certain legislators from both parties and both House and Senate to continue to review that. And we do meet on a regular basis throughout the year. And that these bills tend to be the product of those discussions. We also have an advisory board that we've set up that makes recommendations to the board. Some of those are included here. We also have a compassionate use board and we also have a research component that we've just added, uh, the, at the University of Utah to help us give information back to the legislature trying to make, make additional good judgements. …
S.B. 121 Medical Cannabis Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Says the question is subjective and describes how the original initiative had language challenges, and how a legislative group worked for hours to shape the initiative's intent into statute.
▶ Watch at 39:04Read what they said
Senator Vickers? Uh, that's more of a subjective question. I'm not sure, but I can tell you this, that when, from the, in on, on this particular one, when we're talking about this initiative, back then, when the initiative passed, uh, even the advocates recognized that there were some challenges with the language in the initiative. And Speaker Hughes at the time, um, stood up and got a good group of, from both, you might say, competing sides on the thing to put, to put together. He got legislators, uh, myself, others that are in the body today, and that worked on this. And we spent hours and hours and hours changing trying to get from where the initiative intent …
S.B. 121 Medical Cannabis Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Gives closing remarks thanking colleagues from both parties and both chambers, then moves that the first substitute of S.B. 121 pass.
▶ Watch at 42:44Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you, Mr. President. It took a little different twist than I was expecting, but at the same token, um, as I've looked at this, I, and I have to admit that I was really hoping that my legacy as a legislator would be something besides medical cannabis. Uh, I can think of a lot of other things. Uh, but the fact of the matter is, we've had a lot of legislators over the years work on this and work with me. I'm kind of the last guy standing from the original, uh, crowd that's, you know, worked in this space. But over the years, we've just had really conscientious good legislators. We've had minority party members, majority party …
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Said the bill is a companion to his own while the Legislature decides between a ban and allowing natural kratom, explained his bill's 7-OH trace limits, and said regulators, not store owners, should decide what is safe.
▶ Watch at 1:19:43Read what they said
Um, I, I guess I'm here representing the fact that I'm up to my eyeballs and create 'em this session and have been all through the interim. Uh, just wanted to comment on a couple of things that I've been, been over here. I'm here to present another bill. But I'd like to, you know, I think Representative Dailey-Provost has done a really good job of presenting the bill to you kinda understanding we're put, we're moving this through as can we kind of of move this through the, the session at some point in time, we have to determine, uh, whether we're going to support a full ban, which, uh, would take really move a lot of these, the …
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Said 7-OH is far more potent than morphine and dangerous even in small amounts, and needs to be removed from the market.
▶ Watch at 1:23:07Read what they said
Your permission if, if I, yeah, go ahead. Give you a little bit of help on that. Uh, seven hydroxy and very small amounts is very dangerous. It's 20 times more potent than morphine. So that, you know, that's the step front. And I, Mr. Plum talked about that, the fact that how, how dangerous it is. So the, you know, in, in a very small amount, very small trace amounts in per your rock kratom, you really have to do, have a, a big truckload of, you know, stuff to get to that point. But it doesn't take a lot. And, uh, but, and just to remember that seven hydroxy is a very deadly product. It's very dangerous. And …
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Said his bill makes 7-OH a Schedule I drug with a narrow trace-amount exception modeled on Florida, while the separate ban bill would outlaw all kratom alkaloids.
▶ Watch at 1:24:00Read what they said
It? So my bill basically makes seven hydroxy a schedule one narcotic, which means it has deemed to have no medicinal value, which means that it's illegal to sell in the state of Utah. Uh, it does have a small, it does allow for the, uh, trace amounts left and create 'em. So the bill is patterned after a bill that was, uh, run in Florida, that was passed in Florida. Uh, although I felt like that their definition of trace amounts was allowing too much seven hydroxy in it. So we tightened it down to a very small minute amount that, uh, could be, you know, actually in a raw creto plant, but it would actually move seven hydroxy …
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Said kratom is labeled as a nutritional product, so dosing regulation would require a cannabis-style system, but pharmacy behind-the-counter sales remain an option.
▶ Watch at 1:26:06Read what they said
Well, if you're talking about trying to deal with dosing on this, it, it's, let's, it's, it's a nutritional product. It's labeled as a nutritional product. It's not a, it's not labeled as a pharmaceutical. And so the only way that you could talk about dosing and everything else is set up a whole regulatory process like we do with medical cannabis. Yeah, I don't think you want to go there. And now if you, the an op you mentioned an option of being sold somewhere besides, uh, you know, either in a gas station, a convenience store, or a vape shop. You could choose somewhere. You could choose a retail pharmacy, uh, and then just require them to put …
H.B. 387 Kratom Modifications · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Said options are still being considered, compared the approach to hemp regulation, and said harmful products need to be removed.
▶ Watch at 1:27:06Read what they said
So Those are, Are options that are still kind of on the table. This is still kind of a, a moving target, but, uh, I think we're, we're centering in on where we want to be. Um, I'm just, like I say, I just, I just wanted to let you know that the, the structure, we, and actually we've done this similar structure with hemp, hemp products, you know, that we are trying to, to regulate in the state of Utah. And, uh, these are things, and we're, we're really out in front of the rest of the country on that kind of stuff. And so we're trying to do, be very thoughtful and, and, uh, make sure that we …
H.B. 374 Speech, Language, and Hearing Occupations Licensing Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Said Representative Ballard is the lead sponsor, that he is filling in for her, and offered to let her present the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:51:38Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. Chair. I didn't realize that, uh, Representative Ballard was going to be able to join. She certainly is the lead sponsor on the bill. I'm the friend that she phoned to kind of fill in for her, but I know that she's got some exciting things going on in her family today. So, uh, I, I'll leave it up to her whether she wants to, to do some presentation and I'll try to do some follow up or whatever. Great. Thank you. Go ahead.
H.B. 374 Speech, Language, and Hearing Occupations Licensing Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Thanked the committee and the stakeholders and referred to handouts prepared for the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:52:46Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. If I could maybe continue on with that as she, as she mentioned, and hopefully the, uh, I've given some handouts to the staff that representing Ballard Prepared. Hopefully those got passed out with your permission. Yep.
H.B. 374 Speech, Language, and Hearing Occupations Licensing Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Summarized the bill's provisions on consolidating speech and hearing licensure under the Division of Professional Licensing, scope of practice, and licensing qualifications, then asked to hand time to Jeff Shumway.
▶ Watch at 1:53:00Read what they said
As she mentioned in, in the interim, during business and Labor, we were talking about a, a, a bigger bill that had had more components in it, and this was included in that. And that this piece of it, there was really no consensus at that time and felt like it'd be best to, to take that out and run it as a separate bill. And Representative Ballard, who's on that committee, uh, volunteered to do that with, if you look at the handout, and I think to, if you look at the highlights, you know, looking, looking for example on educational issues, the high level, the bill would remove licensing of school audiologists and school, uh, speech and language …
H.B. 374 Speech, Language, and Hearing Occupations Licensing Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Said the American Speech and Hearing Association, the Utah Speech and Hearing Association, and the International Hearing Society support the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:56:12Read what they said
Yes. Other than just to follow up on, uh, Representative Ballard mentioned that there has been a number of groups working on this. I just, you know, want you the committee to be aware that the American Speech and Hearing Association, the Utah Speech and Hearing Association, international Hearing Society, have all indicated they support the bill and appreciate the work done on it.
S.B. 167 Reintegration for Disciplined Students · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Explains that a prior law allowed stem cell treatment using placental tissue with patient notice, and that this bill adds an authority left out of that law.
▶ Watch at 42:45Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, a couple years ago we passed a, a piece of legislation allowing for stem cell treatment using placental tissue and we required notification to the patient and some other things in the bill. The one thing we left out is the authority for the PR practitioner who is working in a space
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Explains that the bill lets practitioners give the required notification and invites questions from senators.
▶ Watch at 43:00Read what they said
for the PR practitioner who is working in a space to give the notification. So this bill, which was one of those casualties on the last night a year ago, is one that simply does, that gives the practitioner the authority to, uh, give that notice out. And without, I'm open for any questions.
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Waives summation and moves that Senate Bill 55 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 43:33Read what they said
Thank you. I waive summation, move the Senate bill, uh, 55. Be read a third time.
S.B. 66 Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Explains that the bill reinstates the requirement that medical cannabis pharmacy licenses stay within their assigned region, a provision that was removed from an earlier bill.
▶ Watch at 46:05Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, when we originally set up the medical cannabis program, we set up regions of the state and we allowed certain number of license, pharmacy license to go in each region, the idea to keep 'em within that region. Uh, a year ago when we did our medical cannabis bill that had a number of different new provisions in it, we inadvertently pulled that provision out, realized that we actually, it, it became, um, apparent when a cannabis pharmacy wanted to move their license from one region to another. And we had no way to prevent that. Fortunately, you know, the, the advise the licensing board recognized that issue and we, we as legislators let them …
S.B. 66 Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Moves that Senate Bill 66 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 47:13Read what they said
I will waste some motion to move this Senate. Bill 66, be read a third time. Thank You. And the question is, shall Senate bill 66 be read a third time Roll call
S.B. 66 Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Explains that Senate Bill 83 would adopt the federal DEA and FDA scheduling for a product moved off schedule one, and would allow Utah to later impose stricter scheduling.
▶ Watch at 48:30Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tem. Uh, from time to time there'll be a product that, uh, research comes forward and it may be classified as a Schedule one product, and then it comes out and becomes now an f uh, a rescheduled product to a lower schedule. Uh, this bill simply says that if seems like common sense, that if this, if a product like that comes forward that and it's scheduled, we would schedule it here in the state of Utah at the same scheduled class that is done by the DEA and the FDA. Um, this is not being done with any, any in, in any product in mind. We're just trying to set up a process …
S.B. 66 Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Waives summation and moves that Senate Bill 83 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 50:17Read what they said
Thank you. I'd wa summation move the Senate. Bill 83. Be read a third time
S.B. 121 Medical Cannabis Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Presents a substitute that removes the DHHS education hour requirement, allows medical cannabis to leave the pharmacy in packaging other than opaque containers, and exempts guardians or caregivers of incapacitated individuals from background checks in exchange for an attestation, and sets up an RFP with a nonprofit to help low-income Medicaid or Medicare patients pay for medical cannabis.
▶ Watch at 51:30Read what they said
a substitute online that I'd like to move on this, uh, it, it adds, uh, three components, um, in our, this is the bill that we typically, uh, Senator Escamilla has, has coined at the Christmas Tree Ornament Bill. It's the things that we look at with throughout the year, look at the program and see the things that we can make it stronger. And this, this is that the substitute simply does three things. It removes the one honor or time requirement on education with DHHS. It just reason for that is they were finding that they didn't, that one hour is actually too hard and too lengthy, so they didn't really need that long. Um, it removes the, …
S.B. 121 Medical Cannabis Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Moves to delete the entitled body of S.B. 121 and replace it with first substitute S.B. 121.
▶ Watch at 53:19Read what they said
And, uh, so I'd like to make a motion to delete entitled and Body Senate Bill 1 21 and replace it with first substitute Senate Bill 1 21.
S.B. 121 Medical Cannabis Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Explains changes in the substitute, including longer licensing board review time for ownership changes (30 to 60 days), rulemaking on radiation-based methods and label terms, replacing the term back panel with Fact Panel, changing license removal from may to shall for certain violations, and requiring pharmacy agents to be designated, trained, and approved for the electronic verification system.
▶ Watch at 53:44Read what they said
Prota. In light of, um, the hour, let me be as quick and brief as I can. So those are things that were in the new substitute. Some of the things that we're addressing trying to make the pro the program stronger and better as a medical program. Um, we're giving some timeframe changes to the licensing board to review an ownership change moving from 30 to 60 days. Here again, common sense, they just need a little bit more time to review all the owners that might be a part of the new, new operation. Um, addition to radiation based methods allows for additional quality assurance or remediation processes to be established by UDA, an administrative rule. Uh, lemme …
S.B. 121 Medical Cannabis Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Gives a closing summation and moves that first substitute S.B. 121 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 55:44Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President ProAm I'D wa summation move that first substitute Senate Bill 1 21. Be read a third time
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Presented the substitute bill, walking through changes for physical and occupational therapy, CRNA prescribing, a 2,000-hour experience requirement for nurse practitioners, athletic training, respiratory care, reducing physician assistant hours from 10,000 to 8,500, and acupuncture, and noted a pending fix on PA procedures under the cosmetology act.
▶ Watch at 2:25:00Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, this bill seems to always attract a lot of attention every year. Um, since we implemented scope with, uh, LER or Office of Professional Licensure, we, um, looked at a number of different professions. This bill has some moving parts to it, and there's a number of different professions we're looking at. Um, it's been a very thoughtful process started throughout the, it's been discussed throughout the, the interim throughout as we've discussed this in business and labor. Let me go through the bill and tell you, I, there is a substitute out there and it's substitute one, and that's what I'm going to address there. Also, um, there, there's a couple of minor, well, …
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Moved to replace S.B. 31 with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 2:35:25Read what they said
Yeah, I'd make that motion that way. Deleting title and body Senate bill 31 and replace it with first sub Senate bill 31.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Confirmed that everything he presented and the summary relate to the substitute.
▶ Watch at 2:35:39Read what they said
Everything that I addressed you and the summary that you have before you is related to the sub.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Said current code specifies none, so the roughly 1,250 hours earned in school would apply.
▶ Watch at 2:37:04Read what they said
Actually, currently there isn't any specified, so it'd just be assumption that the 1,250 that they accumulate in school would be it.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Asked whether the question was about PA hours or nurse practitioner hours.
▶ Watch at 2:38:13Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you. So just a clarifying question if I could Mr. Chair? Yeah, go ahead. When you're referring to that, are you talking about the PA hours or the nurse practitioner hours?
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Explained that supervised experiential hours are a norm in medicine, that the added 750 NP hours affect only students going straight through school, and that the PA number came from stakeholder negotiation though he would have preferred lower.
▶ Watch at 2:38:32Read what they said
Okay, thank you. Um, for the nurse practitioner, it, well, both of 'em, I, I think in the medical profession, especially people that are, are treating patients, uh, there has, it is, it is the norm that, and quite frankly, for good reason that students get good supervision as they go through experiential rotations before they are just turned loose. So for example, the, uh, a physician, you know, they're gonna go through medical school, they're going to, uh, do through an internship, then a residency, and they accumulate 12 to 1600 16,000 hours of supervised, you know, experiential rotation. Um, the value, it certainly determined that the value of that is that having that, that student, and I've been, …
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Clarified that the wheel's figure excludes the 500 nursing-school hours, so students currently have about 1,250.
▶ Watch at 2:42:00Read what they said
Lemme clarify that. It's a decent wheel. If I could Mr. Chair. Yeah, Go ahead. This doesn't include the 500 they get from nursing. This is only while they're a nurse practitioner of the seven 50. So currently a student would have about 1,250.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Responded that other medical professions require similar experiential hours, that quality of supervised hours matters, and that the NP provision has a delayed implementation date until 2028.
▶ Watch at 2:44:57Read what they said
Go ahead. Say I respond Mr. Chair. Yeah, that's the question. Thank you. Um, the, the practice and the assumption and the pro proof is in the fact that in medical fields, students need experiential rotation. Let me point out, physician assistant, how many hours do they, they acquire during their training, 2000 nurse anesthetist, 2,500 pharmacy, 17 60, 17 40, um, nurse practitioner, 750, we're actually giving the, the 500 plus the seven 50 bringing into 2000, which falls into the realm. That means that they're simply in their experiential work as they're in their core CU curriculum, are gonna get about the same number of hours If other professions have proven time and time over that, it's, it's …
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Remarked that the wheel shows physicians getting 12,000 to 16,000 hours. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:47:13Read what they said
Well, of course they do because it shows they're getting 12 to 16,000 hours on everything. Yeah.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Said the wheel is just simplified data that may be based on averages. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:47:26Read what they said
But it's just data. It is just, and I'm, I apologize material no's. I shouldn't be Interrupting. No, it's good. Yeah. It is just data. Right. Um, but, you know, and it might be based on averages. It's, you know, there's a lot of things that go into it, I'm sure. 'cause this is certainly, is certainly simplified. Yeah.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Confirmed that everything else in the bill is a limited expansion of practice.
▶ Watch at 2:49:21Read what they said
Yeah. Everything else is, if I could Mr. Chair. Yeah, go ahead, Sarah. Yeah. Everything else is a, an expansion of practice to a certain extent. It's limited, but it is an expansion of practice. Yes.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Said the licensure review process involved many practitioners, similar to the process in the other bill.
▶ Watch at 2:50:20Read what they said
Yeah, I would say that, if I could Go ahead. Go ahead, Sarah. Yeah, I would say that the process has gone through by ler and I, and I can certainly let them come up and defend their, their actions, but it was done very much in the line of scope of how one 50 is set up, because they did involve a lot of, a lot of, uh, practitioners in the practice and others as they went through the, the research on it.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Asked when the witness graduates from NP school.
▶ Watch at 3:08:31Read what they said
Yeah. If I could ask the witness, um, when do you graduate from nurse practitioner school?
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Said the witness would be exempt and asked how many hours he had accumulated.
▶ Watch at 3:08:42Read what they said
Go ahead, sir. You would be Exempt from the bill. Yeah, you would be exempt. Okay. Is there, How many, let me ask a follow up question. How many hours have you accumulated through your schooling and outside work, either as a nurse or a nurse practitioner? Have you accumulated up to this point?
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Confirmed the witness would be exempt due to the delayed effective date.
▶ Watch at 3:09:41Read what they said
Yeah, because, because there is a delayed effective date. Right. Um, you in your particular case would be exempt.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Said licensing is complaint-driven and there were enough complaints in these areas to prompt the recommended changes.
▶ Watch at 3:13:35Read what they said
Uh, yeah. As you know, Mr. Chair, um, everything within doppel licensure is, uh, complaint driven. And so the in information coming forward in these, in these particular areas, that drives the need to, drives the need in LERs mind to make recommend changes or specific complaints coming in within the profession. Um, uh, certainly not gonna go through each individual thing, but that just let you know that there were sufficient enough complaints in the area to drive the need for. Just felt like there was the need to make some changes.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Said he knows of no deaths but is aware of malpractice and inappropriate therapy cases, and suggested asking the review office director.
▶ Watch at 3:14:42Read what they said
I'll try. Um, I'm not aware of any deaths. I am aware of number of, of situations of, uh, malpractice or inappropriate therapy. And you can call back up the director of ler if you want to get, try to get more specific.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Summarized that most of the bill expands practice, hours changes were negotiated, out-of-state graduates have paths into Utah, and only about 1% of NP applicants would be affected, and asked for support.
▶ Watch at 3:15:23Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, you know, I appreciate, you know, the, just the whole thoughtful deliberation that's gone on in this, this bill. And, and as you can see, and it was pointed out, there's numerous places in here in the bill that we're looking at, uh, expanding practice, expanding scope of practice, uh, has been thoughtful and deliberative. The, um, criteria that seems to be focusing around hours on, particularly in two particular professions, one we're reducing, one we're increasing slightly. Um, those have also been very thoughtful and negotiated and worked through with the, with the professions that we've been dealing with. And like I say, uh, I want to point back out that, and also one …
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Committed to getting the requested information to Senators McCay and Weiler.
▶ Watch at 3:19:13Read what they said
Now you've called the, the account. I, I just for the committee, I will do everything I can to get the information as requested, both from Senator McKay and Senator Weiler and have that available
H.B. 98 Residential Notification Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Waives summation and moves that first substitute H.B. 98 pass.
▶ Watch at 6:13Read what they said
Thank you. I, uh, I would wa summation and move the first substitute house bill 98 pass.
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Sen. Vickers presented the bill, saying it moves definitions for glass, child care and similar construction from other state codes into the building code to align builder and inspector understanding.
▶ Watch at 32:14Read what they said
Thank. Thank you Mr. President. Um, yesterday we were talking about the bill. So the bill in words, there were some questions. I mean, it's, uh, it's a big bill and when, when we're changing, you know, updating, uh, commercial code commercial, both commercial and residential building codes and does a lot of things, this bill, and I think where the, some of the questions lied were with some of the definitions. So in the, in the bill, you're gonna see some definitions about, uh, certain types of glass and protections. And then you're also gonna see a few cha some changes that had, that looked, that appeared to be a change, although they were not. But it appeared to …
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Sen. Vickers said he would answer but first asked to pose a question to Sen. Winterton. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 36:15Read what they said
Mr. President, uh, I, I would like to answer the question, but I'd like Senator Vickers like to ask the sponsor of the question a question if that's possible.
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Sen. Vickers said a water heater rule is being clarified for areas with air quality attainment, which he said reduces cost and time, and asked Sen. Winterton about his specific concern.
▶ Watch at 36:24Read what they said
do you have a specific area that you're interested in? But let me just clarify the answer to your, your question is, if we are adding something in here that is doing that, then yes. But for, let me use the example of the ultra lox water heater. We're clarifying now that if you're off the Wasatch front in areas that are, are in an area where you have air quality attainment, you don't have to use those expensive water heaters. So that's actually reducing costs by clarifying that a, a builder and an inspector line up together on a particular issue that actually reduces issues, reduces time, and it makes it easier for the, the con contractor to get …
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Sen. Vickers said the glazing definition was moved from the school safety section into the building code and does not add new requirements.
▶ Watch at 40:01Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Thank you for that question. As I indicated in my original presentation, just, just as I started the presentation, I wanted to clear up some questions. The question, the area that you're referring to is a definition of certain things, glazing and other things that, that did not currently exist in the building code. It existed in the school safety section of the building code. And by what we're doing here is just taking that definition from there, moving it into our building code. So it's there, but it is not requiring anybody to do anything different than was already required in the school safety section. So this bill is not requiring any additional, in any …
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Sen. Vickers said the definitions mirror existing health code requirements, that nothing in the bill requires schools to act, and that the bill changes nothing.
▶ Watch at 42:09Read what they said
Mr. President? Thank you Senator Vickers for the question. Um, no, same thing. Uh, as I mentioned previously, the, those are definitions that exist in the health code and those are requirements in the health code when people start are putting those types of facilities in. All we're doing is mirroring that, that definition in the health code, health construction code, moving it into the, our, our building code so that people, so contractors are aware they're there, but it does not change anything. So like I say, for example, you mentioned about the school safe, the school safety piece, there's nothing in this bill that requires schools to do anything with that, that exists in the school safety piece. …
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Sen. Vickers said projects already in process may proceed under the current code.
▶ Watch at 43:46Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President, thank you again for the question. A very thoughtful question. Uh, it's my understanding that is if you have a something, a a a project and process, then you're able to exist on the current code.
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Sen. Vickers summarized the bill, said it aims to be more concise and not add burden, and moved that the fourth substitute pass.
▶ Watch at 44:10Read what they said
Yeah, thank you. And I appreciate the questions, you know, and, and I admit I'm not, I'm stand not standing here as an expert in this area, but I'll tell you what, I've learned a lot and as we've studied through this and the good sponsor in the house is an expert on it and we worked through this, we honestly are trying to make things more concise and easier to follow and not add in any, any type of burden. If, if you're looking for a bill that's adding burden and cost, this isn't it. But, uh, with, I appreciate the, the, the, the questions, the thoughtful consideration and that's what makes this process so good when we get …
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Waives summation and moves that H.B. 77, Tax Modifications, pass.
▶ Watch at 48:43Read what they said
Thank you President. I'll waive summation to move that house. Bill 77 tax modifications pass.
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Speaks against the substitute, noting that his bill would schedule 7-OH and that the substitute would only study the issue, and says a policy decision on regulation is still needed.
▶ Watch at 1:10:48Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I would speak against the motion to substitute. Um, this is, this is an area that we, you know, we've had great discussion about, uh, for, you know, a number of months going back probably about 18 months now, and trying to figure out what's the right policy and what's the best way to move forward as we approach Now we've got a couple of options out there, and one is, uh, Senate Bill 48, which is circled on third. And that's, and that was the one, if you remember that bill that, uh, that I ran that is am running that schedules, uh, seme seven hydroxy metrology and, and a couple of related alkaloids. …
H.B. 45 Fire Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Presents H.B. 45, which updates the State Fire Code to adopt more recent International Fire Code and related safety codes and removes outdated sections.
▶ Watch at 9:13Read what they said
Senator Vickers, Thank Mr. President. Uh, as we discussed yesterday, hospital 45 updates and amends. Utah State Fire Code to align with most recent national fire safety standards. Just to highlights, uh, modernizes the State Fire Code by incorporating updated additions of the International Fire Code and related Safety Codes. Um, it removes outdated code sections and enhances, uh, public safety by adopting more recent fire safety codes and built aims to improve fire prevention detection response across the state. And should, you know, general public and occupants of of buildings should benefit from enhanced safety measures under more current fire code standards and brings Utah in line with modern fire codes making enforcement clearer and more effective. That I'm …
H.B. 45 Fire Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Waives summation and moves that the bill pass.
▶ Watch at 10:16Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I waive summation and move that first substitute house. Bill 45 pass. Thank
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Sponsor explains that H.B. 65 updates and clarifies construction code language, changes the ultralow-NOx water heater requirement for areas of attainment, corrects a 2024 swimming pool and spa code update, creates a base residential energy code, and says unchanged parts of a remodeled home do not have to meet current code.
▶ Watch at 20:42Read what they said
Uh, this, this bill updates, uh, Utah's construction codes making changes to how building instruction standards are defined and codified in law and state law. It revises terminology and amends construction code language. The goal is to modernize and clarify existing code privileges and improves code clarity and lines construction law in Utah with more current standards and definitions of making compliance easier for builders and and inspectors, it supports safety and consistency. Strong construction codes help promote safe building practices and uniform enforcement statute. As far as the legislative housekeeping, it's largely technical and structural focused on code refinement. Rather than creating any new programs or mandates, it promotes clarity and uniformity and Utah's building standards. So developers, inspectors …
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Sponsor waives summation and moves that the fourth substitute H.B. 65 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 23:06Read what they said
I would waive summation and move that four substitute house Bill 65, be read a third time. Thank you.
H.B. 98 Residential Notification Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Presents the bill as a good-neighbor measure requiring residential treatment homes to notify neighbors within 300 feet within 30 days before or after a new home opens, citing 911 calls.
▶ Watch at 25:03Read what they said
President. Um, I guess you could call this a good neighbor Bill. We have residential treatment homes in communities, uh, and, and a practice of many of them is to, you know, to notify their neighbors within 300 feet that they will be opening up and being in, in business. This simply, uh, puts it in code that if one of these facilities is going in, that they do notify those neighbors within that 300 foot radius within 30 days before or after a new home opens. Uh, the law enforcement has, partners have been reporting that neighbors often call 9 1 1 for issues this way and just be giving an indication that those are going to open, that …
H.B. 98 Residential Notification Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Says the approval process runs through the state, notes that local governments have limited control over such facilities, and says the bill aims to make sure nearby residents are aware of new facilities.
▶ Watch at 26:16Read what they said
Yes. Uh, the approval process will go through and, uh, you know, and I, and I've worked in this space somewhat in, in southern Utah. We have actually, in my county, we have a lot of, uh, different types of, of treatment centers and, uh, troubled youth homes and those types of things. And one thing that I've found in, in a lot of it, not specifically in residential treatment facilities, and so this is maybe a soapbox moment, but, uh, a lot of these facilities we don't have a lot of local control over and what's going on with them that's, it's basically regulated on a state level and, and there's not a lot that the local entities can …
H.B. 98 Residential Notification Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Waives further summation and moves that the first substitute bill be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 27:18Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I'd wave further summation to move that first substitute house bill in 98. Be read a third time.
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Presented S.B. 72, which clarifies that producing or distributing obscene animal abuse material is prohibited and creates a standalone code section for it, and says the bill does not increase enhanced penalties except by adding animal crushing to existing prohibitions.
▶ Watch at 37:41Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair Committee. Um, I do have a handout for this. If it's okay, I'll have Up hand up Your staff. Why don't you bring up to staff? I was just, that was a bad joke. With your permission, of course. We'll let Taylor handle it. Thank you. Well, I have to tell you, this is, uh, not a space that I'm, you know, used to working in or comfortable even working in. Even coming to judiciary is not a place that I've been very often. So, lemme just tell you, this was, this issue was brought to me by some law enforcement officers in, in southern Utah. And unfortunately, it really is a real problem. As we …
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
In closing, said he regrets that the topic must be discussed, clarified that existing statute already covers obscene human-animal material, and said material that meets the obscenity standard should not be in libraries.
▶ Watch at 46:16Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. And in summation, uh, number one, I, I think it's unfortunate we even have to talk about this stuff. And, and, but also in, maybe in light of the, the one public comment, I'd like to clarify that if we're talking about, I've seen pornography between handles and humans, that's, that's already in statute, we're bringing that stuff together and bringing clarity and transparency to it. The piece about, uh, so if, if those types of things are in, in libraries somewhere, they probably shouldn't be. And because they meet those, those, that classification of obscenity. And on as far as the, the, you know, the animal crushing type thing, we're sim most of the time …
S.B. 84 Department of Commerce Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Vickers introduced SB 84, which would let the Department of Commerce compile business and license lists in-house and place the fees in a fund for technology improvements.
▶ Watch at 1:40:03Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Uh, seated with me today is Deputy Director Jacob Har, and he'll have a little bit of testimony on this as well. Senate Bill 84, the Department of Commerce provides access to information about businesses and, and license holders as a free service. Uh, organizations can ask, can also ask for the department to compile business or license information for a fee. Uh, currently third parties do this work and retain all the fees they charge. Senate Bill 84 would allow the Department of Commerce to do the, that work in-house and place the fees in a fund to improve its technology. And I think then simple nature, that's what the bill does. And if …
S.B. 40 Business Entity Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Says S.B. 40 and S.B. 41 are very large bills that were split up, and turns the presentation over to the House sponsor.
▶ Watch at 1:50:00Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Um, when we talk about Senate Bill 40, we are also talking about Senate Bill 41. And because it is one of those classic reification and kind of taking different, uh, different chapters and titles and putting them together, and so, and, and they're massive, when you start looking at it at, they're massive. And so it, it was actually so massive that we couldn't get it all in one bill. If you look at Senate Bill 40, it's 9,000 lines, uh, with Senate Bill 41, they're, you're approaching, you know, 15,000 lines of, of, of text. Not all of it is obviously is new code or anything, but, but it does do that. And …
H.B. 45 Fire Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 45 as modernizing the state fire code by adopting updated International Fire Code and related safety codes, states the fiscal note shows no direct cost impact, and asks for questions; none are raised.
▶ Watch at 5:17Read what they said
Senator Vickers. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, house Bill 45. First substitute is, uh, a bill that went through the interim process, you know, with, with business and labor. And periodically we have to look at our construction trades and other things to bring things up to standards. And this, what this does specifically is it modernizes the state fire code incorporating updated additions of the International fire code and related safety codes. It updates technical and conforming language in existing fire code statutes to reflect current fire safety practices. It removes outdated code sections and restructures how certain fire safety rules are defined and applied public safety enhancement by adopting more recent fire safety codes. The bill aims to …
H.B. 45 Fire Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Waives further summation and moves that the first substitute of H.B. 45 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 7:08Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I would waive further summation and move that first substitute house. Bill 45. Be read a third time.
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 33 on political signs, covering a ban on obscuring sign messages, removal of violating signs by anyone, a ban on signs on utility poles and boxes, disclosure of who paid for larger signs, a 14-day post-election removal rule, and a sign retrieval process.
▶ Watch at 32:53Read what they said
Um, as every year it seems like we have, whenever there's an election, there's always, uh, conflicts over signs. Uh, this bill is one of those that didn't quite make it to the finish line last year, but some examples, uh, people putting stickers on top of other Canada's signs, they're placing signs on top of others, blocking them. Everyone here I think knows, you know, some of those challenges. Uh, municipalities worry about, you know, the, the whole deal, uh, the kind of the consensus is we need to probably make a few changes. So here's some. The key points of what we're doing here in this bill is it prohibits the obscuring the messaging of a political sign. …
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Says the disclosure can be on the front or back of a sign, as long as someone standing next to it can tell who paid, and it need not be large.
▶ Watch at 36:05Read what they said
So if the way I understood the question, Senator, was that the question about the difference between a candidate sign and an advertisement or, but the, but the, the requirement to notify who paid for the sign could be on the front or the back of the sign. The stipulation is that someone standing next to the sign needs to be able to tell who paid for it. So therefore it could be on the back or the front. And it doesn't have to be large. It could, and it could be a sticker, it could be put on simply saying, paid for by candidate. They're friends of candidate X. Is that Juab your
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Says that if the back of a sign is not visible to someone standing next to it, the disclosure would need to be on the front.
▶ Watch at 37:04Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President ProAm? No, Mr. President ProAm, in that case, it has to be clearly it be able to tell someone's standing next to the sign. That's the kind of, the parameter has to be able to tell who paid for the sign. So in a case like that, it would have to be on the front. It just has to be on the sign somewhere where someone can see it if they're standing there next to it.
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Says he will research the question and points to bill language on printing small type or affixing disclosure to the back of an advertisement.
▶ Watch at 37:40Read what they said
You know, I'm happy to do a little more research on this, Mr. President pro tem and I don't have that particular thing. It does say, you know, you know, in a good point by the good Senator because on line 1 0 4 it says, may be printed in small type or affixed to the back of the advertisement. It just, you know, the, the clear language is that it, uh, has to be able to be determined. I'm happy to either circle right now, or I'm happy to address this, uh, uh, with, you know, with the, with the good Senator.
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Says the bill language indicates the penalty would be specified by the county or municipality.
▶ Watch at 39:06Read what they said
Vickers. Thank you, Mr. President Proti, looking quickly to find that, um, it, it appears that in the language in the bill, that it, that would be specified by the county or municipality.
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Says the disclosure must be clearly and conspicuously identified on the sign, may go on the back if the back is visible, must otherwise be on the front, and must be readable.
▶ Watch at 40:02Read what they said
You, Mr. President ProAm and Mr. President to Tim. Um, reading on lines 93, starting there, it says that it clearly and cons conspicuously identified for the reader, observer or listener, the person who paid for the advertisement and where required the authorization related to the advertisement. Turn over, you know, turn over to line 1 0 4 and says it can be affixed to the back of the advertisement. So, and also an answer to, uh, the previous question as, as, as way of stipulating the bill, that if someone's standing next to a sign, it just has to be clearly and conspicuously identified on the sign and it that, you know, who paid for it. It could be …
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Says he does not see park strip language in the bill and will follow up with the senator.
▶ Watch at 42:07Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President Proti. I have to admit, I don't know, um, looking quickly, trying to find that, I don't see that in the bill, but I'm certainly hap happy to circle back with the, the good senator and we can figure that out.
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Says he is not aware of a specific narrative behind the bill, and that the goal is for every candidate sign, whether for or against, to show who paid for it.
▶ Watch at 43:54Read what they said
Uh, Mr. President pro tem, I am not aware of a narrative like that that led to this. My understanding of the way this came about is it just seemed to be fair that every candidate sign, whether for against or whoever that in there should be some indication of who is, is sponsoring that particular sign paying for it. And that's, and I guess that's the question for me, is I assume driving down the road that if there is a sign that says, uh, you know, for example, vote for Senator Bram Brammer, that, uh, that that's a sign that Senator Brammer, uh, supported. Right? And, and like that's a, a pro thing. Uh, and I would even, …
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Says such a sign would be in violation, could be removed by anyone, would likely be collected by the municipality or county, and could carry a retrieval fee.
▶ Watch at 45:30Read what they said
In that case, the sign would be in violation. It could be removed, uh, by anyone actually, uh, it's in violation. Most likely the municipality or the county would take that and collect the sign. And then, uh, if in, in the bill, it indicates that they would have a place for those signs to go and the candidate or the person responsible could go pick up the sign. But if it is in violation, if they find there's also could be a stipulation that the county municipality would have a, some type of a fee structure that would charge some camera a fee for that.
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Is willing to discuss the amendment, noting candidate signs usually name their sponsors and that signs opposing a candidate should clearly identify who paid for them.
▶ Watch at 47:27Read what they said
Um, thank you Mr. President Pro Tem. I'm certainly willing to discuss that. I'm just thinking through kind of the scenarios that the good Senator Vickers brought up in the question. I think you're absolutely right. There are ca most cases the, when a sign is there advertising for a candidate, it's most likely, likely gonna be saved, say, paid for by friends of, you know, candidate X. Uh, it could, there could be situations where an individual, maybe a friend or someone just wanted to put up some signs for someone, but most likely that's not the case. I did see a situation in, in my own county, uh, not that long ago when there was a candidate for …
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Asks for the question to be restated.
▶ Watch at 49:18Read what they said
Mr. President pro tem, I didn't quite, uh, hear the question. Could you maybe repeat for Me? Okay. Would you restate the question please?
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Confirms the disclosure principle is the same as for paid mailers: identifying who is paying for the advertisement.
▶ Watch at 49:40Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tem. Yeah, Mr. President Pro tem. The principle is the same, just trying to disclose who is paying for it and yes. Uh, the good Senator Vickers Correct in that, uh, when an advertisement goes out, a mailer or something they have to have on there, who's paying for it? Yes. That carrying that principle is carrying over now to, in this bill to political science? Yes.
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Sums up that the principle is transparency in election advertising, says he will work on issues before third reading, and moves that H.B. 33 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 50:30Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro tem. Um, I'm certainly happy to answer a couple of questions and work on some things between now and third. Um, I think the, the principle is good and it's good and sound, you know, that we're trying to make it clear, you know, and have some transparency as we advertise for elections. And so with that, I would would ask the body support me and, and I would make a motion that House Bill 33 be read a third time.
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Presented the substitute bill, which clarifies coordination with SB 31 and sets out how the Office of Professional Licensure Review would review requests for scope of practice changes, and said he does not have a strong preference between 'may' and 'shall' in the review-and-recommendation language. He noted the Medical Association's request for tighter wording in certain lines.
▶ Watch at 2:18:07Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I do have a substitute online and a potential amendment to that substitute. Uh, so I'll address the sub. Primarily the differences in the sub were to do some clarifications and pri and coordination with Senate Bill 31. So we didn't have any conflict between those two bills. Um, we've been dealing for a number of years with different types of, um, changes in scope of practice in the healthcare arena. And so oler or Office of Professional licensure often reviews those and we take, take a look at it. Typically what happens is someone will bring a, a piece of legislation forward, uh, to change a licensure or scope of practice. It's oftentimes it's, uh, …
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Moved to replace the bill with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 2:40:43Read what they said
I'll make a motion that we do entitled Embody Senate Bill one 50 and replace it with first substitute Senate bill one 50.
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Raised the policy question of whether the committee should direct action after the preliminary report or leave the language as 'may', and offered a technical amendment on line 166 adding the word 'take'.
▶ Watch at 2:41:11Read what they said
Question for the committee. If you look at the amendment to the first substitute Senate bill one 50, what the, the policy question is, is after, after the preliminary report is given, and it, and it's given to the Business and Labor interim committee, do you want to direct specifically that the committee take action or just leave it as a may? And I don't care if we, if we choose to leave it just a may as it is in the sub. I do need someone to make, and I can do it if you want, but I need to make a verbal amendment, which is a technical correction on line 1 66, which is just adding the word …
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Described the amendment, which adds the word 'take' before 'any other action' on line 166.
▶ Watch at 2:42:10Read what they said
And so right after c add the word take so it would re it read, take any other action.
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend the first substitute as amended.
▶ Watch at 2:42:46Read what they said
I would make, uh, a motion that we favorably recommend first substitute Senate bill one 50 as amended.
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Noted the standard for when a request would rise to the level of review: a change that would give patients better access, better outcomes, or lower costs, and that it would only come forward if regulation were needed.
▶ Watch at 2:42:59Read what they said
Um, just one, one point, you know, I'd refer you to, if you're thinking what could rise to the level of this look at lines 89, 88, or 90 and 91, um, it's going to provide a patient better access to healthcare, better health outcomes, or lower healthcare costs. So keep that in, that barometer in mind. And also, it would come forward only if it's something that had to be regulated. So it would, if it didn't rise to that, then it wouldn't come to this. So, thanks.
S.B. 223 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 2, 2026
Presented Senate Bill 223, which extends the sales and use tax exemption for electricity production equipment to 2037 and adds energy storage over two megawatts.
▶ Watch at 0:40Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Let see. Is that mic on? I guess. Yeah, I can hear You. There we go. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Appreciate the opportunity to coming before you. This, um, uh, we actually, you heard this bill last year and we actually passed out a committee and it, uh, the fiscal note kind of killed it in the house, and that's always that opportun possibility this year as well. But we, we feel like it's important to bring it forward, especially since the time is running, running out on it. Uh, I don't need to school this committee, especially the Senator Vickers, are here on what's happened and how Utah has taken the approach to …
S.B. 87 Naloxone Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 14) · Feb 2, 2026
Sen. Vickers says he has no questions and supports the bill, recalling the NCSL collaboration and noting that federal and manufacturer expiration dates for some medications, including naloxone, can be longer than the product remains good.
▶ Watch at 41:05Read what they said
Thank. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, don't have any questions, but I do rise in support. Uh, as, uh, good senator mentioned, we were able to collaborate together with a group of legislators, I and some experts from NCSL and others to talk about some specific issues. This one does make sense, especially specifically when she's talking about the expiration date on some of these medications. You know, it's interesting. Um, certain federal laws require us to put an expiration date on certain products, uh, for example, compounds. When we do any kind of a specialty compound, it can, no, it has to have at least a six month expiration. Can't be, can't be longer than that even though the …
S.B. 33 Office of Professional Licensure Review Sunrise Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Presented SB 33, which removes the requirement that a legislator take a proposed new license regulation to the Office of Professional Licensure Review before sponsoring it.
▶ Watch at 18:09Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair and Committee. Um, Senate Bill 33, office of Professional Licensure Review. Sunrise Amendments when LER, or Office of Professional Licensure was, uh, put in its current form a few years ago, I think it was Senator Bramble that ran that bill. Um, it was put in place that if a new, if a legislator wanted to sponsor a bill that created a new license regulation, they were required to take it to LER before doing so. Uh, through the process, we found that legislators didn't like that too much. They don't like shall, and, you know, we don't like to be told what to do. So, and sometimes, and that's just the way, you know, kind …
S.B. 33 Office of Professional Licensure Review Sunrise Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said he would clarify the difference between the two rules being discussed.
▶ Watch at 22:31Read what they said
So I understand the Sunset. That was actually my role. And Mr. Chair, I think if I could enter maybe, and if you want me to do a summation, I think, but I think I can clear up what you're talking about. 'cause I think you might be talking about two different things.
S.B. 33 Office of Professional Licensure Review Sunrise Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Explained that the house rule requires a standing committee to check whether the office conducted a sunrise review, and that this bill only removes the requirement that a legislator go to the office in that circumstance.
▶ Watch at 22:50Read what they said
So I think what you're talking about, Representative Dunnigan is HR two. HR two had a provision that if, um, and it is a house rule, and we had a senate rule when considering legislation that proposed to make an occupation a regulated occupation, a standing committee shall determine whether the office of con office meaning Oler, conducted a Sunset, Sunset, sunrise review of the occupation. So what that really is just saying is simply that if a, a committee had a bill come to them, that they were proposing to do regulation on a new, on an occupation that had not been previously regulated, the committee chairs or the committee would just simply check to see if LER did …
S.B. 33 Office of Professional Licensure Review Sunrise Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said the change makes going to the office a choice for a standing committee or the Legislature rather than a requirement.
▶ Watch at 24:21Read what they said
to you it was a shall you had to go to ler. We're removing that so that that requirement. And so We'll go to a standing committee and the standing committee will determine if it Uintah ler. Is that it? The Leg, the legislature slate or could choose to go to LER if they chose to uhhuh, but they don't have to. Alright,
S.B. 33 Office of Professional Licensure Review Sunrise Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Confirmed that the sunrise review would be voluntary and offered to have staff member Jeff Sheway answer more detailed questions.
▶ Watch at 25:35Read what they said
Is that what it's doing? Yes. Okay. And I also have Jeff Sheway here if you have any more detailed questions.
S.B. 33 Office of Professional Licensure Review Sunrise Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said he would waive further summation.
▶ Watch at 26:04Read what they said
No, I think that we've discussed I, I'll waive some further summation. Great. Thank, thank you Representative Kyle. I'll waive.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Asks for clarification on whether the bill requires local or state health departments to be consulted when a national or international agency is involved.
▶ Watch at 28:55Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you. Uh, representative? Uh, yeah, just in clarification, so as I was reading through the bill, and I apologize 'cause I expected to spend a little bit more time on it before you got to it, but, um, and you mentioned that, uh, just have local input on that. So, for example, if the, if a, a national or some type of an agency that dealing with health, then you'd look to the state health department or the local health department.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Says the bill's wording seemed to refer only to international organizations such as the World Health Organization.
▶ Watch at 29:23Read what they said
In here, because I couldn't see, I couldn't see. It was, it seemed like it was, it was more inflecting that it was just if the, the World Health Organization or something.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Notes the word exclusively and asks where the bill outlines that local health departments are included.
▶ Watch at 29:38Read what they said
But, um, it just says exclusively, I guess, you know, I mean, the common sense tells me that you'd wanna follow, you know, local health department, state health department. But you mentioned in your presentation that that would be how it works. So I just wanted to know where that's outlined in the bill.
S.B. 163 Municipal Prosecutor Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Asks whether a contracted attorney could be deputized who is not a city employee.
▶ Watch at 34:13Read what they said
Vickers? Yeah, thanks. So, Senator, I'm assuming as I read this, that means that the individual, they might deputize wouldn't be a city attorney or a city employee, could be someone just in practice that that city attorney chose to deputize or,
S.B. 163 Municipal Prosecutor Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Asks whether the arrangement is for one case when the city attorney is unavailable.
▶ Watch at 35:13Read what they said
Yeah. So tell me if I'm wrong. The way I was reading this is like, you have one case and a case that, you know, the, the current city attorney just is tied up with other things, so they then they essentially hire a deputize uh, an individual to come in for that one case. Would it be kind of a, would that be the situation?
S.B. 163 Municipal Prosecutor Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Describes multi-city contracted attorneys in southern Utah and asks about handling cases they cannot take.
▶ Watch at 35:48Read what they said
Okay. I know in our, in, you know, in southern Utah, a lot of small towns, you know, they'll contract with the, you know, a public attorney that mm-hmm. You know, sometimes, sometimes public attorneys will be city attorneys for multiple cities. Right. But are, are, and I guess maybe I'm, maybe I'm misunderstanding what you're trying to do. So let's say, and that's the case, you know, you've got a, a contracted attorney that's multi working in multiple different cities, you get a case that they actually aren't able to handle, so they'd have to go outside of their already contracted attorney and then then they deputize somebody else or hire somebody else. Is that what we're getting doing? …
S.B. 163 Municipal Prosecutor Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Asks whether the arrangement would be a permanent retainer basis.
▶ Watch at 38:08Read what they said
Would, I guess, would, would it be more on like a, a permanent con retainer basis then, or
S.B. 163 Municipal Prosecutor Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Says he understands the arrangement now.
▶ Watch at 38:30Read what they said
Okay. I think I get it. Now. My minimum, my minimum legal mind is Grasping this now, But it's, it's still better than mine, Senator.
S.B. 163 Municipal Prosecutor Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend SB 163.
▶ Watch at 43:05Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would make a, a motion that we favorably recommend Senate Bill 1 63.
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Asks whether a sticker stating who paid for a sign could be used to meet the disclosure requirement.
▶ Watch at 1:22:49Read what they said
And just a follow up question. I, I assume that you could, you could print off some type of attachment sticker to, to put on that said who was paid by That. That's exactly right. So if, if you look at line, um, uh, sorry, I'll, my pages have all moved around,
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend HB 33 out of committee.
▶ Watch at 1:23:43Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you Mr. Chair. I would make a recommendation that we favor favorably, recommend HB 33
S.B. 194 Election Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Sen. Vickers asked about the reasoning behind provisions on documentary proof of citizenship that would limit some voters to federal elections.
▶ Watch at 1:33:57Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I've got a, maybe a technical question and then just a couple of other questions too on, I'm trying to figure out why. Well, may, not necessarily why, but what's the impetus behind this? Uh, on lines 4 23 through 4 39 talks about this documentation of proof of citizenship. And then through, then there's two or three other places during the bill where it says that the lieutenant governor, if they find, if they can't prove that they're, you know, have that citizenship, then they're only allowed to vote in a federal Election. So I
S.B. 194 Election Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Sen. Vickers asked what specific voter information the bill would make public.
▶ Watch at 1:36:07Read what they said
Okay. Thanks. If I could follow up another question, Mr. Chair. Sure. Um, I get, you know, in the bill you're talking about, uh, making, uh, voting information public. Yeah. And specifically what information is public?
S.B. 194 Election Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Sen. Vickers said he is conflicted because the Legislature has long protected personal privacy, and up to 40% of voters chose to keep their records private for a reason.
▶ Watch at 1:38:23Read what they said
Thanks. So this, I guess this is where I've had kind of an internal battle. Oh, you're good. An internal battle on this. So for years up here, we have many, many organizations have been focused on protecting people's privacy. Uh, your driver's license, your address, you know, your, your social security number and everything else. And now all of a sudden it's like we've flipped a switch and said, oh, we were just kidding. Yeah. When it comes to elections, and often, oftentimes I see the same faces that have been hammered on me for privacy now on a public, and, and I've heard conversations. Well, yeah, but up to 40% of the people that have chosen to have …
S.B. 194 Election Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Sen. Vickers said requiring at-risk voters to go through hoops to prove their status may lead many of them to stop voting.
▶ Watch at 1:40:33Read what they said
If I could follow up just one more, uh, yes. Thought so at the es the at risk voter, you know, we, we actually, and this one in another bill we discussed the other day. Yeah. Um, we're asking them to go through a lot of hoops to prove that they're at risk. Really, essentially what you're gonna do is, I would guess that a high, high percent of those, those individuals are just gonna choose not to vote because they've already gone through a lot of trauma to get, become an at-risk voter. Right. And then to have to prove that again, just so they could vote, I'm guessing that a big, high percentage of those people are just …
S.B. 194 Election Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Sen. Vickers asked whether the lower signature threshold would mean candidates in very small counties like Daggett need only a handful of signatures.
▶ Watch at 1:42:03Read what they said
Okay. I do have a question. Going back to the signatures. Yeah. I don't have a problem dropping it down there, but you've made it, if this is gonna be standard across the state. Mm-hmm. Okay. DI County got 250 voters there. Yeah. So that means that they only have to have like four signatures. To me, it seems like the other, you know, 20 of them will, will all get signatures to be on the ballot. Yeah. Have you considered that?
S.B. 194 Election Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Sen. Vickers said the bill has things he likes and dislikes, he still has concerns, but he wants to keep it moving forward.
▶ Watch at 2:18:07Read what they said
Yeah. Thanks, Mr. Chair. Um, you know, this is one of those bills when it isn't a big bill, whether you wanna call an omnibus or whatever you wanna call it, it's just got a lot of items. There's things you like and things you don't. And I think in this case, uh, you know, I think you understand some of the things I have concerns about. Yeah. And I, I, I guess I just wanna keep moving forward and, you know, working on it. So I guess I'll raise my hand halfway when I vote. So anyway, appreciate your work on it. It though.
H.B. 73 Public Employee Retaliatory Action Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Moves that the committee favorably recommend HB 73.
▶ Watch at 2:31:30Read what they said
Senator Vickers, thank Mr. Chair. I would make a motion that we would favorably recommend HB 73 discussion.
S.B. 5 General Government Base Budget · Senate floor debate (day 9) · Jan 28, 2026
Presents S.B. 5, which appropriates base budgets for ten agencies, with about 149.8 million from the general and income tax funds plus restricted accounts, and 451 million in fiscal year 2027, and opens to questions.
▶ Watch at 24:35Read what they said
before you talk about the general government based budget. If the short version of this not very lengthy description is we have a lot of agencies and we cover almost half of the fees that are actually in state government. The bill appropriates the base budgets for 10 agencies that are directly overseen by this appropriation committee. Career Services Review office, department of Commerce, department of Government Operations, department of Financial Institutions, the Governor's Office Insurance Department, labor Commission, public Service Commission, office of the State Auditor and Tax Commission. In total, a Bill Appropriates 149.8 million from the general fund and income tax fund for operating and capital Budgets and another 10 million from general fund to to other …
S.B. 5 General Government Base Budget · Senate floor debate (day 9) · Jan 28, 2026
Moves that Senate Bill 5 pass under suspension of the rules.
▶ Watch at 25:45Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Suspension rules. I would move that Senate Bill five pass. Thank
S.B. 52 Substitute Teaching Requirements Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Says he consulted rural superintendents, educators, and school board members who support the bill because it returns decisions to local control, and he rises in support.
▶ Watch at 26:48Read what they said
Um, you know, I admit I am not an expert on education issues and I haven't sat on public ed either appropriation or, or only I think on the education one one year. But so I, time I, I kind of become skeptical about any kind of a, a legislation that comes forward in public ed. So I reach out to the people I trust and as many of us do that live off the Wasatch Front, we have pretty good relationship with our rural superintendents and others, uh, educators, uh, principals, school board members. And on this particular bill, I, i, we, I reached out and, and they're pretty supportive. In fact, they support, especially the idea that the …
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Presents SB 55, which would give physicians authority to provide notice to patients under the placental tissue and stem cell treatment provisions that were left out of an earlier law.
▶ Watch at 30:19Read what they said
Okay. So thank you Mr. Chair and committee. Uh, a couple years ago, we actually passed a bill that this, the primary, most of the pro proceed provident the things in this bill and allowed for stem cell to be used, uh, in treatments. Um, we, and we put in there that the, the physician would disclose to the patient certain things. We, unfortunately left out one important part of that. We left out the authority for the physician or the provider to provide notice. So I know that sounds kind of, uh, ludicrous, but that's exactly what happened. We ran the bill and, uh, last year we had this bill. It was one of those ones that got on …
S.B. 66 Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Presents SB 66, which restores a provision barring medical cannabis pharmacy licenses from moving between regions, removed inadvertently last year, to keep patient access across the state.
▶ Watch at 32:29Read what they said
Okay, so this is similar. Uh, when we originally set up the medical cannabis program, we set up regions in the state, and we specifically said that, you know, the pharmacies couldn't transfer locations to a different region. When we did the medical cannabis cleanup bill last year, we inadvertently took out that clause. And so there was an application for a pharmacy to move from one region to another. The medical cannabis licensing board met. And, uh, a number of us that have been involved in this space as legislators, uh, testified in the committee letting them know that that was not the intent. The intent was, is to keep that region component in it. And we tried actually. …
S.B. 83 Controlled Substance Scheduling Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Explained that the bill would start state scheduling of a product at the federal schedule, while allowing the state Controlled Substance Advisory Council to recommend a stricter schedule.
▶ Watch at 35:23Read what they said
controlled Substance Scheduling Amendment. Senator Vickers. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Chair. Um, this one, we are trying to get out in front of any action taken by the federal government. We have a number of situations where, um, products come forward and they're scheduled. And if you, if you remember, um, Epidiolex, Epidiolex was A-A-C-B-D product that at time was, uh, scheduled as Schedule one. It went through the FDA process. It went through the FDA approval process and became a drug. And it was, it was put into schedule and, and it was scheduled as a controlled substance. Uh, oftentimes we have taken looks at different PR me medications within the state of Utah. In fact, representing Paul Ray …
S.B. 83 Controlled Substance Scheduling Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Clarified that ketamine is allowed in Utah for off-label use, that state action would govern a product already rescheduled in Utah, and that rescheduling does not make a drug available in pharmacies without FDA approval.
▶ Watch at 44:03Read what they said
Yeah, thanks. You and it, it may be in the light of some of the testimony just to clarify. Um, and, and I I'm gonna have to do some clarification and maybe even Senator Plumb can tell me, but Ketamine is actually allowed to be used in the state of Utah. It's used as an off label medication. And so I questioned that schedule one that, you know, one of the, that the public testified, and we can check on that, that way we can do some double checking on that. Um, but the fact of the matter is, uh, so for example, you know, the item that he used that would saying if, if ketamine was, uh, reclassified in …
S.B. 121 Medical Cannabis Program Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Sen. Vickers presented SB 121 and walked through its changes, including license ownership review time, electronic payments, safe storage, medical cannabis guardians, product names, and license revocation.
▶ Watch at 46:06Read what they said
Mr. Chair, with your permission, I've just, I've got some bill summaries that our staff have put together. I think it'd be very helpful on this type of bill that has kind of a lot of components in It. That's an order. Thank you, Mr. Chair. This, this bill is, uh, the one that Senator Escamilla always likes to Christen as the, uh, Christmas ornament bill, a Christmas tree bill. Uh, it's, it's essentially what we, each year as we go through looking at cannabis program, we talk to the industry. We work through issues. We, we meet with our cannabis, uh, working group and try to look at things that are, are helpful and, and moving the program forward. …
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
The chair asks whether products linked to deaths were high in 7-hydroxy.
▶ Watch at 1:09:09Read what they said
Thank you. Maybe if I could have a follow up question, doctor. Um, you know, I've heard a lot of, a lot of times when we've, uh, done researching with the death, there's significant amount of, of, uh, seven hydroxy in, in that particular product. Do you know if the, that particular product or other products that you've, that you've researched the related in death? Uh, were, were high in seven hydroxy.
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
The chair explains gabapentin is dangerous when combined with opioids and that Utah scheduled it before the federal government.
▶ Watch at 1:25:32Read what they said
Well, it's primarily in combination. Uh, gabapentin we're finding that, uh, it can being combined with other, with opioids like fentanyl or you know, oxy and other things, that, and sometimes even a benzodiazepine and those types of things is usually the combination of drugs that get people, not necessarily just the single entity, but gabapentin is adding. That's why, that's why Utah took the position to, through the advise, uh, control substance advisory council to schedule it before the federal government did. We, we put it into a controls classification before the federal government did. Then later on they scheduled it to deem because they're, they're finding the same, kind of the same thing. So yes, used, used independently, …
S.B. 142 Private Probation and Court Ordered Services Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Asks the sponsor to define what a private probation service is.
▶ Watch at 1:34:16Read what they said
Thank you Chair. Could, could the sponsor for the benefit of the those that are here define what a private probate probation service is?
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Said he will vote for the bill but asked the sponsor to consider regulated medical access options and learn from Rhode Island.
▶ Watch at 2:28:48Read what they said
Um, I was just gonna say, you know, listen to the public comment and testimony. I think there are, you know, potentially some legitimate reasons to have a regulated access, um, to freedom. Um, I'm gonna vote for the bill, but ask the sponsor to look at, you know, medical options and see if there's not a way that we can, you know, learn from Rhode Island's mistakes. So, thank you.
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Chair Vickers pointed to a provision defining a letter of concern as an advisory letter issued without evidence supporting suspension or revocation, and called it an unusual provision.
▶ Watch at 2:54:09Read what they said
Thank you, Senator. As I was reading through your lengthy bill today, I found one provision in here. I have to admit, I I, I brought it up to you that it's gotta be the most unique provision I've ever seen. Starting on line 1 59, it says, letter of concern means an advisory letter to notify a licensee that while the department does not have evidence to support the suspension or revocation of a license, that department believes the licensee should modify or eliminate certain practices. Bottom line, we don't have any proof, but you gotta stop anyway. Yeah, that, I thought that was the most unique pro provision I've ever seen in a bill.
S.B. 28 County Classification Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Said a recent bill sponsored by Rep. Walt Brooks changed Washington County from class two to class three.
▶ Watch at 1:21:48Read what they said
Thank you. Staff just told me Go, go ahead. Thank you, Mr I was just gonna, and I guess this be part of the discussion, I did wanna clarify that Ting Brooks ran a bill that actually changed Washington, ended up changing Washington County from a class two to press three. So there has been at least one change recently. So just wanted to give that information out.
S.B. 117 Occupational and Professional Licensing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
Thanks the presiding officer and begins presenting S.B. 84, saying it does a couple of main things.
▶ Watch at 24:54Read what they said
Senator Vickers. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this bill does a couple of main things.
S.B. 84 Department of Commerce Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
Explains that the bill creates a Department of Commerce technology, education and training fund, requires the Division of Corporations to sell or license copies of filings, and describes how the fund is financed and used.
▶ Watch at 24:57Read what they said
Uh, this bill does a couple of main things. It's, uh, by requesting the Department of Commerce, it creates the Department of Commerce Technology, education and Training Fund. And then it requires that the Division of Corporation commercial code to sell or license copies of filings received by the division. The fund is funded internally by fees that the division of corporation receives from fulfilling data requests and fees that Doppel receives for making this licenses public. The Department of Commerce is then required to use the money in the fund to pay the costs for prescribing, providing subscription services, training, providing education relating to licensing and business entities among other uses. With that, I'm open for questions.
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
Presents S.B. 101, which adds Raum products to the specialized product tax used to fund enforcement against dangerous products, and says the bill would give flexibility for future products.
▶ Watch at 29:05Read what they said
over the years we've dealt with, uh, trying to enforce and keep, uh, dangerous products off the, off the shelves of our retailers, that that might be available to our citizens, especially children. Um, we've gone through the gamut of spice and dealing with too much THC and, and even finding other things, um, opioids and other things and products. Uh, we created, um, uh, special tax for hemp products a couple years ago so that we could start building up funds to do the enforcement on this. This simply just adds, um, raum products to that tax and change the name of it from the cannabinoid product, um, product tax to this, uh, specialized product. So give us more …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
Says he is struggling to reconcile his past opposition to federal Supreme Court expansion with supporting this bill.
▶ Watch at 49:01Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, you know, oftentimes when we're up here, you know, we get asked to vote on particular pieces of legislation, and you, you know, a lot of, uh, sometimes it's, uh, you know, the policy itself, sometimes it's, you know, there's, uh, political, political ramifications all over the things, why we make decisions. Sometimes it's even emotional and thought process. Um, this is a little different for me. I have, you know, I've looked at, uh, what, uh, the good Senator Vickers trying to do and, you know, adding judges within our system. And I'm not sure that I have a any complaint about that. Uh, but here's the one thing that I have struggled with, …
S.B. 147 Office of Inspector General of Medicaid Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Sen. Vickers raised a point of order, noting he thought the rules had been suspended to move S.B. 147 across.
▶ Watch at 15:53Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. Just a point of order. I thought we had made, uh, made a motion to suspend the rules on 1 47 to move it across.
S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions · Senate floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Presents S.B. 48, which would schedule 7-OH and a related product as a Schedule I controlled substance, with a trace-amount exception and a coordinating clause tied to a separate kratom bill.
▶ Watch at 20:42Read what they said
What it does is we're scheduling proposing to Schedule seven hydroxy and another related product as a Schedule one controlled substance. That means it's deemed to have no medicinal value, similar to what heroin is, uh, LSD. And they would take it off, take it off the streets. So there is an exception though, because of currently creto can be sold. There is an exception that trace amounts as defined by 0.4% of the crem alkaloid of the pro of a product, which is a very, very small amount, would be still, uh, legal. Now if, uh, if we move forward and Senator ML'S bill on a band does pass, then there would be a coordinating clause that would pull …
S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions · Senate floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Gives closing summation, saying the bill targets 7-OH whether or not a member wants to ban kratom, and moves that S.B. 48 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 25:45Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you Mr. President. As, and we, and I mentioned in committee last night, if, if you're someone who really wants to ban creto, you want to vote for this bill because you really want to get rid of seven hydroxy. If you're one that just falls in another category that just wants, that wants to allow natural freedom to be still on the market, but be highly regulated, you want to vote for this bill because we still need to get rid of the 7 0 8, which is so dangerous. So with that, I would, uh, wa further summation and move that Senate Bill 48. Be read a third time.
S.B. 117 Occupational and Professional Licensing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Describes Senate Bill 84 as creating a fund for data request fulfillment and requiring the Division of Corporations to sell or license copies of filings, with the fund paid for by division and Doppel fees.
▶ Watch at 30:00Read what they said
Senator Vickers. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this bill came from the Department of Commerce and it does two main things. It creates a new fund, uh, for filing fulfilling data requests, and it requires the division of corporation commercial code to sell or license copies of filings received by the division. The fund is funded by fees that the division of corporation receives from f fulfilling data and requests and fees that Doppel receives for making lists of licensees publicly. The Department of Commerce is then required to use the money and the fund to pay the cost to providing subscription services, training, providing education relating to licensing and business entities among other uses. Uh, pretty simple in stature. …
S.B. 117 Occupational and Professional Licensing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Waives further summation and moves that Senate Bill 84 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 30:58Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I would waive further summation and move that Senate Bill 84. Be read a third time.
S.B. 90 Occupational Licenses for Veterans and Service Members · Senate floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Explains his aye vote, saying the bill was heard in committee, took a lot of work, and could put Utah in a leading position.
▶ Watch at 37:25Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I should have stood up, uh, during questions, but anyway, I did want to explain my vote. And my vote is aye. And we heard the bill and committee last night and that, and that senator did a great job of explaining that there's really a lot of work gone into this, but man, it's massive and it does put us in a position to lead out once again as a state. And I think that there's some really, really positive things that can come from this. There was a lot of good questions last night and, and a lot of good testimony, but I did, I just wanna reinforce that this, this is potentially setting …
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Vickers explains that S.B. 101 adds the specialized product tax to the restricted fund so it can pay for enforcement and product safety.
▶ Watch at 44:31Read what they said
that tax structure. And so in, you know, previous to that, we had it as a cannabinoid tax, uh, restricted fund. Now it'll be a specialized product, uh, tax restricted fund because we know that crem isn't the last item we're gonna see. There's gonna, there's just a continuation of these things that keep popping up. I don't know what the next one will be, but there will be, I guarantee you there will be one. So this bill simply does that. It creates, uh, where if, if crem and still the questions up in the air, if after this session when we still be selling creto, I dunno if we do, uh, then this tax will take place on …
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Vickers waives further summation and moves that S.B. 101, as amended, pass to third reading.
▶ Watch at 46:07Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I would waive further summation to move the Senate Bill 1 0 1, uh, as amended pass or mean we read a third time.
S.B. 117 Occupational and Professional Licensing Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Asks whether to call the bill and begins describing Senate Bill 84, Department of Commerce Amendments.
▶ Watch at 46:55Read what they said
Okay. I don't, did you wanna call the bill or, Yeah, so, Senate Bill 84, department
S.B. 84 Department of Commerce Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Vickers introduced SB 84 as an interim bill developed with the business and labor committee and turned time over to a Department of Commerce representative.
▶ Watch at 47:05Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. Yeah, this is, uh, an interim bill that we worked on, you know, during, during the interim with, uh, business and labor. And we've got some representative from the Department of Commerce. With your permission, I'd like to turn some time over to him.
S.B. 102 Animal Control First Responder Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Asked what equipment animal control officers are given to perform their work.
▶ Watch at 1:29:28Read what they said
Thank you. Do you have, what, what type of equipment are you given to perform your work? What,
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Presents SB 101, which renames the cannabinoid tax and restricted account as a specialized product tax and account so other regulated products can be added later, and adds CRE to fund Department of Agriculture inspections. Yields time to the Department of Agriculture.
▶ Watch at 1:31:43Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, a couple years ago we had a, we've run this situation with hemp products where we are trying to regulate a, a hemp market that has, uh, an additional THC that keeps showing up in products. And we're trying to be creative and find a way to get revenue into the Department of Agriculture in order to have, be able to have enough inspectors and others that can go out and, and deal with the issues. So we created a tax that was, uh, we called it the cannabinoid, tax Restricted can created a restricted account. What we're doing here is, uh, and I think it's prudent because not only do we are dealing with, …
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Says the bill does not address online sales, that the state is open to addressing them in other bills, and that out-of-state purchases and limited enforcement resources create challenges.
▶ Watch at 1:38:28Read what they said
I don't know if Dr. Forche had a different opinion on that or, but yeah, This bill doesn't address that, but we are trying to look for ways to do that and are open to addressing that in other bills if possible. It is a major problem, not just for Kratom, but for a lot of these, uh, kind of underground drugs. And another big problem is it's a lot of these are legal in other states right now, um, and can, you can go straight over the border to one of our neighboring states and purchase them completely legally and then bring them back into Utah. So there's a lot of enforcement challenges that we're dealing with and really …
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Says the next bill concerns 7-hydroxy, an opioid-like substance often added to CRE and considered especially dangerous.
▶ Watch at 1:41:00Read what they said
Yeah. And the, and the next bill we discussed the seven hydroxy specifically, is one an item that is, is an opioid like substance that, uh, often is often found and usually added to, you know, create em. That makes it, you know, specifically very dangerous. But yeah, you're right.
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Explains the bill does not address the legal sale of CRE, would apply a specialized tax if it is sold, and that a coordinating clause in a future ban bill would remove the need for the tax.
▶ Watch at 1:42:17Read what they said
Send, um, no, I think we, in the presentation we talked about the fact that if, so this is, this is simply, this is not talking about the legal sale of Krem or any sub cre like substance. It simply says if, if Krem is being sold, there would be a specialized tax on it, uh, in whatever form. If the, there is a bill, as we recognize that there is another bill, uh, Senator ML has that bill, and it will be heard in this committee's. And if some, sometime in the future, if that bill was to pass the legislature, then there would be a coordinating clause in there that would, would pull out the need for this …
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Moves to amend the bill with proposed amendment number one, a suggestion that came from the State Tax Commission.
▶ Watch at 1:43:07Read what they said
Uh, yes, Mr. Chair. I would like to, uh, make a motion that, um, oh, you know what? There's an amendment on this. There is amendment. Um, I assume that's amendment number one. Yeah. I'd like to make a motion to amend the bill. Uh, it's proposed amendment number one in my name. That was a suggestion that came, came to the state tax Commission.
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Moves that the committee favor SB 101 as amended.
▶ Watch at 1:43:41Read what they said
Thank you. Mr. Bills amended. Mr. Chair. I would, uh, make a motion that we favor or recommend Senate Bill 1 0 1 as amended.
S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Presented SB 48 to reschedule seven-hydroxy-mitragynine as a Schedule I substance, with a narrow trace-amount exception for naturally occurring kratom, and explained the bill's relationship to Florida's approach, federal HHS action, and the fiscal note.
▶ Watch at 1:44:05Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you. Um, Mr. Chair and committee, we, you know, there's been a lot of discussion, um, about creto like products, and seven, specifically seven hydroxy matine. Uh, seven hydroxy matine, uh, occurs naturally and creto and very small amounts, but it also can be easily synthesized and added to products. Um, it meets all the criteria of being an opioid like substance. You know, there's like an eight, eight point criteria. It meets those criteria. Uh, if you, if you have someone that has overdosed on it, you can give naloxone and they respond, you know, so it is essentially, you can consider it just like an opioid. Um, there's been a lot of discussion nationally. Um, you …
S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Responded that the bill addresses seven-hydroxy-mitragynine specifically, which could be synthesized and added to products even without changes to kratom.
▶ Watch at 2:01:34Read what they said
I interject? Actually, that's not actually correct. Okay. Help me out. So his, his bill's talking specifically about Kratom, this is seven hydroxy. Seven hydroxy could still be synthesized and added to other products if we, even if we didn't, even if, uh, we didn't do anything with Kratom. Right? So, seven Hydroxy, we're narrowing down on this fact that seven Hydroxy is a very dangerous product, and we don't wanna see that in Raum or any other product. Right? So this really needs to pass so that we have that on the books, that it takes that off the market. And then you can deal with raum, whether you, That's what I wanted to clarify, because you guys are …
S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Said a full kratom ban would not remove synthesized seven-hydroxy-mitragynine, so both approaches are needed.
▶ Watch at 2:03:09Read what they said
So, and, and I know that, uh, Mr. Kyle is talking about the fact that he favors a, a complete ban on Krem. Yeah. Now, that would take away any Krem product, including naturally occurring seven hydroxy, but that seven hydroxy is still capable of being synthesized and putting in, in any many other products. Mm-hmm. So if we don't pull seven hydroxy off the market, but it as a Schedule one, then even if that bill passed, we could still have seven hydroxy, uh, damaging people in the state of Utah. Yeah. So that's why you need, you need both. Sorry.
S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Explained that seven-hydroxy-mitragynine is a separate substance that could be synthesized and added to other products if kratom sales were banned.
▶ Watch at 2:03:51Read what they said
Right. Seven hydroxy is a separate entity that yes, it's naturally occurring in natural kratom, but if you disband the sale of Kratom products, other individuals could synthesize seven hydroxy and put it in hemp. They could put it in whatever product out there.
S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Said the bill limits seven-hydroxy-mitragynine in naturally occurring kratom to the smallest possible amount while the other bill would go further.
▶ Watch at 2:04:45Read what they said
Yeah, yeah. So what he, and, and you're right, we're all talking about the same goal, trying to get these dangerous products off the market to harm, to harm people in the state. This bill doesn't go as far as the Senator ML'S bill would be, simply because we're, we do recognize that if raum stays on the market in a naturally occurring, we're going to limit the amount of seven hydroxy down to the very smallest amount that could be naturally occurring in cradle. So if you think about, um, a bucket and you've got this bucket out there, and it's, it's got seven hydroxy and both naturally occurring and synthesized, we're gonna take care of all of it …
S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Said both bills could pass and that the other bill would address the remaining issues.
▶ Watch at 2:05:57Read what they said
It's possible for both to pass. And it seems like you would be happy with that outcome because Senator ML'S bill will ban all of those issues, the taxing component, all of that will go away.
S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Said this bill needs to pass to remove seven-hydroxy-mitragynine from the market whether or not it is in kratom.
▶ Watch at 2:07:26Read what they said
Actually, I'm gonna have to reiterate though, that this particular bill Is still Yeah. Right. Yeah. It needs to, it needs to pass. We need to get seven hydroxy off the tail, no matter whether it's in crem or not. Yeah. So, you know, if you, if you're a purist and you want to totally ban creto and ban seven hydroxy, you gotta have both. Yeah. This bill's this bill is, is, is, I think augmenting helping.
S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Explained that the other bill sets up taxes and regulation for kratom, while this bill addresses a dangerous product that can be synthesized and added to other products.
▶ Watch at 2:08:28Read what they said
The, the, the one that we just, you know, moved forward, you know, one on one simply is setting up a taxing, uh, criteria if Kratom still stays on the market. Yeah. There'll be revenue coming in to regulate it. Yeah. This bill is taken care of a, a very dangerous product that not only exists naturally in Kratom, but is synthesized and added to some CRE products and could potentially be synthesized and put in other products.
S.B. 48 Kratom Revisions · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Thanked the committee for its comments and questions and moved to favorably recommend SB 48.
▶ Watch at 2:23:20Read what they said
Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. And I, I appreciate all the comments, questions. I think, you know, some of these clarifying discussions have really been helpful today and trying to understand this very complicated arena. So with that in mind, uh, I, Mr. Chair, I would make a motion that we favorably recommend Senate Bill 48.
S.B. 30 Human Trafficking, Exploitation, and Smuggling Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Introduces Senate Resolution 2 on Senate rules and standing committee duties, which came out of an interim committee.
▶ Watch at 22:23Read what they said
Thank Mr. President. Uh, as we discussed yesterday, this is, uh, came out of committee, interim committee,
S.R. 2 Senate Rules Resolution - Standing Committee Duties · Senate floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Presents the resolution, which would have committees consider information from LER on new licensure bills without requiring them to use it.
▶ Watch at 22:25Read what they said
this is, uh, came out of committee, interim committee, uh, business and Labor. It, and it's, um, I'll be frank. So we had a, we had a bill, I think it was Senate Bill 33 that, uh, repealed the shall component of a legislator having to go to LER on, on a new licensure situation in thinking of how we could still try to have, um, requirements to at least get LER involved in certain things. You know, this was more of, I guess you could call it a compromised position, but at least a different approach to it, saying that if a committee had a bill come to them that was, uh, doing a new regulation on a licensure, …
S.R. 2 Senate Rules Resolution - Standing Committee Duties · Senate floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Confirms it is a rule, explaining that it encourages committees to use LER information as good practice and places no mandate on how that information is used or on any outcome.
▶ Watch at 25:33Read what they said
That is correct. Yeah. As we propose that in rule, simply that it'd be as a kind of, and, and Senator Bramer said it, you know, as good practice, good committee practice, you know, to utilize all, um, resources available to us, LER has become a very valuable resource. And so this simply would state that, you know, as through our normal committee process, we would, uh, utilize information coming from them. No, no mandate on how you would use that information or ex to, to determine an outcome or no predicted outcome or anything like that. Thank you, Mr. President.
S.B. 30 Human Trafficking, Exploitation, and Smuggling Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Called the question and moved that SB 30 be moved to the third reading calendar. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 48:21Read what they said
Uh, call question Mr. President. Go ahead. Uh, move that the SB 30 human trafficking exploitation be moved to the third reading Calendar. I think we have The
S.B. 32 Child Abuse Homicide Corrections · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Says SB 33 is a committee bill and that the current version of the Office of Professional Licensure Review was established under a bill sponsored by Senator Brammer.
▶ Watch at 51:28Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, it's also a committee bill. Uh, when ler, the current version of LER was established under some a bill that Senator Bramer Bramble ran.
S.B. 33 Office of Professional Licensure Review Sunrise Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Explains that the bill removes language requiring the Office of Professional Licensure Review to give an opinion on new licensure proposals, and mentions a related proposal to be discussed later.
▶ Watch at 51:36Read what they said
under some a bill that Senator Bramer Bramble ran. Um, he was putting in place that anytime there was a new licensure coming forward, that it was, it was a shall that LER would be involved in. Give a and given an opinion on that. This actually just removes that language. Uh, we will have later on when we discussed SG SGL two, we'll have a prop, uh, proposal where, uh, whereby a committee would review if LER had made any recommendations. But there's, but it's not mandatory. So essentially this just repeals that that shall language that was established with the current version of Opular.
S.B. 33 Office of Professional Licensure Review Sunrise Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Waives summation and moves that Senate Bill 33 pass.
▶ Watch at 52:29Read what they said
Thank you. I weigh summation and under suspension the rules move that Senate Bill 33 pass.
S.B. 40 Business Entity Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Presents S.B. 40, a recodification of Titles 16 and 48 into one new Title 16 that sets common standards for business entities, and moves a motion to substitute the bill.
▶ Watch at 55:29Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, actually I need to Senate Bill 40 and 41 actually go together. This is a re codification bill of Title 16 and also title 48, moving them into one new ti new title 16. And because it was, it's so massive and so big, we have to, um, can take it up in two bills. So I'll just now I'll discuss it once so you can kinda get the feel of it also because of it as reification. And you know what, uh, we wanted to make sure that we had gone through and got everything, you know, all the references and different things. We did find that there was a number of references that …
S.B. 40 Business Entity Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Says the substitute was supposed to be in the sponsor's name and that the version being reviewed appears to list a House member's name. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 57:44Read what they said
It was supposed to be in my name. I think it's in Representative Shallenberger's name, so I don't know if you want to circle it and see if we Yeah, I may need to, let's See.
S.B. 41 Business Entity Technical Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Asks that the substitute in his name be circled so it can be taken up together with a related bill.
▶ Watch at 58:39Read what they said
Um, that substitute is in my name, but let's circle and I'll come back because the two go together. I think you're right. Uh, so motion to circle.
S.B. 40 Business Entity Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Presents the bill and the substitute, explaining that S.B. 40 and S.B. 41 are combined because of the scope of the changes and that the bill brings all businesses under the same format.
▶ Watch at 1:26:58Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, thank you Mr. President. Uh, certainly appreciate Senator Weiler and his catch on the on the substitute. Um, as I mentioned the bill, both Senate Bill 40 and 41 are combined because of the magnitude of the reification. Uh, hopefully you remember the things that I talked about when we talked about some of the, what the advantages are. Advantages are that it brings all businesses under the same, uh, same format for a number of different things. And with that, I would like to make a, a motion that we delete entitle and Body Senate bill 40 and replace it with second substitute Senate Bill 40. Thank you. That motion's in order. Any further, uh, explanation …
S.B. 40 Business Entity Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Moves that second substitute S.B. 40 pass under suspension of the rules.
▶ Watch at 1:27:58Read what they said
Thank you. Under suspension of the rules, I would move that second substitute Senate Bill 40 pass.
S.B. 40 Business Entity Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Moves to circle S.B. 41.
▶ Watch at 1:29:21Read what they said
So I'm gonna go ahead for you for a motion. Thank You Mr. President. Motion to encircle Senate bill 41.
S.B. 41 Business Entity Technical Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Explains that S.B. 41 is a companion to S.B. 40 and moves to replace it with first substitute S.B. 41 to correct references and other items found during review.
▶ Watch at 1:29:36Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, as I mentioned, this is a companion bill to Senate Bill 40. Because of the, the size, uh, and the scope of of the reification, uh, we did find some, uh, references and other things we needed to correct and so I would make a motion that we plead on title on Body Senate Bill 41. Replace it with first substitute Senate Bill 41 in my name Say no discussion. I'll place the motion. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Will the motion passes. The bill is substitute now to the bill. Uh, this is a continuation of the discussion we just had, so I'd be open for any questions on this …
S.B. 41 Business Entity Technical Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Moves that first substitute S.B. 41 pass under suspension rules and asks for a roll call vote.
▶ Watch at 1:30:17Read what they said
I wait for summation and move that first substitute Senate Bill 41 Pass Under Suspension Rules thank question is shall first substitute Senate Bill 41 pass Roll call vote.
S.R. 2 Senate Rules Resolution - Standing Committee Duties · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Explains that S.R. 2 would require a standing committee considering a new occupation regulation to check whether the Legislative Economic Review (LER) made any recommendation on it, leaving the committee to decide what to do with it.
▶ Watch at 1:31:45Read what they said
and repealed a, a shall version with regards to a new occupation regulation and an ler. What we're suggesting in this Senate rules regulat resolution is that, uh, when a standing committee has, it doesn't matter which standing committee, when a standing committee has, uh, a new, uh, regulation on an, on an industry come forward, on an occupation come forward, that they, they will shall look to see if LER made any kind of a recommendation beyond that. It'd be up to the chair of the committee and the Committee whether they do anything with that recommendation, but just basically putting some onus on the committee to make sure that they do review back to see if there was …
S.R. 2 Senate Rules Resolution - Standing Committee Duties · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Responds that LER review is no longer required for legislators, that LER may still make recommendations, and that the resolution only asks committees to check whether any LER recommendation exists and then decide how to use it.
▶ Watch at 1:33:10Read what they said
Yes. If I could explain that. So yeah, it's, it, uh, is no longer a requirement that a legislature, a legislator, go through LER to determine if a bill they're running on a, a regulation of a new occupation. Uh, what this is saying is that there LER does have the authority to look at, uh, a new regulation and make recommendations, but they're not, they're not required to. This resolution simply says that if a, if a standing committee has a bill before them, that is a new, is a regulation of a new occupation, that they would look to see if LER had done any recommendation on it. And if so, then they could choose how to use …
S.R. 2 Senate Rules Resolution - Standing Committee Duties · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Responds that a missing LER review would not by itself imply a outcome, that committees would only check for any LER review, and that how they use that information is up to the committee.
▶ Watch at 1:34:24Read what they said
Actually, no. And, uh, and it's like I say, the legislator doesn't have to go to LER and, and it could be someone else, but if, if a bill came forward with a, a legislator sponsoring a regulation of a new occupation, it simply says that the standing committee would look to see if LER had done, um, any kind of review on that recommendation, whether from the legislator, whether requested by the legislator or another entity. And if then going forward as they discuss the bill, they can use the, the chair and, and the committee can use, determine whether they, however they use that information that could lead to, uh, them denying it could lead to them passing. …
S.R. 2 Senate Rules Resolution - Standing Committee Duties · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Says he is considering which motion to make and offers to move the resolution to third reading.
▶ Watch at 1:35:30Read what they said
and decide which motion you make. Okay. Um, if there's, if they're feel, if you feel like there's further discussion to have, I can move it to third, but
S.R. 2 Senate Rules Resolution - Standing Committee Duties · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Moves that S.R. 2 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:35:48Read what they said
I think I'd feel more comfortable. I'll make a, a motion Mr. President that senate re resolution two be read a third time.
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