Legislators / Stephen L. Whyte
Stephen L. Whyte
Republican · House District 63
Hear from them directly
Contact Rep. Stephen L. Whyte
- Email: swhyte@le.utah.gov
- Phone: 385-271-8435
- Office: PO BOX 181, SPINGVILLE, UT, 84663
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Watch or join a meeting
Every committee hearing and floor session is open to the public and streamed live on le.utah.gov. Each committee's agenda has the link to watch or join online, and how to sign up for public comment.
Stephen L. Whyte serves on:
- Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee
- House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee
- House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee
- Business and Labor Interim Committee
- Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee
What they've said
86 remarks on 31 billsS.B. 284 Local Land and Water Modifications · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Supports the bill, describing it as an annual consensus effort by many organizations that aims to increase housing supply and affordability.
▶ Watch at 55:06Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this bill as well. This Luma Bill is an annual bill that's presented and each year it takes a tremendous amount of work from multiple organizations throughout the entire year working together in consensus. This as a bottom line foundation elements that will help the housing at obtainability and affordability issues as land use is a part of zoning and important decisions to be able to help increase the supply. So I rise in support of this Lud bill and appreciate everyone's work on it to get it to this consensus point.
S.B. 284 Local Land and Water Modifications · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Rises in support, noting the annual consensus work behind the bill and its role in increasing housing supply.
▶ Watch at 55:06Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this bill as well. This Luma Bill is an annual bill that's presented and each year it takes a tremendous amount of work from multiple organizations throughout the entire year working together in consensus. This as a bottom line foundation elements that will help the housing at obtainability and affordability issues as land use is a part of zoning and important decisions to be able to help increase the supply. So I rise in support of this Lud bill and appreciate everyone's work on it to get it to this consensus point.
S.B. 2 Public Education Budget Amendments · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents S.B. 2 as the floor sponsor, describing budget reductions of about 0.85%, budget increases of about 2.5% including funding for at-risk students and school fees restoration, statutory changes concerning USDB, online program funding, and state superintendent fund transfers, and says the bill complements H.B. 1 for a combined 5.9% increase in public education funding.
▶ Watch at 18:29Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Good morning and thank you for the opportunity to present SB two Public Education Budget Amendments. I'll be discussing three aspects of this bill. The first will be the budget reductions, the second budget increases, and the third statutory changes in the first area of budget reductions. This bill will identify a reduction of 0.85%, so less than 1% reduction. This will be 8.2 million one time and 41.7 million ongoing for a total combined of 49.9 million. These reductions are primarily affecting non lapsing balances and moderate growing balances, along with some targeted adjustments to some select programs. So the reductions will be 0.85% less than 1% in the second area of the bill will …
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Asked the sponsor about the acupuncture board language and why the requirement for two licensed acupuncturists was removed.
▶ Watch at 40:49Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. And thank you senator for presentation and all the work over interim on this bill. This is a significant, a significant bill as an understatement. I'm just confirming, are you speaking to the third substitute? No, we're actually on the fourth substitute. On the four substitute. Thank you. Yeah, Currently we, we had, we did make a four substitute before we sent it to the house. So the amendment would go to the four substitute. Thank you. Could you speak just a little bit more to the Accu Actu, I can't speak right now, acupuncturist piece of it as I've got some questions over the last couple of days about some concerns in that area. …
S.B. 31 Office of Professional Licensure Review Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said the underlying issue involves national accreditation and academic programs, and supports the amendment so that issue is addressed over the interim.
▶ Watch at 1:00:39Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. What the amendment before is, is something that I've been personally wrestling with. We need to ensure that our nurse practitioners are trained and experienced to be able to practice so every one can be safe. And as visiting with over this topic over the interim, really appreciate the research, the work that has been done by the Department of Commerce and LER and their analysis and recommendations as we really debate it and work through this, through the, um, through the interim process. My wrestle is that this is addressing a element of the problem, but not the underlying core issue. The underlying core issues, it relates to the national accreditation and it relates …
H.B. 596 Homelessness Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Thanked the sponsor and asked whether he was speaking to the first substitute and amendment one.
▶ Watch at 54:09Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. And thank you representative for presenting this bill and for your work on this issue, especially over many years that have helped a lot of people looking into this, this bill and all the details you've explained. I just wanna confirm, are you speaking to the first sub amendment one?
H.B. 596 Homelessness Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Asked for more detail on specific lines of amendment one.
▶ Watch at 54:33Read what they said
Looking into that amendment one that is posted, could you go into a little bit more detail and explain lines 9 95 through maybe 9 98?
H.B. 596 Homelessness Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Asked where the local annual contributions to the mitigation fund come from.
▶ Watch at 56:48Read what they said
Thank you. And Mr. Vice Chair, if I may ask a follow up to that, thank you for explaining that I've received some communications from different cities throughout the state and the area I have representing about that. Just for clarification too, maybe for those that are listening online or listening in the future, those local annual contributions, where are those contributions from? What is the source of that funding?
H.B. 596 Homelessness Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Asked how the fiscal note changes under the bill.
▶ Watch at 58:04Read what they said
Question. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. You're welcome. Um, I have a quick question for you, if that's all right? Sure. Um, and so we have a fiscal note on the base bill. How does the fiscal note change? Maybe you address
H.B. 596 Homelessness Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Thanked organizations and staff for their collaborative work and said he supports the substitute and amendment for expanding the mitigation fund and providing accountability.
▶ Watch at 1:15:12Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. I'd like to thank everybody who came this morning. All of the organizations that have been involved and the collaborative work that's been put together in this very comprehensive and complicated area of work. So thank you for your work and your support to be able to help meet this need throughout the entire state and representative. Continue to receive compliments the way that you have collaboratively worked with everybody, so appreciate the substitute and the amendment, seeing how everyone's working together to be able to protect local communities while supporting shelters, to expanding the mitigation fund, to providing financial stability and accountability for service providers. So, thank you for everybody's work today.
S.B. 226 Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moved to adopt the second substitute of SB 226.
▶ Watch at 1:28:38Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Vice Chair. Motion to adopt first sub of SB second 2 26. Second sub, second substitute. Yeah, I apologize. Second sub. Thank you everyone.
S.B. 226 Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend SB 226 second substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:29:18Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Vice Chair. Motion to favorably recommend SB 2 26 second substitute fatal motor vehicle accidents amendments.
S.B. 226 Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Said public testimony showed the sponsor's work in finding a balance on this issue and that this is appreciated.
▶ Watch at 1:29:29Read what they said
Oh, thank you. From the public testimony, being able to see the good work of Senator Millner on this addressing this need and finding the right balance to be able to help in the future is greatly appreciated.
S.B. 128 Public Alert Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Asks how other states use similar alerts and what outcomes they have seen.
▶ Watch at 1:33:28Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Uh, thank you for your work on this. Thank you. And coming up with this concept, you've mentioned it's used in other states. Can you explain how this is used in other states and what the outcomes have been?
H.B. 521 Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account Amendments · House floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Supports the bill as long-term, generational planning to ensure future education funding, while preserving the current stabilization account.
▶ Watch at 35:42Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this bill. One of the hallmarks of the state of Utah is forward looking and generational planning for the future. The current stabilization account has served a wonderful purpose and it'll continue to serve a wonderful purpose. And this proposal is really a long-term generational planning to ensure that we currently have that we'll have funding into the future. And so I'm supportive of this long-term visionary planning that will continue to help fund, uh, the needs and the opportunities of education in the state. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
H.J.R. 4 Resolution Regarding Prison Security and Successful Inmate Reentry · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asked about federal action on drones and cell phone jamming and said the state needs federal authority to address these problems.
▶ Watch at 45:45Read what they said
Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, while the efforts of are happening here within the state to address these issues that are just shocking that are taking place here, is there anything happening on the federal level as well that could be beneficial? Or is anything happening on the federal level that could support or a compliment or assist the state in this area? I, I know as, as we, uh, as we discuss these problems at like leadership conferences with other states, that there have been discussions, um, about running federal legislation on that. Right now it's, it's, it's unlawful for us to interfere with the flight path of a drone. Um, we cannot take that drone outta the air. …
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Sponsor says the bill responds to a Legislative Auditor General performance audit of USDB, covering mission, governance, structure, facilities, and reporting and data, and that the audit found USDB needed more oversight and better strategic planning.
▶ Watch at 1:05:52Read what they said
This bill responds to recent legislative performance audit conducted by the office of the Legislative Auditor General. The bill addresses four important areas, clarifies the mission and role, governance, structure, facilities, report and data. The collaborative and consensus work on this bill will strengthen us, uh, DB Foundation to ensure it will have success for decades to come. So the reason why this bill is needed is the office of the legislative auditor found that USDB needed increased oversight and improved strategic planning to better focus this on student outcome achievement. And with that, I'm open to correct questions.
H.B. 514 Utah Energy Council Amendments · House floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Asks the sponsor to yield for a question about the substitute's effect on local governments and the new energy district.
▶ Watch at 1:15:20Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the sponsor yield to a question? Representative Walter, will you yield?
H.B. 514 Utah Energy Council Amendments · House floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Asks what the substitute means for local governments and the scope of the new energy district.
▶ Watch at 1:15:25Read what they said
Thank you. Mr. Speaker, with the substitute that was just adopted, could you speak to what this would mean to local governments with the creation of the new Energy District? Kind of the scope of that for local governments, please?
H.B. 514 Utah Energy Council Amendments · House floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Asks what the substitute would mean for local governments under the new energy district.
▶ Watch at 1:15:25Read what they said
Thank you. Mr. Speaker, with the substitute that was just adopted, could you speak to what this would mean to local governments with the creation of the new Energy District? Kind of the scope of that for local governments, please?
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Presents HB 448, Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments, and offers a backgrounder for committee members.
▶ Watch at 1:03:57Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee for the opportunity to present HB 4 48 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments. Uh, Mr. Chair, if you would be amenable or agreeable, we have a backgrounder that's presented by LRGC for additional context that we could provide to you to share with committee members.
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Says the bill responds to a legislative performance audit, gives background on USDB, and outlines its four areas: mission and role, governance, facilities, and reports and data.
▶ Watch at 1:04:16Read what they said
Thank you very much. This bill to start, um, responds to recent legislative performance audit conducted by the office of the Legislator Auditor General. Now, before getting into the specifics about this particular bill, I like to provide maybe a little bit high level background and context because the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind, also sometimes referred to as USDB, plays a critical role in supporting children with hearing and visual impairments. USDB has a very long history of serving students in Utah. To me, this is just absolutely remarkable that the Utah School for the Deaf was originally established in 1884 at the present day, university of Utah. Then in 1896, the school was moved to Ogden, …
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill, citing his role on public education appropriations and the importance of the schools for the deaf and blind.
▶ Watch at 1:19:11Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the motion and the collaborative work that has gone into this bill before us. Today, I have the honor of serving as the Chair of the House Chair of the Public Education Appropriations Committee, along with Senator Balderree, a Senate Chair for Public Education Appropriations. And as we and with you chair and the other committees of public ed appropriations dove into these issues and audit findings from a financial perspective, I appreciate the work and the leadership and the recommendations that have been made from that committee to compliment the audit recommendations and everyone coming together. I first became aware of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind because the Springville School …
H.B. 492 Transportation, Infrastructure, and Housing Amendments · House floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Supports the bill, saying high home demand and low supply raise prices and that the bill helps unlock housing areas blocked by lack of infrastructure through partnership with cities, counties, and developers.
▶ Watch at 1:25:04Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro temp. I rise in support of this bill. The high demand for homes in the state and the low supply of homes in the state is one of the reasons of the high cost of the homes in the state. This particular bill represents a collaborative partnership between local cities, counties, and private developers that have collaboratively worked on this concept for several years, and it's now before us to be able to help unlock housing potential development areas that are only being prevented right now because of the lack of infrastructure. So I would encourage everyone's support of this bill and compliment the representative for his good work of the collaborative work with the …
H.B. 338 First Responder Health Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend HB 338.
▶ Watch at 56:00Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Motion to favorably recommend HB 3 38 first responder. Health Amendments. Sorry, I was, you, you favorably recommended it. Okay. I'm assuming that's what you said. I got sidetracked.
H.B. 338 First Responder Health Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Said the sponsor has done substantial work on the bill, that it builds on the past program to help more people, and expressed full support.
▶ Watch at 56:22Read what they said
Oh, the representative has done a lot of work on this bill over years. This is just building upon the past program and further expanding it to help people in need Fully supportive.
H.B. 433 Professional Licensing Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Asks whether the office can already loop in a legislator when a constituent contacts it, and whether that needs a statute.
▶ Watch at 1:15:32Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. If I may just ask a couple follow up questions. You bet. This is a valuable discussion. I like the intent behind all of this. Just wondering, is there anything that would prevent LER right now from looping in a legislator with a constituent service? Could that happen right now without having to add another statutory law?
H.B. 433 Professional Licensing Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Says a future director might not follow the practice, which is why he thinks it should be written into statute.
▶ Watch at 1:16:55Read what they said
Okay. Thank you. Thank you. So I think just follow up to that, uh, you, uh, would do those calls anyway. You'd take those calls anyway as a courtesy, but, uh, a future director may, may not. And so, uh, that's why I think you wanna put it in statute, right?
H.B. 433 Professional Licensing Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Recalls a past alcohol-regulation oversight experience and says the committee chose to write requirements into structure rather than rely on individuals.
▶ Watch at 1:17:18Read what they said
Yeah. I, I had this, uh, in a past life here at the legislature, I had, I had, uh, representative Burton's job of being the alcohol guy for four years. We've talked about some of the fun parts of that. Yeah, yeah. Um, in, in that role at, at this point, and this is probably the best example, uh, we had, uh, frankly a corrupt administrator of D-A-B-C-I, Jim, remember this moment, Jim, we were no bid contracts happening, all sorts of other things. And the argument was made, uh, that was, was pretty similar. Um, we just need to swap out the director. And at the time we understood that, yes, we could do that, but what happens with …
H.B. 495 Capital Felony Case Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asked what other states besides Arizona do to determine intellectual disability.
▶ Watch at 1:00:39Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair and thank you representative for the research and the thorough presentation here. I'm wondering if I could ask maybe a three-pronged question, Mr. Chair, regarding the intellectual disability determination aspect of it. Maybe the first question you referenced, if I understood correctly, the state of Arizona as a similar model. Are there, can you provide other examples of what other states have done regarding the intellectual disability determination?
H.B. 495 Capital Felony Case Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asked when a defendant may waive the pre-screening.
▶ Watch at 1:02:27Read what they said
Thank you. A a second pronged question regarding the intellectual disability determination. Um, I'm reading that a defendant may waive pre-screening if the waiver is known and voluntarily. Is there a timeframe of that when the defendant may waive the pre-screening?
H.B. 495 Capital Felony Case Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asked whether there is a timeframe for appealing a finding on an intellectual disability claim.
▶ Watch at 1:03:21Read what they said
Okay. Thank you for the clarification. Mr. Chair may ask one additional question. Go ahead. About the intellectual disability determination. Um, I'm reading that a finding on an ID claim can be appealed by the defendant or the prosecution. Is there a timeframe of regarding that appeal portion?
S.B. 39 Investment Zones Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Presents SB 39 as a reification and consolidation of investment zone statutes into one code section, with no new policy.
▶ Watch at 51:06Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. SB 39 is a reification bill that has been worked on during the interim to consolidate and bring together all in one place for easy access statutes that relate to investment zones. There is no new policy that is contained in this bill. This reification puts all investment zone programs into one code section with each having their own part for easier access for everyone. This is a cleanup bill, a reification, and a consolidation of current statutes. And this concludes my presentation.
S.B. 39 Investment Zones Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Answers that the bill changes no existing policy and that the specific home ownership promotion zone question needs further confirmation.
▶ Watch at 52:33Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you Mr. Speaker. You know, nothing in this bill is changing any existing policy. These are all statutes that have been passed previously to get into that specific detail on line 9 68, I might need to do a little bit more information here just to confirm I have it correctly, but, um, yeah, this is no change of existing statute or policy.
S.B. 39 Investment Zones Amendments · House floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
In closing, states the bill adds no new statutes and consolidates housing program statutes moved from Workforce Services, re-codified and renumbered for easier access, and asks for support.
▶ Watch at 53:10Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, there's questions been asked throughout this process, if there's any new statutes that are coming into this, which the answer is no. This is a consolidation of Housing Pro programs from as workforce Services services has moved to goo, it created an opportunity to be able to re codify and to Renu Renumber to make it have an easier access for everybody involved. Appreciate everyone's consideration.
H.B. 171 Physician Assistant Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Presents HB 171 as a cleanup bill that makes statute consistent with a 2021 standard change in the Physician Assistant Act, agreed to by physician assistants and the Utah Medical Association.
▶ Watch at 38:24Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair and distinguished committee for the opportunity to be here with you today. Um, HB 1 71, uh, the purpose of this bill is a cleanup bill to clarify and statute a change in the standard that was passed five years ago in 2021 when the legislature passed the Utah Physician Assistant Act. This bill just simply makes this statute consistent with existing law. I appreciate the physician assistants as well as the Utah Medical Association, who have collaboratively worked on and agreed to this cleanup. Bill and Mr. Chair, that concludes my presentation. Thank you. Let's take a look at this very simple bill.
H.B. 171 Physician Assistant Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Thanks the committee and asks it to consider placing the bill on the consent calendar.
▶ Watch at 40:38Read what they said
Thank you. I appreciate your consideration. And Mr. Chair committee, if you would consider placing this bill on the consent calendar.
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Moves to adopt the second amendment to substitute H.B. 448.
▶ Watch at 45:40Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro temp motion to adopt the second amendment in my name. Motion is to adopt Second Amendment for substitute house bill 4 48.
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Says the amendment clarifies the communication plan and adds flexibility to the advisory council.
▶ Watch at 45:54Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro temp. This amendment clarifies the communication plan and provides some additional flexibility with the advisory council.
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Presents H.B. 448 as a response to the Legislative Auditor General's audit, covering the school's mission and role, governance, facilities, and reports and data.
▶ Watch at 46:23Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro temp HB 4 48 is a bill that responds to the recent legislative audit performance by the office of the legislative auditor General. This bill addresses four important areas. The first is the clarifies the mission and the role. Second, the governance structure, third facilities and fourth reports and data. So I really appreciate the collaborative work that has gone into this build to really further strengthen the Utah schools for the Deaf and Blinds Foundation so it can have ongoing success decades into the future. That concludes my presentation.
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Gives the history of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind since 1884 and says the bill will strengthen the foundation for future students.
▶ Watch at 47:11Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Pro Temp and, and colleagues. The Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind have an incredible history here in the state of Utah. It, the Utah School for the Deaf was originally established in 1884 at the present day, university of Utah location. And then in 1896, the school was moved to Ogden, where the School for the Blind was also established, which is now creating the Utah schools for the Deaf and Blind. Over this period, over 140 years, wonderful services have been provided to students and families. And this bill will help to be able to strengthen that foundation and that success for these inspirational and wonderful students, for their talented faculty and team …
H.B. 470 Building Inspection Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Whyte cited League of Cities data showing 99.8% of inspections completed within three days and an audit finding no bad faith by cities, and asked for other data.
▶ Watch at 1:04:42Read what they said
Thank you. Mr. Chair. If I may ask a, maybe a kind of two-pronged question. Thank you for presenting the bill here this morning. The topic of building inspection inspections have been at the legislature for a couple of years from a builder's perspective that time is money, but we also need to have proper safety. And as a result of that, a couple of bills were passed this last legislative session. That one I had an opportunity to work on. I'm kind of looking into some data points looking into this particular bill that's before us today. And I'm wondering if you by chance have some other data points. I'll just share two examples that I'm seeing. One is …
H.C.R. 6 Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Utah Housing Strategic Plan · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Presents H.C.R. 6, a non-binding resolution regarding the Utah Housing Strategic Plan, and introduces Steve Waldrop.
▶ Watch at 1:25:43Read what they said
Uh, Representative Whyte, uh, concurrent resolution regarding the Utah Housing Strategic Plan. I'm gonna turn the time over to you. Thank you, Madam Chair and Distinguished Committee. Um, good morning. Thank you for the opportunity to present to you the non-binding concurrent resolution regarding the Utah Housing Strategic Plan. Last year in the legislative session, we passed HCR 14, which was a concurrent resolution supporting the streamlining of Utah housing policies. Last year, we also passed HB 37 housing amendments, which required the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget to develop a state housing plan no later than December 31st, 2025. As a result, the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget collaboratively completed the development of the Utah Housing Strategic …
H.C.R. 6 Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Utah Housing Strategic Plan · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Summarizes the resolution as a starting point and roadmap, and asks the committee to consider placing it on the concurrence calendar.
▶ Watch at 1:44:09Read what they said
Thank you, Madam Chair and Committee. Thank you for your leadership and involvement and guidance through this entire process. This is a team effort. Literally, this is a collaborative statewide effort, and it's focused on improving the affordability and the attainability of housing. Um, this is really, as mentioned, is a starting point, a roadmap that is moving forward. And it includes choices and options for local cities to determine of what their needs would be. This is also an ongoing, uh, effort to really help provide options and opportunities for our children and grandchildren to have home ownership within the state. It's a dynamic and responsive plan, and input and recommendations are needed going forward. And so everybody in …
H.B. 68 Housing and Community Development Amendments · House floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Supports the bill, saying it responds to a 2023 audit and a legislative resolution calling for streamlined housing policy.
▶ Watch at 1:46:03Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro temp. In 2023, the office of Legislator General conducted a housing audit of the state and made some great recommendations to the legislature and to the state based upon some important data points. Last year, this legislative body passed a resolution supporting the streamlining of Utah housing policies. And since we passed that as a legislature this last year, a tremendous amount of work have gone forward for this particular bill because it addresses the findings that have been found in the audit report a couple of years ago. The challenges that we're facing right now is that we are limiting opportunities for collaboration. Sometimes efforts are also duplicative. The legislative branch, the executive branch, …
H.B. 68 Housing and Community Development Amendments · House floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Supports the bill, saying it responds to a 2023 Office of the Legislative Auditor General housing audit and a legislative resolution calling for streamlined housing policy.
▶ Watch at 1:46:03Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro temp. In 2023, the office of Legislator General conducted a housing audit of the state and made some great recommendations to the legislature and to the state based upon some important data points. Last year, this legislative body passed a resolution supporting the streamlining of Utah housing policies. And since we passed that as a legislature this last year, a tremendous amount of work have gone forward for this particular bill because it addresses the findings that have been found in the audit report a couple of years ago. The challenges that we're facing right now is that we are limiting opportunities for collaboration. Sometimes efforts are also duplicative. The legislative branch, the executive branch, …
H.B. 202 Acupuncturist Licensing Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 12, 2026
He asked what degree a student receives upon completing the program and becoming licensed.
▶ Watch at 1:02:22Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. If I may ask a question. When a student completes the program and becomes licensed, what degree do they have? Is it a bachelor's? Is it a master's? Is it a certificate?
H.B. 202 Acupuncturist Licensing Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 12, 2026
He asked which accreditation body oversees acupuncture programs.
▶ Watch at 1:05:34Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I may ask a follow up question to the previous one we just had for the program. What is the name of the accreditation body that oversees these programs
H.B. 202 Acupuncturist Licensing Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 12, 2026
He asked whether that accreditor would apply in Utah or whether there is a regional accreditation.
▶ Watch at 1:05:53Read what they said
Thank you. Would that, would that apply to the state of Utah as well, or is there a specific regional or specialty accreditation?
H.B. 72 Criminal Use of Cryptocurrency Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Asks who would receive training for designated officers and which agency would handle licensing and registration of virtual currency kiosk operators; told it would be the Department of Commerce.
▶ Watch at 42:19Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Just a couple questions. If I may. Who would be the, who would receive the training? The as designated officers? What was that? Who would be the designated officers that would get training into this type of Investigation? That's, that's up to each agency. I mean, ideally, this is very difficult. It's very specialized area how to do any of this. Um, just because we declare it that it'll happen, doesn't mean it'll happen immediately. Um, but there's also hotspots around the state, those that have had, um, a higher than average number. And I can tell you some of the counties, if you want to know, 'cause you guys are sitting in those seats. …
H.B. 301 Drug Recodification · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend HB 301.
▶ Watch at 1:27:31Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, motion to favorably recommend HB 3 0 1 drug reification.
H.B. 301 Drug Recodification · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Clarifies that the motion is to adopt the first substitute to HB 301.
▶ Watch at 1:27:42Read what they said
Thank you. That's what I meant. I'll withdraw that to That's what I thought I heard the first substitute.
H.B. 301 Drug Recodification · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Moves to pass HB 301 with the first substitute out favorably.
▶ Watch at 1:28:17Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Motion to favor. We recommend HB 3 0 1 drug reification is substituted. That's an order. Would you like to speak to it?
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Presents HB 448, which revises the mission, governance, facilities, and reporting provisions for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind, and asks the committee to adopt the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:38:28Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair and Committee for the opportunity to come today to be able to present HB 4 48 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments. Before going into the details of this particular bill, I'd like to kind of provide some historical context of where we have been to get to where we are at today. The Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind, which is sometimes known as USDB, plays a real critical role in supporting children with hearing and visual impairments. USDB has a very long history of students serving, uh, serving students in Utah. It was first and originally established in 1884 at the present day, university of Utah. In 1896, the school was …
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Says the substitute clarifies points discussed by the committee and listed in the handout from the Legislative Research and General Counsel.
▶ Watch at 1:49:19Read what they said
I appreciate the consideration. Uh, the sub clarifies what we've been discussing and what's also contained in the handout you've received from LRGC.
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Says the bill went through a collaborative process and that the board approved its language, and yields to the committee on the amendment.
▶ Watch at 1:51:16Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, just for some background context, the bill before us that has now been substituted has gone through a real collaborative process to get it where it is and was indicated that the board has approved the language right here. Also, understanding and seeing the amendment to this about the change of the state, superintendent shall appoint a supervisor, superintendent, the language there that is identified. I would, um, yield to the committee of what you feel would be, um, appropriate as you've reviewed the bill and have studied this as well. So I'll, um, with that background and context yield to the committee of what you think would be appropriate at this point.
H.B. 448 Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Says the schools have served students for well over a century and that the bill builds on that success.
▶ Watch at 1:55:28Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. Chair and committee for the discussion and questions. Your interest in this. I first became interested in this several years ago at the House District. I have the honor of representing includes the Springville School for the Deaf and Blind. And when I, um, walked into that facility and saw those remarkable and inspirational children and the talented teachers and everyone that works there, I was blown away. I didn't realize that we had that type of opportunity and educational opportunity and facilities within the state. And that's where I fell in love with the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind. And then I learned of the visionary work that took place back in the …
H.B. 171 Physician Assistant Amendments · House floor debate (day 21) · Feb 9, 2026
Rep. Whyte said HB 171 is a cleanup bill that clarifies in statute a change in standards the Legislature passed five years ago in the Utah Physician Assistant Act, making the statute consistent with existing law.
▶ Watch at 21:39Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker and good morning. HB 1 71 is a cleanup, a bill that has a purpose to clarify in statute a change in the standards that was passed by the legislature five years ago in the Utah Physician Assistant Act. This bill will simply make this statute consistent with existing law. And that concludes my presentation.
H.C.R. 6 Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Utah Housing Strategic Plan · House floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Whyte presents the resolution supporting the Utah Housing Strategic Plan, which was developed under HB 37 with input from many stakeholders and calls for ongoing tracking and coordination of housing efforts.
▶ Watch at 20:42Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Last year in the 2025 general session, the legislature passed a concurrent resolution supporting the streamlining of Utah housing policies. Also in last year's legislative session, the legislature passed HB 37, which required the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget to develop a state housing plan no later than December 31st, 2025. As a result, the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget in partnership with more than a hundred stakeholders and organizations and individuals throughout the state. Over last interim holding more than 63 different meetings during the interim session involving multiple organizations such as legislators, the Office of Legislator auditor, the KMC, Gardner Public Policy Institute, the Utah League of Cities and Towns. The prior …
H.C.R. 6 Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Utah Housing Strategic Plan · House floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Whyte says the purpose of the resolution is as he described and asks for members' support.
▶ Watch at 22:53Read what they said
That's just fine. Thank you Mr. Speaker. I was just concluding that this is the purpose of this resolution and would appreciate everybody's support.
H.B. 188 Juvenile Justice Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Asked about the sponsor's engagement with education communities, districts, and USBE.
▶ Watch at 1:17:23Read what they said
Thank you. Mr. Chair, if I may ask just a couple questions. Go ahead. Uh, thanks for presenting the bill and also explaining what will be involved at the schools from the principal to many others. Can you speak to the engagement you've had with the education communities or districts or USBE and, um, what those conversations have looked like? What their recommendations
H.B. 188 Juvenile Justice Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Asked the sponsor about education community support and whether educators understand the bill's impact on schools.
▶ Watch at 1:25:14Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. If I may just ask another additional follow-up question of the bill sponsor. Um, not seeing education represented in the committee today and seeing the need of this and the impact that it would have on schools in really good ways and it involving teachers and staff members and administrators. I'm just having just a moment to pause. Just wondering about the educational communities support of this or input of this and if they understand the, the impact and what would be involved just in the local schools and the LEAs and the school districts. Could you speak to that a little bit? Just,
H.B. 188 Juvenile Justice Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Suggested inviting education groups and USBE to provide their perspective if the bill moves forward.
▶ Watch at 1:26:52Read what they said
Now. Thank you. You know, if, if this bill proceeds forward, I'd invite just anyone in the education communities, USBE to the local LEAs to just provide their perspective as, as this bill potentially just moves forward.
H.B. 134 Offender Transfer Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Asked why the transfer fee is increasing and whether it covers the costs of arranging out-of-state transfers, and suggested hearing from the department.
▶ Watch at 1:37:17Read what they said
Mr. Chair, I may ask just a question regarding the fee. Could you explain that just a little bit more? Because I know there's just a lot of eyes and interest on fees. This particular legislative session. You know, we do try to make sure as a state rule, you know, fees should be commiserate with the cost, right? Um, actually $50 has never really begun to cover the costs of, of making arrangements for, um, a probationer or parolee to go out of state. But $90 at least, um, I believe they believe that will help them recoup some of the costs that, that they incur as they try to facilitate that transfer. So, I don't know, would you …
H.B. 44 School Security Personnel Standards · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend H.B. 44 as substituted.
▶ Watch at 2:03:31Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Vice Chair. Motion to favorably recommend HB 44 school security personnel standards as substituted.
H.B. 44 School Security Personnel Standards · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Said school safety is critically important and that the sponsors' work builds on past efforts to help keep students safe.
▶ Watch at 2:03:45Read what they said
Uh, school safety is such a critical importance today, and the good sponsors worked on this for many years. This just builds upon the work of the past, provide some good clarification and, and efforts and work to help students and everybody in the schools to be safe. So appreciate your good work and leadership.
S.C.R. 2 Concurrent Resolution Concerning Remembrances of the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Shares a recent visit to the September 11 Memorial Museum and the quote displayed there, and supports the resolution.
▶ Watch at 2:14:01Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Just before the legislative session began, I had the opportunity to be at the nine 11 Memorial Museum. And as you go down and stand there on the foundation of both of the towers, there's a beautiful quote on the wall that I think encapsulates the great comments and the purpose behind this resolution. The words read no day shall erase you from the memory of time. So thank you very much for this resolution and honoring all who were involved and the impact that it has had. I'm sorry. Yeah. Thank you. Okay.
H.B. 171 Physician Assistant Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 171 as a cleanup bill that makes statute consistent with a 2021 change in the standard under the Utah Physician Assistant Act, and says the physician assistant groups and the Utah Medical Association agreed to it.
▶ Watch at 59:17Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair and Committee for the opportunity to present HB 1 71, physician Assistant Amendments. The purpose of this cleanup bill is to clarify in statute a change in the standard that was passed five years ago by the legislature in 2021 regarding the Utah Physician Assistant Act. So this bill will simply make the statute consistent with the existing law. Um, I appreciate the physician assistance and the Utah Medical Association who have worked on and agreed to this cleanup bill. And that concludes my presentation.
S.B. 41 Business Entity Technical Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend S.B. 41 as substituted.
▶ Watch at 1:58:06Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Motion to favorably recommend SB 41 Business Entity technical amendments as substituted.
S.B. 41 Business Entity Technical Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Thanks everyone involved in the code codification work, which required a large amount of time and effort.
▶ Watch at 1:58:38Read what they said
Just a big appreciation to everyone evolve. Cod re codifications are a tremendous amount of work and a lot of time, so thank you for everybody involved to help clean this up.
H.C.R. 6 Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Utah Housing Strategic Plan · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Rep. Whyte presents HCR 6, a nonbinding resolution on the Utah Housing Strategic Plan, and introduces Steve Waldrop.
▶ Watch at 1:10:55Read what they said
and Distinguished Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to present a non-binding concurrent resolution regarding the state housing strategic plan. Last year in the 2025 legislative general session, the legislature passed HCR 14 supporting the streamlining of Utah housing policies. Also, last year in the legislature, we passed HB 37 that require the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget to develop a statewide housing plan no later than December 31st, 2025. As a result, the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, in partnership with stakeholders throughout the state, have collaboratively completed the development of a Utah Housing Strategic plan, which outlines goals, guiding principles, and desired measured outcomes. This resolution signals that the Utah Housing Strategic Plan meets the state …
H.C.R. 6 Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Utah Housing Strategic Plan · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Rep. Whyte responds that the resolution recognizes the work done and provides a dynamic roadmap for collaboration on housing needs.
▶ Watch at 1:17:43Read what they said
Uh, thank you Madam Vice chair for the question and representative and, and for your service as a part of this collaborative process over many years in this last year since the legislature requested this type of a strategic plan for the state, this is a, um, dynamic responsive plan that lays out a roadmap for future collaboration and work to be able to help address the housing needs in the state. And so this, this resolution is presented in, in recognition of that work that has been done, the, the goals, the principles, the desired metrics that are going forward. And so it provides, um, a dynamic responsive plan. And as Mr. Steve Walt mentioned, it's really a roadmap …
H.C.R. 6 Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Utah Housing Strategic Plan · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Rep. Whyte supports the motion and says the plan is a starting point for voluntary collaboration.
▶ Watch at 1:37:05Read what they said
Thank you Madam Vice chair. And for that, um, motion, I'd be fully supportive of that. Uh, just in commenting on that, where we're at today is not an end point. It's really a starting point going forward with a roadmap to be able to help that collaborative and voluntary collaborative work be able to come together and, um, sure appreciate the input that is received over this last year and even in the committee today to be able to help this statewide problem. We need everyone involved and we need all perspectives and all involvements. So what has been shared today is appreciated as this roadmap is going forward. So I would, uh, appreciate a favorable, um, support of …
H.B. 271 Multi-Agency Joint Strike Force Modifications · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 2, 2026
Said the discussion answered his question and his concern about the reporting.
▶ Watch at 1:13:45Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. That discussion and clarification answered my question and also the concern with the reporting.
H.B. 392 District Court Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Asks the sponsor to respond to the comments the committee has heard.
▶ Watch at 2:26:11Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. If I may ask a question, a follow-up question to the sponsor? Of course. Go ahead. Thank You, Representative MacPherson, we've heard a lot of comments today. Could you respond to the comments that have been shared with the committee?
H.B. 1 Public Education Base Budget Amendments · House floor debate (day 9) · Jan 28, 2026
Presents HB 1, the public education base budget bill, outlining a 4.2% WPU increase to $4,870, about $253 million from the education stabilization account for several purposes, and other appropriations, and asks for a vote in support.
▶ Watch at 15:59Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. HB one is a very important bill for the state of Utah because this is the public education based budget bill that funds the operating funds for public schools throughout the state. This bill appropriates more than $8.8 billion in supporting the operator operations and capital budgets in public education. There are some important aspects of this for everybody's awareness. It also, this bill increases the WPU value by 4.2% at a cost of approximately additional $191.4 million of ongoing funds. This will set the WPU value for fiscal year 2027 to $4,870, which is an increase from this last year of $4,674. In addition to the WPU increase for this next year, it also appropriates …
H.B. 1 Public Education Base Budget Amendments · House floor debate (day 9) · Jan 28, 2026
Looks up the line in question and responds that it adjusts the threshold of impact for the different schools.
▶ Watch at 18:56Read what they said
I'm just pulling up that line here. Mr. Speaker, did you say line 2 0 2 0 4? Yes. Or was it 2 0 5? I can't, Let's see here. Yeah. Thank you. So that is, it's my understanding, it's adjusting the threshold of the impact that will go into the different schools.
H.B. 1 Public Education Base Budget Amendments · House floor debate (day 9) · Jan 28, 2026
Gives closing remarks on HB 1, saying it is one of the largest budgets in the state and reflects investment in education, and thanks the body.
▶ Watch at 19:40Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Appreciate everyone's consideration is education. This particular budget is one of the largest budgets in the state of Utah that shows the importance of education, the investments of students to our teachers to be able to help the rising generation be prepared for great future opportunities and successes. So thank you.
H.B. 202 Acupuncturist Licensing Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Asked what the educational path to become an acupuncturist is and what options exist in Utah.
▶ Watch at 51:59Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. If I may just ask a couple, kind of a two-pronged question. Okay. What is the educational path to become an ACT acupuncturist, and what are the educational options here within the state?
H.B. 202 Acupuncturist Licensing Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Asked whether the Office of Professional Licensure Review had provided input on the proposal.
▶ Watch at 52:56Read what they said
Thank you. If I may ask a follow up question. You bet. With this I'll being along the lines of licensure, has LER provided any insights or input into the proposal?
H.B. 24 Criminal Penalty Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Moves to adopt the first substitute to HB 24.
▶ Watch at 45:32Read what they said
Yeah, go ahead. Thank you. Uh, Mr. Vice Chair. Motion to adopt the first substitute to HB 24.
H.B. 24 Criminal Penalty Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend HB 24 as substituted.
▶ Watch at 46:01Read what they said
And to the bill, uh, Representative Whyte. Thank you Mr. Vice Chair. Motion to favorably recommend HB 24 criminal penalty amendments as substituted.
H.B. 24 Criminal Penalty Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Says an amendment to the substitute is needed and asks to adjust the motion.
▶ Watch at 46:14Read what they said
We do have an amendment to the substitute. Okay. Sorry to the sub. I just, if I can adjust that please to adopt the amendment.
H.B. 24 Criminal Penalty Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Withdraws the earlier motion and offers a motion to adopt the amendment to the substitute.
▶ Watch at 46:28Read what they said
I withdraw the motion, please. We give a new motion. Yeah. And this would be, the motion would be to adopt the amendment to the substitute to HB 24.
H.B. 24 Criminal Penalty Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend HB 24 as amended with the substitute.
▶ Watch at 47:06Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Motion to favorably recommend HB 24 criminal penalty amendments as amended with the substitute and motion is in order.
H.B. 24 Criminal Penalty Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Says the bill reflects interim collaborative work among stakeholders and expresses full support for it.
▶ Watch at 47:18Read what they said
Um, the work that has been done on these issues of pulling the parties together to collaborative work on it with over the interim to be able to help address the situations, I think have been vetted very well and fully supportive of it.
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.