Legislators / Todd Weiler
Todd Weiler
Republican · Senate District 8 · Senate Parliamentarian
Hear from them directly
Contact Sen. Todd Weiler
- Email: tweiler@le.utah.gov
- Phone: 801-599-9823
- Office: 1248 W 1900 S, Woods Cross, UT, 84087
Constituents get priority, so say you live in their district. Writing about a specific bill? Open it and use Take action for a ready-to-send message.
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.
Todd Weiler serves on:
- General Government Appropriations Subcommittee
- Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee
- Business and Labor Interim Committee
- Judiciary Interim Committee
- Retirement and Independent Entities Interim Committee
- Senate Health and Human Services Confirmation Committee
- Senate Judiciary Confirmation Committee
- Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee
- Veterans and Military Affairs Commission
- Senate Business and Labor Committee
- Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee
- Senate Rules Committee
What they've said
556 remarks on 143 billsS.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Describes S.B. 12 as an omnibus bill that now combines many sunset provisions, which began as a sunset extension for the arbitration act.
▶ Watch at 15:50Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This is a good bill. This is the omnibus bill for all of the Sunset, uh, provisions that have passed. And they all got dumped into my Bill, Inc. This, or originally started off as just the Sunset extension for the arbitration Act, but now it's, uh, everything and its cousin. So with that, I'll yield to any questions or, uh, move for oh, uh, uh, oh. A motion to Concur. Motion to Concur.
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Reads the list of sunsetted organizations and programs in lines nine through twenty-one of the bill, including his original Alternative Dispute Resolution Act.
▶ Watch at 16:47Read what they said
It's lines nine through 21 of the bill, uh, state Weed Committee. The Bears Ear Visitor Center Advisory Committee, the Land Use and Eminent Domain Advisory Board, the Rare Disease Advisory Council Grant Program, the Newborn Hearing Screening Committee, the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team grant program, behavioral Health Receiving Center Grant Program, the Childcare Advisory Committee, the Healthcare Providers Immunity and Liability Act, the Behavior Analysis Licensing Act, the Behavioral Health Crisis Response Committee, the Utah Commission on Aging. And my original bill, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act.
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Says the bill removes the sunset date for lead acid battery disposal and extends the repeal date for the Rural Physicians Loan Repayment Program Advisory Committee.
▶ Watch at 17:34Read what they said
It removes the Sunset date regarding the lead acid battery disposal, and it also extends the repeal date for the Rural Physicians Loan Repayment Program Advisory Committee.
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains that the bill extends several sunset dates and repeals one, notes he presented it this morning, and offers to take questions.
▶ Watch at 32:52Read what they said
Yes. Uh, for, for, for Senator, um, McKay's benefit this repeals a bunch of or extends a bunch of Sunset, uh, Sunset extensions and then it repeals one. I made the presentation this morning, but now we actually have the bill and I'll yield to any questions.
H.B. 319 Electronic Records Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Says H.B. 176 adds exemptions to the definitions in Utah Code 75-5-101, defining trust director, trust protector, trust advisor, surrogate, and guardian, and clarifies that this section does not apply.
▶ Watch at 35:19Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, house Bill 1 76 adds uh, exemptions to the definition and code seven dash five dash 1 0 1. Uh, these, these terms are defined. Trust director, trust protector, trust advisor, surrogate and Guardian. And to clarify that this section does not apply
H.B. 176 Trust Business Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves that third substitute H.B. 176 pass under suspension of the rules.
▶ Watch at 36:14Read what they said
Thank you. Under suspension of the rules, I'd move that third substitute house Bill 1 76 pass.
H.B. 396 Public Project Subcontractor Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Asks whether the bill's requirement for subcontractor employees' social security numbers is a privacy concern.
▶ Watch at 57:49Read what they said
Senator Brammer, will you yield? Um, thank you. So you just said your presentation, social security numbers, I think line 5 28 requires the last four digits of social security number for each employee of a subcontractor. Um, don't you feel like that's a, a violation of a privacy of these employees? They, they're not the ones that are contracting with the state and now the government's going to be demanding the subcontractor, their bosses to give their social security numbers to the state. That, that seems a little bit onerous.
H.B. 396 Public Project Subcontractor Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Proposes a verbal motion to amend to strike the social security number requirement.
▶ Watch at 58:25Read what they said
Thank You Mr. President. I'd like to do a verbal motion to amend, Uh, And that would be the strike lines 5 28. That would just, that's in Order.
H.B. 396 Public Project Subcontractor Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains the verbal motion to strike the social security number requirement while keeping employee names and professional licenses.
▶ Watch at 58:43Read what they said
The verbal motion is to strike line 5 28. That would still allow Doppel to get the name of the employee and the professional license, but not the social security number.
H.C.R. 8 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP to Establish the Weight Management and Obesity Pilot Program · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explained his vote, saying that directing PEHP is done through a resolution rather than a state statute, and voted aye.
▶ Watch at 59:19Read what they said
Like to explain my vote. I remember a day back in 2013 when a certain representative in the house used to stand up and say, this is a resolution. I vote no, I'm gonna vote. Aye on his resolution. And just remind the body when we do want to direct PEHP. We do do it through a resolution, not through a state statute. So I vote. Aye.
H.B. 396 Public Project Subcontractor Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Summarizes his privacy concern about contractors giving employees' social security numbers to the government and explains the basis for the motion.
▶ Watch at 1:00:07Read what they said
Yeah, so the, my concern here, it's a privacy concern and this is not for the subcontractors. If they wanna give their social securities, that's fine, but this is for all of their employees, their current employees, their future employees. And I just think it's a little bit onerous for the contractor to have to give all of their employees social security numbers to the government. So that's, that's the basis for the motion. They'd still get their names and any license that they had.
H.C.R. 2 Concurrent Resolution Authorizing Adult Sentencing and Supervision Length Guidelines and Juvenile Disposition Guidelines · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Presents H.C.R. 2 as setting sentencing and supervision length guidelines and juvenile disposition guidelines, and says it balances reduced penalties for nonviolent crime with accountability.
▶ Watch at 1:03:25Read what they said
Thank you, uh, Mr. President. This, uh, Utah has decreased penalties for nonviolent crimes in the past. This has resulted in decreased penalties for violent crime as well. Uh, this bill was worked on extensively during the interim and during the, uh, session, or to gain support from all interested parties. Um, and this is our legislative prerogative to approve the sentencing guidelines for the sentencing commission. So we need a balance of the reduced penalties for nonviolent crime with, we need to balance that with accountability. And there has been a case in southern Utah where two children were brutally abused and the former sentencing guidelines would've recommended zero jail time in that case. So this bill, uh, is …
H.B. 336 Recovery Operations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Presents H.B. 336, which defines recovery operations, sets insurance coverage rules and a billing standard, and creates dispute procedures including a bond and arbitration process, then yields for questions.
▶ Watch at 1:15:29Read what they said
This bill creates a definition for recovery, operations and rules for insurance coverage of them. It also creates a billing standard and dispute, uh, procedures. It defines cut recovery operations as the removal of a vehicle that is unable to move on its own and cannot be accessed by a normal tow truck. Commercial vehicles that have liability only insurance policy or that do not have a certain amount set aside for recovery must obtain an endorsement for at least $40,000. When a recovery operator sends a bill to the insurance company, the company must pay 75% or $4,000, whichever is less. And if the insurance company disputes the charge, a bond and arbitration process is laid out in the …
H.B. 336 Recovery Operations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Waives summation and moves that second substitute H.B. 336 pass.
▶ Watch at 1:16:31Read what they said
Thank you. I'll waive summation under suspension of the rules. I'll move that Second substitute H uh, house bill 3 36 pass.
H.B. 94 Criminal Accounts Receivable Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Waives summation and moves that the bill pass under suspension of the rules.
▶ Watch at 1:31:07Read what they said
to you summation and a motion. Uh, I'll Waive summation and move that third substitute house bill 94 pass under suspension of the rules.
H.B. 420 Municipal Office Vacancy Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Presents Second Substitute H.B. 261, which clarifies how law enforcement can obtain electronic data across jurisdictions while complying with Utah's Electronic Privacy Act, and says it reflects stakeholder input.
▶ Watch at 2:09:54Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. Uh, this bill clarifies how law enforcement can obtain electronic data across jurisdictions while also ensuring compliance with Utah's Electronic Privacy Act. The Good House sponsor worked with the ags office, DPS, Libertas Defense Counsel and Comcast, uh, to reach a, a bill that has a lot of stakeholder input. And with that, I'll yield to any questions.
H.B. 420 Municipal Office Vacancy Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves under suspension of the rules that Second Substitute H.B. 261 pass.
▶ Watch at 2:10:22Read what they said
Thank you. Under suspension of the rules, I move that Second substitute house Bill 2 61 pass. Thank you.
H.B. 197 School Materials Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Recounts growing up near a dairy farm and buying raw milk, acknowledges its risks, says he supports the bill because people should be free to buy, sell, and drink raw milk, and says he will vote aye.
▶ Watch at 2:31:59Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. I've been moved, moved by some of the arguments on this bill. Um, I grew up, um, um, about a quarter mile from a dairy farm and my family would go and we would scoop it out and leave a dollar. I think, uh, for the farmer, he had a little, uh, change box there. Um, sometimes you had to move the flies out of the way to get to the, to the good stuff, but, um, I think a lot of people grew up on raw milk. Um, some people are disgusted by it. Um, but, and there are some dangers there. I don't think we should dismiss that. I had an electric bike bill …
H.B. 495 Capital Felony Case Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Sen. Weiler supports the bill, saying defense counsel standards have improved, comparing intellectual disability IQ thresholds in other states, and stating he will vote aye.
▶ Watch at 2:43:52Read what they said
Thank You. I rise in support of this legislation. I ran, um, I ran a bill and did an interim study about a decade ago trying to speed up the death penalty process in Utah. And at that time, Virginia's average weight between conviction and uh, execution was seven years. And, and as the good senator pointed out, we're three or four or five times that, which is still a mystery to me. I do believe having dug into this issue a little bit in committee, that, uh, what the Senator said is correct, during the eighties and nineties, early nineties, the defense counsel was not up to the same standards that they are today. We passed Rule eight, uh, …
S.B. 226 Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves to concur and explains that a House member's updated child support schedule for high-income earners was substituted into his bill with his permission.
▶ Watch at 3:12:40Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, motion to concur. Okay. Um, the House, uh, Jordan Teer had a, an updated, uh, child support schedule for high income people and he subbed that into my bill with my permission,
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Weiler says the House committee removed language he was not aware of, and the conference committee then addressed it.
▶ Watch at 3:14:34Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President In the House Committee, they, they took out some language that, um, I didn't, wasn't aware of. So at conference committee we,
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Says the conference committee compromise removed the philosophical provisions the House objected to while keeping what he and Senator Stratton favored, and moves to concur.
▶ Watch at 3:14:40Read what they said
So at conference committee we, we reached a good, um, compromise. We took out, uh, the philosophical stuff that the house was objecting to, but we kept what, uh, Senator Stratton and I liked about the bill and so I would like to move to Concur.
S.B. 323 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Recodification · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Says the House committee made a few technical changes to the bill, and moves to concur with the House amendments.
▶ Watch at 3:18:19Read what they said
Sorry about that. Wasn't my my plan to have four in a row. Um, one second here. Are we on? Oh, okay. 3 23. This is the reification of CCJJ. Um, there were just a few technical changes made in the House Committee. Uh, Tom Ross is good with it, so I'm good with it. So Mo Motion to concur her
S.B. 154 Protection and Advocacy Agency Reporting · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Said the House added mental health reporting requirements, that he is neutral on them, and moved to concur in the House changes given the time.
▶ Watch at 3:20:03Read what they said
You Mr. President. I move to Concur. The House added some mental health reporting requirements and um, I'm kind of neutral on them. Um, but given the time, uh, I I move to Concur.
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves to concur with the House changes, which altered the effective date and made some technical changes.
▶ Watch at 3:32:00Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I move to Concur. The House just changed the effective date and made some other technical changes. Motion to Concur.
H.B. 498 Utah App Store Accountability Act Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Presents House Bill 498 as a cleanup bill that clarifies definitions and compliance standards for the App Store Accountability Act, and yields to questions.
▶ Watch at 29:42Read what they said
cleanup Bill from the App Store Accountability Act that, uh, we passed last year. That was my bill. This clarifies key definitions such as family account application and primary account holder, ensuring age verification and parental consent requirements apply as originally intended. It establishes some clear compliance standards for family account apps and reflects collaboration between child safety advocates and industry stakeholders. Um, with that, I'll yield to any questions. Seeing no question.
H.B. 498 Utah App Store Accountability Act Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Moves under suspension of the rules that the second substitute of House Bill 498 pass.
▶ Watch at 30:15Read what they said
Under suspension of the rules, I move that second substitute house bill 4 98 pass.
H.B. 188 Juvenile Justice Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Presents H.B. 188 as modernizing school-based juvenile justice statutes, requiring referral for a third drug offense on school property, protecting reporting employees from retaliation, and reinforcing diversion for low-level misconduct.
▶ Watch at 37:47Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, this Bill Modernizes and recognizes Utah's school-based juvenile justice statutes by defining key terms and consolidating reporting search and immunity provisions for consistent statewide applications. It requires mandatory referral for the third drug offense on school property, distinguishing between distribution and possession, and it protects reporting employees from retaliation, clarifies reasonable search warrants and reinforces Utah's dive divers diversion First approach for low level misconduct. With that, I'll yield to any questions Looking for questions.
H.B. 188 Juvenile Justice Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Responds that the bill lets a third drug offense on school property be referred to law enforcement, which he believes is appropriate.
▶ Watch at 38:57Read what they said
So, Senator Wiley, Mr. President, i, I, I think that the good senator might be referring to some prior versions of the bill. Um, I will say what this does, when we passed, uh, JRI, um, quite a while ago, um, I don't know that we anticipated the same students getting arrested over and over for selling drugs at school. So what this says is, if it's your third offense, uh, that you can be referred to law enforcement and I think, I think that's appropriate. I think, you know, it's, it's kind of a three strikes in you're out in terms of, of just getting a, a slap on your hand at school policy.
H.B. 188 Juvenile Justice Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says the bill has improved and that serial offenders should not receive the same treatment as first-time offenders, then moves to pass the third substitute.
▶ Watch at 40:10Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I, I do think that this bill has improved through the process and I, I think when we opened up some of these avenues with JRI, we didn't necessarily think about if there were serial, serial serial offenders and whether they should get the same treatment as a first time offender. With that summation, I will, um, I will, under suspension of the rules, move that third substitute house bill 180 8 pass.
H.B. 89 Use of Polygraph Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Supports the bill as a statement against re-traumatizing victims, says prosecutors who testified in committee said they do not use the tool, and says he would have supported the bill regardless of the amendment.
▶ Watch at 54:41Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you. I I rise in support of the bill. Um, I will say that, um, I heard this in committee. I, I actually a couple years in a row and, um, the prosecutors that testified said, we don't use this tool. I called my local prosecutor in Davis County today and he said his office doesn't use it. And he doesn't know any prosecutors that do. And I'm not using that argument against the bill. I think we should be on record as saying we, we don't want to retraumatize victims. Um, and, and I do appreciate the house sponsors, um, persistence and advocacy. So whether the amendment passed or not, I was going to support the bill. …
H.B. 223 Electronic Signature Collection Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Weiler said the bill addresses young people who committed murder and are placed in juvenile facilities, where he described them as a security risk to others.
▶ Watch at 1:23:32Read what they said
This is a good bill. We heard it in judiciary committee. This, uh, we have a problem in that we have some, um, young, uh, men usually that have committed murder and we put 'em in a juvenile facility and they are a, uh, security risk not only to um, their fellow teenagers sometimes, but also,
H.B. 48 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Changes · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Explains the fourth substitute and moves amendment one, which would let the Board of Pardons and Parole review the status of a minor if the board agrees.
▶ Watch at 1:25:27Read what they said
Yes. Now on the fourth substitute, I've been talking with a board of Pardons and parole and um, I've got, uh, an amendment one to insert the language into the four sub on line 1 96. This is all already typed out, uh, that if the board agrees to review the status of the minor, that's all the amendment one does. So I'd like to move amendment one to the four sub That is in order.
H.B. 48 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Changes · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Explains that after conviction and placement in juvenile detention, a prosecutor may ask the court to have the board review a minor who poses a security risk, and that the amendment makes the board's review discretionary.
▶ Watch at 1:26:36Read what they said
If I could. So a, after someone's convicted, and this I believe only applies to like 17 year olds convicted of murder, if after they're convicted and after they're in the juvenile detention facility, if they're creating a security risk, then the prosecutor can file a motion and ask the court to have the board review the status of the minor, uh, who's in the secured, uh, care facility. And then this language would say if the board agrees to review the status, um, that that's what this amendment's doing.
H.B. 48 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Changes · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Offers a verbal amendment to change "shall" to "may" in the appointment-of-counsel language on line 196, giving the board more discretion.
▶ Watch at 1:27:50Read what they said
And sadly I have one more motion to amend and if anybody has a book and wants to throw it. Okay, there we go. It'll be justified. There we go. We'll take another motion Now with the amendment on line 1 96, we just adopted the amendment, but on line 1 9 6 it says, shall appoint counsel and I'd like to make a verbal amendment to change the shall to a may. And that's on line 1 96. And the shall appears right before the words appoint counsel. And we would change shall to may. So it'll be may appoint counsel. So that's actually on the Yeah, it's extending on my machine. Uh, at least like my computer on …
H.B. 48 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Changes · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Spoke on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:31:16Read what they said
Motion House bill 4 23. We have a motion to UNC Encircle house bill 4 23 hit and run and DUI.
H.B. 423 Hit and Run and DUI Offense Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Moves to adopt the fifth substitute for H.B. 423 and says he will explain it.
▶ Watch at 1:31:37Read what they said
before we need to circle, um, I need to move to adopt the, um, the fifth sub, um, which was the same as the fourth sub, but it wasn't in, um, a senator's name. And real quickly, uh, so I'd like to move to adopt the fifth sub and I'll explain that Again.
H.B. 423 Hit and Run and DUI Offense Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Explains that the fifth substitute removes an incentive for drivers to leave the scene of an accident, describes its changes as mainly technical, and moves to adopt it.
▶ Watch at 1:32:03Read what they said
Yeah. Let me explain the fifth sub first. Well, Yeah, so this is the bill that increases, well it eliminates the, um, the, the incentive for a drunk driver to leave the scene of the accident. Um, because right now with the current law, if they leave the scene of the accident, they can actually be rewarded for that by being charged with a lesser crime. And so this is trying to actually incentivize them to either stay or to turn themselves in, uh, relatively quickly. So the fifth sub, uh, just primarily makes some technical changes, um, waiting for the computer load. Yeah, so the fifth sub, uh, merely makes technical changes. There's nothing substantive in that. Uh, I …
H.B. 423 Hit and Run and DUI Offense Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Describes the bill as named for Lindsey Van Orman, who was killed in 2024 by a drunk driver, says the bill would change certain felony counts, and yields to questions.
▶ Watch at 1:33:36Read what they said
Yeah. And then very quickly, Senator, um, sorry. Representative Eliason, uh, is calling this Lindsay's bill because Lindsey Van Orman was killed on July 27th, 2024 by a drunk driver. That was shortly after she had graduated from Olympus High School. Uh, she was full of life, enjoyed swimming, skiing, rafting, and being outdoors, enjoyed people. She had a gift for connecting anyone she met. She was killed by a drunk driver who had, uh, a wrap sheet as long as my arm. Uh, he had 11 previous driving citations, six outstanding warrants and no driving privileges when he was two feet outside of the fog line, traveling above the speed limit when he hit and killed Lindsey. So, um, …
H.B. 337 Nicotine Product Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says he voted on the prevailing side and moves to reconsider action on First Substitute H.B. 195, Precious Metal Amendments.
▶ Watch at 1:45:30Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, having voted in the prevailing side, um, I would like, uh, I'd like to move to reconsider our actions on the most precious bill of this session. Uh, first substitute house bill 1 95. Okay. And Comore wants two. Two, so we'll rule that back and forth.
H.B. 337 Nicotine Product Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Moves under suspension of the rules to reconsider action on First Substitute H.B. 195, Precious Metal Amendments.
▶ Watch at 1:46:12Read what they said
Yes. So, under suspension of the rules, I'd like to move that we having voted in the prevailing side, that we reconsider our actions on the most precious bill of the session. First substitute house bill 1 95. Yeah, The, the question is, shall we reconsider action on first substitute house bill 1 95 Precious medal amendments.
H.B. 337 Nicotine Product Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Compliments the sponsor for working with stakeholders and says he will support the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:04:14Read what they said
Thank you. I just wanted to compliment the sponsor for working with stakeholders. I appreciate some of the compromises that were made in the bill and I'll be supporting that. Thank you.
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill and the substitute, saying Utah should not become a magnet for convicted sex offenders from other states.
▶ Watch at 2:08:57Read what they said
You. Aye. A rise in support of the bill and the substitute of Bill. We don't want to be a magnet state. We don't want, um, convicted sex offenders from other state moving to Utah because they think it's gonna be more advantageous for 'em. So I think that these are some important and necessary changes and I'll be voting.
H.B. 207 Competency Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Presents H.B. 207 on competency evaluations, says the bill has no fiscal impact, and yields for questions; none are raised.
▶ Watch at 2:21:38Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, this bill requires, um, that when a court orders two competency evaluations, the evaluations must be, uh, done in the same order that they were ordered. Uh, the department's recommendation and request, um, the defendant may be transferred to a clinical or inpatient setting temporarily for the purpose of the competency evaluation. There's zero fiscal impact. Um, and, uh, I, I will say that the, the house sponsor, uh, Representative Abbott, he, he's worked a lot in this mental health competency arena and, um, knows a lot about, knows a lot more about this than I do. But with that, I'll yield to any questions. See no questions. I'm gonna go to you for a, …
H.B. 207 Competency Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Moves under suspension of the rules that second substitute H.B. 207 pass.
▶ Watch at 2:22:27Read what they said
Thank you. Under suspension of the rules, I move that second substitute house bill 2 0 7 Pass. Thank you. The
S.B. 313 Recidivism Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Suggests the committee put the bill on consent so a later session day's vote could pass it.
▶ Watch at 41:41Read what they said
I think you guys should put it on consent and then whoever's here next Saturday or Monday could vote for it. So he didn't hear me. I like that Idea. Yeah.
S.B. 307 Garnishment Fee Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Said the bill would let an employer deduct the garnishment fee from wages and send one check instead of two.
▶ Watch at 41:58Read what they said
Yeah. So this is really simple. If, um, Andrew STO owed me money and I sued him and got a judgment and he didn't pay me, I could, I could garnish his wages and right now, and I would totally do that. Um, he's my floor sponsor by the way. Um, right now I would have to send a check to his employer to, for the garnishment fee, and then the employer would garnish his wages and send me a check back. What this bill says is, rather than having two checks, they can just deduct the garnishment fee, which is like 35 bucks and send me one check back minus the 35 bucks. That's the bill. But right now, …
S.B. 323 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Recodification · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Says the substitute mostly coordinates clauses and the amendment fixes typos left in the substitute.
▶ Watch at 45:06Read what they said
The sub is mostly coordinating clauses. The amendment is, uh, to fix some typos that weren't taken outta the sub.
S.B. 323 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Recodification · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Explains the bill reorganizes CCJJ at the governor's office's request, leaves the second substitute to Rep. Wilcox, and hands the explanation to Tom Ross.
▶ Watch at 45:27Read what they said
So this is basically reorganizing CCJJ. This is at the request of the governor's office, and I'm gonna kick it to Tom. Um, sub two, I think there's been some discussion about changing the name. And I'm just gonna let the house decide that I, I I'm gonna move sub one here. If Wilcox wants to move sub two on the floor, I'm gonna leave that up to him. I don't have a strong preference on that, but I, if I could, I'm gonna kick it to Tom to briefly explain the reorganization. It's a long bill, but it's a simple reorganization. Alright.
H.B. 138 Child Abuse Homicide Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Notes that several other states have prosecuted people for causing suicide and says he will review how their statutes compare to the bill's language. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 56:28Read what they said
Um, seeing none, I'm, I'm looking at other states. I think that California, Massachusetts, and Indiana and Missouri have prosecuted people for causing suicide. Um, so I'm gonna, uh, uh, representative, I'm gonna look at that, the language from those statutes to see how our language matches up. I know that, um, um, at least one state Indiana says causing suicide. Um, but, um, anyway, so I just wanna look at that direct approximate language.
S.B. 323 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Recodification · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Gives closing remarks thanking staff at the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel and noting the bill's length.
▶ Watch at 1:02:37Read what they said
Yeah, I just wanna actually as my summation thank Paige Nelson and the staff at O-L-R-G-C. This bill, unfortunately, is 449 pages, 15,239 lines. Uh, this bill was opened after the session had already started, and, um, they did some incredible work, so I just wanted to give them credit where credit's due.
S.B. 153 Election Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to take up House Bill 3, which has a fiscal note, and notes it is on the concurrence calendar.
▶ Watch at 20:54Read what they said
Yeah. Um, motion House bill three. It's a fiscal note. Bill, I circled right before lunch. I we're on the concurrence calendar. Oh, I'm so sorry. I apologize. Thank you. Thank you.
H.B. 381 Electric Mobility Device Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Offers to yield the floor to Senator Mikel before the bill sponsor's summation.
▶ Watch at 47:27Read what they said
Thank you. I I will sum Senator, Senator Mikel, you want you, you up to speak.
H.B. 381 Electric Mobility Device Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Summarizes the bill, saying it does not require a driver's license for e-bikes, that voting no keeps a stricter existing law, and that it addresses evolving technology, enforcement, and free online safety training; moves to pass the bill.
▶ Watch at 48:36Read what they said
You. I I will sum briefly and I, I want people to listen clearly. 'cause I don't think the bill has been, and I've done a poor job of, of presenting it. Apparently their only driver's license needed under this bill is for a motorcycle. This bill does not require a driver's license for an E-bike. Number two, if you vote no on this bill, you're voting for less freedom. This bill, the, the current, I mean, I understand some people don't like the current law in place. Any, any senator can run a bill to change that. This actually makes the current law better. So a no vote because you don't want regulation is to keep a more onerous …
H.B. 390 Veterans PTSD Clinical Research Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to recall H.B. 308 from the House so it can be amended with provisions from another bill.
▶ Watch at 1:31:45Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tem. I'd like to mo make a motion to recall house bill three oh eight. We pass it last evening. It's, it's back to the house. Um, I'd like to recall it and uh, amend it. We had another homeless bill that failed in the house yesterday and I'd like to take some of the non-controversial provisions from that bill and stick it into this bill.
H.B. 390 Veterans PTSD Clinical Research Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says the bill has not been substituted yet and that the current motion only recalls it.
▶ Watch at 1:32:27Read what they said
Course. Yeah. Okay. I haven't subbed it yet, I just need To recall. Oh perfect. Thank You. I'm only moving to recall it right now.
H.B. 102 Victim Privacy Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Sen. Weiler presents H.B. 108, which requires screening children in state custody for federal benefits within 60 days and places those benefits in protected child-specific accounts managed under fiduciary duties.
▶ Watch at 2:24:03Read what they said
Mr. President, this bill ensures that every child in state custody is screened within 60 days for federal benefits such as social security or veteran's benefits. And that no eligible child leaves money unclaimed. It requires the benefits to be placed in a protected, uh, child specific account, um, able accounts when appropriate and imposes strict fiduciary duties on the department to manage funds in the child's best interest.
H.B. 108 Minors in State Custody Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says there is a technical amendment he would like to move and suggests getting the amendment online so it is on the record.
▶ Watch at 2:24:56Read what they said
Um, I believe there's amendment online, uh, technical amendment that I'd like to Move. Be good. Since we're on, we're gonna suspend the rules to pass. I think it'd be good to put the amendment on or we'll probably be reconsidering our actions again. So let's go ahead and get that on. Sure.
H.B. 108 Minors in State Custody Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to suspend the rules.
▶ Watch at 2:25:13Read what they said
So, um, as allowed by the Utah Constitution, I move that we suspend the rules.
H.B. 108 Minors in State Custody Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether the amendment is online, says the amendment he is looking for is in his name, and says he is trying to find it. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:25:22Read what they said
I'm just, is there amendment online? House amendment one, does that need to be in the Senate name? Okay. Amendment two is in my name, Amendment two. I'm trying to find amendment two online.
H.B. 108 Minors in State Custody Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says he does not see a House amendment online and will circle the bill. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:25:39Read what they said
In fact, I don't even see a house Amendment. I'll go ahead and circle and get that
H.B. 158 Unlawful Tracking Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 158, saying it expands the ban on tracking devices from vehicles to other personal property and bans built-in tracking devices used by non-consenting adults.
▶ Watch at 2:26:07Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President back so soon. So I will need to move amendment two to this one. Uh, that I don't know if that's what we seeing the other one, but, um, there are situations where non-consenting adults and children are being tracked. In, in Texas, a woman discovered a tracking device in her purse. After going to dinner with friends in Connecticut, a person was arrested for placing a GPS tracker on a teddy bear and a vehicle of a former romantic partner and a parent in Florida began receiving notifications that there was a tracking device in her child's shoe. Um, so this bill clarifies that a person does not have the right to track any other …
H.B. 158 Unlawful Tracking Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Gives closing summation, saying some people in divorces place cell phones in a spouse's car to track them, and moves Amendment 2 to cover rental cars and exempt rental companies tracking their own vehicles.
▶ Watch at 2:27:59Read what they said
Motion. Yeah, thank you. I I can tell you I, I just, uh, as a close, uh, quick summation. Oh, I can tell you that I, I know people going through divorces personally who have like stuck a cell phone in their spouse's car. I think it's a little bit different when you're still married, but, and just use the cell phone to track, uh, somebody without their knowledge or consent. Um, the amendment that I'd like to, to move it, um, it clarifies, uh, that rental car companies, um, rental cars are also covered by this. And then it says that subsections two A and two C do not apply to a rental company if the company is tracking …
H.B. 158 Unlawful Tracking Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether he should again suspend the rules.
▶ Watch at 2:28:55Read what they said
Thank you. And then, um, did you want me to suspend the rules again or No?
H.B. 381 Electric Mobility Device Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents the substitute H.B. 381 to let younger riders use e-bikes with a safety certification, adds a high-powered device category barred from freeways, closes modification loopholes, and leaves local roads under local control.
▶ Watch at 2:35:06Read what they said
Tim third substitute house Bill 3 81 aims to encourage more kids to ride bikes and to do so safely while independent with its consistent fair application of law. This bill will give parents and riders the ability to make better informed decisions on their engagement with electronic mobility devices. Uh, we're talking about e-bikes here and in turn, reduce injuries and fatalities that have resulted from these devices. So the key points of this bill is that promotes youth Independence. Currently, those under 14 are not allowed to ride an e-bike without adult supervision. Now, that's the law. That's not what's happening. But this bill, um, safely extends the age range of those allowed to ride certain e devices …
H.B. 381 Electric Mobility Device Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says the bill applies to all e-bike categories and would let riders under 14 ride legally with a safety certification, designed to encourage parents to get children certified.
▶ Watch at 2:37:03Read what they said
Yeah. So I believe that this applies to all of the categories. So right now the law is that those under 14 are not allowed to ride an e-bike without an adult with them. So this would change that so that they can ride a bike legally as long as they have, um, a safety certification. So this is really designed in that regard to encourage parents to, to get their kids to get a safety certification.
H.B. 381 Electric Mobility Device Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Explains current e-bike classes and says the bill would allow certain pedal-assist and throttle e-bikes for ages 8 to 15, but he needs to read the bill further on how certification works.
▶ Watch at 2:37:37Read what they said
Well, um, let me circle and get that answer and I'll come back and encircle. I, I mean, I don't know that Go ahead. You, you Have to, to, okay. So right now, um, I, I think, well, yeah, I, I just need to get that. So right now, if it, uh, the, the device pedal assist bikes are class one and three, throttle devices are Class two E-bikes and most e scooters. Um, and this would allow pedal assist bikes, class one and three to be used by eight to 15 year olds, as well as the throttle devices to be used by, um, eight, eight to 15 year olds. But I, I need to read the bill a …
H.B. 381 Electric Mobility Device Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Asks to circle the bill so he can talk with Senator Brammer offline and return to it.
▶ Watch at 2:39:15Read what they said
Well, Mr. President, since we have, um, suspended the rules and we're going for final passage, I, I would prefer to move to circle and, uh, talk to the senator offline and then I'll come back and encircle.
S.B. 78 Property Tax Relief Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says the explanation included many numbers and asks the sponsor to repeat part of it.
▶ Watch at 2:48:16Read what they said
I think the sponsor yielded. I just, uh, that seemed like a lot. There's a lot of numbers and stuff. Could, could you repeat that, senator?
H.B. 308 Homeless Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Explains that non-controversial provisions from a House bill that failed were moved into H.B. 308, including new definitions, temporary expansion of congregate shelter bed capacity under certain conditions, and changes to tax revenue distributions for homeless shelters.
▶ Watch at 2:55:31Read what they said
Um, there, this is an interesting situation because there was a, a bill in the house. I just wanna be as transparent as I can. There was a bill in the house that, uh, was being run by, uh, representative Steve Ellison. And, uh, it, it failed, uh, but there were some non-controversial provisions in there, uh, that no one really objects to. And so we have recalled this and we put some of the provisions that, um, didn't cause the bill to fail into this homeless bill. And let me just go through what some of those are, uh, real quickly and, um, just pulling that up. So this, uh, well first of all, I'm, I'm, I'm gonna speak …
H.B. 308 Homeless Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Confirms the motion and moves to delete H.B. 308 and substitute second substitute H.B. 308.
▶ Watch at 2:57:31Read what they said
Correct? Yeah, my mo sorry. My motion is to delete Senate House bill 3 0 8 and title and body and substitute it with second substitute 3 0 8.
H.B. 308 Homeless Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to suspend the rules and pass second substitute H.B. 308. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:57:55Read what they said
Thank you, your honor. Suspension of the rules. I move that second substitute house bill 3 0 8 pass. Thank You. The question is under suspension
H.B. 324 Utah Marriage Commission Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Explains that the bill raises the Utah Marriage Commission's annual cap on online marriage license fee revenue to 600,000, that the commission funds free online relationship resources, and that funds above the cap go to the general fund.
▶ Watch at 2:59:58Read what they said
This increases the Utah Marriage Commission cap from 400 to 600,000 annually from online marriage license fees. This ensures a continued free online relationship resources for Utahns through the stronger marriage.org website, which had 160,000 visits, um, on the web just in January of this year. And once that cap is met, the remaining funds will go into the general fund. Um, the current fee fluctuations create a little bit of an instability for the Utah Marriage Commission staff support. Um, with that, I will, uh, yield to any questions.
H.B. 324 Utah Marriage Commission Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves that House Bill 324 pass under suspension of the rules.
▶ Watch at 3:00:44Read what they said
Thank you. Under suspension of the rules, I move that, uh, house Bill 3 24 pass.
H.B. 108 Minors in State Custody Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Introduces H.B. 423 on hit-and-run and DUI offense penalties, saying the bill aligns penalties.
▶ Watch at 3:07:28Read what they said
Senator Weiler. Mr. President, I hope, uh, you're not tired of me yet. I'll keep it short. Um, this bill aligns penalties
H.B. 423 Hit and Run and DUI Offense Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves that H.B. 423 pass.
▶ Watch at 3:08:23Read what they said
Thank you. I'd move that house. Bill 4 23 pass. Thank You. And the question is, under
H.B. 30 Wildlife Management Area Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Weiler asks to have his vote recorded as an aye instead of no.
▶ Watch at 4:06:50Read what they said
From no vote. I'd like to be recorded as an aye. Wanted to record as an aye vote. Wanted to make sure we were clear on that. Thank you.
S.B. 156 Constable Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Presented SB 156, which lets constables set up payment plans as an alternative to immediately seizing personal property, and requires constables to notify local law enforcement when operating outside their county of origin.
▶ Watch at 34:19Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. I just wanna start off by saying it was not my choice to have four bills on your last agenda, but here I am. So, um, this first one, uh, I have John sent in the audience. He's one of our, uh, very experienced and mature constables. Um, we passed this bill, I think, um, unanimously through this committee last year, if I'm not mistaken, but, uh, didn't quite make it on the last day. Um, uh, you know how that goes. Uh, but this bill provides constables with greater flexibility and exercising court processes by allowing them to establish payment plans, uh, which they've requested as an alternative to immediately seizing personal property. It creates …
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Presented SB 257, which requires county clerks to notify couples that their marriage may not be recognized in their country of origin and makes several family law changes, including one judge per family when practical, parent time schedules, child support standards, and domestic violence safeguards.
▶ Watch at 36:55Read what they said
Thank you. I just sent a summary to all of you. Um, I, I just forwarded it to, uh, representative Boxier 'cause she wasn't on the group email and it basically said this is a big Harry bill, um, because this is a big Harry Bill. And the summary I sent to you was, um, expertly prepared by someone. I'm not sure if you've heard of him. His name's Jonathan Adams. He works in the Office of Legislative Research at General Counsel. And it was interesting 'cause I asked, um, Jacqueline Carlton, who's hiding in the window sill behind me, um, if she could prepare a summary and she readily agreed. Um, and I didn't know until later that she …
S.B. 265 Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Sponsor presented S.B. 265, which adopts the Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act to align Utah with other states, sets rules for classifying, dividing, and distributing community property, and protects good faith third parties; he said he is not aware of any opposition.
▶ Watch at 46:23Read what they said
Thank you that that last one was the hard one. These next two are pretty easy, so I'm gonna tell you about this bill. Um, the, the, the first word uniform should tell you that this is something from the Uniform Law Commission. Um, which, you know, they, they put out model legislation so that as people go from state to state, they kind of know what to expect. And, you know, most of the time it's a good idea. Now, um, the House and the Senate, they each have a member of their bodies that serve on the Uniform Law Commission in, um, the Senate. That's, um, Senator Mike ml. And so you might want to ask yourself, well, …
S.B. 265 Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Waived further comment on the bill and on the motion. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 48:28Read what they said
Uh, for the underlying I'll waive, he'll also waive discussion on the motion to favorably recommend
S.B. 283 Court Fees and Administration Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Sen. Weiler presented SB 283, which waives civil document filing fees for the state and political subdivisions, raises the Online Court Assistance Program fee from $20 to $60, removes obsolete provisions, and requires the AOC to use court security account funds for security services.
▶ Watch at 48:59Read what they said
substitute online Senate bill 2 83 court fees and administration amendments. Yes. Thank you. And I would like, I would hope that I'll, I'll present the first sub and I hope that somebody can present, uh, to move that for us. But, um, this bill basically, um, waives, uh, the civil document filing fees for the state and political subdivisions and adjusts the online court assistance program. So we call the Online Court Assistance Program ocap, and it's been around for I think about 20 years. And they've never raised the fees. And I don't know if, if you know this, but the majority of people that get divorced in this state, they're both, both the husband and wife or …
S.B. 283 Court Fees and Administration Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Sen. Weiler declined to add remarks and thanked Mr. Drechsel for covering points he had missed.
▶ Watch at 56:52Read what they said
Um, I'll waive. I appreciate Mr. Drexel for picking up the scraps that I forgot to mention. So,
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Presented S.B. 269, which would require school boards to post meeting agendas at least 48 hours in advance.
▶ Watch at 1:13:28Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, simple. Bill. Um, this would, uh, basically, uh, increase transparency by requiring, uh, school boards to post their meeting agendas at least 48 hours in advance, giving families and parents more meaningful notice. Um, uh, the original bill, um, asked for a 72 hour notice and we got some feedback from school boards and others and, and compromised down to 48 hours. Um, I think it helps parents to be able to plan ahead arranging for childcare adjusting schedules so that they have a fair opportunity to attend and participate. We also kind of set a precedent, uh, I think it was two years ago, it may have been three that we required school boards. …
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said OPMA requires 24 hours notice, that the bill would not change OPMA, and that it would set a separate requirement for school boards.
▶ Watch at 1:15:06Read what they said
Yes. Opma, OPMA is 24 hours. So this is, this won't adjust opma in any way. We're just saying for school boards in particular, they just have to have their own Schedule C.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said the bill was changed to allow emergency meetings with less than 48 hours notice.
▶ Watch at 1:15:49Read what they said
or anything outside of their No, in fact, I changed the bill to clarify that they could still call an emergency meeting with less than 48 hours if, if it, you know, if they've met the definition of an emergency.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said the 48-hour requirement would become the default for school board meetings, with an emergency exception.
▶ Watch at 1:16:07Read what they said
If they are, I, I think that this not a forum. I think that this, if this bill passed, I think this would become the default for a school board meeting. Um, and then they would have the emergency exception. So.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said he was unsure whether caucuses must publish agendas and that Senate caucuses do not publish agendas.
▶ Watch at 1:16:45Read what they said
And I, I, um, I'm, I'm familiar with that legislation. I'm not sure if the caucus requires an agenda to be published, but if there was an agenda to be published for the caucus, I think this would apply to it. But I know for our caucuses in the Senate, we don't publish agendas so.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said he did not believe caucuses are public meetings and did not see the bill affecting caucusing.
▶ Watch at 1:17:23Read what they said
Yeah. I don't know that. I mean, and, and maybe someone else can inform me. I don't know that caucuses are public meetings. I, I don't think that's the intent. Right? Yeah. And, and I Juab I just was curious if that would, I don't see this having any impact on the ability to caucus.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said his constituent asked only about school boards, that he has received complaints only about school boards, and that the bill affects children.
▶ Watch at 1:17:52Read what they said
Well, because, um, my constituent only asked for school boards. And like I said, we've already set a precedent, maybe it's not the best precedent that we do treat school boards a little bit differently when it comes to public comment on agenda items. So I felt like there was a precedent for, for that. And I would say, um, so first of all, I'm only getting complaints about school boards. I'm not getting complaints about the sewer districts. But, but more importantly, I think this, this affects people's kids. And so, um, I, I think a little bit more notice is, is warranted.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · House Education Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Asked the committee to oppose the motion to hold, saying a constituent's concern prompted the bill and that it is supported by Utah Parents United.
▶ Watch at 1:24:08Read what they said
Oh, thank you. Um, uh, I appreciate, um, the good representative. I, I would ask the committee to oppose the motion to hold. Look at, I'm doing what you all do. I, I had a constituent who had a problem. Uh, her school board doesn't wanna solve the problem. Uh, so she came to me. Um, we've compromised on this bill and one thing I failed to mention is this is, uh, supported by Utah Parents United. So I would ask for a no vote on the motion to hold. Thank you, uh, to the members of the committee.
S.B. 189 School District Funding Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Jokes about opening a new bill file, then moves to circle House Bill 308 on homeless service amendments.
▶ Watch at 12:48Read what they said
Affirmative. Thank you. Now, Senator Weiler. Thank you Mr. President. Um, I wanna move for leave of the body to open a new bill file. Just kidding. Only one. Um, that's, it's disappointing when you say one senator, I expect more outta you than that. Actually I'd move to encircle. Um, house Bill 3 0 8.
H.B. 308 Homeless Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Presents H.B. 308, which repeals obsolete code sections, amends Office of Homeless Services provisions, moves the office to another executive branch agency, and saves about $40,000, then yields for questions.
▶ Watch at 13:20Read what they said
So, uh, thank you Mr. President. I had to apologize to my house sponsor. He came over today and said, why have you left this circled for a week? And I said, well, it's got, it's got a fiscal note. It's in yellow. Well, it has a fiscal note, but it's a positive fiscal note. And our system flags positive fiscal notes the same as they flagged negative ones. So, um, I feel bad that this should have been passed a week ago. But this bill, um, repeals certain obsolete sections of code amends provisions related to the Office of Homeless Services. Amends the duties of the homeless service coordinator amends certain staffing requirements or certain boards and committees and …
S.B. 314 Sleep Disorders Education Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Explains his vote and says the Utah Constitution allows the Senate to suspend the rules with a two-thirds vote.
▶ Watch at 22:49Read what they said
You. But I, I just wanna take a moment since we have interns and some, some public watching that the, and just to explain my vote. Aye. And also explain The Utah constitution allows us to suspend the rules. So some people come and they think somehow we're violating the Constitution when we suspend the rules. We're, we're not, we're actually honoring the Constitution, which gives us that Right. With a two thirds vote. So I vote. Aye.
S.B. 161 Evaluations in Guardianship Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Explains that the House made a small change so a doctor cannot rely exclusively on the opinion of the person seeking to have someone deemed incompetent, and moves that the Senate concur with the House changes.
▶ Watch at 24:11Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I'm gonna move to Concur, but I'd like to explain, um, I asked the house, the house to make a small change. This is the bill that would make sure that someone, uh, let's say an elderly person whose mental competency is being challenged usually by a family member, that they have access to all of the court visitor reports and the doctor's reports about their medical condition. We put in the original bill that the doctor could not rely exclusively on the opinion, uh, that the doctor couldn't use the opinion of the person, um, who was trying to have a person, uh, deemed incompetent. So we, we watered that down just a bit to …
S.B. 307 Garnishment Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Explains that the bill would let garnishment fees be deducted directly from garnished funds, so creditors would not need to make separate payments.
▶ Watch at 42:32Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, this bill will allow garnishes to deduct their fee directly from the garnish funds, eliminate the need for separate payments by the creditors. And with that, I'll yield to any questions.
S.B. 304 Protective Order Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Says he wanted to clarify the amendment and notes the date line contains two sixes, so the year becomes 2027.
▶ Watch at 42:49Read what they said
I'm fine. I just wanted to clarify. It's, there's two sixes in that line. So it is 2027.
S.B. 304 Protective Order Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill, saying he had concerns with the original draft but the sponsor made changes after listening to stakeholders, and urges a yes vote.
▶ Watch at 43:26Read what they said
Thank you. I, I rise in support of the bill. I, I had some concerns with the original draft, but um, the sponsor was good enough to listen to a lot of stakeholders and has made some great changes. I think this, uh, bill landed in a really good place, so I would encourage everyone to vote. Aye,
S.B. 323 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Recodification · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Describes SB 323 as a reorganization of the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice that consolidates existing statutes and programs, makes no substantive policy changes, and requests no new funding.
▶ Watch at 1:17:27Read what they said
and two deputy commissioner. So this is a reorganization of CCJJ. It reifies and consolidates the existing statutes and programs to improve organization oversight and efficiency. The proposal strengthens leadership structures and clarifies responsibilities while removing outdated provisions. It makes no substantive policy changes and does not request any new funding. And with that, I'll yield to any questions.
H.B. 103 Underage Marriage Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Presents H.B. 103 on penalties for knowingly marrying a minor in violation of Utah law or transporting a minor out of state to marry, then yields to questions and recognizes Senator Ipson.
▶ Watch at 2:00:11Read what they said
to knowingly marry a minor, uh, who's underage, uh, in violation of current Utah law, or to transport a minor outta state to get married or to transport a minor, minor outta state for someone else to marry them in violation of Utah law. And, um, with that, I'll yield to any questions. Senator Ipson.
H.B. 103 Underage Marriage Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Answers that the bill has no statute of limitations and is not intended to be retroactive.
▶ Watch at 2:00:40Read what they said
Um, there, there isn't, uh, and it's, it's not, it's, it's not intended to be retroactive. If that's the question,
H.B. 103 Underage Marriage Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Waives his closing summation and moves that first substitute H.B. 103 pass.
▶ Watch at 2:01:03Read what they said
I think if I dare I'll, uh, since I'm speechless, I'll waive my summation and move that first substitute house Bill 1 0 3 pass.
S.B. 290 Victim and Witness Privacy Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Supports the third substitute, apologizes for earlier strong comments about the negotiations, commends the Attorney General's office and prosecutors for working with defense attorneys, and says he will vote aye.
▶ Watch at 2:41:18Read what they said
Thank you. You um, I wanted to uh, say I appreciate the sponsors good work on this third sub. I think this third, third sub really lands the bill in a good place. And, uh, I need to apologize. I kind of called out, uh, I was frustrating committee 'cause I had the feeling that, um, the negotiations that should be taking place on a bill that's important weren't taking place. So I wanna apologize. I probably use some strong language but, and I, I, I now want to commend especially the Attorney General's office and the prosecutors in general for working with the defense attorneys and coming up with what I think is a very, very good, uh, solution …
S.B. 67 Law Enforcement Quota Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Presents S.B. 67, which keeps the 2018 state policy against law enforcement quotas, lets citizen interactions including warnings count toward a metric, and says warnings can be useful.
▶ Watch at 50:20Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, this bill actually passed, um, I think, uh, unanimously last session, but it was one of those bills on that last night that it didn't quite make it through. Um, but just as a bit of history in 2018, we adopted a policy that we didn't want our law enforcement agencies to have quotas. Um, and we want them to write tickets when they're justified. We don't want them to say, oh gosh, I've got an hour left on this shift, so I gotta find somebody to give a ticket to. And I think that's the right policy. I think a lot of states have adopted policies along these lines. And so we passed that …
H.B. 438 Artificial Intelligence Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend HB 438 second substitute to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:13:07Read what they said
I'll make a motion to favorably recommend the bill to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 438 Artificial Intelligence Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Says he is comfortable advancing the bill to the floor and is open to possible floor amendments.
▶ Watch at 1:14:14Read what they said
Um, yeah, I don't have a lot to add. I, um, I, I've been concerned of what I've learned about these, um, chat, um, bots and, um, I think that, um, this is one step in Utah continuing to lead the way in some of these social media arenas and, and trying to protect our youth. I, I don't know that this bill is perfect, but I am, um, I am comfortable enough with it that I'd like to advance it to the floor and if there are changes to be made that we could look at those for, um, you know, a possible floor amendment or sub.
H.B. 337 Nicotine Product Tax Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Asks how the ingredients of nicotine lozenges differ from Zyn pouches.
▶ Watch at 1:33:14Read what they said
Yeah, thank you. I'm just, um, curious, um, Representative Clancy, if the on on your chart that shows the Walgreens nicotine mini lozenges, what's the difference in the ingredients between those and the zen products?
H.B. 337 Nicotine Product Tax Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Says lozenges can deliver comparable nicotine with no excise tax and objects that the substitute amounts to an 831% tax increase on Zyn.
▶ Watch at 1:35:13Read what they said
I mean, Mr. Chair, my, my issue is I think some of the Zen packets are three milligrams, some are six, some are eight. But if I had a three milligram packet of Zen and I just popped in two lozenges, those are two milligrams, I, I could actually get a, a bigger, uh, impact off of the two lozenges than I would off of a three milligram X. So I'm, I'm just curious. I I, I, I understand the FDA's involved and, and we can't control that. But I also understand that a lot of these nicotine lozenges, uh, are sold over the counter and a lot of retailers don't even, uh, ask for IDs on those. So I'm …
H.B. 337 Nicotine Product Tax Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Says the same unflavored product can be bought without excise tax, which troubles him.
▶ Watch at 1:36:18Read what they said
That's my point is you can walk into most stores and, and buy That's correct. The same product without flavoring, uh, and pay no excise tax. That, I'm just struggling with that.
H.B. 414 Dental Hygienist Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Says H.B. 414 would modify the definition of public health setting to include hospitals, allowing dental hygienists to practice there without general supervision from a dentist, and moves that the bill pass.
▶ Watch at 19:30Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, we hear a lot of sad stories up here. One of the saddest ones I've heard this session is, uh, these children with lung problems at, uh, at Primary Children's and other hospitals, they'll have tubes down their throat sometimes for months at a time. And if they don't have hygienists come and clean their teeth, their their teeth will start rotting on them. So this bill, uh, simply modifies the definition of public health setting to include a hospital to allow a dental hygienist to practice in a hospital without general supervision from a dentist. And with that, I move that house. Bill four 14 pass.
S.B. 265 Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Presents S.B. 265 as a Utah Uniform Law Commission bill that conforms Utah law to other states on disposition of property at death, and offers to take questions.
▶ Watch at 25:51Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, this is a, uh, a Utah Uniform Law Commission bill that, uh, uh, brings us in into conformity with what the other states are doing with the disposition of property at death. And with that, I'd be happy to answer any questions.
S.B. 307 Garnishment Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Sponsor explains that the bill lets garnishees deduct their fee directly from garnished funds, removing the need for separate creditor payments, clarifies procedures when the garnished amount is less than the fee, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 1:01:11Read what they said
This bill allows garnishes to deduct their fee directly from garnished funds. Eliminating the need for separate payments by the creditor streamlines the garnishment process and clarifies procedures when the garnish amount is less than the fee. Ensuring consistency. Uh, with that I'll yield to any questions on Senate bill 3 0 7,
S.B. 307 Garnishment Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Moves that S.B. 307 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:01:38Read what they said
Thank you. I move that Senate Bill 3 0 7 Be read for a third time.
S.B. 323 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Recodification · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Presents S.B. 323, which creates a new Department of Criminal Justice and reorganizes CCJJ and indigent defense programs under a single structure, and yields to questions.
▶ Watch at 1:04:29Read what they said
Uh, Mr. President, um, this bill establishes a new Department of criminal justice entitled 75 E of the Utah Code, including commissioner and two Deputy Commissioners to improve leadership, oversight and accountability. This is a reorganization of CCJJ that consolidates and re codifies the existing criminal justice and indigent defense programs into a single structure, streamlining operations and improving coordination. It also enhances oversight of commissions, legislative processes, and agency operations and finance. And with that, I will yield to any questions on Senate Bill 3 23.
S.B. 323 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Recodification · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Moves that S.B. 323 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:05:15Read what they said
Thank you. I move that Senate Bill 3 23, be Read for a third time.
S.B. 38 Consumer Protection Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Moves to concur in the House amendments to the second substitute, saying they were technical corrections to code references that did not change the bill's substance.
▶ Watch at 18:10Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I'm gonna move to Concur. Um, Representative Matthews took two house amendments, uh, to the first sub and rolled those into a second sub. They both just pointed to, uh, to the correct, uh, sections of the code. So they're very, very technical in nature. Did not change anything substantively, substantively. So I move to Concur.
S.B. 295 Intellectual Diversity in Education and Government · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Presents Senate Bill 67, which prohibits law enforcement agencies from requiring certain quotas; the caption ends mid-sentence.
▶ Watch at 26:01Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tim Senate Bill 67 prohibits law enforcement agencies from requiring
S.B. 67 Law Enforcement Quota Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Presents Senate Bill 67, which would bar law enforcement agencies from requiring or using ticket quotas for arrest citations, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 26:05Read what they said
law enforcement agencies from requiring or using ticket quotas for arrest citations, reinforcing affair and unbiased uh, policing practice. Uh, with that I'll yield to any questions.
H.B. 243 Gambling Revisions · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Rises in support of the bill, saying the constitutional prohibition on gambling has led to workarounds and that changing the constitution requires a vote of the people; says he will vote aye.
▶ Watch at 36:29Read what they said
No, I rise in support of this. Um, I know a lot of states make money off of lotteries and I often get asked, well, why don't we have a lottery? Um, and, and I always say the same answer. We, we have a constitutional prohibition so people get clever. Uh, everybody wants to try to, um, evade that. But if, if we want to ever allow gambling in this state, we need to have a vote of the people and, and, uh, and change our constitution. And until we change our constitution, I'll continue to support all of these bills. So I'll be voting. Aye.
H.B. 217 Stolen Vehicle Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Says the bill would remove the requirement that speeders going more than 10 miles an hour over the limit in a school zone stand with crossing guards, while still letting judges order community service.
▶ Watch at 48:27Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, this is a bill that would, um, lift the requirement that people who are speeding more than 10 miles an hour through a school zone have to go and stand with the crossing guards. This is placed an incredibly undue burden on the crossing guards. They never signed up to babysit speeders. They never signed up to sign paperwork for the court. And, um, it's also proven to be distracting them from doing their job of keeping kids safe. So this bill would still allow a judge to order community service, uh, but would take this burden away from crossing guards. And with that I'll yield to any questions.
H.B. 23 Service Animal Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Explains that H.B. 23 directs the Division of Corporations to publish on its website an explanation of the law on service animals and emotional support animals.
▶ Watch at 50:42Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Sorry to be a little slow on the uptake house Bill 23. Um, simply will have the division of corporations publish on its website the clear and authoritative explanation of the law regarding, uh, service animals and emotional support animals. And with that, I'll yield to any questions.
S.B. 265 Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Presents S.B. 265, which would adopt the Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act to set clear rules for classifying, dividing, and distributing community property at death and to align Utah with other states.
▶ Watch at 51:57Read what they said
Uh, this is a, a, a proposed bill from the Uniform Law Commission and, um, we have a distinguished member of the Uniform Law Commission in our body. Um, but, uh, I'm running this bill for some unexplained reason. Um, this would adopt the Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act to align Utah with other states that recognize community property principles at death. This creates clear rules on how community property is classified, divided, and distributed, providing certainty for surviving spouses, heirs, and courts. Lastly, it protects good faith third parties and allows courts to apply equitable principles while promoting uniformity across state lines. Uh, the bottom line is that this Bill modernizes Utah law to ensure fair and …
S.B. 265 Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Waives summation and moves that S.B. 265 be read for a third time.
▶ Watch at 53:03Read what they said
I'll waive summation and move that Senate Bill 2 65. Be read for a third time and the
H.B. 309 Juneteenth Observance Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Says a three-day holiday would be more meaningful, but supports the bill because mixed federal and state dates have caused disputes in family law cases.
▶ Watch at 1:14:14Read what they said
You. Um, I think, um, To, to, In response to what Senator McKay said, I I think he's absolutely right, however, and, and I think we did it right, I think making Juneteenth a three day holiday would make it more meaningful. I think, uh, it, it's the better way to do it. But we've lost this battle because the federal government has decided to do it on the actual day of the celebration. And as a lawyer who works in the family law space, I have had clients, uh, in the last year or two have disputes because the mother said, no, my lawyer said it's on Monday. And the other, the father says, the ex ex-husband says, well, …
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Presented SB 12 as a technical extension of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act sunset date by ten years, with no policy or funding changes, and said mediation and arbitration help settle cases efficiently.
▶ Watch at 1:59:37Read what they said
Thank you. And this, this one's a little bit easier than the last one. Um, this extends the Sunset date for Utah's Alternative Dispute Resolution Act from July 1st through, uh, 2026 with the 10 year extension, which would preserve mediation and arbitration options that allow parties to resolve disputes efficiently without going through the full court litigation. This BA makes no policy or funding changes. This is a technical extension to continue existing law. And let me just say, as a practicing attorney myself, um, if we ended mediation and arbitration in this state, we'd need to build twice as many courthouses and hire twice as many judges because the vast majority of settlements are happening in a mediation. …
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Said the bill has nothing to do with jury trials, described his experience that jury trials cost clients more, and said jury trials would be unsuitable for family law cases.
▶ Watch at 2:03:35Read what they said
Let me just say this. Bill has nothing to do with jury trials. Um, I am an attorney who has tried cases by jury in both state and federal court. I had a two week jury trial about a year and a half ago in in Box Elder County. Um, every, every jury trial I've had has cost my clients twice as much money as if we didn't have a jury. Because of the preparation, we have to dumb everything down. We have to take twice as much time the jury instructions. Um, it's a horrible idea. The Seventh Amendment, uh, does not guarantee jury trials for every type of case and for, for instance, family law cases. And the …
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Introduced S.B. 149 as a cleanup bill that moves private investigator licensing from BCI to the Department of Commerce and gave an overview of its provisions.
▶ Watch at 1:12:41Read what they said
I know you're busy this morning. My pleasure. Um, I'll have Michelle Palmer come up and present with me. Um, I noticed Mark Steinle is here, and I was just thinking, uh, 'cause this is how my brain works. If Mark joined the, the Crips and like Margaret Busey joined the Bloods, they could both be Doppel bangers. Doppelgangers doppelganger. I said that wrong. So, just, just a thought for, to start off here. Thursday morning, that delivery. Um, yeah. Yeah. I botched the delivery timing's everything in comedy. So I was just over chairing the house Judici, uh, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and had to leave the 12 house members over there to present to come present to you. …
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Answered that most of the code is moved from BCI to Commerce and said the bill clarifies whether a private investigator must show an ID card with a home address.
▶ Watch at 1:19:17Read what they said
Probably 96.5% just moving it. Okay. So, and, uh, the, the, the, and I'm, I'm being, I don't know exactly, I'm just, it's mostly moving it, but some of the things we wanted to clarify, uh, that we've been working on now for two sessions is, um, whether, you know, a private investigator has to show someone that they're investigating if they ask like their ID card with their home address on it, which, you know, usually if you're a PI and you're, you know, you're, you're following someone around, you don't want to tell 'em, you know, where you live and things like that. So that, that's another impetus for the, for the bill.
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Said DPS and BCI do their work well but that licensing oversight was outside their comfort zone, cited continuing education requirements, and supported moving licensing to Doppel.
▶ Watch at 1:25:03Read what they said
Yeah, I will. Just a brief sum. I, I will say, when I ran the bill last year, I think DPS and BCI is wonderful. I think they're great at what they do. I think expecting them to oversee a license was a little bit, uh, took them out of their comfort zone. So, for instance, my bill last year said, we want private investigators to have to get CE continuing education. 'cause we want to kind of raise the bar. And they didn't know what to do with that. Um, Doppel would know what to do with that. So, um, I think, um, representative Thurston's common is spot on. Um, let's let the licensing division regulate licenses and let's …
H.B. 324 Utah Marriage Commission Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Presents HB 324, which raises the cap on funds the Utah Marriage Commission may receive from online marriage license fees and sends the remaining money to the general fund.
▶ Watch at 12:32Read what they said
Thank you. I presented this bill this morning. We just didn't have anybody on the floor so I circled it. But, um, this, uh, increases the cap on funds that the Utah Marriage Commission may receive from the online, online marriage license fees and then allows the rest of the money to go into the general fund. Does some other things I explained in my prior presentation, but with that I'll yield to any questions.
H.B. 324 Utah Marriage Commission Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Moves that HB 324 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 13:17Read what they said
I'll move that. Um, house bill 3 24. Be read for a third time. Thank You. And the question is,
H.B. 300 School District Taxation Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Thanks the presiding officer and says the Legislature had an idea a couple years ago, with no further detail in this excerpt.
▶ Watch at 20:19Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, the legislature had a great idea a couple years ago.
H.B. 178 School Zone Speeding Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Explains H.B. 178, which removes the requirement that people sentenced for school zone speeding observe a school crossing guard, allowing judges to order other community service instead, and says crossing guards were not consulted and find the duty burdensome.
▶ Watch at 20:21Read what they said
Um, the legislature had a great idea a couple years ago. We said, you know what, let's take people whose speed in school zones and let's force 'em to go and work with the crossing guards so they can see how dangerous that is. So we passed that bill and we patted ourselves on the back and it turns out it was a really bad idea. House Bill 1 78 second sub removes the mandatory requirement for observing a school crossing guard as a part of someone's compensatory sentencing for speeding in a school zone. A judge. However, if this will passes, a judge can still require some form of compensatory service, just not observing as a school crossing guard. …
H.B. 178 School Zone Speeding Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Moves that second substitute H.B. 178 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 22:33Read what they said
Thank you. I move that second substitute house Bill 1 78. Be read for a third time. Thank
H.B. 178 School Zone Speeding Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Moves to circle first substitute H.B. 23.
▶ Watch at 23:56Read what they said
One last motion. Encircles house bill 23 That I don't believe Senator, but it may be for the next few minutes. But anyway, motion to circle house bill 2323 First sub. The motion is done. Circle first, substitute house bill 23.
H.B. 23 Service Animal Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Says the bill requires the Department of Commerce to post information on service animals and emotional support animals on its website, and moves that the bill be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 25:53Read what they said
Yeah. So all the bill does is that it requires the Department of Commerce to put, uh, published on their website information about these, uh, service animals and emotions, emotional support animals. And with that, I move that first substitute house. Bill 23, be read for a third time.
S.B. 67 Law Enforcement Quota Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Sen. Weiler presented S.B. 67 as identical to last year's bill, which would bar law enforcement agencies from requiring or using ticket or arrest quotas, while still allowing engagement counts in which warnings earn the same credit as tickets.
▶ Watch at 56:59Read what they said
President, uh, Senate Bill 67 is identical to a bill that the Senate passed last year, but it didn't quite make it through the house. This prohibits law enforcement agencies from requiring or using ticket quotas for arrests or arrests for citations, uh, reinforcing fair and unbiased, uh, profiling policies. It does not, uh, prohibit law enforcement from requiring, uh, a certain number of engagements so they could. So in this, if they give a warning, they'll get the same credit as if they'd given a ticket. The purpose of this is we don't want officers being forced to write tickets that just, just so that they can meet their quota for that day, that week or that month. And …
H.B. 308 Homeless Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Moves that H.B. 308 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 59:00Read what they said
Thank you. I'd move that house Bill 3 0 8. Be read for a third time.
S.B. 287 Targeted Advertising Tax · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Supports the bill, saying companies should not be allowed to collect children's personal data for targeted advertising without limits, and says he will vote aye.
▶ Watch at 1:01:54Read what they said
Thank you. I I rise in support of the bill. You know, in, in 1981, if someone had knocked on my parents' doors and asked if they could collect personal information about me so that they could sell it to companies to try to, uh, target me with their advertising, I'm pretty sure my parents would've said no. And in 2007, if Mark Zuckerberg had come to the Utah legislature and said, will you please give me permission to collect personal data on 11 year olds, on nine year olds and 13 year olds, so I can sell that and use that to make money? I'm pretty sure we would've said, no. This is a bill that's designed to try …
H.B. 324 Utah Marriage Commission Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Presents H.B. 324 as raising the cap on the Utah Marriage Commission fund, supporting free online marriage resources, and funding Spanish translation of content.
▶ Watch at 1:30:06Read what they said
Thank you. This motion, this motion, this bill increases the cap on the Utah Marriage Commission. Um, and, uh, this supports free online resources for all utahns at a website called stronger marriage.org. Uh, once the cap is met, all of the funds are then deposited and the excess funds are deposited into the general fund. Um, and, uh, current fee schedules, uh, fluctuate depending on the number of applicants creating some instability. Um, for the staff support for the Utah Marriage Commission, um, some additional funds would support, uh, Spanish Trans Translation of content, uh, and continue on online free resources for them. Um, this website, stronger marriage.org, received 160,000 hits last month alone. Uh, this bill does not …
H.B. 324 Utah Marriage Commission Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Moves a call of the Senate because he is not sure a quorum is present.
▶ Watch at 1:31:19Read what they said
Motion. I'm gonna, uh, just move a call to the Senate 'cause I, I'm not even sure we have a quorum.
H.B. 324 Utah Marriage Commission Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Asks to lift the call and moves to circle H.B. 324 because he needs more information on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:32:31Read what they said
Mr. President, can I just lift the call and I'm gonna make a motion to circle, um, 'cause I, I need, I need more on this bill, but I can, we can do other bills that maybe aren't as controversial.
H.B. 258 Insurance Coverage Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Votes aye on HB 258 and reminds colleagues that disparagement is not allowed on the Senate floor.
▶ Watch at 1:47:56Read what they said
Thank you. I'd like to vote. Aye. And remind my colleagues that there's no disparagement allowed on the floor of the Senate. I vote. Aye.
H.B. 255 Health Care Sharing Ministry Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Weiler praised the House sponsor for working with Senator Musselman and said he would probably have supported the bill last time.
▶ Watch at 1:03:33Read what they said
Yeah, I just wanted to compliment the house sponsor for working with Senator Musselman. I probably would've voted for the bill last time, but, um, I think collaboration and compromise is a good thing. And so I just, uh, wanted to give a shout out to Representative Abbott. Thank you.
H.B. 179 Milk Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asks whether the committee will hear a response from the lobbyists before the vote.
▶ Watch at 1:17:54Read what they said
Well, yeah, I was just wondering if we're gonna let a response from the late night, uh, uh, bean burrito lobbyists before we vote.
H.B. 277 Traditional Healing Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says he strongly supports the bill and moves to favorably recommend it to the Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:58:34Read what they said
I am. You can't get rid of me that easy. Good for that. Um, Yeah, I'd like to, yeah. I really, I actually really, really like this bill. I think it's important that we, um, honor our, our Native American heritage and other traditions and faith. And so I, I would like to make the motion to favorably recommend the bill to the body of the Senate.
S.B. 161 Evaluations in Guardianship Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Presented SB 161, saying it would give alleged incapacitated persons access to medical and court visitor reports, keep HIPAA protections intact, and require court-appointed evaluator reports to be filed with the court.
▶ Watch at 1:33:18Read what they said
Well, I don't usually gamble, but you know, I'm open to new ideas. Um, so this bill was, um, actually brought to me by Representative Ballard. She was approached by a prominent family in, in our shared districts, um, who had had a, a, a horrible experience when some of the kids, um, decided to, uh, to take their father to court and tried to have him declared, uh, incompetent. Um, he, um, ultimately was not declared incompetent, but went through some, um, you know, he, he, he was, he felt very disrespected in, in the process. And, um, and this bill kind that case kind of shed a spotlight I think, on a few gaps, um, that exists in …
S.B. 161 Evaluations in Guardianship Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Responded to public comment and said he has heard from attorneys in this area, that the bill would require court-appointed health providers to be qualified and use evidence-based screening tools, and that it aims to keep petitioners' opinions out of the medical assessment; he said he is open to a possible floor amendment.
▶ Watch at 1:41:21Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you. Um, so I just want to, uh, respond to the pub. The first public comment if I could. As as my summation, I, I've heard from several, um, uh, attorneys who work in this space, and I know that Representative Abbott is an attorney that has some experience in this space. Here is my thinking, and I'm actually open to suggestions on this, uh, for maybe an amendment on the floor if this bill advances, but here, here's my thinking. If you look at lines 1 54, we want the health provider who is giving this report to the court, um, to be qualified by training, education experience, and then in lines 1 58 to use evidence-based …
S.B. 161 Evaluations in Guardianship Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Said the court typically appoints one neutral expert to save costs, and that nothing in the bill would prohibit a guardian from hiring their own expert.
▶ Watch at 1:43:26Read what they said
I think in these situations, they're typically appointed by the court. I think the idea is you get, um, to save costs. You try to get one neutral, um, expert as opposed to each side bringing in a battle of doctors. Right. Okay. But you in theory, if you felt like this was too restrictive, you could go out and hire your own expert? Yeah, absolutely. There's nothing that would prohibit that.
H.B. 271 Multi-Agency Joint Strike Force Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Explains the bill's changes to the multi-agency joint strike force statute, including annual reporting, and moves that the substitute bill pass.
▶ Watch at 25:58Read what they said
into, um, the statute, uh, for the multi, let me get this right. Agency strike force and requires them to report, um, once a year with, um, and with that I'll move
H.B. 174 Sex Characteristic Change Treatment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Supports the amended bill, saying the committee amendment protects minors already in treatment and that the bill continues existing state policy; says he will vote yes.
▶ Watch at 27:37Read what they said
You. I, um, I rise and supported the amended bill. Um, we, uh, we had adopted an amendment that I proposed in committee, and the purpose of that was to, um, really respect the, um, the what we, the policy we enacted with Senator Kennedy's bill a couple years ago that we weren't going to disrupt the treatment for those that had already started. So my concern with the original bill was we could have some 17 year olds who were forced to detransition, and then as soon as they turned 18, they could retransmission. So that's why I pushed it back a year. But I really don't see this bill as a change of policy. I think this is …
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Presents the bill, noting recommendations from the Utah Bar's family law section and a provision warning people marrying online in Utah that the marriage may not be recognized in their home country.
▶ Watch at 49:01Read what they said
recommendations we've received from the family law section of the Utah Bar. Um, and, um, it, uh, also has a fix, uh, to, um, make sure that people who are getting married online in other countries are warned that the marriage that they're performing in Utah virtually may not be recognized in their home country. Uh, and with that I'll yield to any questions?
S.B. 283 Court Fees and Administration Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Describes the bill as allowing protective orders to be filed without a fee and updating the filing surcharge for the online court assistance program, which has not been updated in two decades.
▶ Watch at 51:08Read what they said
that protective orders can be filed without a filing fee and it does update the filing surcharge for cases filed using the online court assistance program, which has not been updated in two decades. Uh, with that, I'll, I'll yield any questions
S.B. 176 Landscaping Procurement Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Supports the bill, sharing that his family switched to electric lawn equipment and saying state agencies setting an example could help reduce pollution.
▶ Watch at 51:09Read what they said
Thank you. I, I rise in support of the bill. I, I think the good senator from South Jordan has a point. I I also think that we get into our ruts and that change is hard. Um, in my family, uh, when the lawnmower breaks or the Leafblower Blake breaks, I always have this great idea that we're gonna go get it fixed. And then I get home from work the next day and my wife has bought a new one. Um, and that's how it usually works. And I think she would've continued to buy the gas powered lawnmowers, except that our oldest son, uh, bought electric everything and he was always raving about how wonderful it was. …
H.B. 51 Adoption Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Supports the bill tepidly, commending the House sponsor and noting it applies only to private adoption agencies and not most adoptions in the state.
▶ Watch at 1:06:13Read what they said
Uh, thank you. I, I rise, uh, in tepid support of the bill. I, we heard this in interim last fall and I wanna commend the house sponsor. Um, she received a lot of feedback and she was able to make some changes. So it's in a position, uh, that I, I will support. I do want the body to understand that the vast majority of adoptions in this state will not be covered by this bill. This bill only applies to private adoption agencies. So a lot of adoptions are, uh, the family knows somebody and there's no agency involved. Um, and there's also a lot of adoptions out of, uh, foster care or DCFS custody. And so while …
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Presents S.B. 268 on teaching the role of religion in US history and moves Amendment 3, which delays an implementation date and changes some wording.
▶ Watch at 1:10:31Read what they said
who preached Independence over the pulpit during the American Revolution to faith-filled abolitionists who taught that the slave is our brother alike as children of God. From Franklin Roosevelt's nationwide Radio prayer as American soldiers battled at Normandy to Dwight Eisenhower's, including the words under God in the Pledge of Allegiance and ideological opposition to communism and perhaps no movement in American history, was more influenced by the religious faith than the 1960s Civil rights movement, which was almost exclusively organized in the black churches of the South, which was the only place where African Americans at the time could safely organize themselves. In the decades since the Supreme Court prohibited school-sponsored prayers and devotional worship in public school classrooms, …
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Says he has nothing further to add to the amended bill.
▶ Watch at 1:13:21Read what they said
No, I, well, I like to just, um, well, I'll wait. No, not nothing further.
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Requests a call of the Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:14:27Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Prote, I rarely do this, but I would like to ask for a call
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Begins a brief summation of the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:15:43Read what they said
Thank you. In brief summation, Mr. President pro Tem, Can we, uh, have the, the, I know we're having a big party here,
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Argues that US history cannot be taught accurately and completely without including the role of people's faith and motivations, and asks for support of the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:15:59Read what they said
In brief summation, Mr. President, um, I I hope that all of my colleagues will want the, the fact that some of the biggest, uh, taught that some of the biggest turning points in American history such as the end of slavery and the civil rights movement involved, uh, the, uh, faith of some of our historical figures. I think it would be ridiculous to avoid talking about these motivations, um, in covering those historical events. And because I don't believe that US history can be taught accurately and completely without including the role of people's faith and the motivation of some of what they did, like Abraham Lincoln. Um, I respectfully ask your support for Senate Bill 2 68. …
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Says he missed a call of the Senate earlier, notes the bill was reduced from 72 to 48 hours of notice for parents before school board meetings, cites a precedent for trying public comment rules on school boards first, and requests a call of the Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:20:37Read what they said
Thank you. I'm not sure if Senator Fillmore was up to speak in favor of this bill, but, um, I, uh, I appreciate the body that, uh, I, I didn't do a call to the Senate, um, on this morning 'cause I had just done it for the bill before and, uh, that was a mistake. It, it actually passed 13 to 10, but we had six off the floor. So I'm gonna try this one more time. I do wanna add, I've gotten some more context. Um, so I think Senator Fillmore raised a good point. You know, why are we doing this just for school boards? And while that's a good point, I just want the body to …
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Moves that the bill be read a third time and passed.
▶ Watch at 1:22:54Read what they said
I'll move that Senate Bill 2 69. Uh, be read for a third time and pass.
H.B. 330 Liability Limitations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Thanks the sponsors for making changes after earlier discussion and says he will vote aye.
▶ Watch at 1:29:13Read what they said
Um, thank you Mr. President. I, I appreciate the sponsors circling this earlier and, and, and listening and making some changes. I'm gonna vote. Aye.
S.B. 290 Victim and Witness Privacy Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Explains a vote in favor of the substitute, saying prosecutors should negotiate with defense attorneys as they have in past sessions.
▶ Watch at 1:34:01Read what they said
I'm in favor of the sub, mostly because I keep hearing that the prosecutors are not willing to negotiate on this. Um, I don't like to hear that. And I hope this isn't gonna be the characteristics of the Derrick Brown Attorney General's office. I expect the prosecutors to come up with a solution with the defense attorneys like they've done every other session. I've been here. I don't know what they think is different this session. Why they don't have to negotiate. And that's the primary reason I'm voting for the sub.
S.B. 323 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Recodification · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Introduces the bill, says it is long with no substantive changes to the law, and turns the presentation over to Tom Ross.
▶ Watch at 2:02:02Read what they said
Thank you. I'm just gonna say this is, um, a long bill, um, and, um, I've got Tom Ross here. It's exactly 5,239 lines. It's 449 pages, and it makes no substantive changes to the law. And with that, I'm gonna kick it to Mr. Ross to make a, a short summary of the bill.
S.B. 307 Garnishment Fee Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Sen. Weiler presented SB 307, which changes the garnishment fee for a writ of garnishment from a court, allows the garnishee to deduct the fee from the amount sent to the creditor, and makes other technical changes.
▶ Watch at 2:15:13Read what they said
Thank you. Um, let me get the right binder on that one. This is a substantially shorter and smaller bill. Thank you also to Tom Ross for all of his hard work. And a page. This is the other bill was, uh, a lot of work, um, which is why it's coming out so late. This, uh, bill modifies the garnishment, the garnish e fee for writ of garnishment from a court and makes other technical changes. The, um, the heart of the bill, sorry, Mr. Chair is, um, well, there's a couple technical changes on one 90, uh, but the heart of the bill starts on page seven, uh, in section 78 dash two dash two 16. And, um, …
S.B. 307 Garnishment Fee Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Sen. Weiler said the bill does not change the fee, which remains $10 for a single garnishment and $25 for a continuing garnishment.
▶ Watch at 2:17:05Read what they said
Uh, we're not changing the fee. So it's $10 for a single garnishment and $25 for a continuing garnishment. That is the fee before the bill. That is the fee after the bill.
S.B. 307 Garnishment Fee Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Sen. Weiler moved that the committee favorably recommend SB 307 to the Senate floor.
▶ Watch at 2:17:38Read what they said
Yes, I would move that, um, I move that the committee favorably recommend Senate Bill 3 0 7, uh, to the floor of the Senate.
S.B. 307 Garnishment Fee Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Sen. Weiler thanked the chair and said he would check in with another committee where he is presenting bills.
▶ Watch at 2:18:27Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. If you don't mind staying there. I'm gonna check in with this other committee I'm presenting too. Okay, thank you. I might come back, but
S.B. 158 Recreational Therapy Program Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Presented the bill to raise the Medicaid hourly rate for Camp K, a residential recreational therapy camp for people with severe disabilities, and said the bill adds accredited residential support programs to Medicaid-reimbursable recreational therapy and lets DHHS seek waivers.
▶ Watch at 2:48:28Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, this bill is designed to help, um, programs like camp, um, k, which provide care for individuals with severe disabilities in a summer camp style set residential setting. And currently receiv only a fraction of the cost of the care they provide. So, um, camp K for the last several years, uh, maybe even a decade or more has been operated under a, uh, a code recognized by Medicaid that that gives them like $12 an hour. And they're, they have, uh, specialized nurses on staff, their, uh, tending, uh, children and adults with, um, who are severely disabled and re require 24 7 care. Uh, they're, they're putting them on horse backs to ride …
S.B. 158 Recreational Therapy Program Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Said this bill is separate from the Camp K appropriation requests and is the long-term plan to get Camp K a higher hourly rate instead of yearly appropriations.
▶ Watch at 2:52:09Read what they said
This is a separate issue. And, and, and gosh, I, I'm gonna cross my fingers that all three of those requests will get funded, but I, I know the realities. Um, so the one time they, they're building a new lodge, which is gonna cost like 15 million. Is that, that was the one time the 500,000 is they, um, they had a crippling setback financially during COVID and they're still gasping for error, partially because, um, although I've been working with them for three years, I haven't gotten their hourly rate increased yet. Um, this is really the long term plan. I've told Camp K, the legislature's not gonna make an appropriation to you every year. And their first …
S.B. 158 Recreational Therapy Program Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Said Camp K provides specialized nursing and care but has been paid as if it were a babysitting service under current Medicaid rates. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:54:13Read what they said
And, and if I could add to that briefly, 'cause I think it's an excellent question. So the problem that Camp K has had is they are providing everything I just said, I'm not gonna repeat it, but the specialized nursing program, and they're getting paid as if they were just a babysitter. Um, that's the problem is they, they, they have these wonderful facilities, they're doing magic really. And they're getting paid as if they're someone that just comes and sits with somebody while they're sleeping or something, which is not what they're doing. Thank you. And, um, chair Hall.
S.B. 155 Unclaimed Property Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Presents SB 155, which shares identifying information with the unclaimed property administrator, changes dates for certain tax-deferred and tax-exempt accounts, allows a single claim by multiple claimants for a decedent's property, and sets a filing requirement for decedent claims.
▶ Watch at 1:10:21Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. Chair. I had some misunderstanding of my floor sponsor. I thought he was gonna present this this morning. I, I'm with a man that needs no introduction. Our state, um, treasurer, this bill, um, provides that the state tax commission will share identifying information with the unclaimed property administrator for purposes of returning unclaimed property. It modifies the dates on which the unclaimed property held in certain tax deferred and tax exempt accounts as presumed abandoned. And it provides for the filing of a single claim by multiple claimants for unclaimed property, um, of a decedent. Lastly, it establishes a filing requirement for a claim that involves unclaimed property of a decedent. Um, with that, I'll …
S.B. 155 Unclaimed Property Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Says he would like to support placing the bill on consent but that the treasurer would need to be asked.
▶ Watch at 1:17:08Read what they said
Um, I, I would love that, but, um, I told Marlo he would have to ask, so.
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Presents S.B. 257, which requires ORS to review child support minimum calculation requirements and report to the Judiciary Interim Committee, clarifies the parent-child relationship for intestate succession, requires district courts to assign related cases to a single judge, changes marriage license requirements for parties not physically present, and requires clerks of counties performing virtual marriages to notify couples that their marriage may not be recognized in their countries of origin.
▶ Watch at 18:42Read what they said
so I'll touch on some of the highlights. Um, this requires ORS the Office of Recovery Services to review the requirements for calculating minimal child support for child support order and report to the judiciary Interim Committee regarding the review. Um, it, uh, clarifies the parent child, uh, relationship for purposes of intestate succession. Provides that district courts of each district assign any case or proceeding involving the same child or family to a single judge and modifies the requirements for marriage license with regard to parties that are not physically present in the state or in the same location as the of officiant. And let me just talk about that last one. Um, we've had some complaints that, um, …
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Moves that second substitute S.B. 257 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 20:08Read what they said
Thank you. I would move that second substitute Senate Bill 2 57. Be read for a third time. Thank you.
S.B. 283 Court Fees and Administration Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Describes S.B. 283: civil court documents provided at no charge to the state and political subdivisions, court security contracting using court security account funds, no filing fee surcharge for protective orders, and a higher surcharge for the online court assistance program.
▶ Watch at 26:12Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, this bill, uh, provides that all civil documents for courts are provided at no charge to the state or to political subdivisions. It also requires the administrative office of the courts to use appropriated funds from the court security account to contract for security. Provides that protective orders will not have a filing fee surcharge, and also increases the fee for surcharge for cases filed using the online court assistance program, which has not been increased for two decades. With that, I'll yield to any questions.
S.B. 283 Court Fees and Administration Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Waives summation and moves that the bill be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 26:56Read what they said
Thank you. I will waive summation to move that Senate Bill 2 83. Be read for a third time.
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Presented S.B. 268, saying it would let schools teach the religious foundations of U.S. and Utah history, not promote any religion, and yielded to questions.
▶ Watch at 59:30Read what they said
Um, Senate Bill 2 68 would basically allow, uh, teachers, um, uh, to, and schools to address the religious, um, foundations of our country. Not, not to teach a religion, not to proselytize, not to evangelize, not to encourage anybody to join one church or not join another church, but rather to talk about what motivated the pilgrims to leave their home countries and come to the United States. Uh, what, what George Washington said about Providence. Uh, the fact that Abraham Lincoln, uh, felt like he was inspired by God to free the slave slaves. What motivated the pioneers to cross the planes and risk death of their children and their spouses, uh, to come to Utah? So this …
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Answered that current law does not prohibit these lessons, but the bill would add them to the curriculum, which does not currently include them.
▶ Watch at 1:01:43Read what they said
Yes, I will yield Senator Riebe. And, um, there's nothing in the law that says you can't, but this would actually change the, uh, curriculum, uh, to include it in the curriculum. And from what I understand, uh, teachers teach what's in the curriculum, and this is not in the curriculum right now. Thank you. Senator Riebe.
S.B. 228 Community Reinvestment Agency Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Moves to circle S.B. 154.
▶ Watch at 1:03:54Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Motion encircle Senate bill 1 54. We have a motion to circle Encircle Senate bill 1 54.
S.B. 154 Protection and Advocacy Agency Reporting · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Presents S.B. 154 on the Protection and Advocacy Agency and proposes amendment one to strike subsection E, which he says the Disability Law Center cannot comply with; the amendment is not showing, so he withdraws it and moves to circle the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:04:21Read what they said
responsibilities of the state, uh, protection Advocacy Agency and requires it to, uh, report to the legislature. Um, I do have an amendment to the bill. I met with the disability law center yesterday and, uh, I'd like to move amendment one, which will strike lines 59 through 66. Um, this is some language I added in committee at a stakeholder request, but the, uh, DLC is telling me that they don't have this information and they wouldn't be able to comply with that. So I'd like to move amendment one, which strikes, um, subsection E lines 59 through 66. It's not showing. I Trying to look, I'm gonna circle if I, I thought that was on. I'm trying to …
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Said he would not oppose adding the word foundational, may propose an amendment, but urged the bill to move forward as written.
▶ Watch at 1:04:31Read what they said
So thank you. The, the good senator kind of approached me and I, I told him if he wanted to, to make an amendment, I, I, I certainly wouldn't oppose that. Thank you. So Senator Stratton, Thank you. That president, the, uh, that term is used here and there throughout the, uh, document, and maybe I'll just put together proposed amendment that would allow that as the bill moves forward, but I would encourage the bill to move forward as well as it is.
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Said he sees no conflict with the earlier laws, because the bill allows teaching all of U.S. history without watering it down.
▶ Watch at 1:05:46Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. I, I don't see any conflict. Um, this bill says that, um, the schools and the teachers are allowed to teach all of our history, and they don't have to water it down and try to take out, uh, a quote from President Lincoln or a quote from President Washington or, or, or a commentary about the pilgrim's motivations. And so I don't believe that teaching all of our history, uh, is going to be in conflict with, with either of those prior bills.
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Said the reference was added in committee, created more confusion than clarity, and was therefore removed.
▶ Watch at 1:06:45Read what they said
Yeah. Um, this was an amendment made in committee, and I think that, um, um, the reference to that document created more confusion than it did clarity. And so I took it out.
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Gave a closing summary citing Abraham Lincoln's stated belief in a covenant with God as an influence on the Emancipation Proclamation, and moved that S.B. 268 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:07:27Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to sum, there's a biography about Abraham Lincoln that shows that when he announced to his cabinet that he had finally decided to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, he said it was because, and I quote, uh, that he made quote, a promise to my maker as one cabinet member recorded, or as another described a covenant with God. Lincoln made this promise when the outcome of the battle of, um, an was uncertain. And, but when Union soldiers forced the Confederate army to retreat, Lincoln took the result as an indication of divine will that he should move forward with the emancipation. So I, I'd like, uh, Mr. President for us to ask …
S.B. 275 State-Endorsed Digital Identity Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Moves to take up S.B. 154, concerning protection of an advocacy agency and reporting.
▶ Watch at 1:08:57Read what they said
Yeah, sorry for that motion. UNC Circle Senate bill 1 54. We have a motion to Uncer Senate bill gimme the number again. 1 54. 1 54. Protection of an advocacy agency Reporting
S.B. 154 Protection and Advocacy Agency Reporting · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Moves amendment one, which deletes section E, because the DLC does not have the information that section would require it to report.
▶ Watch at 1:09:18Read what they said
Yes. I'd like to move amendment one which deletes section E, which is lines 59 through 66. Because, uh, the DLC is telling me they, they don't have that information to report.
S.B. 154 Protection and Advocacy Agency Reporting · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Explains that the bill requires the DLC to report annually to the legislature and hold three public meetings around the state, then moves the second substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:09:40Read what they said
Yeah. So this bill requires the DLC to report to the legislature annually and hold three public meetings throughout the state. Uh, with that, I, uh, call the question and move that second substitute. Simple.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Senator Weiler explains that the bill would require school boards and state and local school bodies to publish meeting agendas 72 hours in advance, as set out in lines 26 and 55.
▶ Watch at 1:12:39Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. Um, this bill would require, um, um, school boards to like the State Board of Education and local school boards to publish an agenda, um, so many hours before holding certain meetings. Um, the bill outlines 72 hours in lines 26 and 55.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Senator Weiler says he will offer a verbal amendment to the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:13:01Read what they said
Um, and I'd like to make a verbal amendment at the, probably displeasure of our amendment clerk, but a verbal amendment.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Senator Weiler describes the verbal amendment, which changes the 72-hour notice requirement in lines 26 and 55 to 48 hours.
▶ Watch at 1:13:14Read what they said
It's gonna be okay in lines 26 and 55. I'd like to amend the number 72 to 48. So on lines 26 And 55 And 55, strike the words. Yeah, the number we're gonna replace seven two with four eight. In both instances, You're gonna strike seven two and replace it with four eight. Yes. Which means, uh, seven instead of 72 hours.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Senator Weiler says the bill responds to parents' complaints about short notice of school board issues, that the amended 48-hour notice is a response to feedback on 72 hours, and that school boards meet year-round, so the notice is not overly burdensome.
▶ Watch at 1:14:05Read what they said
Um, there were some complaints during COVID and since COVID that sometimes, um, parents didn't have a reasonable amount of notice, uh, some important issues infecting their children's education. So the intent of this bill is to try to give a little bit more notice. And the reason I made the verbal amendment, I should have done a written one, but we got some feedback and committee, this was the Friday before President's Day, um, that maybe 72 hours would be, um, hard, uh, to comply with in some instances. So I'm, I'm trying to respond to that, uh, feedback. And, uh, that, that is the bill. It just, uh, right now it's 24 hour requirement, like the legislature has, …
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Senator Weiler responds that he was asked to address school boards because of a constituent concern, and that he would not oppose adding city and county councils by amendment.
▶ Watch at 1:15:23Read what they said
So, Senator Fillmore, um, has a good point. Uh, this wouldn't affect city councils and county councils. Um, and, uh, I would say I'm responding to a constituent that had concerns with the school board, uh, but not with the city and the county councils. I wouldn't oppose to a friendly sub or amendment that, that did that with city councils and county councils. But I was asked to address this for school boards, and if it's successful, then maybe we can spread it to county councils and city councils in the future.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Senator Weiler responds to Senator Fillmore by saying the bill can be applied one agency at a time, starting with school boards.
▶ Watch at 1:17:23Read what they said
I, I think that senator, good Senator raises a point. And I, I would just say if, if we can, if we can do non-competes by one profession at a time, I think we can do, um, you know, notices, uh, by, by by one, um, by, by one agency at a time for school boards. So, uh, that's my summation.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Senator Weiler moves that the bill be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:17:39Read what they said
I would move that Senate bill to, uh, 69, be read for a third time. Thank
S.J.R. 16 Joint Rules Resolution - Legislative Ethics Amendments · Senate Rules Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Supports removing the term limits for commission members because the commission has rarely or never met.
▶ Watch at 5:49Read what they said
Thank you. The elimination of the term limits makes sense to me because as, as far as I know, as long as we've had this commission, they've never met. So to rotate them on and off all the time when they're not meeting at all much less regularly. Makes sense. So thank you for that
H.J.R. 10 Joint Rules Resolution - Sponsor's Supporting Information · Senate Rules Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Asks about the House floor opposition and whether committee handouts already posted on the website would affect legislative history.
▶ Watch at 10:32Read what they said
Um, I I I'm gonna just ask two, um, and let you answer both 'cause you're a smart guy. So first of all, I noticed you got, um, 25 votes against this on the house floor. So I'm just wondering if you can summarize the house floor debate, what the pushback was. Second of all, I'm wondering, well second of all, um, we can also already do this because we can, we can put our handouts as part of the committee materials that would be available on, on the committee's website. In fact, a lot of times they are there if they were given a staff in advance. But I I'm just curious, um, You Know, a lot of people, …
H.J.R. 10 Joint Rules Resolution - Sponsor's Supporting Information · Senate Rules Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Asks whether allowing sponsor arguments on the bill page would require allowing opponents to post similar arguments.
▶ Watch at 14:08Read what they said
One thing I hate is when people say, I don't like this bill because some future bill that might come out on the same subject, I won't like, so I'm gonna vote against this one. It's the slippery slope type thing. Right? But I'm gonna ask you such a question. Okay? So this is introducing, um, debate and argument into the official record of the bill, right? I don't think that there's anything on the legislative bill page that represent an argument for or against any bill. Um, this would do that, right? Like there at least there'd be no limit on that. I suppose a sponsor doesn't have to make an argument. It could just be maybe clarifying in …
H.J.R. 10 Joint Rules Resolution - Sponsor's Supporting Information · Senate Rules Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Expresses concern that the bill could open a can of worms and moves to adjourn.
▶ Watch at 18:46Read what they said
Senator Weiler. Thank you Mr. Chair. I am, uh, appreciate the sponsor. I like the sponsor. I appreciate the discussion. I am genuinely concerned that this may open up a can of worms that creates more problems than it solves. And for that reason, I move to adjourn.
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Presents S.B. 109 to abolish the common law cause of action for alienation of affections, saying it is rarely filed and is often used as settlement leverage in divorces.
▶ Watch at 1:37:18Read what they said
Thank you. Mr. Chair, is this microphone on? Yes. Alright, thank you Mr. Chair. Um, Senate Bill 1 0 9, um, is, is, it's not a companion bill to the common law marriage bill that you heard last week, but, um, I was approached by the same group of attorneys and asked to run both bills, uh, for the sim for similar reasons. Um, this bill, um, can, would ban a common law cause of action that is often threatened, but is rarely filed and is rarely successful in Utah. But because it's threatened, it's often used as a tactic to try to extract more money in a, in a settlement of a divorce, usually in, in mediation. And, um, …
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Says he does not have the data, believes most such claims are threatened rather than filed or taken to trial, and cannot name a Utah case.
▶ Watch at 1:43:55Read what they said
don't, I don't have that data, but I think it, uh, um, I, I don't know if Mr. Drexel's standing behind me. I don't think a lot of these are actually litigated to trial. Um, I think a lot of 'em are. Um, I, I think, I think the vast majority are threatened and not filed. I think the ones that are filed are either dismissed through motion or, um, or settled. Um, I don't think a lot of these proceed to trial, but that, that's just my sense in talking to my own practice and talking to other attorneys. Thank you. I, I can't point to one, I can't point to one that I know of in Utah.
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Says he does not dispute that the claim is valid in Utah and argues the question is whether courts should allow this type of case as policy.
▶ Watch at 1:44:40Read what they said
So No, no, no. I'm not suggesting that the Supreme Court wouldn't uphold it. It, it, it, it's a cause of action that goes back over a thousand years to to Great Britain. Um, so I'm not challenging that. I'm, I'm, I'm, this is more of a policy discussion. Um, is this something, do, do we want to encourage our residents to file vindictive petty revengeful litigation? Um, and, and I think the answer to that should be no. So I, the, the question I had was that, um, it seems like when the Supreme Court ruled before they talked about it as, um, similar to harms caused by intentional interference for like other wrong civil, wrong, like negligent interference …
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Says the claim is often threatened in settlements, and that the substitute delays the ban to May 2027 so existing claims can be filed within a year.
▶ Watch at 1:47:06Read what they said
Um, I, I believe that the answer is, it could be either or or both, or simultaneous. Um, um, and, uh, I, I think it's often when it's threatened, it's often threatened as part of the settlement of the divorce, but it hasn't been filed yet, usually isn't filed. Um, I, I will say on the substitute, I forgot to mention this, I did push back the ban by a year, so it would be May of 2027. The reason I did that is so that, um, we could, could kind of put the public on notice. If you, if you think you have a claim for this, you've got a year to file it. Um, and as long as …
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Explains that in Utah's no-fault divorces judges usually learn of affairs only in alimony disputes, and that an affair matters legally mainly when the person seeking alimony was the one who had the affair.
▶ Watch at 1:48:09Read what they said
Um, I will say that, um, you know, I think most of you know, I'm a divorce attorney. I've been doing divorces on and off for my, my, my whole practice. Um, I will say that in a divorce, uh, it usually, usually both, uh, parties are happy to share with their attorneys all of the complaints that they have with their spouse and all of the suspicions and allegations. Um, I've talked to many men and women who suspect that their, um, spouse may have been unfaithful, but they didn't have evidence of it. Some of 'em do have evidence of it. Some of 'em, um, have discussed it openly or admitted it. So every situation's a little bit …
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Says the claim can be brought against third parties beyond sexual partners, and explains that Utah became a no-fault divorce state in 1987.
▶ Watch at 1:55:26Read what they said
Yeah, two things. So, an alienation affection claim can be filed against any third party who someone believes interfered with their marriage. So that could include a therapist, it include, it could include your wife's best friend. It could include other family members like siblings who are saying you ought to dump that guy. It can also include clergy like bishops, if, if, if someone, if someone's wife was going to a bishop and a bishop, you know, somehow gave them the green light to get a divorce. So it's, it, it it's most typically, um, geared towards, um, sexual partners. Um, but it's not exclusively for that. In response to public comment, um, in 1987, Utah added irreconcilable differences, …
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Thanks the committee and says he must leave to present in a Senate committee.
▶ Watch at 2:05:23Read what they said
Thank you for my most, uh, interesting committee hearing of the session so far. So thank you for Okay. I'm gonna have to step away to present in the Senate committee.
S.B. 49 Natural Organic Reduction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Asks whether the version requires anything to be recorded with the county recorder.
▶ Watch at 30:31Read what they said
Thank you. So does this, does this version, I'm sorry I'm not caught up. Uh, does this version require anything to be recorded with the county recorder, Senator Plumb?
S.B. 49 Natural Organic Reduction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Asks whether a Sandall amendment is showing and moves to circle the bill so Senator Sandall can be present.
▶ Watch at 35:38Read what they said
Um, thank you Mr. President. I haven't pulled it up, but is there a amendment from sandal showing on this system? If there is, I'm gonna move to circle so he can be here for that. There is, so I'm gonna move to circle so that Senator Sandall could have an opportunity. I, I believe he's in budget discussions, but no, I don't think it's fair to pass this without him being here on the floor. H Hang on, let me just know
S.B. 49 Natural Organic Reduction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Says he cannot find the amendment on the system and asks for clarification on which amendment is at issue. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 36:09Read what they said
Oh yeah. Mr. President, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, um, there I don't see a second Amendment. I see a Senate amendment one. I see a Senate, uh, substitute one is someone I may just not be looking.
S.C.R. 5 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP Regarding Pain Medication · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Presents S.C.R. 5 as a way to give patients a non-opioid pain medication option, developed with PEHP.
▶ Watch at 42:11Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. President. We've been working with PEHP on this bill to provide, uh, an option for patients, especially after surgery and events like that to have a non-opioid option. Um, and this bill does this, um, and um, I think it's a step in the right direction. So with that, I'll yield to any questions.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Proposes a verbal amendment changing a word on line 1455 of the third substitute, with the sponsor's agreement.
▶ Watch at 56:11Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you Mr. Uh, president pro tem. I think that on line 1455, we need to make a verbal amendment to change the and to an or so with the sponsor's, um, blessing.
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Confirms the amendment concerns the third substitute. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 56:34Read what they said
Just to make sure you're looking at the third sub. I believe so, yeah. Yes I am. Okay,
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Presents S.B. 12 as a sunset extension for a DR and says it is a good bill.
▶ Watch at 56:57Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President pro Tem. This is a Sunset extension for a DR. It's a good bill. Thank you.
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Moves that S.B. 12 pass and calls for a roll call vote.
▶ Watch at 57:11Read what they said
Move that SB 12 Pass And the question is, shall Senator Bill 12 pass Roll call vote.
S.B. 170 Vitamin K Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Introduces S.B. 154, which he says he is not aware of any opposition to, and says it would require the Disability Law Center to report.
▶ Watch at 1:36:44Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tim. Uh, this bill, which I'm not aware of any opposition to, would, um, require the Disability Law Center,
S.B. 154 Protection and Advocacy Agency Reporting · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Explains that the bill requires the Disability Law Center, the state's designated protection and advocacy agency, to report annually to the legislature and hold three public meetings each year.
▶ Watch at 1:36:50Read what they said
would, um, require the Disability Law Center, which is the State's Designated Protection and Advocacy Agency to report to the legislature annually and also to hold three public meetings, uh, throughout the state each year. And, um, that that's all it does.
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Thanks the sponsor and asks which stakeholders the sponsor worked with on the substitute and amendment.
▶ Watch at 1:46:45Read what they said
You. I appreciate the, the sponsor's, um, work on this. Um, wondering if he'll yield to a a, a nice question. Senator. Will, will you Yield? I opened it up. I I'm just wondering what, what stakeholders you know, have, has he been working with on the sub and the amendment? Senator
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Weiler thanks the sponsor for his work and asks which stakeholders he consulted on the substitute and the amendment.
▶ Watch at 1:46:45Read what they said
You. I appreciate the, the sponsor's, um, work on this. Um, wondering if he'll yield to a a, a nice question. Senator. Will, will you Yield? I opened it up. I I'm just wondering what, what stakeholders you know, have, has he been working with on the sub and the amendment? Senator
S.B. 67 Law Enforcement Quota Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Presents SB 67, which keeps the ban on police ticket quotas and makes agencies that violate it ineligible for state grants, and says it is the same bill as last year's version.
▶ Watch at 36:04Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. This, I, this bill is, I think exactly the same as the bill that the Senate passed last year. I, if it wasn't unanimous, it was nearly unanimous and, uh, and then it just didn't get through, um, the house. Um, so about seven years ago, it could have been six, but I think it was seven years ago. Um, we worked on a bill, um, as a matter of policy, um, and set in the bill that we didn't want police officers to have to meet a certain quota. Um, now we do want police officers to work. Uh, we don't want them to park on the side of the road and watch Netflix all …
S.B. 259 Evidence Declaration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Presents SB 259, which would require investigators and prosecutors to sign statements that evidence in felony cases was lawfully obtained and disclosed, citing Kanosh Bullock's case as the reason.
▶ Watch at 44:41Read what they said
Yes. I'm gonna invite, uh, Kanosh Bullock to come forward, and I know you've probably all heard about this bill. Um, so some of you might remember, I've, um, ran a, the Prosecutorial Commission bill with, um, Mr. Bullock last year. Um, he's, um, uh, uh, a long time presence here at the Capitol and, um, was the, um, head of the Utah League of Citizen Towns for, uh, about two decades. And, um, what happened was, was that the, the league was audited by John Dole's, um, uh, auditors, um, back about, um, eight or nine years ago, 10 years ago. And they found, uh, there was some discrepancies they found. And, um, one of the issues that was …
S.B. 160 Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Presented S.B. 160 to repeal temporary language tying autism provider rates to inflation, saying the change has worked, is not a new revenue source, and keeps rates in parity with those for neurotypical children.
▶ Watch at 53:48Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee. I am the upgraded Senator Weiler for today. You know, the house is always better. Um, so most of you were on this committee, and I'll remember several years ago, um, we tied autism provider rates to the inflationary 2%, two and a half percent increase. That already exists in statute. It pulled a little bit away from administrative bumps. Um, if the general fund grows by at least 102%, all this bill does is repeal that temporary language. Um, this is something that's been working for everyone over the last couple of years, and we feel comfortable making it permanent at this time. It's not a new revenue source. It's already something that's …
S.B. 160 Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Responded that no one in the room fit the description of neurotypical.
▶ Watch at 55:50Read what they said
Well, I don't see anyone in this room that fits that description, so I'll let you know.
S.B. 259 Evidence Declaration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Responds that he was not Bullock's counsel, describes the Swallow taint-team issue, and says the bill adds a consequence through a misdemeanor affidavit requirement.
▶ Watch at 1:03:09Read what they said
Yeah, I, I think that's a fair question, Mr. Chair. And, and, um, first of all, let me clarify. I was not counsel for Mr. Bullock, so I was not involved in, in the case, per se. I did read transcripts from some of the hearings. I read transcripts from some of the depositions and some of the interviews. Um, here's what I can tell you. In, in this instance, Mr. Bullock and his very competent counsel we're waving their arms and yelling, Hey, none of this was proper. The judge didn't care. The prosecutors didn't care. Nobody cared. Nobody cared that the law was broken, uh, to prosecute him for doing something that he had permission from his board …
S.B. 259 Evidence Declaration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Says he is sympathetic to the concern and that the bill would attach a misdemeanor consequence to the existing duties.
▶ Watch at 1:06:33Read what they said
Yeah. I, I, I, I am sympathetic to that concern. Um, and, uh, I I also think that, um, this one would be different because it would attach a misdemeanor, um, consequence to it. So that, that, that's the best I can answer. Okay.
S.B. 259 Evidence Declaration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Reads the bill's sections on auditor, investigator, and prosecutor statements and says the bill has no timing requirement, with the consequence applying to untrue statements.
▶ Watch at 1:07:55Read what they said
So it, if you read line 46 and 47, it says, the, a government official make, let me make sure I'm on the sub. Let me get to the sub, because I, I presented the sub. So it says, an individual who fails to comply with sections two or three is guilty of the Class A misdemeanor. So sub subsection two says that if an auditor or investigator provides or obtains evidence in a criminal case that will be used to prosecute, the auditor investigator shall sign a statement attesting that the evidence was obtained or provided in compliance with the state until law. So there's no timing element here, um, Mr. Chair. And then number three, when a prosecuting …
S.B. 259 Evidence Declaration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Moves to replace SB 259 with the first substitute, SB 259S01.
▶ Watch at 1:18:48Read what they said
Correct? Yeah. So I'll, I'll go ahead and move to delete Senate bill 2 59, title and Body and replace it with first substitute, uh, Senate Bill 2 59.
S.B. 259 Evidence Declaration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Moves to amend the first substitute at line 43.
▶ Watch at 1:19:24Read what they said
And Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a verbal amendment on line 43 of the first sub.
S.B. 259 Evidence Declaration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Proposes changing the offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C misdemeanor.
▶ Watch at 1:19:38Read what they said
Where it says class A, I'd like to change the A to a C. So that would change it from a class A to a class C misdemeanor.
S.B. 259 Evidence Declaration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the first substitute of SB 259, as amended, to the Senate floor.
▶ Watch at 1:20:44Read what they said
And then just to speed things along, Mr. Chair, I'd like to move, um, that we favorably recommend first substitute Senate bill 2 59 as amended to the floor of the Senate.
S.B. 259 Evidence Declaration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Says the amended bill turns on the prosecutor's signed statement of legal compliance, and that prosecutors have said they would need more staff to make that statement.
▶ Watch at 1:21:03Read what they said
Yeah. So, um, as amended on the first sub, this bill really comes down to lines 37 and 38. The prosecuting attorney shall sign a statement attesting that the prosecuting attorney has complied with state and federal law. Mr. Chair, this bill is asking the prosecutors to comply with the existing law, and they have come up and said, we can't possibly, we can't possibly tell the court that we've followed the law. We would have to hire more people if you're going to make us tell the court we follow the law. That's my, my, that's my summation.
S.B. 265 Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Presents SB 265, a uniform law bill that sets rules for how property is treated as community property at death, including domicile and jurisdiction rules, partition and waiver requirements, and a presumption about property acquired while domiciled in a community property jurisdiction; he says he is not aware of opposition.
▶ Watch at 1:25:36Read what they said
Thank you. Um, this is a uniform law bill, um, that, uh, Senator Mikel should be running. Uh, but um, for some reason I'm running it. And it, um, specifies which personal and real property is treated as community property at death based on the domicile of the spouses and the law of the jurisdiction where the property was acquired Excludes property that spouses partition reclassify or waive by agreement establishes requirements for how community property spouses may partition reclassify or waive rights to community property creates a presumption that property acquired while domiciled in a community. Property Jurisdiction is a community is community property, unless rebutted by preponderance and some other things, I'm, I'm not aware of any opposition …
S.B. 265 Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Moves to adopt Amendment #1 to SB 265.
▶ Watch at 1:27:26Read what they said
Oh yeah, sorry. Um, I'd like to move the amendment, That motion of be in order.
S.B. 265 Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Describes the amendment as a technical change to a line of the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:27:36Read what they said
You can see it online. It's, uh, just amendment to line 1 58. It does appear technical in nature.
S.B. 265 Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Explains that each legislative body assigns a member to the Uniform Law Commission and that Senator Mikel is the Senate's assignee, so he should run the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:28:07Read what they said
Um, I, so just for anybody listening to me, um, each body in the legislature, the House and the Senate, they each, uh, assign someone to the community, uh, to the Uniform Law Commission. That's Senator Mikel in our body. That's why I'm saying this should be run by him. Uh, but that's my submission.
S.B. 265 Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Moves that the committee favorably recommend SB 265 as amended.
▶ Watch at 1:28:28Read what they said
Uh, I'll move that we favorably recommend the bill to The Senate motion is to favorably recommend SB 2 65 Uniform Community Property Disposition at Death Act Amendments as amended.
H.B. 271 Multi-Agency Joint Strike Force Modifications · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Says he is the floor sponsor of the bill and supports it.
▶ Watch at 2:23:00Read what they said
Um, and, um, I am the floor sponsor on this, so I do like the bill.
H.B. 330 Liability Limitations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Asks whether the bill applies to nursing homes and youth treatment centers and how families could independently verify regulatory violations.
▶ Watch at 55:05Read what they said
So I'm, I I appreciate that this affects power plants. I'm, I'm, I'm, I'm wondering if it affects nursing homes and youth treatment centers, and if so, how families can independently verify whether regulatory violations, uh, were, were, were sufficient. I if they've, uh, had a, a family member who was neglected or even died in a nursing home or youth treatment center.
H.B. 330 Liability Limitations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Asks what families can do when a loved one is harmed in a nursing home or youth treatment center if the government entity does not find overreach, fraud, or non-compliance.
▶ Watch at 56:08Read what they said
So as I read the bill, the affirmative defense would only fail if the governmental entity that issued the authorization determined that there was non-compliance or scope overreach or fraud. So what is a family to do if a, if a loved member is harmed in a nursing home or a youth, uh, treatment center, if the government entity doesn't find that there was, you know, overreach or fraud or, uh, non-compliance Senator Winterton?
H.B. 330 Liability Limitations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Expresses concern that the bill goes too far by applying to all government actions, shifting too much to regulators, and possibly limiting relief for people harmed outside power plants.
▶ Watch at 57:00Read what they said
Well, I, I have some concerns that, um, that this bill may go too far and, um, and, and actually insulate, um, authorize, you know, in insulate conduct that that could be harmful way beyond, um, a power plant. Um, this is an affirmative defense that applies, uh, for all bureaucratic action. Um, and, uh, I'm concerned that this kind of shifts too much on the state regulators and may, may deprive, uh, families and others who are harmed in other non-power plant businesses, uh, from being able to properly obtain relief through litigation. So those are my concerns.
S.C.R. 5 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP Regarding Pain Medication · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sponsor presents SCR 5, which encourages PEHP to remove coverage barriers that favor opioids over non-opioid pain treatments, and yields to questions.
▶ Watch at 57:12Read what they said
Senator Weiler. Thank you Mr. President. The title of this bill kind of says it all. This resolution encourages PEHP to remove coverage barriers that favor opioids over safer non-addictive pain treatments. Um, it aligns the, the state employee health plan with medical guidance recommending non-opioid therapies as a first line for treatment of, of pain. And it also addresses the real patient concerns by ensuring insured individuals have effective non-addictive pain management options, particularly following surgery or an acute injury. With that I'll yield to any questions
S.C.R. 5 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP Regarding Pain Medication · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sponsor explains an amendment that adds implementation language, a $150,000 appropriation, and a possible request for additional funds, and moves Amendment 2.
▶ Watch at 58:08Read what they said
I see. Yeah. Senate an amendment two, two Because we passed 1 1 1 was put on in committee it looks like. Yeah, this was language I think we requested by A PHP. It adds in line 40 and uh, three to implement the resolution with an appropriation of $150,000 to request an additional appropriation if the cost of complying with the resolution were to exceed that amount. So I would move amendment one to s sc, uh, amendment two to SCR five. So It's Amendment two and Senator Harper's name.
S.C.R. 5 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP Regarding Pain Medication · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sponsor waives summation and moves that the resolution be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 58:57Read what they said
Or let motion pass as your seatmate there, you know, kind of rubs off on you further explanation onto the, uh, the I'll I'll waive summation and move that SCR five be read for a third time. Thank
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Explains that the bill extends the sunset date for Utah's Alternative Dispute Resolution Act from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2036, yields for questions, and moves to read the bill a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:21:17Read what they said
This bill extends the Sunset date for Utah's Al Alternative Dispute Resolutions Act from July 1st, 2026 to July 1st, 2036. I'll yield to any questions. Say no questions to you for a motion. Um, I'm not sure what we're doing with Sunset Bills, but I'll move to read it. Senate Bill 12 for a third time. I think when they get to the other body, they'll, they'll be held. Okay. But, uh, we will pass them outta here and send him to the house.
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Presents the resolution asking the governor to review whether the Disability Law Center remains the right protection and advocacy agency, citing complaints that it serves some disabled people better than others and that the state's designation dates from 1978.
▶ Watch at 1:35:24Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I wanna take my colleagues and you back in time, back to 1978, which was a landmark year, including with major geopolitical shifts, including the Camp David Accords, the start of the Iranian Revolution, the election of Pope John Paul ii, the eradication of smallpox, the first IVF baby, the Jonestown Massacre, and the debut of a new cartoon called Garfield. I was 11 years old. Why is this relevant? 1978 is the last time a governor of the state of Utah evaluated who should be the protection advocacy agent for the State of Utah. This bill, this resolution asks 48 years later that Governor Cox or the current governor, you know, when this bill, uh, …
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Responds that he has met with the law center several times, received a letter he considers a step in the right direction but short of enough, and that testimony at committee included many families describing concerns.
▶ Watch at 1:40:49Read what they said
Um, yes. I, I, I reached out to them last fall. Um, I've had, uh, meetings with them during the session. Uh, they've sent, uh, a representative, uh, that I've met with today, and I think three other times this session. And I think conversations are ongoing. Um, uh, I did receive a letter from them, uh, which, um, I felt I, I felt was a step in the right direction, but a little bit short. Um, but I, I am certain, uh, Mr. President that I have their attention. Um, I'm not certain yet that they're willing to make some changes to address the criticism. And, and I know that Senator Ibsen's not a member of the committee, but …
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Says he has discussed the issue with the governor's office, that federal law leaves re-designation to the governor, and that the resolution only asks for a review.
▶ Watch at 1:47:49Read what they said
Um, thank you, Mr. President. Um, I've been in conversations with the governor's office about this issue since last summer. Um, and I, I, I'll say this, I, I wouldn't have run this bill, uh, if I had been discouraged, uh, to do so. Um, the under federal law, it, it's the governor's, um, uh, sole discretion whether they want to initiate a re-designation. And again, this, this bill, this resolution only asks them to review the designation. And if they feel like DLCs coming up short, then they would initiate the process to re-designate a different agency.
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Says Congress requires reports, that the agency provided reports that were sent to the governor's office, and that he found the reports hard to use for judging advocacy for high-needs individuals.
▶ Watch at 1:49:00Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. Um, there is a requirement that Congress has that they send reports, and the DLC was gracious enough. They gave me three inches of reports, which my intern and I have poured through, and they're very interesting. I am told that those have been emailed to the governor's office. And, um, I'm not sure if they, those emails have been opened or not. Uh, but the reports are very cumbersome and it's difficult, um, to ascertain, um, what, what exactly they're doing to advocate for the low functioning high needs community. Um, I couldn't find a lot in there. Um, they have a report online, it's about seven pages, and it's mostly pictures of their events, …
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Gives a closing summary that the resolution is non-binding and invites the governor to initiate a review, then moves that the resolution be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:51:14Read what they said
Thank you. I would like a short summation, Mr. President. I agree with all of the comments that the Disability Law Center has done wonderful work, outstanding work for a certain segment of the disabled community. My concern is that there is another segment that they're not doing as wonderful job with. So I'm not trying to take anything away from the good work they've done. I'm saying that, um, I, I am, I'm concerned that their focus is targeted on the low needs, high functioning, um, uh, aspect of that community. Um, and this is a non-binding resolution. This would be the legislature inviting the governor to initiate a review. I can hold a hearing for an hour or …
S.B. 111 Veterinary Post-employment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sen. Weiler speaks in opposition, saying the bill singles out veterinarians while other professions keep non-competes, and that it could lead other professions to seek similar exemptions.
▶ Watch at 2:28:31Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Timm. I rise in opposition to this bill. I believe that targeting only veterinarians with non, with a non-compete ban while allowing non-competes for similarly situated professionals, dentists, doctors, uh, CPAs, uh, lawyers could look arbitrary. And, um, I don't believe it's evidence-based. Um, I, uh, I think that non-competes are only one of a few tools that small businesses can rely on to protect their client base and recoup investment and training and mentorship when they bring on, uh, a new associate banning them. And only veterinarian medicine may accelerate exactly what you know, people don't want. And that's corporate consolidation. Uh, as larger corporate groups can absorb competitive losses and outbid Independence on …
S.B. 210 Nicotine Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Explains the third substitute keeps the bill intact but removes across-the-board penalty increases, after consulting the sentencing commission and a police chief, and moves to replace the first substitute with it.
▶ Watch at 3:41:48Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Proti. I I do have a, the third sub is in my name. Um, okay. And, um, so I think this is a good bill. Uh, when I, when I looked at the bill, it, it just across the board increased every penalty. Like if it was a Class B, increased it to Class A, if it was a class A increased it to a felony. And so I, I talked to the good sponsor and, um, and talked to the sentencing commission. I talked to the police, uh, chief of police about this. And I do think, um, so this third sub, it, it, it, it keeps the bill intact, but it just doesn't have …
H.B. 243 Gambling Revisions · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Says he will support the bill, notes constituents ask about legalizing gambling, and states that the state constitution prohibits gambling and can only be changed by a vote of the people.
▶ Watch at 1:11:52Read what they said
Yeah, I'll be supporting the bill. I just wanted to say, I, I get texts and emails from constituents all the time saying, well, gosh, why don't you legalize this form of gambling? Or this isn't that bad. Just wanna remind everybody. Our state constitution prohibits all forms of gambling, and the only way to change that is by a vote of the people. And so, uh, in addition to everything else that was said, I just wanna remind people this is prohibited by our constitution. Thank you.
S.B. 298 Programmable Money Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Said they voted aye and apologized for a brief connection drop.
▶ Watch at 1:35:47Read what they said
Yes, I vote. Aye. I'm sorry. I, uh, my coverage blinked out for a second.
H.B. 193 Transgender Medical Procedures Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Questioned whether this is truly use of taxpayer funds and compared it to restricting blood transfusions or circumcisions based on personal objections to adults' health decisions.
▶ Watch at 1:49:39Read what they said
Lemme turn my camera. I've, I've been thinking a lot about this and I, I'm struggling on the, I guess the use of taxpayer funds. I, I think that, um, university of Utah, other employers, they, they, they purchase, um, they contract with an insurance company and then they pay a portion of the premium. The employee pays a a portion of premium once a surgery is, uh, done. Normally the employer is not contributing to this cost of surgery. Usually, uh, the insurance company covers a cost. There's usually a write off because of a contract or preferred provider. And then the patient has their, their, their, um, their portion of the bill. So I, I'm, I'm really questioning …
H.B. 193 Transgender Medical Procedures Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asked why insurance would cover a preventive double mastectomy for one woman but not for a coworker transitioning, raising an equal protection question.
▶ Watch at 1:54:10Read what they said
Can I, can I ask a follow up, Mr. Chair? Please? Go Ahead. Yeah, so let's say you have two women, and they're both 35 years old, and one of them, um, her mother and her grandmother both died of breast cancer. And she says, you know what, um, I want a double MA mastectomy. I don't have breast cancer, but I don't, I I don't wanna worry about it. I don't wanna have to get checked every six months or whatever. And so I just want to double mastectomy because my mother and my grandmother died of breast cancer. But the, the other 30 5-year-old woman, let's say they're coworkers, she wants a double mastectomy because she's now identifying …
H.B. 193 Transgender Medical Procedures Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Said he believes it is covered and some healthy women choose mastectomy to eliminate cancer risk.
▶ Watch at 1:55:03Read what they said
Covering. I'm pretty sure it would. And, and, and I, and I know it's unusual. It's, it's not frequent, but I know there are healthy women that do choose to have a mastectomy. And in fact, I heard, uh, Dr. Mike Kennedy talk about it when, you know, he was a senator that do choose that be because they just wanna eliminate that risk. So I'm just wondering why, why we would say to, you know, hypothetically to woman number one. Yeah, that's fine. Woman number two, no, we're not paying for that.
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Senator Weiler presented the bill, a narrow amendment to keep earned income tax credit refunds from being garnished by a bankruptcy trustee, and said it would not affect local creditors.
▶ Watch at 44:41Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have with me Joel Marker. Um, he's a recently retired bankruptcy judge. Um, and, um, and he brought this bill idea to me. He actually worked with the legislature a couple of decades ago. Um, most of you probably know that when you declare bankruptcy, you get to keep some of the items, they, your creditors can't take everything away from you. And in 1978, um, Congress allowed states to opt outta the federal bankruptcy exemptions and create their own standards. Um, and that's what Utah's always done. So, under the Utah Exemptions Act, we, um, we've established our own protections, including a, uh, 12 month storage of food where they, I think maybe Utah …
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Senator Weiler waived summation and shared a personal experience of qualifying for the earned income tax credit while in law school.
▶ Watch at 49:36Read what they said
Senator Weiler summation, I, I'll waive. Oh, well, I, I'll say this. When I was in college was I, when I was in law school, I was married with a child. Um, I only worked three months in the summer, and I would qualify for the EITC and it, it was, it was a game changer. So, that's all I'll Say. Okay. Alright.
H.B. 20 Correctional Facility Capacity Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Presents H.B. 20, which creates a restricted account to fund building or expanding future state correctional facilities, citing prison population growth and capacity forecasts, and yields for questions.
▶ Watch at 50:59Read what they said
Utah's prison population has grown faster than anticipated. Expanding over time was always part of the plan, but this bill proposes a moderate expansion. Multiple forecasts show that the bed capacity is reaching will reach emergency limits by 2028 with the expansion, um, that we are funding this session. The Utah ways to plan ahead And, uh, over the interim, the judiciary committee studied potential solutions House Bill. Um, this house bill creates a restricted account to address correctional facility capacity. The money from the account may only be appropriated by the legislature to build or expand future state correctional facilities. And with that, I will yield any questions.
H.B. 172 Food Safety Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Presents H.B. 172, which changes the food safety manager certification renewal from three to five years and clarifies fundraising rules for restaurants donating food to nonprofit events, and says the bill keeps health and inspection protections in place.
▶ Watch at 1:04:38Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro House Bill 1 72 Aligns, uh, Utah with the National Food Safety Manager certification standard by updating our renewal timeline. And this bill also clarifies fundraising rules for licensed restaurants donating food to nonprofit events. Um, it maintains full safety, food safety protections, inspection schedules, and health department oversight. So this updates certification, timeline, timelines. It changes it from three year renewal to five. Um, it does not change the food handler permits and applies only to certified Food Safely Managers. And then the, it clarifies the fundraiser rules, uh, which apply when a licensed restaurant donates foods to a nonprofit event that a certified food safety manager must be on site. It prevents duplicate …
H.B. 404 Sex-Designated Housing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Supports the bill, saying roommates should not be required to share bedrooms, bathrooms, or kitchens with someone of the opposite birth sex.
▶ Watch at 1:25:54Read what they said
Thank you. I rise in support of the bill. We had a, a healthy discussion, I think, uh, when this bill went through business and labor. And it's, it's, uh, my understanding that while federal housing law would prohibit a, a law or a landlord from just saying carte blanche, I don't, um, I don't allow transgender people to rent from me, that would be discrimination. I think this is a very different issue here. Um, as I understand the law, there's no requirement that someone, uh, in a roommate situation be forced to share a bedroom, a bathroom, or even a kitchen. Those are all considered intimate spaces, uh, with someone, um, uh, who is a biological, you know, …
H.B. 87 Animal Crime Victim Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Says the amendment addresses many committee concerns, raises the issue of returning animals trained to fight to the same household, and says the bill is a step forward on paying for animal housing, and that he will vote aye.
▶ Watch at 1:36:09Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. Um, you know, one thing as a lawyer that I really never thought about before this committee presentation is, you know about the animals that are caught up when, when people are arrested and, um, you know, it's horrible to think about them, you know, an animal staying in a kennel for a year or even three years, and then who's going to pay, um, for, for the care and the housing and the storage of that animal. Um, and there were some concerns brought up in committee, I believe, um, that the amendment that was passed addresses many of those concerns. Um, and I know, um, you know, one of the issues is, is, is …
H.B. 174 Sex Characteristic Change Treatment Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Sen. Weiler made a substitute motion to adopt his amendment delaying the ban by one year so minors already in treatment would not be cut off shortly before turning 18.
▶ Watch at 2:07:52Read what they said
I'm gonna make a substitute motion that we adopt amendment two in my name that would, um, push the ban back, uh, to, uh, by one year. I know we heard some public testimony against that. Um, and I, I, I'm bringing that because I know that there's been a concern about cutting off, um, potentially 17 year olds who began, um, treatment when they were 13. And, um, I believe that the amendment would, um, not force them to age out. Um, and it would prevent a situation where someone was a senior in high school and would have to stop treatment, and then as soon as they turned 18, they could start treatment again. Um, so, and I, …
H.B. 174 Sex Characteristic Change Treatment Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Sen. Weiler said he would support the bill because such decisions are best made by adults, explained his amendment protects minors already in care, and expressed concern that wealthier families can seek care out of state.
▶ Watch at 2:11:55Read what they said
Anyone else? I, I just want to say, I know that this is a, um, well, I just wanna say I, I believe every person, um, whether they're straight, cis, transgender, Daggett, transitioning, transitioning, I think every human being deserves to be treated with love and respect and to be recognized. Um, and although I'll be supporting the, the motion, one of the reasons I made the amendment, even though I was asked by a lot of people not to, is because I do believe, you know, if if parents and their children made a decision when they a child was 13, I, I don't, I, I'm not comfortable cutting off that care for a few months or, or even …
H.B. 404 Sex-Designated Housing Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said the bill addresses a situation where students were placed in shared housing with a student of the other birth sex, and argued that federal law is more nuanced than the public comment suggested.
▶ Watch at 1:54:37Read what they said
Yeah, I appreciate that. And I, um, I, I know that, uh, the sponsor here is trying to help a situation that happened this past year, um, when, you know, five female students showed up and found out that their landlord was forcing them into, uh, shared accommodation with kitchen and bathroom with, with a biological male student. So I, I don't think anybody's trying to score points here. But more importantly, I think the federal law is a little bit more nuanced than what we're hearing in the public comment. And I'm not pretending to be an expert, but in 2021, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD clarified that sex discrimination includes discrimination based on sexual …
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Sponsor explains that S.B. 149 began as a cleanup bill for private investigator licensing and now adds licensing classifications and qualifications for bail bond agencies, agents, recovery agents, and apprentices, along with experience requirements and rulemaking authority to exempt applicants from certain training requirements.
▶ Watch at 26:52Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, as I explained yesterday, this started off as a kind of a cleanup bill for Bill I did last year for private investigators. And because of a move to the Department of Commerce and another bill, it, it brings in, uh, bail bondsman and makes some other changes. Um, it provides a licensing classification and qualifications for licensure of a bail bond agency, a bail bond agent, a bail bond recovery agent, as well as a bail recovery apprentice. It provides experienced requirements for bail bond agents and bail bond recovery agents and authorizes the division to adopt rules to exempt an applicant from certain training requirements. Um, with that I'll be happy to yield …
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Supports the substitute bill, says the sponsor worked with him on his committee concerns about an exception overwhelming the rule, and says he will vote aye.
▶ Watch at 49:46Read what they said
Mr. President, I rise in support of the substitute of Bill. I wanna commend the sponsor for working with me and others. I had some concerns in committee that we didn't want an exception that would swallow the rule. I think that the sub addressed that and so I'll be voting. Aye again today. Thank you.
H.B. 24 Criminal Penalty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Moves to uncircle HB 108, Minors in state custody amendments.
▶ Watch at 1:02:21Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Motion to encircle house bill 1 0 8. Motion to Uncer House Bill 1 0 8.
H.B. 24 Criminal Penalty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Says HB 108 builds on a bill he and a representative passed last year.
▶ Watch at 1:02:42Read what they said
Thank you. Um, this bill, This builds on a bill that representative, um, the good representative and I, um, passed last year.
H.B. 108 Minors in State Custody Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Answers that the state has always kept these benefit funds, and the bill requires part of them to go into child accounts, which creates the fiscal note.
▶ Watch at 1:04:47Read what they said
Because the state has, um, always seized all of these funds. So in my example, if social security is paying 2,500, but if the father was still alive and he would've only paid 500 in child support, the state's getting now the 2,500 because the father's dead. And my hypothetical, the state's always just taken all that money and said, ha ha ha, we got an extra $2,000 a month and they've spent it. Now we're telling the state, you can't take that windfall and spend it all. You're gonna have to, to put some of that windfall into an account that the child can use for college or a house when they're 18. And because we're taking that money …
H.B. 108 Minors in State Custody Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Notes the bill has a significant fiscal note and so would need to be tabled on third reading, and moves that H.B. 108 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:05:37Read what they said
Thank you. This does have a significant fiscal note, so if it passes it will need to be tabled on third. But I would move that house Bill 1 0 8 be read for a third time.
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Supports the second substitute, saying it moves the product out of gas stations and allows pure kratom leaf sales, and that many problems involve mixed additives.
▶ Watch at 1:08:24Read what they said
In support of the second sub. I, I agree. Um, with the premise of, uh, taking this product out of gas stations, which this will move it into vape shops. Um, and, um, I like the idea of, uh, allowing the pure CCRA to be sold. I, um, I think a lot of the problems that we've heard about, not, maybe not all of 'em, but a lot of them have been with the, the items that it's been mixed with. So I'll be supporting the sub. Thank you.
H.B. 93 Goshen Bay Waterfowl Management Area · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Moves to take up First Substitute H.B. 20 out of order.
▶ Watch at 1:35:30Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President pro tem, uh, motion to encircle, um, house bill First substitute house bill 20. Motion to Uncer for substitute house Bill 20.
H.B. 93 Goshen Bay Waterfowl Management Area · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Describes H.B. 20, which creates a corrections facility expansion restricted account to fund infrastructure so the state prison can build out its facilities.
▶ Watch at 1:35:51Read what they said
Thank you. This is a bill that, uh, creates a corrections facility expansion restricted account. Uh, what I understand is this would, uh, uh, allow, um, put some infrastructure in place financially to allow, um, the, uh, the state prison to build out, um, their,
H.B. 20 Correctional Facility Capacity Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Describes a facility that does not yet have prisoners and presents the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:36:09Read what they said
their facility. That's, that hasn't, you know, doesn't have prisoners yet. So that's, that's my presentation.
H.B. 20 Correctional Facility Capacity Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Moves that the first substitute of H.B. 20 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:36:27Read what they said
Thank you. I'd move that house Bill first house bill 20. Be read for a third time. The motion is shall first substitute house bill 20 Be read a third time. Roll call vote.
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Presents SB 110 to eliminate common law marriage, describing it as a legal fiction that was never used for welfare fraud and is mainly invoked in alimony, inheritance, and divorce disputes.
▶ Watch at 1:23:50Read what they said
Thank you. I'm in a very precarious situation. I've been in an emergency court hearing since two 30. I missed almost all the floor votes. We took testimony from the husband and wife. It's an emergency custody hearing. The judge just took it under advisement. He's gonna come back anywhere in the next five to 15 minutes to rule. I'm gonna have to step out for a moment when he rules. I think that'll be short. Um, but I'll, I'll start my presentation and maybe we can get to the public comment. So, um, back in the wild, wild West, we started Rec Utah and almost every other state started recognizing common law marriage because sometimes it was a full …
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Says such claims are threatened more often than they are filed, are hard to prove, and are rarely used.
▶ Watch at 1:29:08Read what they said
I think it's threatened more than it's brought. And when it's brought, a lot of those cases will settle. I think it's very, very difficult with our current statute to prove it, but that's why people threaten it without bringing it because they can try to extort more money, um, as I explained. But I, I will agree, it's rarely used, but then I, I'm just asking myself why do we even allow it? So,
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Explains that common law claims can be used in immigration cases when marriage records are unavailable.
▶ Watch at 1:29:42Read what they said
Well, you could have someone, and, and I've researched this a little bit, you could have somebody trying to, um, say that they're married or bring over a spouse successfully for asylum and say, well, gosh, we were married, but you know, in our country, all those records were destroyed or we don't have access to them. And so then the government would usually say, well, fill out an affidavit, show us your pictures, and all that stuff. Um, so there is a process for that, but it's, uh, apparently it's easier, uh, to bring other people over if, um, if, uh, someone in the country, um, can file a common law marriage action and try to convince a judge …
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Explains that the bill began as a cleanup of a private investigator law, became more complicated after changes in committee, and describes the substitute's provisions on private investigator and bail bond licensing and the licensing board.
▶ Watch at 37:37Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro tem. This start off as a little cleanup bill for a private investigator Bill I ran and passed last year. Um, but then Senator Cullimore, um, decided to move a bunch of things to, uh, commerce, including private investigators and, um, and this bill became a lot more complicated. And so I actually have a sub that I'd like to move and then I, I'd like to recircle because the sub's pretty substantive and we are on third reading. Um, so in short, the sub repeals title 53 59 for private investigators and repeals Title 53, chapter 11 for bail bond recovery, uh, act, and then enacts Title 58. Chapter 92 for private investigators and …
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Moves to delete the bill's title and body and replace it with first substitute S.B. 149.
▶ Watch at 39:09Read what they said
With that, I would, um, move to delete Senate bill 1 49 and Title and Body and replace it with first substitute Senate Bill 1 49 Discussion and the motion to substitute Seeing none. All in favor of deleting andit and Body Senate bill 1 49 replacing with first substitute Senate bill 1 49 Say aye.
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Moves to circle the bill because the substitute is a significant change.
▶ Watch at 39:35Read what they said
And then I'd like to move to circle since that, that is a significant change.
S.B. 100 Federalism Revisions · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Sen. Weiler, speaking as parliamentarian, notes the substitute changed the short title and recommends suspending the three-reading requirements and passing the bill under suspension of the rules as the safer route.
▶ Watch at 52:35Read what they said
Thank you. Um, Mr. President, I pro Tim, I rise more as the parliamentarian with the substitute bill. Um, uh, Senator Fillmore pointed out it, it changed the short title and it's unclear, um, where that leaves the bill, but I would recommend, uh, I would recommend as a parliamentarian that we have the sponsor when he is ready, move to suspend the three reading requirements for this bill and then move under suspension of rules to pass it with a changed short title. I don't know that it's absolutely required, but it's certainly the safer route. Uh, the secretary is saying it's not required, but alleged research told me it's unclear, so thank you.
S.B. 94 Inmate Financial Literacy Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Says the bill is a good tool to help inmates succeed after release, noting that most state inmates will eventually return to communities, and states a vote in favor.
▶ Watch at 58:40Read what they said
This is a, a great bill. I think while our inmates have a lot of, uh, time on their hands, some of them it's good to give them some tools that, that, um, that they can use to be successful when they're released. I know a decade ago when we were talking about the prison, uh, relocation, I was surprised to learn that 97% of our state inmates will eventually be released back into our communities. So I think this is one of the tools that can help them to be more successful. So I'll be voting. Aye. Thank you.
S.B. 156 Constable Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Presents the bill, saying it lets constables set up a payment schedule with people facing seizure of personal property, and yields to questions.
▶ Watch at 1:00:30Read what they said
I think it was unanimously, but didn't make it through the house in the last night. It allows constables to establish a payment schedule with an individual facing, um, seizure, you know, instead of seizing their personal property under certain circumstances. Um, and with that I'll yield to any questions.
S.B. 156 Constable Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Moves that first substitute Senate Bill 156 pass.
▶ Watch at 1:00:53Read what they said
or a motion. Thank You. I'd move that first substitute Senate bill 1 56 pass.
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Explains that the amendment removes a reference to a document that drew controversy.
▶ Watch at 1:42:08Read what they said
Sure, I can address the amendment is 2 68 the edu uh, Religious curriculum in schools? Yeah. So the amendment would take out a reference to, um, I think a un, uh, document that had drawn some controversy. Okay. So, uh, that's All it does.
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Presents SB 268, saying it allows instruction on religious liberty within social studies and higher education standards without mandating any teacher speech, and introduces Michael Erickson.
▶ Watch at 1:43:00Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, I want Senator Rebe to know I am in a car, but I'm not driving, so I don't want her to be concerned about that during my presentation. Um, so the bill focuses on how religion and religious liberty are addressed within public education and higher education. Uh, the bill seeks to amend our educational standards, um, to specifically allow, um, instruction on religious liberty as part of the social studies requirement, um, specifically within the American Constitutional government and citizenship courses, it clarifies that educators may examine the role of religion in historical and constitutional context, including philosophical questions concerning religion, comparative religion, and the history of religion. Uh, the bill reinforces that students, …
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Responds that the bill does not mention any religion or mandate inclusion, and that it allows teachers to include religious foundations of the state and country.
▶ Watch at 1:55:18Read what they said
You know, if, if the good senator wants to run her own bill on DEI or any other subject, I would invite her to do that. This bill doesn't mention any religion. What it mentions is that if it's relevant to our country or our state's history, uh, that it, it, the teacher is, is welcome to include. It doesn't mandate that it be included. But, um, um, you know, uh, I, I, this bill is very clear. Uh, we have religious foundations for the state's founding and for our country's founding. And the bill makes it clear that that is not, um, uh, prohibited from being shared in the classroom. So that would be my response.
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Opposes the substitute motion, offering to work on a one-year implementation delay and saying the bill clarifies existing history instruction.
▶ Watch at 2:22:24Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you. Um, Mr. Chair. I, I, I'll, I'll make the commitment if the bill moves out of committee, that I'll work with the state school board and other stakeholders if we need to delay the implementation back by a year. I can make that amendment on second reading. Um, um, but, uh, to the other points, this is not, uh, adding any curriculum. It's, it's clarifying that when the history that's also being taught, that is already being taught, that it, it can, it, it, it doesn't have to try to sidestep these historically significant events and, and, uh, you know, and the influence that went into them. So, uh, I would ask, uh, I would ask the …
S.B. 268 Religious Curriculum in Schools · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Declines to add further comment.
▶ Watch at 2:24:16Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. It was a good discussion. I'll, I'll, I'll waive. Thank you.
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Sen. Weiler introduces the bill and invites Melanie Mortenson to present, noting he plans an amendment to exempt emergency meetings from the 72-hour notice.
▶ Watch at 2:25:25Read what they said
Thank you. I'd like to thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to invite Melanie Mortenson to come to the table as part of my presentation. She's one of my constituents and I've been working with her on this issue. Uh, and I do have amendment that, uh, Melanie doesn't know about, but it would just clarify that, um, this new 72 hour notification, uh, for, uh, school board agendas to be published before meetings, uh, would not apply in, in the event of an emergency. Um, and there are just some emergencies where, you know, 72 hour, Let's, let's have Melanie, let's, let's have, we can't hear him. Hey, Todd, we can't hear you. You must be driving through a, …
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Sen. Weiler explains his amendment to exempt emergency meetings from the 72-hour requirement and acknowledges that the Legislature gives shorter notice for its own committees.
▶ Watch at 2:27:46Read what they said
Uh, Mr. Chair, can you hear me now? Yes. Yes, we can. All right. So two things. Uh, thank you to Melanie. Um, first of all, um, I do have an amendment, amendment one, if the, that would actually opt out emergency meetings, because I think there could be emergencies where 72 hours is impractical. So I was asked by one of the superintendents if I would consider that amendment, and I thought that was a reasonable request. Number two, um, I recognize there may be some hypocrisy here because our committees during the legislative session, we only give 24 hours notice. And I will just just address that, um, upfront. Uh, we are working on a truncated schedule. As …
S.B. 269 School Board Meeting Notification Requirements · Senate Education Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Sen. Weiler offers to expand the bill to all government agencies, says he would start with school boards, and says he will talk with stakeholders about rural concerns while asking for the committee's support.
▶ Watch at 2:39:29Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I appreciate the discussion. Um, I guess I could amend the bill to include all government agencies. I thought, uh, we could start with school boards. 'cause that's where I'm hearing the complaints. And if it was successful in that, uh, smaller environment, we could look in a future year of expanding it. I've been on a city council, I think we usually did our notices more than 24 hours in Woods Cross. I'm sensitive to the argument that some rural areas, um, it may be more difficult. So I would like to talk to stakeholders about that. But, you know, I'm doing what we all do. I, I got a constituent, Melanie Mortenson, who …
S.B. 19 Digital Evidence Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Presents the substitute bill, under which agencies would process cell phones in-house or through agreements with neighboring agencies at no fee, sending only the hardest devices to the RCFL to reduce the backlog.
▶ Watch at 36:16Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, last year I ran a bill, um, and I kind of kicked into a hornet's nest. Um, but my, my issue that I was trying to solve last year was sometimes, uh, people's laptops, uh, iPads and cell phones are seized in investigation, uh, criminal investigation, and they're never given back. Um, and, and so there are various reasons for that, but what I, what I ended up learning more about, and I ended up touring a facility called the RCFL last summer. And that's where these devices go. So if, you know, and, and the sad thing is, is sometimes they are innocent people. So if you're a college room, if you're a college …
S.B. 19 Digital Evidence Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Says the RCFL has the software and any officer in the state can use it at their facility.
▶ Watch at 45:28Read what they said
Things. No, but I will say that the, the lab, uh, itself, RCFL, they have that software. So any, any officer in the state can go and use the software in their facility. So Right.
S.B. 80 Physician Practice Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Says he supports the bill and moves Amendment 1, in Senator Musselman's name, so that physicians also are not penalized for participating in an execution.
▶ Watch at 1:06:14Read what they said
You. I Rise, rise supported the bill. I actually passed a bill I think two sessions ago that, you know, um, tried to respect people's conscience in the workplace. And I think that Senator Plums Bill goes right along with that. But I agree with, uh, Senator Musselman's concern, uh, that that door should swing both ways. And so I would like to move Amendment one to Senate bill 80 that is in Senator Musselman's name. We don't know where he is and we can't find him, but I, I have confirmed we can, I can make that amendment. Um, and that would allow a doctor also not to be punished for participating in a, um, in an execution.
S.B. 156 Constable Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Presents S.B. 156, which would let constables set payment schedules with debtors instead of immediately seizing property, and would require notice to local law enforcement when operating outside their county.
▶ Watch at 1:12:59Read what they said
which didn't quite make it all the way through on the last night in the house, but it aims to provide constables with a little bit more flexibility in handling debt collection by allowing them to establish a payment schedule with individuals instead of immediately seizing personal property. Uh, it also adds to the payment schedule activity to it, it adds to that schedule. A list of actions requiring the constables to notify local law enforcement when they're operating outside of their county. Ensuring better communication oversight. Essentially this bill seeks to offer a less punitive approach to debt collection while still maintaining accountability for the judgment debt tours. Uh, with that I'll yield to any questions.
S.B. 156 Constable Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Moves that the first substitute for S.B. 156 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:13:48Read what they said
Thank you. I move that first substitute Senate bill 1 56. Be read for a third time.
S.B. 156 Constable Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Says the pending item is a substitute bill and that he had thought the first substitute was already in place. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:14:31Read what they said
It's a sub. It's a second sub. First sub. Oh, I thought we'd already, okay. I'm sorry. I thought we'd already on this first sub I would move. Move.
S.B. 156 Constable Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Says the changes are technical and moves to replace S.B. 156 with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:14:37Read what they said
So these are technical changes, Mr. President, I think partially to come, come into compliance with Senator Cullimore Constable Bill, but I would move to delete Senate bill 1 56 and Title and Body and to replace it with first substitute Senate bill 1 56. Thank you. Some technical changes.
S.B. 156 Constable Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Moves that the first substitute for S.B. 156 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:15:04Read what they said
I move that first substitute Senate bill 1 56. Be read for a third time.
S.B. 166 Line-of-Duty Death Benefit Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Rises in support, noting that officer death benefits depend on the employer, with UHP officers receiving state benefits.
▶ Watch at 1:41:33Read what they said
You. Um, Mr. President Pro tem. I I rise in support of the bill. I I wanna point out we've, um, since I've been up here on the hill, which has been a while, we've had, you know, it's always tragic when we lose, uh, an officer in the line of duty and we, we, you know, we honored some families this morning. Um, but I just wanna remind the public and my colleagues, some of our police officers work for a city. Some of 'em work for a county, some of them work for the state, some of 'em work for special service districts. And often, uh, we, we've had some criticism from widows of fallen officers in the …
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Described the bill as a technical omnibus covering parentage, child support, parent time, and marriage licensing, and confirmed he was speaking to the second substitute.
▶ Watch at 44:15Read what they said
Thank you. Um, microphone. It should be on. You have to pull it up really close. Oh, the light's not on. Okay. Um, thank you. Um, this is a, a pretty comprehensive bill. It's, um, I guess a little bit of an a one subject omnibus bill. Uh, so let me walk you through it. Um, one of the many problems that it addresses Is, and are you speaking to the second substitute? Just I am. So we know. Okay. I am. Let's, let's go ahead. Let me go ahead and just say it's mostly technical changes, mostly changes people like, but let me go ahead
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moved to replace the first substitute with the second substitute.
▶ Watch at 44:53Read what they said
and, um, so I can present that move to delete first substitute Senate bill 2 57 and title and body and replace it with a second sub. Okay. So the motion I heard was delete SB 2 57 and replace it with, with sub with second substitute. Yes, that's what I meant to say.
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Explained the bill's provisions: parentage definitions, child support calculations, notice requirements for out-of-state virtual marriages, genetic testing rules, parent time schedules, and a Juneteenth coordinating clause.
▶ Watch at 45:36Read what they said
Thank you. Um, so the second sub we're going to, um, This Creates, uh, a definition related to the word parent, um, and, and makes it consistent throughout Title 81, chapter five of the Utah Parentage Act. It requires, um, ORS to review the requirements for calculating minimal child support award and to report to the judiciary interim committee regarding the review. It clarifies, um, language regarding the parent-child relationship for the purposes of intestate succession, which is when you die without a will, it provides that the district court of each judicial district may assign any case or proceeding involving the same child or family to a single judge. It requires at least one party to a marriage. Uh, …
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Explained the genetic testing changes, including the revised definition of possible father, estoppel considerations, and the focus on the stability of the child.
▶ Watch at 53:45Read what they said
Yes, I will. Let me get to that. So, um, section 81 dash five of 6 0 8 at line 25 64. This is a already existing section of code called authority to deny a motion for genetic testing or disregard the test results. So the current law says that in a proceeding to adjudicate parentage, so this is a paternity action, um, the tribunal. So the court may deny a motion seeking an order for genetic testing of the birth mother, the child, and the presumed declarant father. Or if the testing has been completed, the tribunal may disregard the genetic test results that exclude the, uh, presumed or declarant father if the Trium Tribunal determines that. And it …
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Said the bill is not retroactive but that the court could consider how long a parent waited to challenge paternity.
▶ Watch at 59:31Read what they said
No, there's this, this is not retroactive, but I will say this. I think that the current code and the, the, the, the additions to the code, it does allow a court to go back and say, um, you know what, dad, you, if you wanted to challenge this paternity, you've waited too long. Uh, i, it does have an estoppel, uh, type of conflict. If you've raised this child for, I'm, I'm using the example of nine years, and now all of a sudden you want to go back, you know, based on the circumstances, the court could say, I'm not gonna let you do that now. You've waited too long.
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Said he had heard from Utah County Clerk Aaron Davidson, described the notice and publication requirements, and said the clerks' concerns about cost were addressed.
▶ Watch at 1:00:35Read what they said
I, I did get a, a message from Mr. Davidson. Um, I know he tried to call me and I was in another meeting this morning. So what, what the bill does now is it requires them to publish in five languages because, you know, the problem is in Asia, uh, you know, so, um, on their website that that marriage may not be recognized in their own country. And then the bill also requires them right before the actual, um, solemnization of the marriage to, to also remind them that it may not be, you know, they're gonna have to check. So I think that the clerks would prefer, um, that they don't have to do it, um, verbally, …
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Said the phrase immediately before solemnization means before the ceremony begins, and committed to working with stakeholders on the wording.
▶ Watch at 1:07:19Read what they said
but not during the ceremony? Yeah, So it says 20 in 2287 immediately before solemn the marriage. So I read it as before the Solemnization begins. And so it would be fair to say that if a court were to go back and look at any requirement made upon Utah County or any other county performing marriages like this, they could look to this record as the legislative intent being that there, that this means, uh, that it could be sometime reasonably before the actual ceremony, but not in the ceremony. Yes. And I'll also, um, commit to working with Mr. Davidson and other stakeholders to see if we can be a little bit, uh, I think it's clear, but …
S.B. 257 Domestic Relations Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moved to pass the bill, said it combines several possible bills into one, and said he had heard no objections from the family law section.
▶ Watch at 1:08:24Read what they said
I'll just say, I hope I get some kudos. I, this could have been five different bills, but I'm trying to, you know, run less bills. So this is one bill and that's my summation. Alright. And, and for what it's worth, I have not heard anything from the family law section. And so I assume that they're, they've been, uh, mildly okay with anything. You, you and I, Mr. Chair are members of a certain Facebook group and there have been some questions as to whether this could apply to Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker and things like that. But other than that I haven't heard a lot. Okay. So, alright.
S.B. 283 Court Fees and Administration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Presented SB 283, which removes obsolete court provisions, allows sheriffs to appoint law school graduates as bailiffs, changes fine-schedule and court-building fee rules, sets no-charge civil document fees for government entities, raises OCAP filing surcharges, exempts protective order requests from those surcharges, and requires court security contracts; a court administrator was available to answer questions.
▶ Watch at 1:09:40Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. This won will be much shorter, I promise. I'm gonna invite Mr. Drexel if he's in the audience to come forward. Um, it was 2 83. Yes, I am not good with bill numbers. I saw him here and I was wonder I didn't have a bill, so I was wondering why he was here. So Yeah, he, I know he only usually comes for yours. Um, so this bill modifies the provisions related to fees and various administrative procedures of the court system. It would remove obsolete provisions, obsolete provisions, allow a sheriff to appoint a law school graduate as bailiff. Um, I actually had a job offer as a bailiff when I first graduated …
S.B. 283 Court Fees and Administration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moved that the committee favorably recommend SB 283 to the Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:11:49Read what they said
I'll go ahead and move that. We, the committee favorably recommend Senate Bill 2 83 to the body of the Senate. Alright,
S.B. 283 Court Fees and Administration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Said he had a virtual court hearing that afternoon and still needed to present a bill in the House.
▶ Watch at 1:12:54Read what they said
This is one of those fun days where I had a, a court hearing on virtual court hearing at two, these two bills here. And I still need to run over to the house and present a bill there. So, um, nothing more fun than an afternoon like this one.
S.B. 143 Utah Exemptions Act Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Says creditors generally understand that taking a debtor's vehicle keeps them from working, and asks how long the $3,000 figure has been in place.
▶ Watch at 1:27:14Read what they said
Alright. Well, we could have collaborated, but, um, so, um, my, so my, um, I've, I, I'm an attorney as you know, I've done a little bit of debt collection work, especially when I was right outta law school. But most creditors, um, um, understand that if they take the vehicle away from someone that owes the money, that they can't work, they can't get to work and make money. And so it does make sense. Uh, do you know how long it's been at $3,000 for a vehicle?
S.B. 143 Utah Exemptions Act Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Says most members would likely agree that vehicle values have risen.
▶ Watch at 1:27:55Read what they said
Okay. You don't have an expert to, to quantify that. No, I'm just kidding. You Know, the interesting thing is I could actually get a phone a friend, but I think, yeah, I think most of us in the room could probably relate to the fact it's gone up as well. Yes,
S.B. 38 Consumer Protection Modifications · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Introduces S.B. 38 as a technical update to consumer protection law and asks the committee to consider an amendment in Rep. Matthews' name.
▶ Watch at 2:20:37Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. This won't be nearly as exciting as the last bill. Um, I do have an amendment that I'm hoping, um, the committee, it's in Representative Matthews name, and I also walked out of the speaker presenting his only bill and my committee so I could be here. So I appreciate you taking me out of order. Um, so this, uh, I'll let you introduce yourself. Oh, sorry. Oh, please go ahead. Katie
S.B. 38 Consumer Protection Modifications · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Says Haas will join him in presenting the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:21:06Read what they said
uh, Katie will be joining me. Ms. Haes will be joining me in my presentation. So this bill,
S.B. 38 Consumer Protection Modifications · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Hands the presentation to Haas.
▶ Watch at 2:22:42Read what they said
With that, I'll, I'll kick it to Ms. Haw for a minute, a minute or two.
H.B. 392 District Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Compliments the Senate sponsor and the changes, says the bill is an improvement consistent with federal three-judge panel precedent, and votes aye.
▶ Watch at 42:15Read what they said
Senator Weiler. I rises, uh, I, I vote. Aye, I'd like to explain my vote. I I want to compliment the sponsor, the Senate sponsor. I, I really like the changes. Um, I like where this bill has landed. Um, I think, uh, I would've been hesitant to vote, aye, if, if we were appointing three new judges that we got to pick. Um, but, um, um, I, I, I think that this is an improvement and it follows the precedent in federal courts where we just saw on a lawsuit filed last week where three judge panels going to decide that. Um, so I vote. Aye.
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says he was skeptical but the Lieutenant Governor told him the bill solves some problems, and votes aye.
▶ Watch at 1:35:46Read what they said
Mr. President, I vote. Aye I was a little bit skeptical about this bill, but with a third sub, uh, Lieutenant Governor told me it actually, uh, solve some problems and, and is a helpful bill. And so I wanna commend the, the house and the Senate sponsors for working with the elections office. And I vote, aye.
S.B. 155 Unclaimed Property Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Explains that the bill lets the Tax Commission share information with the treasurer's office to help locate owners of unclaimed property, then moves to pass the second substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:38:15Read what they said
the tax commission to share information with the treasurer's office so they can help people, help identify people with unclaimed property, get their money back. And with that I'll yield to any questions. Looking for questions if say none going to you on the bill. Uh, motion that second substitute Senate bill 1 55 pass.
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Presents S.B. 112, which would exempt earned income tax credit refunds from bankruptcy trustee claims under the Homestead Exemption Act, and says the wild card provision has been removed.
▶ Watch at 9:29Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This is a bill that would slightly, um, and surgically amend our Homestead Exemption Act. That would take the refund due to an earned income tax credit. EITC, which is not available to local creditors anyway, off the table for a bankruptcy trustee. That's the only change it makes based on the substitute. There's no wild card provision left without, I'll yield to any questions.
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Answers that the wild card provision was removed, that the only change is making earned income tax credit refunds untouchable by the bankruptcy trustee, and that property ownership would not matter; then asks Senator Cullimore for any follow-up.
▶ Watch at 10:20Read what they said
Senator Weiler? Yes. This would only, uh, this would only apply again, the Homestead exemption Wild card is outta the bill. I I stripped that out yesterday. So all that's left is an earned income tax credit refund, which is a refund from Congress for the working poor, which is not attachable by local creditors. Banks, credit unions, uh, debt collecting attorneys in Utah cannot attach this. This would make it untouchable by the bankruptcy trustee. That's the only change this makes. And it wouldn't matter if somebody owns property or not. Senator Cullimore follow up or comment?
S.C.R. 6 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Pediatric Care for Autonomic Disorders · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Presents S.C.R. 6 on pediatric care for POTS, saying it aims to raise awareness among senators, doctors, and insurers about the condition, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 12:40Read what they said
This is, um, the, my Pots Resolution POTS is a terrible syndrome that affects approximately 1% of all the children in the state. It usually starts, uh, uh, for, um, children between the ages of 12 and 15. It's actually, I think, nine times more predominant in, in girls than boys. Uh, it often causes people to fall down right after they stand up. And this resolution is to create more awareness for the Senate, but more in particularly for doctors and also for insurance companies, uh, to basically stop discriminating against these people and their families. And with that, I'd be happy to yield to any questions.
S.B. 155 Unclaimed Property Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Explains that the second substitute makes a minor change confirming the Tax Commission is not liable for actions by the unclaimed property administrator using information the commission provides, and that the bill lets the commission share identifying information with the administrator to return unclaimed property to owners.
▶ Watch at 53:48Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I I have a second sub and all it does, it doesn't really make any substantive changes. It just says that the commission will not be liable for any actions arising from the unclaimed property administrators use of information that the commission provides to them. So with that, I'd like to move to delete first substitute Senate bill 1 55 entitled and Body and replace it with second substitute Senate Bill 1 55. Okay. Thank You. Motion to sub Motion to give, give that motion one more time. Motion to delete First substitute Senate bill 1 55 entitled Body and replace it with second substitute Senate Bill 1 55. Thank you. I place the motion. All …
S.B. 155 Unclaimed Property Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Explains that the bill lets the State Tax Commission share identifying information with the unclaimed property administrator to help return property to its owners.
▶ Watch at 54:43Read what they said
This bill provides that the State Tax Commission can share identifying information with the unclaimed property administrator for the purpose of helping the unclaimed property administrator return unclaimed property to our constituents. And with that, I'll yield to any questions.
S.B. 155 Unclaimed Property Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Moves that second substitute S.B. 155 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 55:06Read what they said
You. I move that second substitute Senate bill 1 55. Be read for a third time.
S.B. 155 Unclaimed Property Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Moves that the second substitute S.B. 155 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 55:06Read what they said
You. I move that second substitute Senate bill 1 55. Be read for a third time.
S.B. 158 Recreational Therapy Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains that S.B. 158 adds licensed residential support programs accredited by the American Camp Association to the programs whose recreational therapy may be reimbursed under Medicaid, and moves that the bill be read a third time and pass.
▶ Watch at 29:26Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, Mr. President. This adds to the list of recreational therapy facilities or programs that may be in reimbursed for recreational therapy under the Medicaid program. So we're adding a licensed residential support program that that is accredited by the American Camp Association. With that, I would yield to any questions, Don't see any questions, uh, going to you for a motion, Um, I would move that Senate Bill 1 58. Be read for a third time and pass.
S.B. 83 Controlled Substance Scheduling Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Asks how many times the bill's initiative has been changed and suggests the President may want to comment. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 30:35Read what they said
Your next Bill, wonder how many Weiler? I wonder how many times the initiative has been changed. President Adams, I, mayor, medical Mayor, you may want to comment.
S.B. 160 Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Presents SB 160 as stabilizing Medicaid reimbursement rates by codifying an existing growth formula and moving its date, without increasing state spending, and yields to questions.
▶ Watch at 31:49Read what they said
Thank you. I think this was circled when I was escorting our friends from Alberta to the house this morning. Senate Bill one 60 stabilizes Medicaid a BA reimbursement rates by codifying existing growth formula, which is already in statute, but it pushes out the date, uh, which improves fairness and predictability without increasing state spending. With that, I will yield to any questions.
S.B. 160 Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Moves that SB 160 pass and asks for a roll call vote.
▶ Watch at 32:18Read what they said
Thank you. I would move that Senate Bill one 60 pass. Uh, the motion is so Senate Bill one 60 pass roll call vote.
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Weiler presented S.B. 149, a cleanup bill on private investigator licensing that renames a bond, sets circumstances that prevent an applicant from getting a license, lets the board consider mitigating circumstances, changes the term cancel to suspend, and allows a bureau to approve continuing education for license renewal.
▶ Watch at 1:13:53Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, this bill provides, um, some, uh, guidelines for private investigators. I ran a private investigator bill last year and this, uh, is kind of a cleanup bill from, from the, from the one that I ran last year. Um, it renames, um, a bond. It provides, uh, circumstances that would prevent an applicant from obtaining a license as a PI provides that when reviewing the applicant, the board may consider mitigating circumstances. Uh, it amends terminology from cancel a license to suspend it and provides that a bureau may approve continuing education requirements for the renewal of a private vest care license. And with that, I'll yield to any questions.
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Weiler moved that S.B. 149 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:14:43Read what they said
Thank you. I'd move that Senate Bill 1 49. Be read for a third time. Thank you.
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains that the bill would stop a bankruptcy trustee from attaching the earned income tax credit refund, and moves to replace the first substitute with a second substitute that removes the wild card provision.
▶ Watch at 1:16:18Read what they said
Senator Weiler. Thank you Mr. President. Um, I'm gonna move a sub, but let me first explain. Um, when someone files for bankruptcy or when a a a creditor sues someone, uh, to collect a judgment, there's certain assets that they cannot attach and we defined those assets in the Homestead Exemptions Act. Um, each state can default to the federal, um, exemptions Act, or they can do their own. Utah's always done their own. For instance. I think we're the only state that allows a creditor protect a 12 month supply of food for some mysterious reason. Um, but, uh, this bill, uh, I've been working with a retired bankruptcy judge, um, uh, to make two changes, uh, to …
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains that the second substitute makes one change to clarify that a bankruptcy trustee cannot attach the earned income tax credit refund, and yields for questions.
▶ Watch at 1:18:22Read what they said
All right. So, uh, with the second substitute, this bill would make one change, uh, to the Utah Homestead Exemption Act, and that would make it clear. Clarify that a bankruptcy trustee cannot attach or basically confiscate the earned income tax credit refund, which, uh, local creditors cannot touch. Anyway, without, I'll yield to any questions.
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Explains that the bill makes one change to the Utah Homestead Exemption Act, clarifying that a bankruptcy trustee cannot attach the earned income tax credit refund, and offers to take questions.
▶ Watch at 1:18:22Read what they said
All right. So, uh, with the second substitute, this bill would make one change, uh, to the Utah Homestead Exemption Act, and that would make it clear. Clarify that a bankruptcy trustee cannot attach or basically confiscate the earned income tax credit refund, which, uh, local creditors cannot touch. Anyway, without, I'll yield to any questions.
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Moves that the second substitute Senate Bill 112 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:18:50Read what they said
Thank you. I'd move that second substitute Senate bill one 12. Be read for a third time. Thank
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Moves that second substitute S.B. 112 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:18:50Read what they said
Thank you. I'd move that second substitute Senate bill one 12. Be read for a third time. Thank
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Moves to take up a concurrent resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 6.
▶ Watch at 1:20:12Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. President. I'd like to move to UNC Encircle SCR six. We have a motion, Uncer Senate Concurrent Resolution six.
S.C.R. 6 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Pediatric Care for Autonomic Disorders · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Weiler said the resolution aims to raise awareness of POTS among medical providers and insurers so patients are treated with respect and dignity, noting the condition affects about 3 million people in the U.S.
▶ Watch at 1:20:34Read what they said
You Mr. President. I'm not gonna spend a lot of time on this. I think there was a handout, I'm not sure if it went out when it was circled, but, um, I was invited to a, a dinner that was basically a fundraiser for people with pots. I know at least one member of our body, um, said in committee that, uh, she suffers from this, uh, syndrome. And I know, uh, other Senator Vickers have relatives who do, um, the reason I'm running this resolution is people with pots. And often if their children, their parents are often stigmatized, uh, because they go to doctors with complaints and the doctors often tell them that there's nothing wrong with …
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Sen. Weiler said voting either way sends an unwanted message about non-citizen voting and asked the sponsor to address that concern.
▶ Watch at 1:36:00Read what they said
Representative Maloy the thing I don't like about your bill is if I vote against it, it seems like I want illegal aliens voting. It looks like I want illegal aliens voting in our elections, which I don't, if I vote for the bill, it looks like, I think we have a huge problem with illegal aliens voting, which I don't believe we do. I do believe, um, Mr. Davidson, I, I I I, I would be shocked if we haven't had, um, a, you know, a handful. Um, but so, so there's a, either way, there's a message that I don't wanna send to the public, but can you address that, that concern that I have?
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Sen. Weiler asked how the bill handles women whose married names don't match their birth certificates.
▶ Watch at 1:37:57Read what they said
One other question I have, and this was brought up in public testimony, and it's been brought up a lot more in my email inbox, but what about this argument that if a woman, um, gets remarried and takes her husband's name, now you have a birth certificate that doesn't match maybe her driver's license. So what is your response to that? The
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Sen. Weiler asked if time to cure means casting a provisional ballot.
▶ Watch at 1:39:10Read what they said
So, so when you say time to cure, are you talking about they would cast a provisional ballot or something else?
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Sen. Weiler asked whether the upcoming Real ID requirement would resolve these issues.
▶ Watch at 1:39:25Read what they said
Okay. Last question I have, and then I'll, I stop, I'll stop talking, I promise. Um, it's my understanding that, um, Utah in last session or two sessions ago, I don't recall every Utah, um, citizen is going to have to have a real ID driver's license by like 20, 28 or 2029. Anyway, therefore, um, that is going to resolve a lot of these issues. What can you tell us about that?
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Sen. Weiler said the third substitute applies to elections held after November 1, 2026.
▶ Watch at 1:41:46Read what they said
Yeah. I think that the third sub creates a ballot system for an election held after November 1st, 2026. So I, I that's the point stop. Okay. Okay.
S.B. 154 Protection and Advocacy Agency Reporting · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Moved to replace the bill with a second substitute, which he said was based on a North Carolina law and includes improvements from the Cicero Institute.
▶ Watch at 1:49:01Read what they said
Thank you. Um, sorry. This, this Bill wa was ized on the last two agendas and we didn't get to it. Um, I think it's, it's somewhat related to SJR seven, which we heard last, uh, Wednesday. But it's, um, uh, it's based on a North Carolina, um, law, um, that basically asks or, um, requires their, uh, protection and advocacy agency to make some reports to the legislature and to hold some, um, statewide, um, public, uh, hearings throughout the state. I do have a second sub. Um, I was brought some language by, uh, the Cicero or Cicero Institute out of Texas, um, with some improvements. Um, so I would, um, like to, uh, present that second sub. …
S.B. 154 Protection and Advocacy Agency Reporting · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Presented the second substitute, which would require the state protection and advocacy agency, the Disability Law Center, to represent disabled individuals, hold at least three public meetings a year, and submit an annual written report to interim committees by August 31; the bill would take effect May 6.
▶ Watch at 1:50:32Read what they said
Okay. Uh, thank you. Let me go through the second sub pretty quickly. And, um, uh, I've kind of given the, um, um, genesis of the bill. Uh, so it has, it has some definitions to, uh, to define appropriate for the need of the individual. And it defines disabled individual to comply with the Americans with Disability Act and it comply. It defines state protection and a and advocacy agency, which in Utah, uh, has been and is the Disability Law Center. Um, so it, it does, um, say that the State Protection Advocacy Agency should represent and advocate for the interest of all disabled individuals in the state annually. Hold at least three meetings with the public throughout …
S.B. 154 Protection and Advocacy Agency Reporting · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Responded to public comment that the bill requires representing the interests of disabled people rather than every individual, thanked the agency for its federal reports, and moved to favorably recommend the second substitute.
▶ Watch at 2:03:35Read what they said
Okay. Thank you. Um, yeah, I just wanna, I just wanna say if, if you read the, the plain language of the bill, it doesn't require, um, the p and a agency to represent every individual. It says the interests of all disabled people. So I think there's a difference between representing everyone who asked for an attorney and representing the interests of, uh, the disabled community or all of the disabled community. Um, and, um, so I want to point that out with, with, uh, with respect to, um, the, the last public comment. I, I, I don't, I don't, I didn't, I didn't track how that had anything to do, to do it all with my bill. Um, …
S.B. 49 Natural Organic Reduction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Asks whether the second substitute would prevent a property owner from transferring buried remains' soil to others through a sale, without the required disclosures.
▶ Watch at 33:35Read what they said
Thank you. I'm just wondering if, um, if the second sub passes, and I, I wanna say I, I, I, I hate the second sub less than I hated the first sub. So, um, that's a backhanded compliment. But if this bill passed and I buried my grandmother in the back my backyard, and, um, if, if I wanted to circumvent the language in lines 7 94 through 7 97 of the second sub, what would prevent me from just selling my property to a friend or my brother or anyone? And then he take and I give him the notice of the, um, of, you know, of the, all the stuff that I have to give notice of, and …
S.B. 49 Natural Organic Reduction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Speaks against the bill, saying the second substitute does not go far enough and that burials on private property should require a recorded disclosure.
▶ Watch at 35:35Read what they said
Yeah, thank you. I, I'd like to speak against the bill. So I voted against, um, prior versions of this bill and, and, and Senate business and Labor the last two sessions. And what I've always said is, if I buy a home and I'm living in that home, I, I wouldn't wanna get a knock on the door one day and some families on the front steps saying, Hey, we, we'd really like to pay our respects to grandma. She's in the backyard. Today would've been her birthday, or, you know, whatever. And so what I had proposed, uh, since this did come out of committee this year was I had a amendment to the first sub, which is …
S.B. 60 Income Tax Rate Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Supports the bill, saying small income tax cuts add up over time and help with affordability.
▶ Watch at 1:03:47Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Um, I rise in support of this bill. You know, um, I don't know if anybody else noticed, but we experienced a pretty high rate of inflation in this state, in this country over the past five years or so. And one of the key words in politics that I heard, um, a lot last year was affordability, affordability, affordability. And um, this is a bill that puts a little bit of money back into our constituents pockets. And I, I think it's, um, it would be disingenuous to say that we need to make things more affordable and then oppose a tax cut. And the, the thing that bothers me the most, Mr. President, is …
S.B. 158 Recreational Therapy Program Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Sponsor says the bill adds accredited residential camp programs to those reimbursable for recreational therapy under Medicaid and directs DHHS to seek any needed waivers. He says the program is paid only a fraction of its cost, despite a rate study that proposed a large increase the governor's budget did not fund. He yields for questions and moves that the bill be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:13:00Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This bill, um, is, is, I'll be transparent. This bill is basically, uh, designed to help Camp K. Uh, it adds to the list of recreational therapy programs or facilities that can be reimbursed for recreational therapy under the Medicaid program for licensed residential support programs that's accredited by the American Camp Association, it would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for any necessary waivers to implement the change. Um, right now, um, despite the fact that there was a rate study last summer that, uh, uh, proposed, uh, a big increase for Camp K that was not funded in the governor's budget. And right now we're paying, uh, just a fraction. …
S.B. 230 Consumer Credit Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Asks about the history behind the prepayment statute and whether it stems from the savings and loan crisis.
▶ Watch at 55:55Read what they said
Yeah. Um, the comment was made that the prepayment penalty or the prepayment statute, uh, dated back to it was antiquated, dated back to the eighties. Was that a vestige of the savings and loan debacle, or what, what is the history of that?
S.B. 204 Physical Therapy Payment Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Asks whether the committee has considered the effect on insurers of the many insurance mandate bills already numbered this session.
▶ Watch at 1:16:11Read what they said
Thank you. Um, by my count, there's about 12 house bills and eight Senate bills already numbered this session that would impose insurance mandates. Um, is there any effort, um, to look at if we just pass all of these mandates willy-nilly, what that's going to do to insurance companies in Utah
S.B. 204 Physical Therapy Payment Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Asks whether an opt-out has been considered for plans with low or no copays.
▶ Watch at 1:16:55Read what they said
One other question. Um, uh, have you considered some type of opt out for plans that have a, uh, low or no, uh, cost copay plan?
S.B. 204 Physical Therapy Payment Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Votes no for now, saying the bill needs work and coordination with other insurance mandate bills, and hopes to vote yes on the floor if amendments are added.
▶ Watch at 1:29:13Read what they said
I'm, I'm, I'm, I'm gonna vote. No, I, I, I, I've got, I've had two new replacements. I'm pro physical therapist. I think the bill needs, um, some work and some coordination with the other 19 insurance mandate bills that have already been numbered. And what I, what I don't want to do is have a unanimous vote and send a signal to the, uh, rest of the Senate that's not here. So I'm gonna vote no with the reservation that I'm hoping to bill to vote yes on the floor if I see some amendments.
S.B. 210 Nicotine Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Asks how the proposed $4,000 fine compares to other Utah fines, where that figure came from, and whether data shows that enhanced penalties deter.
▶ Watch at 2:08:55Read what they said
Thanks. Um, how, how does the $4,000 fine, um, for the unlawful sale of tobacco, electronic cigarette or nicotine product, you, you're proposing to increase that from two to 4,000. How does that compare to other fines that are outlined in the Utah code? You know, that's a fabulous question that I may have to phone a friend on. Well, Well maybe ask, let me ask the question a different way. Where did the $4,000 number come from? It, It was essentially as we were looking at a step up, it was, I think as we talked it out as a crew, and there were probably 14 or so of us different folks on there. That was where we arrived. …
S.B. 210 Nicotine Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Asks whether criminal defense attorneys were part of the group that worked on the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:11:03Read what they said
Oops. Senator Weiler, I mean, you, you said 14 people. I mean, did you have any, uh, criminal defense attorneys in your group? Or, or who, who, tell me about the, Let me think of, no, actually, you know what?
S.B. 210 Nicotine Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Responds briefly to the description of the stakeholder discussions. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:11:39Read what they said
You passed one step ahead of removing, uh, defense from the sentencing commission. Just, I, I'm just saying. I Hear you. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Or removing Dems Dems from other committees. I hear you. I, I, I never ran that bill.
S.B. 210 Nicotine Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Asks how enforcement would work when local health departments find violations during routine inspections.
▶ Watch at 2:11:57Read what they said
Um, I got a question for you. Um, so in the enforcement piece, how do you envision this? So you're restricting, you're kind of pulling back 'cause the local health departments typically have been the ones going in and inspecting, enforcing, and so do, if a local health department is doing a regular inspection and they find something, do they now call, uh, law enforcement or how does this work?
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Asked what harms in Utah the increased hours are meant to address.
▶ Watch at 3:13:06Read what they said
I, I have my hand up before the motion, but I'm just wondering if the sponsor can clarify. Um, I'm not opposed inherently to increase barriers to entry or increased hours, but I am just curious after the public comment, what problems, what harms have we experienced in Utah that were trying to address with, with the increased hours?
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Asked whether people are dying, saying complaints alone are not helpful information.
▶ Watch at 3:14:13Read what they said
Well, okay. Uh, well, yeah, I mean that, well, let me just ask this. Are, are people dying? I mean, I, I don't know. I, I think no matter what number of hours we require for any profession, there's gonna be some complaints. So I, um, with all, you know, with all respect to Senator Vickers, who I, uh, like and admire, I, I, that doesn't give me any, any, any helpful information. So,
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Voted no and asked Mr. Shumway to meet with him about the need for increased NP hours.
▶ Watch at 3:18:18Read what they said
Yeah. I'm gonna vote no and, and specifically ask Mr. Sheway to come find me early next week. I'd like to just learn more about the need for the increased hours for nurse practitioners
H.B. 21 Senior Care Facility Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Explains that the bill requires an assisted living facility to meet certain requirements if it intends to close, complete a qualifying sale, or change use, and bars it from accepting new residents in those cases; offers to take questions.
▶ Watch at 18:52Read what they said
You. This requires an assisted living facility to meet certain requirements if it intends to close or complete a qualifying sale or undertake a change of use. And, um, it may not accept new residents if it intends to close or again, complete a qualifying sale or undertake a change of use. Uh, with that I'll be happy to yield any questions.
S.B. 155 Unclaimed Property Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Presents S.B. 155, which lets the State Tax Commission share certain identifying information with the unclaimed property administrator, makes some technical changes, and allows a single claim by multiple claimants for a decedent's unclaimed property.
▶ Watch at 52:04Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro tem Senate Bill 1 55, uh, provides for the State tax commission to share certain identifying information with the unclaimed property administrator for the purpose of returning unclaimed property. And, um, it provides some technical changes, uh, and allows the filing of a single claim by multiple claimants for unclaimed property of a decedent. Uh, with that I'll yield to any questions.
S.B. 160 Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Says the bill is identical to one passed two years ago and extends existing language with a Sunset date for a few more years, to equalize rates paid to providers of autism respite care until a broader solution is reached.
▶ Watch at 53:29Read what they said
Thank you. Um, this is, uh, identical to a bill that we passed two years ago, and it's designed, you know, when Senator Shiozawa first did the pilot program, uh, for, uh, an autism mandate, uh, for the insurance companies. Uh, I think they were trying to keep the cost low. There were some ridiculous projections on how much it would cost, uh, which did not bear fruition. But because of some of those, um, uh, efforts in the, in the beginning, I think to make it, uh, not more expensive than what it, uh, they thought it should have been. Um, we've never tracked the rates for the providers who kind of come into the home and provide respite …
S.B. 160 Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Moves that S.B. 160 be read for a third time.
▶ Watch at 55:09Read what they said
Um, thank you. I'd move that, uh, Senate Bill one 60. Be read for a third time. And
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Asks how many Utah businesses the ban would affect if it took effect this year as proposed.
▶ Watch at 1:01:25Read what they said
I'm just wondering if this ban went into effect, uh, this year as proposed, how many businesses would this impact in the state of Utah? Utah?
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Asks how many of the Utah deaths involved kratom alone rather than kratom mixed with other products.
▶ Watch at 1:01:38Read what they said
Yeah. I'm just wondering of the deaths that have been mentioned in Utah, um, do we know how many of those were from natural crate mal alone as opposed to Crate 'em being mixed with other, with other products?
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Opposes an outright ban, favors study and removing kratom from gas stations, and describes a substitute that would raise the purchase age to 21 and have the Controlled Substance Advisory Committee study kratom and report to the interim committee by January.
▶ Watch at 1:02:27Read what they said
Um, I, I just, uh, I don't have any questions, but I just wanted to say, um, this bill came out of, um, business and Labor Committee. I was, I was the only no vote. Um, uh, which is fine. Um, I am not necessarily pro crem. Um, I'm not a consumer, uh, per se of Kratom. Um, but I am concerned that, um, um, that we're going to ban it. I I, I tend to agree with a good senator from Utah County that it shouldn't be sold in gas stations. Um, and, uh, I tend to agree that, um, uh, it, it needs more study and that we should be studying it and looking at it. There's a …
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Summarizes the substitute, which would raise the sale age from 18 to 21 and direct a study of kratom with a report next year, and asks the chamber to support it.
▶ Watch at 1:13:38Read what they said
Going back, uh, I think Senator Weiler for summation on the motion to sub. Thank you. Uh, appreciate the good discussion. Um, again, um, the substitute bill would do two things. Um, it would raise the, uh, the age of sale from 18 to 21, which would make it, uh, the same as liquor, which we also know is a dangerous, uh, product that people consume, but we don't ban it. And it would ask our already existing controlled substance advisory committee, um, to study creative and come back with a report next year. Um, and, um, I, I think that this, uh, I think good data, uh, drives good decisions and, um, rather than, um, banning something that's been …
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Asks to circle the bill because a substitute is being prepared. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:25:27Read what they said
I'm gonna move to circle 'cause I've got a sub in the works and so I'd like to move to circle.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Says he will vote no because the bill is redundant and unnecessary, not because he wants leaders to ignore a pandemic response.
▶ Watch at 38:59Read what they said
Mr. President, I'm gonna vote no, but I wanna explain why. Um, I feel like if I vote no, there's a perception that I do want the governor or the mayor, uh, to solely respond to the World Health Organization in the United Nation, which I don't. Uh, but I tend to agree with, uh, Senator, um, Fillmore that this is, um, completely unnecessary. Um, I think it's redundant and I, I feel like I understand it's a message bill, but I'm not sure what message it's sending because I think we've already sent this message and it's impossible to get into the mind of a chief executive and determine exactly why they did something that they did do. If …
H.J.R. 1 Joint Rules Resolution - Amendments to Joint Rules · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Says the bill clarifies that a person's HIPAA rights are not altered or abridged by Utah code provisions on alleged incapacitated persons, and that the alleged person keeps those rights.
▶ Watch at 52:47Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This bill clarifies that a person's right under HIPAA are not altered or abridged by the Utah code Provisions related to the rights of a person alleged to be incapacitated and it ensures that, uh, the in incapacitated alleged person has the rights
S.B. 161 Evaluations in Guardianship Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Sponsor describes the bill's provisions on an incapacitated alleged person's rights regarding court visitor and medical reports filed with the court, and offers to take questions.
▶ Watch at 53:02Read what they said
incapacitated alleged person has the rights to the court visitors and other medical reports filed with the court about them. With that, I'll be happy to yield any questions.
S.B. 161 Evaluations in Guardianship Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Moves to encircle Senate Bill 110, Marriage amendments.
▶ Watch at 54:54Read what they said
Okay, here we go. There we go. Uh, Motion to encircle Senate bill one 10.
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Sen. Weiler summarizes the bill, which would end common law marriage in Utah for any action not filed by May 5 of next year, and yields for questions.
▶ Watch at 55:22Read what they said
It's the second substitutes in front of a Senator Weiler. Thank you. We had a, a spirited debate. Um, I gave a long floor speech. I'm gonna forego that this, this would, um, for any action not filed by May 5th of next year would, uh, ban common law marriage in Utah for all the reasons I stated before. Um, and, uh, again, uh, we are one of the only seven states that still recognize this. And with that, I'll yield to any questions,
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Asks to take SB 12 first, followed by SJR 7 and SB 154, in that order.
▶ Watch at 48:29Read what they said
Um, Mr. Chair, if it's okay, I'd like to do, um, SB 12 and then SJ SJR seven, and then SB 1 54, if that's okay in that order. SB 12 then what? Uh, SJR seven and then 1 54.
S.B. 12 Sunset and Repeal Date Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Presents SB 12, which extends the sunset date of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2036, and notes the interim committee passed it 12 to 1.
▶ Watch at 48:47Read what they said
SB 12, alternative dispute resolution amendments. Yeah, so this you Thank you. This bill extends the Sunset date for Alternative Dispute Resolution Act from July 1st, 2026 to July 1st, 2036. It was a judiciary interim committee bill. It, it passed, uh, with 12 voting for, and one voting against, I think the one vote against just said we want this to go through the committee. We don't want to skip a committee. Um, but that concludes my, my presentation With the conclusion of your presentation.
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Presented SJR 7, which urges the governor to review the Disability Law Center's 1978 designation as Utah's protection and advocacy agency, citing limited accountability and complaints that it does not advocate for all disabled people.
▶ Watch at 50:23Read what they said
Thank you. I'm gonna ask, uh, Lisa and, um, um, some others, maybe we'll pull up a chair to come. Um, Mr. Chair, um, SJR seven is a resolution. It urges the governor to review the Utah's designation, uh, of the State's Protective Protection and Advocacy Agency to ensure that all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the type or their functional capacity, receive equitable advocacy and representation. I was surprised to learn that, um, um, that after Governor Scott Matheson had designated the Disability Loss Center in 1978 to be our, our state's p and a, that there hadn't been really any accountability back to the State of Utah, or much accountability other than maybe emailing some reports to the …
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Concluded that the governor may review the designation under federal law, mentioned a substitute changing 'shall' to 'may,' and described personal and constituent experiences prompting the request for accountability.
▶ Watch at 1:09:04Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. In, in closing, um, the governor has authority under federal law to review the designation of the, the designated Utah Protection Advocacy Agency. That's what this resolution is asking the governor to consider. I do have a sub that that changes the, the shalls to May. Um, I, um, want everyone on the committee to know, um, I've been talking to the governor's office about this. They, they, they, you know, I've been talking to them in the summer, in the fall and during the session about it. This is not a surprise to them. Um, Utah already recognizes in areas of disability policy that need is not abstract through the division of people with disabilities. …
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Said other states such as New York have had reviews, a showing of good cause is required, and the resolution seeks accountability after five decades.
▶ Watch at 1:15:40Read what they said
Yeah, I think New York, there's been, there's been several. I mean, it does require a showing of good cause. Um, and that would be for the governor's office to determine. But I think that's the testimony that you've just heard as part of my presentation, um, um, helps establish good cause. Uh, and by the way, the next bill that you'll hear, that's based on something that the North Carolina legislature enacted, but yes, um, the governor's offices, um, yeah, the, the, I I don't think that in 19, in 1970s, um, Congress ever intended this would be a one and done. It's been five decades. We've never questioned, uh, the designation. And I think this is the way …
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Said his understanding is that federal funding is intended for one designated agency per state, with a separate organization for Native American populations.
▶ Watch at 1:18:13Read what they said
Out? Yeah, so, so, um, there is an organization I think that's designated for our Native American population. And I think the DLC has been, um, um, complimented for the way that they've overlapped with some of the reservations. But the, I think that the, uh, I think that the congressional intent, so, um, this all started in the mid seventies when there were some high profile reports of elderly abuse in nursing homes. And so I think that the federal funding is intended for one designated, uh, protection advocacy agency in each state. That's my understanding.
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Said the governor already has authority and the legislature would be suggesting something like an RFP to test whether others want to apply.
▶ Watch at 1:18:59Read what they said
Yeah, I think the governor has that authority. I think this would be the, the legislature saying, Hey, you know, maybe put on an RFP and see if there's others that want to come forward and let, let the disability law center, um, um, be accountable and, and, and, and show that they are advocating for all of the different needs on the spectrum and not just for the, um, low needs, high functioning population. Yeah.
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Said only one organization would qualify for federal funding and a second would need state funding.
▶ Watch at 1:19:39Read what they said
Same community? Well, I think, I think only one of them would qualify for federal funding. And I guess if we wanted to, um, scrape together state funding for the other one, but I don't, I don't think congress, um, and maybe, maybe someone can, you know, we're a relatively small state population wise, but it's my understanding that each governor designated one, uh, organization. But again, this was done when I was 11 years old. So some people are offended that after five decades I'd say, well, let's, let's make sure that this is the right fit for Utah. But, um, I think that's the only way that we, we can get some transparency and accountability. Okay.
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Moved from the presenter table to make room for testifiers.
▶ Watch at 1:20:17Read what they said
Thank you. I'm gonna, uh, go ahead and move so that, um, you can have both seats. I'm assuming that there are some people that want to testify. Yeah.
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Noted more in-person testifiers had opposed the resolution and questioned limiting online supporters. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:08:19Read what they said
Chair, be online. Now you're, You're chairing, so you do whatever you want. But there were several more people who testified against the bill from the public than that's, that's
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Said it would not be fair to limit online supporters. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:08:28Read what they said
So I, i I don't know that it's fair to limit those in favor of the bill online.
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend SJR 7 and asked to speak to the motion.
▶ Watch at 2:13:50Read what they said
Committee action, your Honor. Uh, your Honor, uh, Mr. Chair, as a member of the committee, I'd like, I'm, I'd like to move to, uh, favorably recommend SJR seven. Speak to that motion. Yep.
S.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Protection and Advocacy Agency · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Said the resolution only urges a formal review and, if warranted, redesignation under federal guidelines, and that another agency could serve the same clients.
▶ Watch at 2:14:11Read what they said
Ahead. Yeah. Thank you. I, I'm not sure how many people who, um, who spoke today actually, uh, took the time to read the bill, um, or the resolution. But starting in line 66, it talks about the governor's authority under 45 CFR 13, 26 point 20, to review and re-designate the p and a agency. Um, I, I think that to, to, to take the position that you can never review them because it would hurt their clients, obviously, if the governor chose another agency that that agency could pick up, uh, and advocate for the same clients. Um, uh, and, uh, second of all, um, there was a comment about fact finding, which I did open the door …
H.J.R. 19 Joint Rules Resolution - Requests for Legislation · House Rules Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Says he is not testifying against the bill, agrees a problem exists, and describes Senate floor time changes, his chairing of two House-equivalent committees, and concern about limiting representation.
▶ Watch at 1:08:11Read what they said
I'm Todd Weiler. I represent myself. Um, by the way, I'm sitting on the stand because I had this lifelong dream of being on the House committee, but also I needed to plug in my laptop. Um, I didn't come to to testify on this bill. I'm presenting a bill, but I just wanna share a couple thoughts. So from my perspective, and I, and I'm one of the, I'm one of the proverbial heavy abusers offenders, egregious offenders, although I, I wanna say I, I'm never, almost never the, the most bills in the Senate that was Lincoln Fillmore last year, or the second most that was Wayne Harper last year. So, but, um, and it's usually wa Wayne …
S.J.R. 2 Joint Resolution Regarding Constitutional Brackets · House Rules Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Presented S.J.R. 2, a technical resolution stating that the bracketed section titles in the Utah Constitution are descriptive only, have no legal effect, and should be removed from future amendments and published versions.
▶ Watch at 1:21:07Read what they said
I'm going to sit in the middle here because If You ask me any hard questions, I'm gonna throw 'em to Andrea. Um, this resolution clarifies, um, and you can see this on the handout, we have these little brackets, um, in our constitution. And, um, if you look at the handout under section one of Article one, the bracket says inherent and inalienable rights. So the legislature and the people by a vote actually approve this bracket when it was enacted. But if you look at section two, um, the all political power inherent in the people, that bracket was never approved by the legislature or by the people in a vote. It was just slipped in. Um, and …
S.J.R. 2 Joint Resolution Regarding Constitutional Brackets · House Rules Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Thanked the committee for the motion and said he was grateful for it.
▶ Watch at 1:23:47Read what they said
None. We'll go back to the bill sponsor for Summation. I'm just really grateful. I just saw you hold three bills, so I'm just really grateful to have the motion. So thank you.
H.B. 14 Behavior Analyst Licensing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Explains that H.B. 14 extends the sunset date of the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act to July 1, 2036, then yields for questions and moves that the bill be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 8:52Read what they said
Senator Weiler. Mr. President, um, I'm hoping that Senator, uh, Fillmore is paying attention because this is a Sunset extension bill. Uh, this would extend a Sunset date of the Behavioral Analyst Licensing Act to July 1st, 2036. And with that I'll yield to any questions. See no question. Senator, I'll take a motion. Uh, I move that house. Bill 14, be read for a third time.
S.B. 19 Digital Evidence Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Explains that S.B. 19 would let local law enforcement agencies process cell phones themselves or through partnerships, to reduce the backlog of seized devices at the RCFL.
▶ Watch at 31:29Read what they said
You Mr. President. I substituted this bill two days ago and I left it sitting 'cause it, there are some substantial changes since second reading. Um, my goal in running this bill, as I explained uh, a few weeks ago, is we have a substantial backlog at the RCFL facility. This is where all of the devices, cell phones, tablets, laptops that are seized during criminal investigations. Many of them are CSAM, uh, investigations. This is where they are hacked or, uh, broken into by law enforcement so they can see what's on, on the device. And, um, there's been a up to a year delay, um, for law enforcement. Everyone's waiting for this device to be uncracked, if you …
S.B. 19 Digital Evidence Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Says the League has not spoken with him, that the earlier fee on municipalities has been removed, and he expects this addresses their concerns.
▶ Watch at 34:06Read what they said
Yeah, go ahead Mr. President. I, I, they have not directly spoken with me, but, um, the prior iteration of the bill would've, uh, put a, a small fee on every, um, Loa local municipality that was, um, that was sending devices. This bill takes that away. Um, and so my guess is, and I'm, it is just a guess is that this would a alleviate their concerns, but they had not reached directly out to me to talk about the bill, but there is no fee being imposed on cities or counties in this, uh, iteration. So my guess is that would, uh, take away their opposition. Senator Riebe, Thank you.
S.B. 19 Digital Evidence Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Says RCFL funding is not changing and that the bill would reduce the number of cell phones sent to the RCFL.
▶ Watch at 34:47Read what they said
So, Mr. President, the service is already being provided by the RCFL and so we're not changing that funding structure, but what this would do is it would decrease the, um, decrease the number of devices going to the RCFL because we're requiring local law enforcements to basically crack their own cell phones or partnership with another entity in the area that has that expertise. And so we're going to hopefully, uh, only be sending uh, uh, laptop computers and um, iPads to the RCFL instead of literally dozens or hundreds of cell phones each year.
H.B. 33 Political Signs Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Asks what the penalty is and how first-time candidates would learn about the sign disclosure requirement.
▶ Watch at 38:33Read what they said
um, I'm Wondering if the good sponsor can tell us what the penalty is for this and my concern, um, I know we pass laws all the time and we just expect the public to know the laws, but my concern is we may have some well-intentioned first time candidates who aren't necessarily knowledgeable or sophisticated about campaign sign laws and maybe can't afford to hire a professional, um, campaign, uh, uh, manager. So I'm just wondering what the penalty is and what, and how a first time candidate would find out about this requirement. Senator
S.B. 82 Securities Investor Education, Training, and Enforcement Fund Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Requests time to visit on the bill before it moves forward.
▶ Watch at 48:07Read what they said
Thank you. Um, Mr. President, I wanted to get some time to visit with the aye on two.
S.C.R. 5 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP Regarding Pain Medication · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Presents SCR 5 as a way to give health insurance enrollees a non-addictive painkiller option, and notes the fiscal note was reduced to $150,000.
▶ Watch at 32:02Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, this is an interesting bill because, um, as many of you know, people, uh, get addicted to opioids and they have a, um, some people, uh, that I know, um, go through horrendous amounts of pain after surgery. 'cause they don't want to take the chance of getting addicted to opioids. And so this, uh, bill essentially, um, well it more than requests, it kind of requires, um, PEHP, uh, to allow, um, health insurance recipients to have another option, um, that, uh, is a painkiller that is not addictive. And I thought I was gonna have some people here to help me support the bill. I will say that the original fiscal note came …
S.C.R. 5 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP Regarding Pain Medication · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Explains an amendment that clarifies the resolution would take effect beginning with the 2027 plan year.
▶ Watch at 33:26Read what they said
wanna speak to that? Yeah. Um, I do. So, uh, the, um, amendment, I believe Amendment one in line 35 only clarifies that it would be beginning with 2027 plan year that this would kick in.
S.C.R. 5 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP Regarding Pain Medication · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Responds that the bill is not a vendor bill, says it would allow the PEHP formulary to include at least one non-opioid drug, and says a 14-day regimen costs about $200.
▶ Watch at 36:59Read what they said
Thank you. And just, um, just in closing, Mr. Chair, um, this may sound like a vendor bill. I don't see it as a vendor bill, because if you read line 36 and 37, it would allow PHPs drug for formulary to, to approve at least one appropriate non-opioid prescription drug. Right now, I think that only drug is Vertex, but as you just heard from Mr. Cullimore, we're expecting other drugs from other companies to come online. And I, I, I made, uh, a reference before, and let me just sum that, tie that up. Um, whereas the opioid pills cost about 60 cents each. These pills are often $14 or more, but it's a 14 day regimen, so …
S.C.R. 5 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP Regarding Pain Medication · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Explains that a resolution is the appropriate mechanism for the legislature to direct PEHP.
▶ Watch at 38:14Read what they said
So I tried to open a bill and I'm, 15th session is still learning. They said no, when we're giving PHP directions, we do it via resolution. So I learned something new this session. This is the app, this is the appropriate mechanism for the legislature to direct PHP.
S.C.R. 5 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP Regarding Pain Medication · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Clarifies that line 36 refers to one clinically appropriate non-opioid prescription drug, not herbs, and describes his own history of opioid prescriptions after knee surgeries.
▶ Watch at 43:58Read what they said
committee get back to the bill sponsor? Yeah, If I could to answer the, the person's question. I, I know I don't have to, but line 36, again, one clinically appropriate non-opioid prescription drug. So I don't think it would apply to herbs, but you know, of course anybody could get a medical marijuana card and then use marijuana if they wanted to. Um, second of all, I just want to say, I think this is the next step in a journey that our state and our society's been going through. I had a, a knee scope surgery around 2011. They sent me home with 30 pills of Lortab, um, or Oxycodone, Oxycontin, Oxycontin. And then five years later, I …
S.B. 217 Local Food Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Says he will support the bill and notes that 2024 House Bill 104 allows cow sharing, which some of his constituents use.
▶ Watch at 1:08:02Read what they said
Yeah, I was kind of teeing off of a comment made about four commenters ago, which is fine, but you know, in a way to kind of combine, uh, last, the last bill we heard in this one, I never wanted to own a boat, but I've always wanted a friend with a boat. Um, I never wanted to own a cow, but I wouldn't mind having a friend with a cow. Um, and just want to tell anybody who does doesn't, doesn't know. And 2024, the legislature passed House Bill 1 0 4, which allows cow sharing. And Senator Vickers, I have some friends in your district that are sharing a cow with their neighbors. So like they get …
S.B. 213 Utah Payment of Wages Act Statute of Limitations · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Sen. Weiler said he supports the bill because the default four-year limit is too long for wage claims and many other claims already carry a one-year limit.
▶ Watch at 1:17:49Read what they said
Yeah, thank you. Um, not as much of a question as more of a comment. I'll be supporting the bill. Um, so Utah has a, um, residual statute of limitations. So if, if the legislature doesn't say what the statute of limitations is, it's, it, it defaults to four years, which I believe is too long for a wage claim. Not only for the reasons stated, but, um, we have another statute that says if you make a written demand from an employer upon termination, you can actually get interest in penalties accruing on a daily basis if they don't pay you that last paycheck in full within a few days. And I actually had a family member recently do …
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Asks about the ultra-low NOx water heater requirement and says he is not opposed to relaxing it in attainment areas, while noting an earlier compromise.
▶ Watch at 1:38:13Read what they said
Yeah. One of the bad things, if you stay in the legislature long enough, you, you just develop a long memory. And, um, so I have a couple questions and I'll tell you what that comment means. But so right now the requirement for, for ultra low NOx, that's just for new construction or, or remodeling either. Well, but if my, if my water heater goes out in my 30-year-old home, I can replace it with anything I want, right? No, no. Okay. Well, I thought that was different. So I remember about 2018, Brad Wilson, I don't know if you guys remember him. He used to be speaker of the house. He, he did this big compromise bill and, …
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Says he will vote yes, citing housing affordability and the lack of a clear problem in the affected areas.
▶ Watch at 1:44:07Read what they said
Uh, let's see, Senator, wider, I think I pressed it by accident, but I think I've talked myself into a yes vote because, uh, housing is so darn affordable. I don't know why we're requiring, you know, in the entertainment areas, these, uh, super expensive, um, air, you know, uh, water heaters if they're not really, uh, contributing to a problem in that area. So I think I'm gonna vote. I know it, it took some time to get there, but thank you. Okay.
H.B. 98 Residential Notification Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Said residents should be notified about these facilities and moved to favorably recommend the first substitute to the Senate floor.
▶ Watch at 1:56:29Read what they said
You know, I, I think that these residential, um, treatment facilities, I, I think that these are important, but I also think they do impact the neighborhood. I've been on a city council and I've been assigned to a planning commission. I think that the, the least we can do is make sure the neighbors know. Some of them will object, some of them won't, but I, I, I don't think it's, I don't think it's fair to stick this in the neighborhood and not tell anybody. So I'm gonna be, I'll move that. We favorably recommend first substitute house bill 98 to the floor of the Senate.
H.B. 98 Residential Notification Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Said cities should not deny these facilities based on residents' objections, and that residents should still be notified.
▶ Watch at 1:58:09Read what they said
Just as to further answer the good senator's question, I, I, I think if a city denied, um, approval solely on the basis is that we don't want these people in our community, they would probably just be buying themselves a losing lawsuit. But I still think the residents deserve to know. And I think, you know, maybe they wanna list their house for sale if they feel that strongly about it, but I, I still think notice is the appropriate thing to do. So, uh, that's my summation.
S.B. 215 Eviction Record Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Sen. Weiler said he supports the motion, saying the bill gives people a chance and encourages settlements so that eviction records can be dropped.
▶ Watch at 2:05:59Read what they said
Yeah, In favor of the motion. I, I like giving people a chance. I also like the incentive that somebody has once they're sued for evictions to come to a mutually agreeable settlement so that this can be, you know, dropped off. Because with the housing market we're in, if somebody has that black mark, it's gonna be very difficult for them moving forward. So this does seem like a good compromise to me. So I'll be voting. Aye.
S.B. 139 Notary Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Supports the bill and would support going further, though wishes it did not exempt law firms and title companies; said journals help in later legal proceedings.
▶ Watch at 2:11:34Read what they said
I like the bill. I like it so much. I kinda wish you weren't exempting out title companies and law firms, but I'll still support it. I've never been a notary, but almost all of my legal secretaries or paralegals have been. And I always tell them, you are very foolish if you don't keep a journal. Because what's ultimately gonna happen is someone's gonna call 20 years from now and say, you know, I'm calling you as a witness. I'm subpoenaing you, and I need you to say, if you really notarize this. And if they don't have a journal, there's no way they're going to know. So I, I like the bill. Um, I would support if it …
S.B. 150 Healthcare Providers Scope of Practice Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Made a brief comment about the sandbox analogy from public testimony.
▶ Watch at 2:40:23Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. The moment probably passed, but I was, I was gonna say with a sandbox analogy, the cat is probably the best case scenario. Good point. You don't wanna sleep there. Okay.
S.B. 115 Child and Animal Abuse Cross-reporting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Asks Sen. Plumb to yield for a question.
▶ Watch at 17:45Read what they said
Senator Weiler. Hold it. Let me make sure your, your mic's on. There you go. Senator, Senator Plumb. Will you yield?
S.B. 115 Child and Animal Abuse Cross-reporting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Asks whether the sponsor consulted DCFS about the reporting provision, noting that most DCFS investigations are unsubstantiated.
▶ Watch at 17:53Read what they said
Thank you. I'm just wondering if the good sponsor from Salt Lake has talked with DCFS about that provision. This is a space I work in. Um, they are required to go out whenever there's a report and interview parents and children and things like that. About 85% of their investigations come back unsubstantiated. But it is an incredible burden on them to go investigate everything. I know that they're usually looking for bruises and broken bones and, you know, you know, uh, just clear evidence of abuse or neglect, maybe an under severely underweight child. So I'm not even sure what they would do if, if a neighbor said, I think they might be abusing animals. And I, I …
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Asks to be recorded as voting aye on SB 69 after briefly leaving the chamber, noting it will not change the result.
▶ Watch at 41:51Read what they said
You Mr. President. I'd like to move to be recorded as an aye vote on Senate bill 69. I had to leave the chamber for just a moment, but it will not change the result of the vote.
S.B. 50 Anesthesia Dosage Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Explains the procedure for lifting a bill that was tabled in committee, which requires a two-thirds vote of the body.
▶ Watch at 48:43Read what they said
The next committee meeting after it's tabled, if it's not lifted from the the table, it actually comes back to this, uh, body. I reread it in I think last week and actually sent it back to rules in order to lift a bill that's been tabled in committee from rules. It takes a two thirds majority of this body that motion's in order.
S.B. 50 Anesthesia Dosage Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Speaks against the motion, noting the committee tabled the bill after voting against it and that lifting it would violate procedure.
▶ Watch at 49:04Read what they said
Yeah, I, I, I would speak against the bill. I I understand the good senator's passion for this issue, but, um, the committee didn't just vote against the bill. They, they chose the, the stronger option of, of tabling it. And, um, uh, so this is a bill that had a negative action and committee. If we did lift it and it passed the Senate by some miracle, I don't know that the house, uh, would consider it under these circumstances, but this motion is, is an order, but it, it would violate all of our procedures, especially for week three in the session. So I would speak against the motion.
S.B. 89 Health Care Services Platforms · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Withdraws his motion to circle the bill and begins describing one of the bills on the floor.
▶ Watch at 57:05Read what they said
Motion is to Circle, oh, I, I'm sorry. Uh, lemme withdraw that I didn't realize the handout had had come out. Thank you, uh, Mr. President, if I can withdraw that. Okay. Alright. So this is one of the bills
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Presents the bill, describing the history of common law marriage in Utah and the reasons he is proposing to end its recognition.
▶ Watch at 57:14Read what they said
Alright. So this is one of the bills that has gotten a little bit of publicity this session, and I want to explain it. Um, I gave a little history less than in week one, and I promised it was knowledge that you didn't need and didn't want. And I'm gonna do the same again. So, back in the, uh, rural, rural ancient days, pioneer days, um, a lot of states, in fact I think all 50 states, they adopted the common law marriage for two reasons. Number one, sometimes it was a, a whole day's ride on a horse to get to a justice of the peace to get married, and that was impractical. And number two, sometimes people …
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Responds that unmarried partners can name each other in a holographic will, and that without a will or marriage they would not qualify under the default intestacy statute, with the delayed effective date noted.
▶ Watch at 1:04:35Read what they said
Thank you. So the good senator is asking a couple of questions. So first of all, if somebody chooses to not get married and they want their live-in partner to inherit from them, all they have to do is do a will. And they can do that in their own handwriting without an attorney. It's called a holographic will. But if they haven't done that and they haven't gotten married, then yeah, they, they would, uh, if, and by the way, uh, if they wait until after May 5th of next year, 'cause I've delayed this by a year, then they wouldn't inherit because if there's no will and no we wedding license, they're, they're not going to qualify under …
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Responds to a wrongful death hypothetical, stating that other states have wrongful death claims and estate rules, and asks that the state stop treating unmarried couples as married.
▶ Watch at 1:07:58Read what they said
Um, again, if we wanna perpetuate this legal fiction and allow people to pretend like they were married when they chose to not get married, then probably not. But there are wrongful death claims, Mr. Chair, Mr. President pro tem and there are estate issues in 43 other states and they've said, you know what? The emperor is wearing no clothes. We're not gonna pretend like he's wearing clothes when he is not. So all I'm asking is let's stop pretending people are married when they decided not to get married. Thank you. Senator Mikel, That's all. Thank you. Okay,
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Waives summation and moves that the second substitute bill be read for a third time with a delayed implementation date.
▶ Watch at 1:08:40Read what they said
Uh, I'll waive summation. I just made it and moved that second substitute Senate bill one 10 with a delayed implementation date. Implementation date so everybody can get all this stuff wrapped up in the next 15 months. Be read for a third time And the question is, shall second substitute Senate bill one 10? Be read for a third time. Roll call vote.
S.B. 19 Digital Evidence Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 14) · Feb 2, 2026
Says the bill has changes and moves to delete and replace it with the first substitute, with plans to recircle it and take it up tomorrow.
▶ Watch at 52:53Read what they said
law enforcement in particular. They had some changes. So I'd like to move to delete Senate bill 19 and title Embody and replace it with first substitute Senate Bill 19. And if that motion passes, my intent is to recircle it and deal with it tomorrow.
S.B. 19 Digital Evidence Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 14) · Feb 2, 2026
Explains that the substitute includes the changes law enforcement asked for.
▶ Watch at 53:08Read what they said
so they can just be a little aware? Uh, it's, uh, it's all of the changes that law enforcement asked for.
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked whether juvenile court judges currently lack authority to issue such warrants.
▶ Watch at 43:28Read what they said
Thank you. I I have a few, um, they're friendly questions though. Um, so right now, uh, does a juvenile court judge not have the authority to issue a warrant?
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked whether the courts had been part of discussions on the bill.
▶ Watch at 45:16Read what they said
Alright, thank you. That's helpful. Um, either one of you can answer this question. So my policy is when it's my bill, I answer the easy questions and I let other people answer the hard ones. But, um, have the courts been part of this discussion for this bill? Michael Drexel, or anybody? No. Okay. Okay. Is Michael here, but, but
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said investigative warrants already exist as search warrants and asked where the bill's lines 120-126 language came from, since it differs from prior Title 78A language.
▶ Watch at 1:09:18Read what they said
I am, I'm wondering, um, it looks like Title 78 a used to have some language. Uh, well, in response to public comment, I, I disagree that we don't have investigative subpoenas we call them or warrants. We call them search warrants. Those, those are investigative warrants. So that that's not a new thing. But it looks like we, we have or had some language in Title 78 A, um, that was different than the, than the language that you have from lines one 20 to 1 26. Um, and I'm wondering where the language from, from one 20 to 1 26 came from.
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Read prior statute requiring substantial harm for a warrant and asked why the bill uses different language than the legislature previously approved.
▶ Watch at 1:10:06Read what they said
We can invite Ms. Myra, uh, back up to, is She still here and the legal team? They have? Yeah, Tanya is still here. Okay. Um, it looks like that the code says, um, a peace officer or child welfare worker may not enter into the home of a child who is not under the jurisdiction of the court, remove a child from the home or school or take the child in protective custody unless A, there exists ex exigence exigent circumstances sufficient to relieve the, relieve the peace officer or child welfare worker, uh, of the requirement to obtain a warrant. B. The police, the peace officer or child welfare worker obtains a search warrant under subsection three or …
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Noted the code had been renumbered and the same section is amended on page three of the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:13:01Read what they said
Okay. And, and I'm just looking at the bill and The 78 a six that you were referring to. A lot of this is, the language has still been there, but it's, um, changed with the reification and moving things around an 80 dash It's made it difficult Yes. To try an 80 dash two eight dash 2 0 2 staff just alerted me. And if you flip back to page three of the bill, it's, it's there because that, that section is the same section that you're amending. Um,
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked to confirm that new subsection 3(b) sets a lesser standard for investigation than 3(a) does for removal.
▶ Watch at 1:13:52Read what they said
Okay. It may It. Yeah. Okay. So as I look at the bill in lines 1 0 1, it's through 1 0 1 12. It's also there as well. So three A has, um, of that code has the standard, which I just quoted to remo, to, to issue a warrant to remove the child. But then three B, which is new, has a, I guess a lesser standard to investigate is, is did I get that right? It
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked whether, once inside under an investigative warrant, DCFS could remove a child without a second warrant, noting the bill does not say.
▶ Watch at 1:14:47Read what they said
And I think I'm okay with that. But let me ask you this question. Um, if under three b, if three B went into law and a juvenile court judge issued this investigative warrant, once the, uh, the office, once you were inside the home, could you then remove the child without a second warrant? I, I would argue that we would need a second warrant. Okay. But it doesn't say that. So that, I guess that gives me a little bit
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Expressed concern that a lesser-standard warrant could be used to avoid the tougher removal standard.
▶ Watch at 1:15:18Read what they said
Exigent circumstances, that, that's that language is to get the warrant to remove. So what I'm concerned about is if you could get a warrant under a lesser probable cause standard and then use that to remove, so there you're, thereby you're avoiding the tougher standard. That's my question.
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked how long it would take to obtain a removal warrant from inside the home.
▶ Watch at 1:15:57Read what they said
Okay. And, um, let me just ask you, if, if you got a warrant under this, what I'm calling a lesser standard, and you went in and it was bad, how, how long would it take if you were standing like in the child's bedroom and made a phone call? How long would it take you to get a warrant under the higher standard?
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said he would support the motion if the sponsor commits to language preventing the investigative standard from being used for removal, and defended DCFS while calling for a high removal standard.
▶ Watch at 1:21:00Read what they said
Thank you. So I'm, I'm gonna, I'm gonna ask you a question. I, I'll, I will support your motion and vote yesterday and I'll explain why. If you'll commit to working with me to add some language to make sure that the investigative standard doesn't bleed over into a removal, um, process. 'cause I, I don't wanna lower the standard and then have that become the default. So can I get That commitment? Absolutely, yes. And I just wanna tell the public, um, I believe that the investigative warrants are already lawful. And so I understand there's some natural mistrust and, um, hard feelings against DCFS, especially when your family's been impacted. Unfortunately, there are real cases of child abuse …
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said it is easy to criticize judges and DCFS after a child dies, but they lack a crystal ball.
▶ Watch at 1:22:52Read what they said
Yeah. And let me just go one step further. It's easy to criticize the judge or DCFS after a child dies. What's harder is to go back and put yourself in those shoes with the information that was available at the moment. Because one thing our judges don't have, and one thing DCFS does not have is a crystal ball that predicts the future. So after the child dies, then everybody's quick to criticize saying, well, they should have seen this coming. Well, sometimes you can't see around corners and that, that's a tough standard.
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked whether, if juries should have all information, the witness would support telling juries about a defendant's insurance coverage.
▶ Watch at 2:12:02Read what they said
I have a question. I'm I'm just, you know, if, if you're testifying that the jury should have all of the information, can I assume that you would agree that, that we should change the law to let the jury know that there's insurance coverage? No. What I'm saying, but, But you just said, Let me, let me clarify. You just said we shouldn't pre play pretend, and the juries were smart enough to figure stuff out. So why, why would we withhold that fact? Tell me how your testimony doesn't apply to that two. There
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said the witness seemed fine withholding defendants' insurance coverage from juries while wanting other information disclosed.
▶ Watch at 2:12:52Read what they said
But you're okay making plain make believe when it comes to your client's insurance coverage. But everything else they should be told
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked whether the bill just returns the law to where it was before Gardner.
▶ Watch at 2:31:25Read what they said
One, one quick question. Thank you for your testimony, uh, Mr. Lee. So, uh, in, in your opinion, does this bill just put us back to where we were in September of last year?
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked whether premiums would decrease if Gardner stays in place.
▶ Watch at 2:32:54Read what they said
Let me ask you and I, please, sorry to interrupt. Uh, if Gardner stays in place and this bill doesn't pass, do you expect insurance premiums to decrease in Utah?
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Noted Lakeview Hospital is in his district and asked what would prevent showing the difference. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:34:26Read what they said
So, so before you go on Yeah. In your Lakeview hospital, that's my district. So you, you're hitting me close to home. Um, what would preclude you from showing the difference?
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked whether, under the California approach, defense attorneys simply seek discovery on what lien providers paid doctors, creating the same problem without insurance.
▶ Watch at 2:42:32Read what they said
Alright. I have a question for you. Based on your experience in California where this is their practice, if if someone doesn't use their insurance, they use a medical lien provider. I, I'm assuming that the defense insurance defense attorneys, then they're trying to conduct discovery on what the, the, the, the lien provider paid to the actual doctor and then they would want to use that evidence to show the lower account. Is it just the same problem without, without using insurance?
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked the doctor whether he had ever lied under oath to ensure he got paid.
▶ Watch at 2:54:02Read what they said
Thank you Dr. Millard. We have two questions. The first one's from me. Um, have you ever lied under oath on the stand in a trial to make sure you got paid?
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Repeated the question about lying under oath to get paid for medical services.
▶ Watch at 2:54:18Read what they said
Would you lie under oath on the stand at a trial to make sure that your, your patient one so that you could get paid for your medical services? Oh,
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked whether he gets paid before or after trial.
▶ Watch at 2:54:27Read what they said
usually wait until after the trial to get paid or do you get paid uh, before the trial,
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked whether the bill prevents asking an expert how many times they have been hired by plaintiffs. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:58:36Read what they said
This bill prevent you from asking an expert how many times they've been hired by plaintiffs?
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Compared the issue to UDOT appraisers in condemnation cases and said expert witnesses are always subject to cross-examination on bias.
▶ Watch at 3:00:03Read what they said
So I've got two questions. Well, we've got two questions for you real quick. So first of all, I, I've, I've handled condemnation, real estate condemnation cases, um, and I've been, I've had expert witnesses who are appraisers who've done two or three or 400 appraisals for udot in condemnation cases. And I would argue that they know if they come back too high, UDOT will stop using them as an appraiser. How is that any different than what you're describing? Isn't that the nature of expert witnesses? They're hired guns and they're always subject to those arguments through cross-examination?
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Noted the witness can still ask how often experts are hired by plaintiff attorneys.
▶ Watch at 3:00:41Read what they said
Witness well you just said you could ask them how many times they're hired by plaintiff's attorneys. Oh yeah,
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked why he could not still argue to the jury that a witness is a plaintiff's expert if the bill passes.
▶ Watch at 3:00:47Read what they said
Saying, and then you can argue to the jury, this is this, this is a plaintiff's expert. You shouldn't, you shouldn't take their opinion. Why can't you make that argument if this bill passes?
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said plaintiff attorneys likewise cannot ask whether a defendant's insurance paid, so the limits go both ways.
▶ Watch at 3:01:14Read what they said
And and likewise, the plaintiff's attorney can't ask, your bill was paid by, uh, your insurance company. Right. So that, that, that goes both, that door swings both ways.
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked whether plaintiff attorneys can ask a defendant whether they have insurance coverage.
▶ Watch at 3:01:27Read what they said
The p can the plaintiff's attorney ask the dri the defendant if they have insurance and if the insurance paid or would provide coverage for any of the bills?
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said plaintiff attorneys already cannot ask about payment, so restrictions apply to both sides.
▶ Watch at 3:01:39Read what they said
I'm not You're saying it's unfair that you might be able to not ask a question when it's already the fact that the plaintiff's attorney can't ask questions as well regarding payment. I'm talking
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said both sides have questions they cannot ask if the bill passes.
▶ Watch at 3:02:01Read what they said
You're not, I'm just saying both sides have questions. They're not allowed to ask if this bill passes.
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said judges often strike questions that could lead to insurance, then recognized Senator Escamilla. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 3:02:23Read what they said
But it's more than that. You can't, I mean, I've had so many judges strike questions I couldn't even ask a question because it could lead three questions later to insurance. But I'm gonna go to Senator Escamilla.
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said much of the witness's concern could be handled by a motion in limine or an independent medical examination.
▶ Watch at 3:11:39Read what they said
Um, I, I think a lot of what you address, you could, you could, you could cover in a motion in limine and or an independent medical examination with your own expert. But we want, Senator Mikel had a question for you.
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said cities and state risk management say the bill goes beyond pre-Gardner law and that he wants floor amendments, or he may reconsider his support.
▶ Watch at 3:21:39Read what they said
Alright. Thank you. Um, yeah, I am getting texts from state risk management from the cities and towns from my cities saying that this does go beyond. So, um, I take you at, um, word value, but I would like to see if this passes outta committee today. Some, some, um, some work on some amendments on the floor. So, 'cause I'm, I'm all, I, I'm all on board to kind of reinstate the status quo. Uh, but if it goes beyond that, that's gonna make me rethink that, my support.
H.J.R. 1 Joint Rules Resolution - Amendments to Joint Rules · Senate Rules Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Says he supports the bill and explains that legislators receive a per diem regardless of how many hours they work that day.
▶ Watch at 4:10Read what they said
Thank you. I I'm, I'm gonna support the bill, um, representative. I have some students here from Bary Law School. So I just wanna ex take this opportunity to explain we get paid on a per diem. Um, I don't know if anybody knows the amount. So, um, we don't, what's that three, $301 per diem. So whether we work one hour that day or we work 16 hours that day, we get a per diem. So what he's saying is, if I go to a meeting in the summer and I'm not on the committee, I can go, I just don't get my per diem. So I support the bill. So I think that's a fair point if I …
S.B. 69 School Device Revisions · Senate floor debate (day 11) · Jan 30, 2026
Asks whether this year's bill keeps the local control reservation that last year's bill included.
▶ Watch at 31:47Read what they said
To the bill. Thank You. Will the sponsor yield Senator Fillmore, where you yelled yes to Senator Weiler. So, uh, and I'm sorry if I missed this, but last year's bill, which I supported and I i I plan to support this year's bill. Last year's bill preserved the local authority and control by allowing the districts to, to, to change the policy. I'm just wondering if this year's bill has that same, uh, reservation of local control. Go ahead, Senator Fillmore.
S.B. 69 School Device Revisions · Senate floor debate (day 11) · Jan 30, 2026
Asks whether there is data supporting a bell-to-bell ban in schools.
▶ Watch at 33:01Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President, if I could I have one last question, and that is, go ahead. Is there any data that supports, uh, a bell to bell ban, uh, for schools?
H.B. 1 Public Education Base Budget Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 10) · Jan 29, 2026
Says he missed part of the explanation and asks the sponsor to repeat it.
▶ Watch at 21:36Read what they said
So I, I missed that. Could you repeat all of that? Yep. Repeated. I'll withdraw the
H.B. 21 Senior Care Facility Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 10) · Jan 29, 2026
Moves that the first substitute of the bill be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 49:40Read what they said
Thank you. I had moved that first substitute house. Bill 21, be read for a third time.
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Says the question is an either-or and defers to the presenter as the expert.
▶ Watch at 49:32Read what they said
Well, it's not an either or or No, go ahead. Because he's The expert. He,
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Explains that the substitute removes the effect of the bill on state refunds to avoid a fiscal note for the tax commission.
▶ Watch at 57:56Read what they said
Yeah, the only, the only thing that the sub does is it takes out the ability, uh, for state refunds to be, um, affected by this bill. Uh, we did that mostly because the state tax commission was going to put a big fiscal, uh, note to, uh, update their computer system. And I, we just wanted to avoid that, so, so that's the only change.
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Summarizes the bill as expanding exemptions with a $10,000 wild card for renters and homeowners and exempting the EITC refund from bankruptcy trustees.
▶ Watch at 1:03:06Read what they said
Just for Senator Escamilla as benefit, um, Senator Escamilla, this would, um, expand the exemptions allowed to a bankrupt person. So, for instance, if they didn't own a house, or if they owned a house with less as a couple, with less than $107,000 in equity, they could get up to $10,000, um, to, to help them start over. That would be exempt. So the, the bankers and credit unions, uh, have testified against that, but there's a second part that would also, um, take any refund from the earned income tax credit and make that not touchable by a bankruptcy trustee. It's already not touchable by the banks and credit unions because they can't, um, they can't get to …
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Says he has two committee bills and that two House members are present to hear them. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:04:27Read what they said
Um, we have a committee bill. Um, I have two committee bills and two house members sitting here.
S.B. 94 Inmate Financial Literacy Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Presented SB 94 on behalf of Sen. Stephanie Pitcher, describing it as a financial literacy education program for incarcerated people at the Utah State Prison with an estimated fiscal note of about $13,000.
▶ Watch at 1:29:53Read what they said
Yeah, thank you. So we did change the rules a couple of years ago, so any senator can designate another senator, um, to present for them in a Senate committee, which is kind of nice. So Senator Pitcher couldn't be here today. She had a conflict involving her children. So I said, do you wanna designate me to present your bill? And she said I would. And so this is a bill I think we all voted for last year. Um, and it just didn't get through the house all the way, but it wasn't because of opposition, it would provide for financial literacy education for incarcerated individuals at the Utah State Prison. Research shows that teaching basic money management …
S.B. 94 Inmate Financial Literacy Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Spoke in favor of the bill and moved that the committee favorably recommend SB 94 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:32:06Read what they said
Um, I like to make a motion and speak in favor of that. So I think this is a really good bill. Uh, some people unfortunately have to spend some time, uh, behind bars and they can spend that time watching TV or playing cards or knitting. I would much rather them spend that time improving themselves, improving their financial literacy, improving a lot of things. And so, um, I I do think, um, that if somebody comes out more financially literate than they went in, that that's good for them. But all but even better, it's good for all the community. And so I think this is a great idea, uh, from Senator Pitcher and I'm glad she brought …
S.B. 156 Constable Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Presents SB 156, which mirrors last year's SB 313, to let constables set up payment schedules instead of immediately seizing property and to require notice to local law enforcement for payment-schedule activity outside their county, at the constables' request.
▶ Watch at 1:33:31Read what they said
And I've designated myself to present this bill, So this is, um, word for word the same as Senate Bill three 13 from last year, which I think, and you know if I'm wrong, I'm not being deceiving on purpose. I think it passed through the Senate unanimously passed through house committee, I think unanimously. And it just was one of those kinda like Senator Brammer said before that just didn't make it through on that last night. This aims to provide constables with more flexibility in handling debt collection actions by allowing them to establish a payment schedule with an individual instead of immediately seizing their personal property. It also adds that this payment schedule, it adds the payment …
S.B. 156 Constable Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Says the bill was brought last year, did not pass the House, and is the same bill.
▶ Watch at 1:35:00Read what they said
Yeah, it just didn't make it through the house. It, it just, uh, it was on the board the last night. I think it would've passed, but it just didn't make it So it's the exact same, exact same bill.
S.B. 156 Constable Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend SB 156 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:35:23Read what they said
I, I'll make the motion to favorably recommend Senate Bill 1 56. The motion is to favorably recommend Senate Bill 1 56 with the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 39 Prison and Jail Standards Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Thanks the sheriff and notes that sheriffs are independently elected and that adhering to standards may reduce complaints to legislators.
▶ Watch at 1:54:55Read what they said
Thank you, sheriff. Thanks for your service. And, um, I do appreciate, uh, your statement because when, uh, your prisoners or their families feel like they're mistreated, it's US legislators who you should get contacted. And I'm constantly explaining that sheriffs are independently elected. They have their own authority, they have their own jurisdiction, and it's not necessarily my job to step on their toes, but I'll get less phone calls if, uh, you know, if, if standards are adhered to.
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Says Utah would join 44 other states in banning the alienation of affection tort, offers to take questions, and moves that the bill be read a third time and pass.
▶ Watch at 19:53Read what they said
Utah will join 44 other states that have legislatively banned this tort. That stems back to common law that I'll yield to Any questions? Senator, I don't seek questions. I may go to you for action. Thank you. I would move that Senate Bill 1 0 9, be read for a third time and pass.
S.B. 158 Recreational Therapy Program Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Says a pain medication bill on the agenda is being pulled at the request of a stakeholder, and introduces SB 158.
▶ Watch at 53:28Read what they said
Thank you. Grab my computer before I leave it here and wonder where it's tomorrow. By the way, I think I have a pain medication bill coming up on your agenda. And I'm gonna pull that, I'm gonna ask that one to be pulled from the agenda. At the request of the stakeholder I'm working with. Is this, um, while you're there, is this, um, we've got a number. Is this SER five? Concurrent resolution? PEHP? Yeah. Yes. Okay. So I'm gonna ask That one To not, so those in the public, those online, we're going to not listen to item agenda item number seven today at the request of the sponsor. Okay. Again, SB 1 58, Senator Weiler 1 …
S.B. 158 Recreational Therapy Program Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Explains that SB 158 adds licensed residential support programs accredited by the American Camp Association to Medicaid-reimbursable recreational therapy providers, directs DHHS to seek any needed waivers, takes effect in May, and carries a large ongoing fiscal note.
▶ Watch at 54:11Read what they said
This bill, um, adds to the list of recreational therapy facilities or programs that may be reimbursed for recreational therapy under the Medicaid program. Um, what we're adding is a licensed residential support program that is accredited by the American Camp Association. And this would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for any necessary waivers to implement the change. And, um, you'll notice on line 39 that we define residential support program to mean the same as that term is already defined in section 26 B dash two dash 1 0 1 of the code. And, um, and then the only other change in the bill is line 65. The department may, may seek approval from …
S.C.R. 6 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Pediatric Care for Autonomic Disorders · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Presented the resolution encouraging the medical community to raise awareness of and diagnose POTS and related autonomic disorders in children and adolescents, and encouraging insurers to provide appropriate coverage; said he proposed it after learning about the condition from families.
▶ Watch at 57:07Read what they said
Uh, this resolution encourages the medical community to increase the awareness of and educate about the diagnosis of diagnosis of postal osteos, geostatic, taura cardio syndrome, or POTS is what it's usually referred to and related autonomic disorders, particularly in children and adolescents. It also encourages, but doesn't mandate insurers to provide appropriate coverage to address gaps in access for diagnosis and treatment of pots. Um, I have a, a, a friend who's actually one of my classmates in law school, and his, uh, beautiful adult daughter has pots, which is, um, really ruining her life. Um, it affects every aspect of their life. And, um, I Uintah a, um, a dinner at Grand America. I think it was a …
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Weiler asks whether the kratom death involved other substances.
▶ Watch at 1:08:52Read what they said
Yes, I did. I'm just wondering, on the cranium death that you referenced, um, were there any other substances in the deceased body, or was it just exclusively kratom, or is it kre mixed with other things?
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Weiler asks whether it can be agreed that kratom is not an opioid.
▶ Watch at 1:17:26Read what they said
Yeah. So I understand, um, that creto Max on some of the same brain receptors as opioids, but can we agree that krems not an opioid?
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Weiler asks whether liver damage has been seen from kratom alone.
▶ Watch at 1:17:54Read what they said
Okay. If I can follow up, Mr. Chair, please. Um, the, uh, the liver damage that you're describing that is different than the respiratory problems, have you ever seen that if it's, uh, solely crem or is it typically, like you indicated kratom combined with other substances?
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Weiler asks whether heavy metals have been found in kratom products.
▶ Watch at 1:18:23Read what they said
Okay. And, um, have you, um, in your personal experience, have you seen heavy metals that, uh, like lead and nickel, uh, that have been found in Creon products?
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Weiler asks about bacterial contamination like salmonella.
▶ Watch at 1:18:42Read what they said
Okay. Have you had any instances, um, um, of cranium contaminated with bacteria like salmonella?
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
The senator asks whether tobacco, also addictive and harmful, should be banned. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:38:01Read what they said
Yeah, I'm just curious, I mean, tobacco is addictive and it's harmful. Should we ban that as well?
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Asked the sponsor why Rhode Island banned kratom and later reversed the ban.
▶ Watch at 2:27:14Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I'm just asking if, uh, we're wondering if the good Senator, um, from Utah County could tell us why. Um, Rhode Island banned Kratom and then came back and unbound it a few years later.
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Said he has concerns about gas station sales but opposes singling out kratom for a ban, citing Rhode Island's black market experience, and will vote no.
▶ Watch at 2:29:25Read what they said
Yeah. I probably won't surprise anybody. I'm not gonna vote against the bill. I have some serious concerns about selling freedom in gas stations. Um, but there are so many substances, um, that we, that are helping some people that we've regulated and we have it banned. I, I don't know why we would single out this one to ban, especially after we just legalized, um, cannabis, um, recently. It's my understanding that Rhode Island brought, uh, brought it back because people were buying crem on the black market. Um, and that they found it was a bigger problem to ban it than it was, uh, to, it was a bigger problem by banning it. And it, it created, uh, …
S.B. 108 Online Marketplace Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Moves to replace the bill with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 2:40:53Read what they said
So moved. Motion before us is to do, we entitled Body Senate Bill 1 0 8. Replace it with the first substitute Senate Bill 1 0 8.
S.B. 108 Online Marketplace Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Defers explaining the substitute to Sen. Fillmore.
▶ Watch at 2:41:05Read what they said
Yeah, I, well shoot in the interest of time, I'm just gonna let Senator Fillmore do that.
S.B. 108 Online Marketplace Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the first substitute bill to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 2:50:06Read what they said
I'll move that we favorably recommend the bill, uh, to the full body of the Senate Motion before us is to favorably recommend first substitute Senate Bill 1 0 8,
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Sen. Weiler presented SB 149 as a cleanup of last year's private investigator bill, covering board renaming, a licensing test, suspension terminology, continuing education, notification of changed information, summary suspensions, and bail bond clothing requirements.
▶ Watch at 2:50:45Read what they said
Yes. Licensing modifications. I just read it wrong. Thank you. Senate 1 49 is, um, kind of a cleanup bill from a bill I think everybody voted for last year. Um, it, um, it, it dealt with pri mostly with private investigators. This, this also deals with, uh, i, I guess some bail bondsman, but the, the scope of my focus has always been on the private investigators. But, um, after I passed the bill, I, I met with, um, with some people at BCI, uh, that kind of, uh, administer, uh, the licenses for the private investigators. And, um, uh, out of several meetings with them, this bill emerged. So let me just briefly cover what it does. It …
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Sen. Weiler said the bill followed tension between private investigators and BCI over possible license revocations without due process, and that it cleans up last year's bill.
▶ Watch at 2:55:04Read what they said
There's been some tension between the, uh, private investigators and, um, the person at BCI who had been supervising them, threatening to pull their licenses. Um, and the, the example I've been giving for two years, Senator Musselman, uh, you'll appreciate because I have talked about if a broker, a real estate broker, if they died or lose their license, um, the agency is kind of now adrift, but they have, they usually are given 30 days to affiliate with a new broker. Um, what what was happening was some of these PIs felt like they were being, um, uh, threatened with possible revocation with no due process. I'm not saying that this happened. I'm saying that this is a …
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Sen. Weiler explained that bail bond licensees must wear clothing identifying them as bail enforcement agents as soon as reasonably possible.
▶ Watch at 2:56:21Read what they said
You know, what, what, uh, so, so a uh, in lines 1473 says that, uh, that a bail bonds person has to wear clothing that identifies the licensee as a bail enforcement agent as soon as reasonably possible. So that's the clothing requirement.
S.B. 149 Licensing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Sen. Weiler moved to favorably recommend SB 149 and said he may offer a coordination amendment on second reading related to a possible move of licensing functions to the Department of Commerce.
▶ Watch at 2:57:26Read what they said
So, um, yeah, I'll make a motion that we favorably recommend the bill. I do wanna alert the committee. Um, Senator Cullimore has a bill, um, that would move a number of, um, uh, different departments under doppel. Um, I think including this one. And so I have talked just during this meeting. I've been texting with Austin, um, Wiig, um, Wiig, uh, the drafting attorney about having some coordination clause. So I probably will have an amendment on second reading if this passes. But it wouldn't change any sance of the bill. Uh, but it would probably allow, uh, this, uh, regulation of this license to move from BCI or doppel, uh, uh, uh, or Department of Public Safety, …
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Sponsor says the bill would end recognition of alienation of affection claims, citing their common-law origins and rare filing, and that an amendment in committee delays the effective date to May 5, 2027.
▶ Watch at 38:46Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. Um, Utah is one of only about six states in the country that still allows, um, you to sue someone, uh, if they've had an affair basically with your spouse. Um, I'm this, I'm not pro affairs, but, um, this is a archaic, uh, legal novel novelty that dates back to the medieval days when women were considered chattel or property of their husbands. And so if another man used that property, they owed compensation to the owner, the, the husband. Um, that's a patently offensive, uh, concept, and it has changed over the years, but that's, that's the derivative of where this came from. Uh, we, uh, mo and because of that, most states have …
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Moves that the bill be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 41:26Read what they said
Uh, I would move that Senate Bill 1 0 9, be read for a third time.
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Explains that the second substitute removes the online marriage language, limits the change to common law marriage, and moves the effective date to May 5, 2027.
▶ Watch at 41:27Read what they said
I can, I can, can you hear me? Yes. Okay. I can explain that. Um, and I would entertain a motion at any point. Okay. Um, so first of all, the original bill and the second sub only have to do with the elimination of common law marriage. The first sub had to do with some edits I'd like to make to a different bill, and I failed to communicate that accurately to my drafting attorney. Um, and those are changes that will be coming in a comprehensive family law bill. But I got the county clerks in Utah County and Tula County all exercise. So if anybody comes up here and talks about, um, uh, anything to do with …
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Gives the history of common law marriage in Utah, describes its uses, and argues for repealing it because marriage is now easy to obtain.
▶ Watch at 43:45Read what they said
Okay. Now let's speak to The bill and lemme tell you how hard it's for me not to vote. When you guys are saying, aye. 'cause my brain tells me to say, aye, but I, I resisted it this one time. No, um, I do understand that. So, Mr. Davidson here, and I just explained, um, I'll say it again. The second sub that we just adopted has nothing to do with virtual marriage that was never supposed to be part of this bill. It was supposed to be part of a different bill. So that, that's now off the table. Now, um, so common law marriage, um, the, the roots of this, I gave you a little history lesson …
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Says claims usually arise after a breakup or death within a one-year filing window and are often used to seek property or benefits.
▶ Watch at 53:25Read what they said
Yeah, so what happens a hundred percent of the time, almost a hundred percent of the time, is after a couple breaks up or after one of them dies, then our current statute gives them exactly one year to initiate that action. So it's not something that you can do 40 years later. Um, but it's almost always after there's a breakup. And I'll tell you the breakup. So let's say a, um, a a woman, I'm just gonna switch it. A woman owns a house, she has a boyfriend, he moves in. They, they live together for five or six years, um, and she's helping pay expenses. They break up. Now, she, Susan says, I want equity in that …
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Says benefits often involve Social Security or home equity and that the question is whether the policy is sound.
▶ Watch at 56:35Read what they said
So, so the benefits will usually be in the terms of a social security or equity in the house or something along those lines. Um, and that's, that's why I start off with this premise. Either you're pregnant or not. Either you're married or you're not.
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Says the language Davidson referenced will be addressed in another bill.
▶ Watch at 1:05:39Read what they said
Thank you. And that language will be coming back another bill so we have more conversations. It was never intended for this bill, so.
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Asks the committee not to move to the next agenda item, restating his view that common law marriage is outdated and should be repealed.
▶ Watch at 1:09:45Read what they said
Yeah. And so I, I noticed that Senator Stevenson joined us late. So I just wanna reiterate, um, common law marriage was an antiquated practice when people couldn't get to a courthouse. 'cause they lived too far away. The legislature banned it in 1925. They brought it back in 1987 for one reason and one reason only. They wanted it to use it to prevent welfare fraud, which it was never used for. That's what Senator Hilliard told me two days ago. Um, today it is being used by people who never got married to pretend like they were married five or 10 or 15 years ago. 44 other states have said, this makes no sense why we're gonna let …
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Declines to respond to the substitute motion.
▶ Watch at 1:11:48Read what they said
Um, no. I'll, I'll waive. I've, I've probably said too much. I, I've repeated myself, so.
S.B. 110 Marriage Amendments · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Thanks the committee and says he will look for compromise language before second reading, without committing to changes.
▶ Watch at 1:12:30Read what they said
I do want to say, I'm gonna work with Chris and others and see if I can find some, maybe in between language where it, it, I'm gonna look for that before a second read. I'm not committing to change anything, but I'm gonna look for that because I, I understand that some people are using it in a helpful way. Um, but anyways, so thank you. Thank you for your vote of confidence. So more work on it and, but this allows you to continue the work. So, okay.
S.B. 155 Unclaimed Property Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Presents SB 155, which lets the State Tax Commission share certain identifying information with the unclaimed property administrator to return property, changes the dates on which property in certain tax-deferred and tax-exempt accounts is presumed abandoned, and makes other technical changes.
▶ Watch at 1:24:24Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Chair. I did see I just left, uh, two 15. I did see Senator Baldry waiting to testify in there. Um, and so this is a bill that, uh, was requested by, I believe it was the division of finance. And, um, it's somewhat technical in nature, but what it does is it provides for the state tax commission to share certain identifying information with the unclaimed property administrator for the purpose of returning unclaimed property. So again, this isn't like a privacy thing where we're going after you, they're like, Hey, we've got somebody's property and we wanna give it back to them. Um, but we need some more information to help find them. And it …
S.B. 155 Unclaimed Property Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Summarizes the substitute, which allows a single claim by multiple claimants for a decedent's unclaimed property and sets filing requirements for such claims.
▶ Watch at 1:30:59Read what they said
Yeah, I appreciate, um, Senator ML'S motion and his, um, explanation. It often is insurance companies and others who are holding like cash deposits that are turning this property over to the treasurer's office. I did wanna note, um, the substitute that you've adopted. In addition to what I said in my original pre uh, presentation, it also provides for the filing of a single claim by multiple claimants for the unclaimed property of a decedent and establishes re uh, filing requirements for a claim that involves unclaimed property of a decedent. So if, if anybody within the sound of my voice, if they've had a parent die or a sibling die, you might wanna check for them and see …
S.B. 160 Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Introduces Senate Bill 160 and jokes about how many bills he has presented.
▶ Watch at 1:32:02Read what they said
I do have one more, um, Senate Bill one 60, If you haven't Tired of me.
S.B. 160 Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Presents SB 160, which extends a temporary Medicaid rate policy that equalizes reimbursement for autism-related services with that for other children, citing a $18,000 fiscal note; staff member Carrie Gibson is available for questions.
▶ Watch at 1:32:09Read what they said
Ahead. So this is very simple. Um, when, when Senator Brian, she was awa introduced this pilot program for, um, uh, insurance coverage and, uh, for, um, autism, um, which was really revolutionary back in like 2014 for some reason at the time, uh, I think it was to keep the fiscal note down, it didn't get tied to the regular increases. So you could actually have two children with disabilities and you could have providers coming in to assist them. And the, the, the child with the provider for the child with disabilities, um, was being paid substantially less than the provider for the other child that didn't have autism. And so I've been working with some stakeholders for …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
Supports the bill, noting the district judges added in committee, the roughly $1 million fiscal note, and his earlier call for expanding the Supreme Court.
▶ Watch at 42:17Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in support of the, of the bill. Um, uh, as I think, um, Senator Wilson described, um, the bill was amended by Senator Brammer and myself yesterday to add three district court judges. And those are in the three most desperately needed areas in the state, um, which I think is very important, um, to the good senator from Salt Lake's Point. Um, adding two Supreme Court judges is, uh, a fiscal note of about $1 million. And if you factor that into our $30 billion budget, that would be 0.0033% of our budget. Um, I think we can afford that. And a comment I made yesterday was, I understand the timing, um, is, …
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Presented SB 109 to end the alienation of affection tort in Utah, citing court handling of these cases and the practice in other states, and described a substitute that delays the effective date to May 5, 2027.
▶ Watch at 49:02Read what they said
Oh, there we go. Thank you, Madam Chair. And I really am surprised and impressed at how much interest there is in my alienation of affection, bill. Um, so I don't know how to sugarcoat this, but in medieval times, um, women were considered chattel or property of their husbands. And if someone else had sex with them, then they owed money to the husband because they had essentially used their property. And that offensive, outdated medieval concept is the genesis of a tort, um, known as Alienation of Affection. And the idea of this tort is, is that someone else, um, has a relationship, a sexual relationship with your spouse, that you can sue them and ask for money …
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Moved to replace SB 109 with first substitute SB 109, which pushes the effective date back.
▶ Watch at 52:26Read what they said
Already explained. Yeah, well, let me just do that. Let just move to delete, um, Senate Bill 1 0 9 and then Title and Body and replace it with first substitute Senate Bill 1 0 9. And I've already explained it, just pushes it back a year and then some.
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Said the substitute may lead to more filings before the new date and that cases filed after May 5, 2027 should be dismissed.
▶ Watch at 53:51Read what they said
I I just have one last point. Sure. This substitute may actually spur an increase in filings. 'cause people are gonna realize if I don't file this in the next 14 months, I never can. I think that's okay. Um, um, because I think if we're going to change what's been decades long tradition of allowing these cases, we ought to give some notice. So, so it may in the short run spur, um, uh, you know, a few more cases being filed. But, but then as of May 5th, 2027, the court shouldn't accept, or they, they should immediately dismiss any cases filed after then.
S.B. 161 Evaluations in Guardianship Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Sen. Weiler presents SB 161, which stems from a constituent's guardianship case, and describes its provisions on HIPAA rights, healthcare provider qualifications, filing of court-appointed reports with the court, and limits on interviewing the person seeking guardianship.
▶ Watch at 57:27Read what they said
Thank you. This bill, um, derives from a, a horrific experience that one of my constituents went through. Um, um, and I'm not gonna name him. Um, I will say, um, it's a name that many of you, not all of you, but many of you would recognize. Um, he's from a prominent family. Um, and, and they, they're a family of means, not that that matters, but if it could happen to them, I think it could happen to anyone. And that, I think it even makes a starker contrast. But there was a dispute, um, among the children. And, um, some of the children wanted the father, um, declared, uh, basically incompetent. Um, and not all of the …
S.B. 161 Evaluations in Guardianship Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Sen. Weiler moves to favorably recommend SB 161 to the full body, with the understanding that he will work with the Utah Medical Association before second reading.
▶ Watch at 1:06:17Read what they said
Um, if I could, uh, as member Senator Committee, Madam Chair, I'd like to move that we favorly recommend, um, to the body, um, Senate bill. Let me get it right. 1 61, 1 61 With the understanding that I'll work with the Utah Medical Association before second Reading.
S.B. 161 Evaluations in Guardianship Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Sen. Weiler says he has many bills in Judiciary, asks that time be reserved for public comment on a later bill with substantial interest, and notes he will return to the chair.
▶ Watch at 1:07:24Read what they said
So, Madam Chair, I know you're chairing right now. I'm gonna take that back in just a moment. Let me just make a quick announcement. Um, I have, I am in possession of 30 bills, uh, in Judiciary committee, and I would love to have put 10 or 12 or 15 of them on the agenda today. But the fourth bill on the agenda, I believe, um, has substantial interest. And I wanted to reserve time so that we could do at least an hour, if not more, a public comment. And so it's important to me, uh, oh, Mr. Uh, Senator, I was gonna, I was gonna announce a short pause until Senator Wilson's got here, but he just …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler said he publicly explored expanding the Supreme Court years before current tensions, rejected the court-packing label, and noted each judge costs about half a million dollars including staff and benefits.
▶ Watch at 1:16:29Read what they said
Thank you, Senator Wilson. And I just want to note for anyone that's curious, about three and a half years ago, I, I floated the idea, I gave some media interviews about increasing the number of Supreme Court judges, uh, from seven or from five to seven. So if you're good at Google, you can find some of those. If you don't believe me, I'll tweet it, um, during this meeting. So you can go to GOP Todd and see that. Um, so I know that some people are accusing, um, uh, Senator Wilson, this bill of being court packing. I just want people to know before any of the current tensions arose, this was something that I was publicly …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler said the courts' greatest need is district court judges and described a substitute adding judges in the Third and Fifth Districts, asking Sen. McKell to move it.
▶ Watch at 1:18:13Read what they said
Thank you for that. Um, and Senator Wilson, um, I listened as you did, and I think most legislators, uh, to Chief Justice Durant and his state of the judiciary address on Tuesday. And, and he talked about the urgent need for more, uh, district court judges, and that's, you know, where a lot of the burden is. And this won't be a surprise to you, Senator Wilson, but it may be a surprise to a few people listening. I have prepared a substitute of your bill. Um, I've been working with the courts, um, Michael Drexel and Ron Gordon and others, and I've been told that their greatest need for additional district court judges now they've asked for eight, …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler said each judge costs just under $500,000 including salary, benefits, retirement and staff.
▶ Watch at 1:22:29Read what they said
Yeah. That staff gives them the court staff. Yeah, I I'm Sure the physical note would, it would, would include, we reflect that increase the, yeah, the clerks and the staffing. It's just under 500,000 per judge, per Judge. That's their supports, I mean, staffing and everything. And again, to be clear, we do not pay our judges 500,000, that's their salary, their benefits, their retirement and their staff. Correct. So yeah,
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler said appellate judges earn 5% more than district judges, so the cost would be slightly higher.
▶ Watch at 1:23:44Read what they said
It's approximately the same. I mean, there's probably and Michael Drexel may wanna, um, so, so just so everybody knows, we're getting a little granular, but I appreciate the question. Center picture. A appellate court judge, whether it's Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Utah, they make 5% more than a district court judge. So there would be that difference. And I'm not sure if their clerks or assistants are paid a little bit more or not, but, so it would be at least 5% more for, um, the salary of a, um, appellate court judge versus the salary of a district court judge. So it would be slightly more for sure if
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler said more justices and clerks could speed opinions but more dissents could slow decisions, and he expected more appellate decisions to reach the Supreme Court.
▶ Watch at 1:30:46Read what they said
Okay. Thank you. Appreciate that. So I, let me just weigh in as a member of the committee. So, um, the argument in my mind for it increasing the expediency of an efficiency is now you have seven judges instead of five to divide the opinions among to write. And now you've got, um, gotta do some quick math, 14 clerks instead of 10 clerks to help write and research those opinion. So that's, on one hand, that's how it could speed up the process. On the other hand, now you've got, um, more potential judges who could be writing, uh, dissents. And I know in one high profile case within the past six years that one particular judge took …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler confirmed SB 57 and explained court commissioners are funded through an appropriations request, not this type of bill.
▶ Watch at 1:56:27Read what they said
I believe so, yeah. Okay, perfect. That, That helps. And I wanna make one other clarification. So, um, there has also been a request from the courts for commissioners and commissioners. They're like family law referees. Um, but they, we don't do those in statute. We do those as an RFA. So I do have an RFA for at least one commissioner, um, that will be heard through the executive appropriations process. I'm not saying they'll be funded, but we don't add commissioners in this type of bill. I just want people to understand that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Please. And those of you online, I will come to you, I promise. So please.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler asked whether Congress should give the military whatever it asks for, comparing it to deferring to the courts.
▶ Watch at 2:01:10Read what they said
Thank you Ms. Smith. Um, I appreciate you being here. I always appreciate your thoughtful and articulate input. I do have a question for you. Yes. Um, your, your standard of just listen to the courts and fund what they want. Would you apply that to the military? So should Congress just give the military whatever they ask for?
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler said policymakers should consider agency input but reach independent decisions.
▶ Watch at 2:02:35Read what they said
My point is this, like if there was a proposal on the federal level to either expand or to, um, decrease like the joint chiefs of staff, you would listen to the joint Chiefs of staff. But if I was a Congress person, I'd, I'd also probably try to reach an independent decision and not just do whatever they told me. So anyways, that, that was my
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler said lawmakers take that as input but make the policy decision.
▶ Watch at 2:02:58Read what they said
But you understand, as policy makers, we're gonna take that as an input and we're gonna make ultimately a, a, a policy decision.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler asked whether the court should ever expand as the population grows.
▶ Watch at 2:03:24Read what they said
let you go, I promise. So we're projected to be five, maybe 6 million people by 2055. Is there any point when we should expand the court or should it say five forever?
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler said in his practice district judges already require mediation before setting trial dates.
▶ Watch at 2:12:39Read what they said
And I'll just say, Mr. Alder, based on my practice, I, I don't think there's a district court judge that's given me a trial date in the last five to seven years without trying mediating and often a judicial settlement conference on top of it. So
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler said he and most colleagues have not attacked the courts and he respects judges who ruled against the Legislature, then closed the public hearing.
▶ Watch at 2:24:39Read what they said
Thank you very much. Um, I just wanna state for the record, I have not attacked the court or its integrity and, and the vast majority of my colleagues in the legislature have not. So I can't control what everyone says, but, um, I have a great deal of respect for the judges, including Judge Gibson and, and the other judges that, uh, have made some rulings against the legislature. Alright, I'm gonna close the public hearing and bring it back to the committees, uh, to the sponsor.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler said the Supreme Court heard every appeal before 1987 and could take more cases through its own rule changes.
▶ Watch at 2:28:52Read what they said
Thank you. And before I go to Senator Pitcher, I just want to add, because it's relevant here. I I was involved in a, an appeal last year, uh, from a case that was decided on summary judgment. And like most cases filed with Supreme Court, it was poured over to the Court of Appeals. We filed a motion and said, Hey, we think this is a, a matter of first impression, we'd really like the Supreme Court to hear it. And they did. So I just want to give them credit for that. But I also wanna say before 1987, the Utah Supreme Court heard every appeal. And I do think that with, with their own changes of court …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Weiler agreed courts need more resources but noted judges can have attorneys draft orders and supplemental memoranda to share the workload.
▶ Watch at 2:32:02Read what they said
Thank you. And I, before I go to Senator Musselman, um, and then to Senator Escamilla. I just wanna note, I absolutely agree with Senator Pitcher that the court needs more resources. And I also have to point out that just like Judge Gibson did in the redistricting case, they can also order the parties to do their research for them by asking for supplemental memoranda. And I appear in court regularly. I've had three trials in the last two months. And in every instance, the judge asks me or the other attorney to draft the order or both of us to submit proposed findings of facts. So I'm just saying the judges have some ability to shift that work …
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Asks whether the sponsor agrees that the Supremacy Clause means federal law overrides conflicting state law.
▶ Watch at 2:56:19Read what they said
Thank you. Um, Senator Brammer, I, sorry. Senator Blouin. I am, it's my understanding as a lawyer, um, et cetera, that the supremacy clause in the United States Constitution, um, basically means that a federal law that's in conflict with a state law would be trumped by the federal law. Is your understanding of the s supreme supremacy clause any different than mine?
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Asks whether state law can dictate policies such as face coverings for federal agents.
▶ Watch at 2:56:55Read what they said
And I Juab, I'll just remind you, I, I raised supremacy clause issues with Senate, Senate 57 as well. But, but do you believe that there's any component of state law that allows us to dictate via state law, um, you know, policies or facial coverings or clothing or anything for federal agents?
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Says he does not want federal agents arresting people at church but asks how public libraries would bar ICE agents.
▶ Watch at 2:57:58Read what they said
Thank you. And, um, I'll agree with you to the extent that I, I really don't want federal agents in my church or people being arrested for going to church. So I'm gonna, I'm gonna leave that aside for a moment. But let's talk about public libraries. They're open to the public, right? Who, who's gonna be standing at the door of a public library denying entrance to, or asking people if they happen to work for ice?
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Suggests library employees could hide targets of an ICE raid in locked offices.
▶ Watch at 2:58:38Read what they said
So the idea would be if there's an ice raid that the library employees could scuttle the, uh, the targets into their office and lock the door. That that's the idea behind the bill.
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Asks if the sponsor is aware of protesters targeting the homes and families of ICE agents.
▶ Watch at 2:58:53Read what they said
Okay. And to follow up on Senator Brammer line of questioning, are you aware of protesters visiting the homes or targeting the families of ICE agents in the past year?
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Asks whether the sponsor is okay with that and whether he would want his wife targeted for his job.
▶ Watch at 2:59:05Read what they said
You're okay with that? No. Would you want your wife targeted for your job here in the state Senate?
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Expresses sympathy about the sponsor's wife's tires.
▶ Watch at 2:59:24Read what they said
Thank you. And I'm sorry to hear about your wife's tires. I really sincerely am
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Asks whether the witness is aware that every country deports illegal immigrants.
▶ Watch at 3:16:38Read what they said
I give you a little extra time, but I just wanna ask you one question. And this is, are you aware that there's not a single country in this world that doesn't deport illegal immigrants?
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Asks whether he thinks the United States should not deport them.
▶ Watch at 3:16:50Read what they said
Okay, but you don't think, you think that that United States should not deport them?
S.B. 136 Enforcement Activities Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Explained he opposes the bill but voted no on tabling because he would rather vote the bill down.
▶ Watch at 3:53:26Read what they said
I'm gonna take the chair's prerogative to explain my vote. I'm a hard no on the bill, but I'm also a no on the motion to table because I'd rather just vote it down so I'm a no.
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Asks what the extra revenue would fund, whether the tax distinguishes CRE from CRE laced with other substances, and whether the creative industry and stakeholders have been consulted.
▶ Watch at 1:39:17Read what they said
And, and you probably said this and I missed it and I'm sorry. So the extra money that's raised from, from Crem and other, um, future products, what specifically will that money be targeted for? It would go back into the Department of Agriculture for enforcement, hiring inspectors and other things. They go for enforcement just of CRE and these other new products or for any enforcement, Uh, specifically this, these products, these specialized products. Okay. And, um, are we differentiating between like straight CRE and cre 'em laced with other products or No. Is it all Just not in this bill? Okay. And have, um, have you worked with the creative industry and stakeholders? Do you have buy-in on …
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Says kratom warrants scrutiny and regulation but that it is sometimes unfairly blamed in media coverage of a fatal crash.
▶ Watch at 1:40:02Read what they said
Okay. I appreciate that. And I just, Mr. Chair, if I could, I, um, I, I wanna regulate anything that is, poses a legitimate health and safety risk. Um, having watched Kratom for seven or eight years, and I know if Senator ml were here, he'd probably disagree with me, but it, it, it appears to me in a, in the, their very first article I read in the media, this was at least seven years ago, the headline was, you know, driver killed High on Kratom, something like that. It was in Denver. And if you read to like paragraph 17 in the article, you, you read that the driver had like 17 different substances in his body, but …
S.B. 61 Funeral Services Licensing Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Asks whether there are current restrictions on how cremated remains can be distributed.
▶ Watch at 2:36:20Read what they said
Yeah, I've been waiting to ask this question for a while. It's been killing me. Um, so I'm just curious if there's any, uh, restrictions right now where like grandma's, uh, ashes can be, um, distributed after cremation?
S.B. 61 Funeral Services Licensing Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Spoke on the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:36:45Read what they said
Okay, thank you. I'm done. So sorry, I can't help, but you're welcome to ask the others if you'd like. All Right. I was just dying to find out.
S.B. 111 Veterinary Post-employment Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Asks why veterinarians should get a special non-compete law when other professions remain subject to non-competes.
▶ Watch at 2:49:01Read what they said
Yeah. So, um, one of the most, uh, bitter and contested issues I've ever dealt with in 14 sessions is non-competes. Mm-hmm. Oh. Um, and it was before your time. Um, but I can, I mean, there are hundreds of professions, uh, in Utah, and I, I can't possibly comprehend why we would pass a law banning non-competes for veterinarians, but allowing them for everything, everyone else. Um, I don't, I don't, I don't think veterinarians are minors. I don't think they're disabled. I don't need, I don't think that they need special protections because they can't read a contract. Um, so I'm, I'm having a, a real difficulty wondering how veterinarians is such a unique profession that we should …
S.B. 111 Veterinary Post-employment Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Asks whether the bill could discourage practices from hiring and training young veterinarians.
▶ Watch at 2:51:42Read what they said
Mr. Chair, can I follow up please? Um, what if the unintended consequence of your bill is now a veterinarian's not willing to take on a, a young, uh, apprentice because they don't want to, uh, to invest in them, train them, teach them how to run a business, teach them how to market, um, prop them up in the community only to have them leave after a year or two and take half their clients with them. What if the unintended consequence now is you have, uh, young veterinarians who can't get jobs because there's no protection for the person hiring them?
S.B. 111 Veterinary Post-employment Amendments · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Votes no, noting that two states have banned veterinary non-competes and arguing that the government should not void adult contracts.
▶ Watch at 3:19:02Read what they said
Um, thank you. I, uh, I'm going to, uh, vote no on the motion, but I want to explain, I, I did, um, do a little bit of research while I was sitting here, and it does appear, um, that as of October, 2023, Maine and, and June of 2024 Maryland, those two states have passed a veterinarian based, uh, non-compete law, which surprised me. But there are two states. Um, but I, I do wanna just point out there are still 40, at least 40 states in the country where veterinarians, um, and like most professions can be, um, subject to, um, non-competes. And I, I, I just wanna, I just wanna say I I, my sympathy and, uh, …
S.B. 38 Consumer Protection Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Presents S.B. 38, a technical bill on the division's investigatory authority, filing requirements, surety bonds, registered agents, and enforcement penalties, and yields to questions.
▶ Watch at 27:47Read what they said
This is a bill that came through the Business Interim Committee and I'm, I'm not sure, uh, what I did to Senator Vickers to get assigned this, but I will apologize to him after this presentation so it doesn't happen again. But this is a very technical bill. Um, he's not listening, but this bill amends the division's investigatory, uh, authority to conduct investigations related to statutes. The division administers and enforces amends filing requirements for a person to make with the division amends provisions related to an entity surety bond and certificate of deposit provides circumstances under which the division may recover costs from a surety bond or a certificate of deposit. Provides that a person correct information contained …
S.B. 38 Consumer Protection Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Moves to suspend the three-reading requirements as permitted by the Utah Constitution.
▶ Watch at 29:31Read what they said
Oh, thank you. Uh, Mr. President, as permitted by the Utah Constitution. I move that we suspend the three reading requirements.
S.B. 38 Consumer Protection Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Says the bill is being moved straight across today under suspension of the rules.
▶ Watch at 30:14Read what they said
So now that, that is a purpose for, uh, moving the bill straight across today Under suspension of the rules.
S.B. 38 Consumer Protection Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Explains how the House and Senate each apply the three-reading requirement differently, and moves to suspend the three-reading requirement in the Senate for the rest of the day.
▶ Watch at 31:48Read what they said
A little bit of a personal privilege. So I'm hoping the interns are listening and, uh, I guess Senator Bus is not here. I just wanna explain. A lot of people don't understand why the house only, uh, reads and debates a bill once and the Senate does it twice. So both the House and the Senate have the three reading requirements. When we, when, um, when Mr. Lloyd reads in the bill, we count that as the first reading requirement, and then of course we know the second reading and the third reading. You're all familiar with that in the house. When they get the committee report and they read in the committee report, the house counts that as …
S.B. 46 Water Wise Landscaping Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Explains the background of S.B. 19 on digital evidence, saying defense attorneys raised concerns that law enforcement keeps seized devices, and that his earlier bill requiring their return within 30 days led him to learn more about the issue.
▶ Watch at 40:58Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. My favorite bills have a story behind them. So I'd like to briefly tell you the story behind this bill. Um, I was approached by some defense attorneys last year, and I ran a bill last session. Um, and basically they were saying sometimes law enforcement will seize a computer or a cell phone or an I, uh, iPad, and they never give it back. And so I ran a bill that said, Hey, you ought give it back within 30 days. And, um, and, and I kind of kicked a hornet's nest and I started learning a lot more about what's going on. And so this is what I found out, Mr. President.
S.B. 19 Digital Evidence Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Explains that the bill sets a fee schedule for jurisdictions that send digital devices to the RCCFL lab, with higher fees for first-class counties, to reduce processing delays.
▶ Watch at 41:29Read what they said
And so this is what I found out, Mr. President. We have a, uh, FBI facility in Salt Lake. It's called R-C-C-F-L. It's an acronym. I don't remember what it stands for. Um, but this is when, when the state or federal authorities, if they find someone, if they're investigating someone, for example, for child porn, and they raid their house and they take their computer and they take their cell phone, somebody has to, has to look at those devices. And most of these accused uh, defendants, they won't give the password. And so these devices all go to R-C-C-F-L and there's about a nine to 12 month delay for most of these devices to come back. And in …
S.B. 19 Digital Evidence Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 2) · Jan 21, 2026
Says he is still awaiting stakeholder input and moves that S.B. 19 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 44:43Read what they said
Because I am still waiting for some stakeholder input. I had a meeting just before floor time. What I'd like to do is just move to um, uh, have a Senate bill 19 read for a third time. Thank
S.B. 18 Criminal Offense Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Says he believes the bill has no substantive changes and asks whether it makes any substantive changes to the law.
▶ Watch at 25:54Read what they said
Pretty sure this bill doesn't have any substantive changes. I just wanted to have that clarified. Are there any substantive changes in the bill to the law?
S.B. 40 Business Entity Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Asks as a point of order whether the substitute is in the name of a senator or a House member, and whether that is a problem.
▶ Watch at 57:24Read what they said
Um, thank you Mr. President. Just as a point of order, is the substitute in the name of a senator or a house member? And if it's a house member, is that a problem?
S.B. 40 Business Entity Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Says the substitute appears to need to be in a senator's name. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 57:55Read what they said
Can't sign the rule, but I think it has to be in a senator's name.
S.J.R. 2 Joint Resolution Regarding Constitutional Brackets · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Explains that S.J.R. 2 would remove brackets from constitutional section titles and moves an amendment to delay the change until 2028.
▶ Watch at 1:06:07Read what they said
President, I, I know some of my colleagues consider themselves history buffs and I'm gonna give them some history that they never wanted and will not be useful in any aspect of their life. But here we goes. Anyway, when the Utah Constitution was initially adopted, it did not have any titles for the constitutional sections. There is no statutory or constitutional requirement to include a title for each constitutional section, but there were two significant things that happened in 1967. First I was born, second of all, we started adding titles next to the section numbers in the published Utah constitution. And since since 1967 and since my birth, a title has been added surrounded by brackets to each …
S.J.R. 2 Joint Resolution Regarding Constitutional Brackets · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Says the change would be a legislative directive to legislative staff and would not appear on the ballot, notes the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel requested the bill, and asks for support.
▶ Watch at 1:09:33Read what they said
Bill if I could Mr. President Pro Tim. Um, so first of all, this would not go to the voters. This would not muddy the ballot. This is a, uh, a, a legislative directive to the Office of Research Research and General Counsel. So this would never appear on the ballot, but what would appear on the ballot is after 2026, the constitutional amendments would not have brackets on the ballots. But this question number two, I'm going to admit and I do this with great reservation. This is not my most pressing bill of the session. However, the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel feels that this is an important clarification. Uh, they asked me to run the …
From the official recordings' automatic captions, with speakers and summaries identified by AI. Use the ▶ links to check the recording before you rely on a quote.