Legislators / Chris H. Wilson
Chris H. Wilson
Republican · Senate District 2 · Majority Whip
Hear from them directly
Contact Sen. Chris H. Wilson
- Email: cwilson@le.utah.gov
- Phone: 435-752-7355
- Office: 350 North State, Suite 320, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114
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.
Chris H. Wilson serves on:
- Executive Appropriations Committee
- Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee
- Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee
- Education Interim Committee
- Political Subdivisions Interim Committee
- Revenue and Taxation Interim Committee
- Senate Education Confirmation Committee
- Federal Funds Legislative Oversight Committee - Rural Health Transformation Grant
- Legislative Management Committee
- Senate Revenue and Taxation Confirmation Committee
- Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Confirmation Committee
- Senate Education Committee
- Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee
- Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee
- Utah Behavioral Health Legislative Policy Committee
What they've said
264 remarks on 58 billsH.C.R. 10 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP Regarding Hormone Replacement Therapy · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves to suspend the constitutional three-reading requirement for the remainder of the day.
▶ Watch at 1:04:25Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. A motion that we suspend the constitutional free read requirement for the rest of the day. Yeah, I think we did that but I wanna make sure we did it right. So thank you for that motion. The motion is that we can spend the constitutional three reading requirement actually allowed the Constitution for the remainder of the day.
H.B. 410 Water Leasing Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says the only announcement is caucus lunch and moves the Senate recess until 2:00 PM.
▶ Watch at 2:52:17Read what they said
Yeah, I think the only announcement is we got caucus lunch and, uh, move to the Senate recess until 2:00 PM
H.B. 235 Income Tax Revisions · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves that the committee favorably recommend HB 235 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 45:43Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a, a motion that we favorably recommend House Bill 2 35, the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 365 Taxation Notification Requirements · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether the substitute changes present or past code and where the recommendations in the bill came from.
▶ Watch at 48:31Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yeah, I, I, uh, haven't had a, a lot of time to review this. Obviously, I've, I've, I've run a bill three straight years on through the taxation. Uh, do you know if you've changed any, any code present day code or past, or where, where did these, um, recommendations come from on this bill?
H.B. 365 Taxation Notification Requirements · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Says the bill seems to concern the budget process more than taxation, and says he will review the substitute.
▶ Watch at 49:54Read what they said
So, so basically this, this bill has more to do with the, the budget, uh, process than really to the taxation or anything. Yeah, I, I'm a, I was a little leery, um, but, um, um, I'll just take a look. Quick look at the, uh, uh, you, you said the first sub? Yes. Okay. I'll, I'll take a look at that while you continue. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank You. Okay.
H.B. 365 Taxation Notification Requirements · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to delete the body and title of H.B. 365 and replace it with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 51:56Read what they said
Yes. Um, a motion that we delete body and title HB 365 and replace it with first substitute house bill 365. Discussion. That motion. Seeing none.
H.B. 365 Taxation Notification Requirements · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves that the committee favorably recommend the first substitute of H.B. 365 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 54:35Read what they said
Uh, motion that we favor recommended first substitute House Bill 365, the full body of the Senate Discussion of that motion.
H.B. 329 State Employee Maternity and Leave Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend third substitute HB 329 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:11:38Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. A motion that we, uh, favorably recommend third substitute house bill 3 29 to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 431 Wildlife Crossing Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 4, 2026
Wilson moved to favorably recommend first substitute HB 431 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:13:30Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. A motion that we favorably recommend first substitute house bill 4 31 to the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says the bill is largely the same, with a small increase for the black license plate whose revenue goes to the Cultural and Community Engagement Foundation for the Olympic and Paralympic venues, and some revenue sources were changed.
▶ Watch at 27:18Read what they said
Yeah. Basically the bill's pretty little the same. We, we did add a little bit of increase for the black license plate, which the funding revenue's gonna go to Cultural and Community Engagement Foundation, the Olympic and Paralympic venues. That's pretty well we just altered some of the revenue sources.
H.B. 57 Motor Vehicle Division Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 34, Victim Rights Amendments, which codifies an improved process to better support victims alleging violations of their rights and places the victim rights coordinator role into statute.
▶ Watch at 31:48Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This bill codifies an improved process to better support victims alleging violations of their rights. It places the victim rights coordinated role into statute, a position that already exists and is functioning. This incorporates lessons learned from implementation.
H.B. 566 Health Care Transparency Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 566, which sets transparency requirements for Utah's Medicaid managed care organizations, including reporting of financial data and repayment of improper payments, and opens the floor for questions.
▶ Watch at 1:07:48Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this bill will establish a set of transparency requirements for Utah's Medicaid managed care organizations. Around 11% of all Utah utahns are enrolled in Medicaid and about 75 to 85% of those Medicaid enrollees are served by a managed care organization or accountable care organization. This bill would require managed care financial data that is already reported to DHHS spending on pass through state directed payments, emergency room visits and costs. Number of enrollees enrollees who do not, who did not file any claims to be reported and compiled on DHHS website by December 21st, 2026. And it also requires repayment of any improper payments. Mr. President, this is a transparency bill for the Medicaid …
H.B. 566 Health Care Transparency Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves under suspension of the rules that the third substitute of H.B. 566 pass.
▶ Watch at 1:08:56Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Under suspension of rules, I move that, uh, third substitute house bill 5 66 pass.
H.B. 273 Classroom Technology Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Explains that the amendment removes the parental transparency provision and clarifies that an educational technology tool need not be designed specifically for education if it has significant educational value.
▶ Watch at 1:10:49Read what they said
Yeah. It removes the parental transparency provision that raised workability concerns during the committee discussion. Second, it clarifies that an educational technology tool does not need to be specifically designed for education as long as it demonstrates significant educational value when used in a classroom. Mr. President, uh, during the committee hearing, there was a number of stakeholders and a few good Senator Vickers for this body whose feedback was concerning. So this, uh, amendment should take care of the concerns. Thank you for the explanation.
H.B. 273 Classroom Technology Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents the bill, describing its goals on screen time, local control, grade-level limits, resource plans, and AI guardrails for schools.
▶ Watch at 1:11:37Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This bill focuses on three core goals, balancing screen time with teacher-led instruction, creating consistent statewide expectations for school technology policies, and introducing responsible and thoughtful AI integration in education. It preserves local control. The state board provides a model policy, but each LEA adopts and may amend the policy to fit local needs. And it must be adopted through a public meeting with opportunity for come. This is not a one size fits all approach. The bill establishes clear expectations for instructional technology before it is used in classrooms. LEAs must ensure the technology has significant educational value supports instruction is free from distracting features is safe for students, cognitive and emotional development and supports …
H.B. 273 Classroom Technology Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Asks for the question to be repeated.
▶ Watch at 1:15:24Read what they said
I'm sorry, Mr. President, I need to have a repla. Uh, repeat that question please. Thank you. The, um, oh, it, Okay. Thank Senator Wilson. Go ahead. Uh, Yeah, I'd, I'd like to have the, uh, good senator, repeat the question please. Mr. Senator
H.B. 273 Classroom Technology Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says he is not aware of a change in the districts' position and that the sponsor reports the bill addresses stakeholder feedback.
▶ Watch at 1:15:56Read what they said
Uh, I'm not aware of that. I'll, I, the, the good sponsor told me is that this addresses stakeholder feedback.
H.B. 273 Classroom Technology Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says a technology tool not designed only for education could be used if it demonstrates significant educational value.
▶ Watch at 1:16:51Read what they said
Uh, thank you, Mr. President. Uh, from what my, uh, take on the amendment is, it does not need to be specifically designed for education as long as it demonstrates significant educational value. So that tells me a, a technology tool could be used even though it's based not only for education. So I assume that that would be able to be used.
H.B. 273 Classroom Technology Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says the decision on device use is up to local education agencies.
▶ Watch at 1:17:58Read what they said
Uh, Mr. President, uh, I assume that, uh, it would still be able to do that here. It it's up to the LEAs. It's up to the local. Uh, if they decide to use it, fine. If not, I think it's up to the local LA's
H.B. 273 Classroom Technology Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says he met with UEA representatives who supported the bill, and moves under suspension of the rules that the second substitute pass.
▶ Watch at 1:20:50Read what they said
Uh, thank you, Mr. President. I would like to talk about one meeting I was able to have before this session where I met with I think about a dozen or so, uh, UEA representatives from Northern Utah and to a t as we talked about this bill and about, um, the problems they're having to a t The teachers all said that if a student is sitting in front of a device, they are not learning. So they were very in favor of this bill and was very supportive of the bill. Without Mr. President, I would, under suspension of the rules, move the second substitute house Bill 2 73 as amended pass.
H.B. 566 Health Care Transparency Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the third substitute of HB 566 to the Senate floor.
▶ Watch at 1:52:40Read what they said
Uh, that we favorly recommend House Bill 5 66. Third substitute the whole body of the Senate. Thank you.
S.B. 262 Law Enforcement Usage of Unmarked Vehicles · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Asks how a driver can tell the difference between marked and unmarked vehicles when stopped at night.
▶ Watch at 1:04:35Read what they said
Yeah. Um, not to him. Um, so if, if I am, if driving down the street and it's two o'clock at night and a car pulls up behind me and lights flash, what does it matter? Like how can I, how does it matter to me whether the car is marked with markings on the side or the hood versus it just being dark and at night, like it's dark? What's the difference?
H.B. 431 Wildlife Crossing Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend first substitute SB 231.
▶ Watch at 6:57Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. A motion that we favorably recommend first substitute Senate Bill 2 31, the full body of the Senate.
S.J.R. 18 Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - Legislative Duties · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the first substitute to S.B. 231 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 6:57Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. A motion that we favorably recommend first substitute Senate Bill 2 31, the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 489 Water Infrastructure Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend first substitute HB 447.
▶ Watch at 1:04:05Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, motion that we sec, uh, that we, uh, favorably recommend first substitute house bill 4 47, the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 575 Fuel Tax and Supply Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Thanked the sponsor and moved to favorably recommend the first substitute to the full Senate, expecting further amendments.
▶ Watch at 1:24:51Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, I appreciate the good sponsor. Sounds like you've had a lot of work on it and the work will continue with a week left. Good luck on getting everything done. But, uh, with that, a motion, uh, Mr. Chair that we, uh, favor, we recommend first substitute house bill five 14 to the full body of the Senate, knowing that we'll probably be seeing an amendment or substitute. Okay. Okay.
H.B. 249 Federal Funds Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Moved that the committee favorably recommend the bill to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:43:39Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, motion that we favor recommend Hou House Bill 4 89, the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 249 Federal Funds Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Mar 2, 2026
Said the sponsor worked hard on the bill, took input, and that it appears to be a good compromise.
▶ Watch at 1:43:49Read what they said
No. I, I, uh, I think the good sponsor has been working hard on this. Obviously you've got some, uh, had some input and, uh, I, I think that, uh, I think it's a, it's a good bill and it looks like it's got some compromise.
H.B. 157 Department of Natural Resources Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 41) · Mar 2, 2026
Moves to table the bill on third reading for fiscal impact.
▶ Watch at 31:57Read what they said
Motion to table on third motions to table on third, third subject to house Bill 1 57 for fiscal impact.
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · House Education Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Sen. Wilson described the bill's changes to trustee roles, internal audit oversight, and general counsel positions, following a Utah State University audit.
▶ Watch at 1:39:41Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Committee members, um, many of you might be aware, uh, may be on committees that, uh, we did an audit performance audit of Utah State University. There was one audit performed on the presidential spending at Utah State University, and they were able to, um, dig deep enough that they felt like they needed to go back. This was the comprehensive audit that they did at Utah State University. What we have here in the, in SB two 40, uh, this bill addresses, um, some of the things that they able to find at Utah State University that we needed to put into code, uh, the first, uh, area, it refines and strengthens the …
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · House Education Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Sen. Wilson thanked those who helped develop the bill and offered to answer questions.
▶ Watch at 1:43:39Read what they said
Uh, and Mr. Chair, if I may, um, I appreciate also there's been a lot of work done with Representative sny and Representative Corinne Peterson also helped in the bill, also Commissioner Landward and the higher ed board of, of Higher education, uh, chair, um, Amanda Cummington and also P President Mortenson has also, uh, been very, very helpful in, in working on this bill to, again, to, um, try and remedy some of the issues that we found at Utah State. So with that, I'll happy to answer any questions, Mr. Chair.
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Introduced SB 222, which amends the state right to try statute to expand access to investigational drugs and devices for seriously ill patients, and described its main provisions.
▶ Watch at 1:55:56Read what they said
Thank, thanks. Madam Chair. Apologize to that just came in from, uh, the house education we was, was presenting and so I I really appreciate this. I know it's Friday afternoon. Thank you so much for waiting. Obviously time is, is is, uh, is is short for the next week or so. So, uh, what, what SB 2 22 and, and I'm, it looks like John, it looks like John Dahlstrom is joining with, with me here and also, uh, looks like, um, you wanna wait then? That's okay. Alright. SB 2 22, um, amends Utah's existing right to try statute to expand access to investigation, investigational drugs and devices for seriously ill patients. The bill broadens the class of …
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Gave closing remarks, saying the technology is exciting and the West Valley health complex will be a good development.
▶ Watch at 2:07:33Read what they said
No, this really is Exciting technology. I really appreciate, uh, what we can become here at Utah down in West Valley with this, this health complex. It's gonna be really neat. So thank you Madam Chair.
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Thanked the committee for its consideration of the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:08:05Read what they said
Madam Chair Committee members, thank you so much for soering. Appreciate that. All right, thank you.
S.B. 78 Property Tax Relief Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Moves that the Senate adjourn until Monday, March 2nd at 10:00 AM.
▶ Watch at 1:55:16Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. President. A motion that the Senate adjourn until Monday, March 2nd at 10:00 AM.
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Introduces SB 92, the Desiree's Law bill, describing its background, the new exception to the bar on repeat prosecution for delayed deaths after serious bodily injury, and the collaborative process behind it.
▶ Watch at 1:07:23Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Appreciate it. And thank you committee members for allowing me to come and present. Uh, let give you a little bit of background. SB 92 prosecution amendments that we are are, uh, we've been, uh, I guess calling it the Desiree's Law. Lemme give you just a little bit of background of who, uh, Desiree Turner Buck, uh, who she was in 2017, 14-year-old Desiree Turner Buck, and I'm joined by April Turner. Her, her, uh, mother was shot by two classmates who had intentionally plotted her murder and left her in a Smithfield Canal. Despite this horrific attack, Desiree became a symbol of resilience and hope across Utah and the nation. Her recovery included …
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Concludes the sponsor's presentation.
▶ Watch at 1:14:58Read what they said
I, I think that'll conclude our presentation. Again, like I said, no time is, is valuable.
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Answers that other states' similar laws have been appealed and that the Attorney General's office found the bill would likely pass constitutional review.
▶ Watch at 1:15:21Read what they said
Uh, yes, they have. Uh, there have been other cases that have been appealed, and the attorney general's office did some great research to show that this law as drafted would, uh, pass constitutional scrutiny.
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Explains that the court could reduce a 25-year mandatory minimum to account for time served on a prior attempted aggravated murder conviction, but could not increase it.
▶ Watch at 1:16:45Read what they said
Uh, Mr. Chair, if I could answer that question. Uh, the reason that it states that they can reduce the minimum term is if you had a defendant, for instance, who's con, who's convicted previously of attempted aggravated murder that carries a 15 year mandatory minimum sentence. If they're subsequently convicted of aggravated murder, that would carry a 25 min year minimum mandatory sentence. This would give the court the ability to consider whether or not in the interest of justice, the 25 year mandatory minimum sentence should be reduced to account for time that was served under the prior conviction for attempted aggravated murder. It would not give them the authority to increase that 25 year mandatory minimum higher …
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Says the sponsor met repeatedly with defense attorneys, whose suggestions shaped the bill's language.
▶ Watch at 1:17:44Read what they said
Absolutely. The defense attorneys have been really amazing. We've met with 'em a number of times and, um, I, I can't speak for them, uh, but, um, they, they've, I've, I've met with them a number of times and, and they've really been great, really to help us to find, and that's where a lot of that language that we just talked about came is, is from the defense attorneys. That's
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Says the incident affected the community, hopes Desiree's life can be honored through the bill, and asks for the committee's support.
▶ Watch at 1:27:19Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. Vice Chair. I really appreciate it. And I, this, um, this incident that happened, this is not something that happens in Cache Valley and it hit, it hit everybody there in our community. And it, it was especially tough for me 'cause I had a daughter the same age, and I honestly think that it could happen to anybody. You know, when you're 14 and you're looking at a friend, uh, leads your way. I, I, it's, it's, uh, really sad and I really believe, and of course my daughter is, is still alive and, um, and unfortunately Desiree, but so I'm hoping that we can use, uh, her life is an inspiration and we can …
H.B. 71 Health Provider Directory and Access Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Moves to circle the bill with its sponsors off the floor. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 21:41Read what they said
Senator Wilson Motion Circle sponsors off the Floor. Motion to circle. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? That motion passes. The bill is circled.
H.B. 51 Adoption Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Thanks the House sponsor for the adoption bill, says it will help place children with adoptive families and restore Utah's reputation in adoption, and offers to answer questions.
▶ Watch at 36:15Read what they said
Board today from the Good Senator Vickers from Salt Lake City in Bountiful. And I appreciate the work from the, the good sponsor in the house on another step forward. Uh, the adoption amendments of us trying to find loving parents, uh, for these children, uh, this bill will definitely help restore Utah's reputation in the adoption space. So I, uh, again appreciate all those of support. It's definitely consensus, bill. I've been working on it for a number of months with many stakeholders. So with that I'll conclude. Happy to answer any questions.
H.B. 51 Adoption Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Waives summation and moves that the substitute House Bill 51 pass.
▶ Watch at 36:57Read what they said
Uh, I'll wave on summation. Mr. President Prote and move that, uh, force substitute house bill 51 pass
H.B. 318 Agency Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Moves to table HB 318 on third reading.
▶ Watch at 1:03:16Read what they said
You Mr. President Pro temp, uh, motion. A table on third house Bill three 18 for physical impact Discussion. That motion seeing none.
H.B. 32 Signature Gathering and Verification Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Moves to table third substitute H.B. 32 on third reading.
▶ Watch at 1:36:09Read what they said
Senator Wilson? Uh, Thank you Mr. President Pro temp. A motion to table on third, third substitute house bill 32 for physical impact.
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Presents SB 238, which modifies residential exemption, valuation appeal, judgment levy, and truth in taxation provisions in response to a performance audit.
▶ Watch at 40:59Read what they said
You. Uh, appreciate that Mr. Chair. Appreciate, uh, giving me a phone call and let me be able to present. And I do want everybody to know that this is my favorite House committee. So I think I've been in front of this committee more than any other committee, maybe combined. So anyway, it, it's a pleasure and thanks again. Senate Bill 2 38 Property tax adjustments. Obviously many of you have been on the interim Reverend Tax Committee. This is the third bill in a row that we've done most of it based on the audits that our great legislative audit team has been able to do on truth and taxation. Um, this year, this Senate Bill 2 38 …
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says the bill responds to a belief that some taxpayers claim multiple primary residences, which the Tax Commission recommended addressing.
▶ Watch at 44:50Read what they said
Uh, well, what what we've run into is, um, from what I understand, and, and maybe you can help with this also because I know this was a recommendation of the task commission. We, we don't really know. We, we believe that there is widespread abuse of multiple primary residences, reg people claiming residential, uh, uh, homes in this, in the state. And so this was the recommendation of the tax commission to try and clean that up. 'cause obviously if they have more than one primary, then they're not paying their fair share of property taxes and other people are paying more than their fair share. So this was a problem brought, uh, I think it was during the …
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Explains that claiming more than one primary residence gives the discount on each home, while other taxpayers pay more.
▶ Watch at 50:22Read what they said
What the problem, if you have two residences, but you're claiming both of them as primary residences, then you would get the discount for both residences rather than just one of 'em. One of 'em you'd have to pay at full a hundred percent. So, so they're gaming the system so the rest of us are paying more property tax. 'cause they're, they're, they've got two primary residences, um, getting the discount. And, 'cause if you have, if you have three homes in the state of Utah, only one of 'em is primary. The other two, you're gonna pay a hundred percent of the property tax, uh, evaluation, if that makes sense. Yes. You won't get the 45% discount. Yeah.
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says ideally a taxpayer has one primary residence, and the problem is people claiming more than one because counties do not share information.
▶ Watch at 51:55Read what they said
My understanding is you're right, in a perfect world, you'd have one primary residence, you'd be paying the, you wouldn't get a deduction on your property taxes on your Garden City home or your condo in Salt Lake City, but you would have probably residents on your other, the problem we've seen is people are claiming more than one primary residence in the state of Utah because counties either aren't talking to each other and they don't know. So that's what the problem is. That's the loophole we're trying to close, is people claiming more than one primary residence, which means they get the, the discount on how much property tax they pay, if
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Explains that the audit concerns include people with multiple properties and counties defaulting to primary residence, and that requiring applications would address this.
▶ Watch at 53:09Read what they said
So I, I think, um, just to backtrack a little bit, one of my understandings of the legislative audit is the concern of either people having multiple properties where it's not being checked, or these counties that are defaulting to the primary residence automatically. And when you have people coming from out of state that don't know the rules or the laws, and they, you know, you come by a, a home that you want to turn into an Airbnb or a nightly rental, um, you're not going to tell the county that it's not your primary residence. And so it's defaulting to that and the county's not catching that. And so this was one mechanism that if everybody has …
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says the goal is for people to pay their fair share of property taxes.
▶ Watch at 54:57Read what they said
Yeah. So I could, I mean, the bottom line is we all know how much we get hammered about property taxes in November. What we're trying to do is just be fair that people are paying their fair share, and that if you have, you know, if you're claiming multiple primary residents, then, then you're getting a bigger break than the rest of us are. Yeah. So, yeah.
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Thanks the committee for its support and says the bill will continue to be worked on to keep the truth in taxation process fair.
▶ Watch at 58:27Read what they said
Well, I just hope having cam support the bill doesn't hurt the bill. So, uh, I, but I, I do appreciate, cam, you, we, we've, we completely, we keep working on this bill that we know last year and, and we'll continue to do so. And I, I appreciate the input. We try to be fair, uh, with the truth in taxation. I think we owe it to our, our, our taxpayers to make sure it's a fair process. We'll continue to work on it, but I'd sure appreciate the support.
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Says transportation is his favorite committee when he appears before it. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 59:31Read what they said
yeah. Any, when I'm in front of them, transportation's my favorite committee. Thanks again, Mr. Vice Chair. Yep.
H.B. 51 Adoption Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Presents H.B. 51, which would require for-profit adoption agencies to become nonprofits by 2027, set caps on living expenses and weekly allowances, and add birth parent protections such as a 72-hour revocation window, legal counsel, and therapy.
▶ Watch at 1:02:54Read what they said
Uh, there we identified a problem here in the state of Utah. Some adoption agencies in Utah have been recruiting economically vulnerable women from out of state, bringing them to Utah. And this has led to some unfortunate outcomes. Utah has been the subject of multiple investigative stories about adoption and has gained the reputation of being an adoption tourism state. Policies that have incentivized this behavior are Utah currently has no revocation period. Once consent is signed, no limits on payments to birth moms poor compliance with the reporting of adoptions and no limit on advertising of cash. Incentives to birth moms. This bill all for all for-profit adoption agencies must become non-profits by 2027. This will help with …
H.B. 51 Adoption Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Waives further discussion and moves that substitute H.B. 51 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:07:16Read what they said
I appreciate that. I'll, I'll waive, uh, and a motion that for substitute house bill 51 be read a few Third time
H.B. 269 Ambulance Provider Payment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Moves that House Bill 269 be tabled for later consideration.
▶ Watch at 1:16:58Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Uh, president Pro temp. A motion that we table on third second substitute house bill 2 69 for physical impact.
H.B. 68 Housing and Community Development Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Spoke on the bill. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:30:22Read what they said
I understand the, the need for the bill and we're moving a lot of responsibility over to goo, but, uh, I wonder if the sponsor would, uh, take a question regarding some of the stuff at the bottom of the bill. Senator Fillmore, will you
H.B. 68 Housing and Community Development Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Moves to table the fourth substitute of H.B. 68.
▶ Watch at 1:35:52Read what they said
President Pro temp a motion that we table on third four sub substitute house bill 68 for physical impact.
H.B. 342 Federal Grant Process Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Moves that the Senate adjourn until Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
▶ Watch at 1:58:55Read what they said
President Pro Temp. I move the Senate adjourn until Thursday, February 26th at 10:00 AM
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Says he did not ask to change the agenda order and introduces Rep. Tom Peterson, Jim Russell and Andy Marr, and notes copies of the performance audit of school construction are available.
▶ Watch at 46:11Read what they said
And committee members. And I wanted to make it clear that you are the one that asked me to be first. I did not ask to change, so I wanna make sure everybody knows that, uh, there's been accusations that I used my leadership to come and change the, the agenda, but I wanna make sure that, uh, everybody knows. I did not ask to change this, but I'm happy, appreciate you allowing, I I've got, uh, representative, uh, Tom Peterson, who's this floor sponsor to be with me, and also, uh, uh, like to have, uh, Jim Russell and then Andy Mark, come on up and if you have any questions for them, many of us that are, uh, …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Describes current state oversight of school construction by the State Board of Education and summarizes findings of the performance audit, including unqualified personnel, weak oversight, and projects built before permits were issued.
▶ Watch at 47:15Read what they said
Uh, but Mr. Mr. Chair, uh, if, if I can re remind everybody under current code, the Utah State Board of Education is responsible for high level oversight of public school construction. The school board has never, has neither the expertise nor the capacity to provide the required oversight. Currently, the board is responsible for providing guidelines for public school construction, a construction and inspection resource, manual bidding limitations on school boards, an annual school plant, capital outlay report, oversight of building inspections and plan reviews, training of building inspectors, and certificates of occupancy. Those are what currently is in code Utah Board of Education is responsible for. I'm just gonna go through a few things from the audit, if …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Explains the bill, which moves school construction oversight from the State Board of Education to DFCM, including decision points, appeals, optional DFCM use, and delegated authority, and states his view on the need for safety.
▶ Watch at 51:55Read what they said
Mr. Chair, uh, if I can just briefly, I'll talk a little bit about, a little bit about the, the bill. The bill transfers public school construction oversight from the State Board of Education to DFCM for both school districts and charter schools that establishes four goals. Construction oversight through plan review and inspection, cost control via cost matrices and benchmarks, standardization through design prototypes and uniform reporting and data collection through comprehensive databases. The bill includes delegated authority for qualified LEAs appeals process and phases, and implement implementation beginning January 1st with full cost database requirements by July of 2030. When a school district of charter school wants to build a new school, they must obtain DFCM approval at …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Describes DFCM plan review and inspection fee schedule, the cost database, the report back to interim committees, and the fee structure for DFCM services.
▶ Watch at 1:04:23Read what they said
And by the way, she's been just amazing. You know, we met many times about, about this bill, and, and from the beginning, again, it was a, you know, unfunded mandate. And we put to the state school board, if I could, Mr. Chair, really quickly, I wanted to talk in the physical note, you will see that I've placed there the proposed rates. These rates are, if a, if a district, um, wants to hire DFCM to do the plan review and certificate of occupancy and the other building inspection, uh, along the way, the fees are set such that they, the lowest is $2,000 for project of a hundred thousand. And under the highest amount, the maximum amount …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Responds to committee concerns about cost matrices, benchmarks, and contractor access, and says a report back to the interim committee is planned.
▶ Watch at 1:50:57Read what they said
We're gonna go back to the sponsor. Can, Can we just answer that question? Is that okay? Uh, Yes. The floor is Your way. Just if that's okay. Jim would like to, and I'd like to comment also. Yeah, Please go ahead. Well, well, I think the, um, concern about the mean you, you know, causing negative effects on the buildings that are built real well. I think those are the ones that are being to be held up as the example, right? On how you can do it. I don't think this cost, its matrix is a target on, on procuring or, or not allowing projects that are less, it's gonna be more on projects that are too expensive, …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Says school boards, superintendents, and business officials support the bill, the General Contractors Association is neutral, and DFCM is fine-tuning processes alongside the audit.
▶ Watch at 1:52:21Read what they said
Uh, I just wanted to mention something that, uh, I, I will tell you, I have collaborated and, and met with a number of different organizations and associations. Last count I had was 15 or 16 different school boards. If I may mention, I would like to, uh, uh, show my appreciation, uh, to Lexi Cunningham. Um, just last, I, I have support of the Utah School Boards Association of the Utah School Superintendents Association and the Utah Association of of School Business Officials. As we've met with them, we've, we've, uh, fine tuned, we've taken out language and we fine tuned it, and I appreciate their support and knowing that this is a problem, knowing that we do want …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · House Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Concludes his remarks and thanks the committee for its support.
▶ Watch at 1:55:23Read what they said
Uh, and also, well, I'm gonna, I'm gonna end there. Mr. Chair. I think we've talked enough. I appreciate the support. I've worked very, very hard on this bill. I have been collaborative. I do appreciate the support from the school boards and from the state school board as they voted in, in favor of this bill. Also, knowing going forward that making sure that our schools are safe is something we definitely owe to our students, our teachers and administrators. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Senator Wilson. We'll go to the maker of the motion. To sum I'll waive.
S.C.R. 7 Concurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Presented S.C.R. 7, a federalism resolution saying Utah has high upward mobility and asking for more state authority to innovate on welfare programs to move families toward self-reliance.
▶ Watch at 34:31Read what they said
All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And thank you so much for Juab juggling. Uh, uh, the agenda, uh, really quick. This may, this, uh, resolution may look, uh, familiar to you. It was run last year and actually made it through the house, uh, unanimous in the committee, but unfortunately just, uh, didn't make it through the Senate on the last day. So, uh, this, this is a profe federalism resolution, which conveys to the federal government. Three key things. First, that Utah's unique in having the highest upward mobility in the nation. And our unified model of providing temporary help, coupled with workforce supports to families in poverty, is the national gold standard. Second, even with our success, …
S.C.R. 7 Concurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Said the issues had been well covered by the committee, waived summation, and thanked members for their support.
▶ Watch at 40:47Read what they said
to the sponsor for Some issues, you know, I'm gonna, I think it's pretty well been said by the members of this committee. I mean, I, so, uh, yeah, I'm just gonna waive summation and I appreciate the support.
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Says the bill responds to an audit of Utah State University by clarifying the board of trustees' roles, staffing, and designation as internal audit committee, and requiring notice to the board of the president's expenditures.
▶ Watch at 17:05Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, we talked yesterday about this bill. This bill is an answer to the audit that was just performed on Utah State University. Um, trying to work on some of the issues that they found at Utah State. We've been working with the Attorney General's office with the higher ed commissioner and the board, um, and also President Mortenson. Basically it just helps strengthen and refines the roles and responsibility of the board of trustees that have the independent staff to staff the board of trustees. It also designates the board as the internal audit committee and notify the board about the president's expenditures. So that's what the bill does. And happy to answer any questions …
S.B. 157 New Motorboat Distributor Act · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Wilson says the bill is similar to past laws for automobiles, RVs, and powersports, and will bring certainty and fairness to boat dealers in Utah.
▶ Watch at 21:57Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Temp. Uh, this is, this bill is similar to what we've done in the past with the automobiles industry, the RV motor home recently, power sports. This will bring certainty and fairness to the future for the boat dealers of the State of Utah. With that, I'd be happy to answer any questions.
S.B. 157 New Motorboat Distributor Act · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Wilson moves that the second substitute bill pass and notes it has been read three times.
▶ Watch at 22:23Read what they said
Uh, thank you Mr. President Pro Temp. I move that second substitute Senate bill 1 57 pass. This bill has been read three times.
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Presents S.B. 92, which adds a third prosecution option when a death follows an earlier case, describes the Desiree Turner case, and thanks the agencies and people who helped draft the bill.
▶ Watch at 10:22Read what they said
In 2017, 14 year, 14-year-old Desiree Turner, buck was shot by two classmates who had intentionally plotted her murder and left her in a Smithfield canal. Despite this horrific attack, Desiree became a symbol of resilience and hope across Utah and the nation. Her recovery included 16 brain surgeries, yet she went on to graduate from high school, Mary and serve a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her perpetrators were convicted in 2018 of attempted aggravated murder and sentenced to 15 years to life. In 2025, Desiree tragically passed away due to complications stemming from her original injuries. Mr. President Prote, uh, the first substitute Senate Bill 92 will add a third, allowing subsequent …
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Says the Desiree Turner case affected him personally and makes a motion that the first substitute of S.B. 92 pass.
▶ Watch at 12:13Read what they said
I appreciate that. Well, I, um, Desiree was become, like I said, an inspiration and uh, someone was very close to me as I had a daughter the same age when this happened and it made us all, uh, uh, you know, things like this don't usually happen in cash value the state in, in Utah. So I really appreciate her, her will to fight and um, continue to fight. She was definitely an inspiration with that. Mr. President Pro temp a motion that, uh, first substitute Senate Bill 92 pass
S.B. 49 Natural Organic Reduction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Asks which bill the motion to circle refers to and confirms the second substitute.
▶ Watch at 38:28Read what they said
Motion Done circle Which bill? Gotta get that down. Second substitute, uh, Senate bill 2 2 2 2 22. Okay, the motion is to encircle second substitute Senate bill 2, 2, 2.
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Presents S.B. 222, which expands the definition of terminal illness, adds an active clinical investigation requirement, updates the definition of medicinal dosage form, and requires an annual manufacturer report to the Health and Human Services Interim Committee.
▶ Watch at 38:52Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Prote. Uh, this morning I was able to substitute, uh, this bill and, uh, luckily the, uh, uh, fiscal note caught up with it. Uh, what, what this right to try does. We've had some amazing things going on with ano down in West Valley and some of the isotopes they've been doing. So we've been working with Utah Medical Association and representatives from Sano to come up with a new patient category of eligible illnesses. This, uh, bill expands the definition of terminal illness, adds an active clinical investigation requirement, updates the definition of medicinal dosage form. It does not alter the federal or state informed consent requirements. This morning, if you remember, uh, I …
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Moves that second substitute S.B. 222 pass.
▶ Watch at 40:17Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Prote, uh, I move that second substitute Senate Bill 2 22 pass.
S.B. 215 Eviction Record Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Says there is a second substitute for the right to try amendments bill that he would like to move.
▶ Watch at 40:38Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro temp. Uh, yeah, there's a second sub online that I'd like to move.
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Explains that the second substitute requires manufacturers of investigational drugs or devices to report to the Health and Human Services interim committee on patient eligibility and adverse outcomes, and says he intends to circle the bill after the motion.
▶ Watch at 40:48Read what they said
Basically what this sub does is it, it will require manufacturers of investigative, uh, drugs or devices to report back, uh, information Consum consum, uh, uh, about number of patients eligible illnesses and any out adverse outcomes that they've, uh, been able to attribute to these devices. Come back to the Health Human Services interim committee, uh, to report. So it's just a return, a report from the manufacturers is what this sub does and I, my intent would be is after we move it, is to circle it and wait for the physical note to catch up. Thank you. Discussion.
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Moves to circle the second substitute for Senate Bill 222.
▶ Watch at 41:42Read what they said
Now a motion, uh, Mr. President Pro temp to circle second substitute Senate bill 2 2 2.
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Presents S.B. 238, which revises property tax provisions on the residential exemption, appeals, judgment levies, and truth in taxation.
▶ Watch at 53:36Read what they said
This is the, uh, third attempt, uh, that we are working on property tax adjustments. Uh, this, this modies several provisions of Utah's property tax code related to the residential exemption, uh, property tax appeals judgment, levies, and the truth and taxation process. This bill is intended to improve compliance and administration of the residential exemption, clarify evidentiary standards and valuation appeals and refine notice hearing and certification requirements for taxing entities and impose judgment levies or seek to increase property tax revenue through truth and taxation. Uh, this also has a couple of recommendations that were, that were brought to the, uh, rev and tax interim committee in October of 2025, which we've also put into this, uh, into …
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Says the bill will not change residents' ability to appeal, and notes last year's bill added an online appeal option.
▶ Watch at 54:54Read what they said
Senator Wilson. Uh, Mr. President Prote, this will not change, uh, their ability to repeal it should. The bill we ran last year actually made it easier 'cause you could do it online if you wanted to as an option.
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Moves that S.B. 238 pass.
▶ Watch at 55:30Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Prote. Uh, a motion, uh, to Senate bill 2 38 pass.
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Asks that S.B. 92, which he says is named for Desiree Turner, be circled so her family can be present for the vote.
▶ Watch at 1:00:45Read what they said
Senator Wilson, Uh, Mr. President Prote, uh, uh, motion to circle, um, this is the law that I've, uh, deemed a Desiree Turner law and her family would like to be here this afternoon to see it pass. So I'd like to motion to circle All in. Do you wanna move this to time certain? Is that what
S.B. 72 Obscene Animal Abuse Material Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Says he will keep the bill circled rather than move it to a time certain, because the family will be in the gallery later that afternoon.
▶ Watch at 1:01:05Read what they said
Your request? No, I, I'll just encircle they'll just be in the gallery. Okay. Thank you. I appreciate that option. And they just couldn't get here this morning. They'll be here this afternoon. So thank
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Moves to encircle first substitute S.B. 157 and then proposes to delete its title and replace it with second substitute S.B. 157.
▶ Watch at 1:04:23Read what they said
Senator Wilson. Thank you Mr. President Pro tempt, uh, motion to encircle, uh, Senate bill 1 57. First substitute. The motion is to encircle first substitute Senate bill, which number?
S.B. 211 Tort Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Moves to delete the title of first substitute S.B. 157 and replace it with second substitute S.B. 157.
▶ Watch at 1:04:59Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Prote. Now I need to, uh, motion that we delete embody and title. Title first substitute Senate bill 1 57. Replace it with second substitute Senate bill 1 57. And that motion is in order.
S.B. 157 New Motorboat Distributor Act · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Explains that the substitute reduces penalties, narrows geographic protections, and adds specific criteria for termination, and that he will cover details in his presentation.
▶ Watch at 1:05:17Read what they said
Uh, yeah. What, what Basically we, there's several changes that generally they reducing penalties, narrowing geo geographic protections and adding specific criteria for termination. I'll, I'll go into more details in my presentation. That's basically what the new sub does.
S.B. 157 New Motorboat Distributor Act · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Presents the bill, saying it lowers administrative fines from $5,000 to $1,000 per day, reduces the dealership notice radius from 100 to 50 miles, adds good-cause examples for termination, lengthens the voluntary termination notice period from 30 to 60 days, changes the parts buyback and warranty reimbursement terms, excludes certain personal watercraft, and removes some notice requirements, arguing it aligns boat dealers with the auto, RV, and power sports franchise laws.
▶ Watch at 1:05:52Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro temp tempt. And what what this bill does is it's gonna, again earlier, it's gonna reduce the penalties gonna, uh, from we had $5,000. It's down to a thousand dollars per day for, uh, administrative fine for violations. Um, it also gives the executive director, uh, it's a, should we change it from a shall to a may. We also reduce the radius of existing dealership where a distributor shall provide notice from a hundred miles down to 50 miles. We remove the definition of relevant market area and instead it's a notice area again from a hundred down to 50 miles that a, um, they have to notify a dealer. Uh, it adds specific …
S.B. 157 New Motorboat Distributor Act · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Moves that second substitute S.B. 157 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:09:46Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro temp I I move that second substitute Senate bill 1 57. Be read a third time And the question is, shall second substitute Senate bill 1 57?
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Moves to uncircle first substitute S.B. 240 on higher education institutional governance.
▶ Watch at 1:48:47Read what they said
Thank Commissioner President Pro tempt, uh, motion to encircle. Which bill number? Uh, Well do you need that? Would that help That? Sorry about that. That's very helpful. Yes, it is Senate bill two 40. First substitute The motion to UNC circle first substitute Senate bill two 40 higher education institutional governance.
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Wilson confirms the bill number for the motion to uncircle first substitute Senate Bill 240.
▶ Watch at 1:48:58Read what they said
very helpful. Yes, it is Senate bill two 40. First substitute The motion to UNC circle first substitute Senate bill two 40 higher education institutional governance.
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Says he has an amendment to offer and moves to amend the bill with Amendment One.
▶ Watch at 1:49:16Read what they said
You Mr. President Pro temp. I'd like to, I've got an amendment online. I'd like to amend the bill. Amendment one.
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Explains that the amendment reflects input from several offices, clarifies that institutional attorneys serve the institution rather than the president, and bars presidents from hiring outside litigation counsel without written consent from the Attorney General's office.
▶ Watch at 1:49:26Read what they said
Yeah. This amendment, um, we've gotten some input from Yui and the ags office. So we just changed a little bit of the, the, uh, terminology. Uh, we e emphasized that institutional attorneys, cabinet members and other administrators serve the institution, not the president of the institution. And it prohibits institution presidents from hiring or retaining outside counsel to handle litigation without written consent from the ags office. That's what the amendment does.
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Presents S.B. 240 as a response to audits of Utah State University, covering board of trustees responsibilities, independent board staff, audit committee designation, presidential spending and consultation duties, and the role and accountability of institutional attorneys, based on input from higher education leaders and the Attorney General's office.
▶ Watch at 1:50:02Read what they said
May. Thank you Mr. President Prote. What this bill is, this is, this is an answer to the audit that was done recently that concluded about Utah State University. The first audit was about the presidential spending the next audit. Dove a little bit deeper into some of the policies and this bill is what, uh, came about that it's been a, uh, uh, a lot of different, uh, entities have talked about or put their inputs as far as the UI Board Commissioner Landward, uh, also the Attorney General's office. Uh, basically what this does, it refines uh, it, it addresses governance for institutions for higher education. Three areas. The role of each institution's board of trustees helps clarify …
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Gives closing summation and moves that the substitute bill, as amended, be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:52:38Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Prote. A motion that Senate Bill two 41st substitute as amended. Be read a third time And the question is, shall first substitute Senate bill two 40 as amended?
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Moves to substitute the first substitute for S.B. 222.
▶ Watch at 52:11Read what they said
You Mr. President. I do need to move a first sub on Motion to sub's an order.
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Explains that the substitute reflects compromise language worked out between the Utah Medical Association and representatives on the bill.
▶ Watch at 52:21Read what they said
Would. Yeah, Juab. Basically we just, we've been looking on, uh, compromised language between the Utah Medical Association and the representatives from New Saana on this bill. And I think we've come to a compromise. So that's what basically we've just been massaging some of the language.
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Presents the first substitute to S.B. 222, which expands Utah's right to try law to patients with eligible illnesses that are not terminal, adds cancer as a terminal category, requires active clinical investigation, and updates the liquid formulation language.
▶ Watch at 53:01Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, sb uh, 2 2 2. The first substitute amends Utah's existing right to try statute to expand access to investigational drugs and devices for seriously ill patients. The bill broadens the class of patients eligible to seek unapproved treatments and while adding protections for that new class of patient. Regarding investigational products used to treat eligible illnesses, it creates a new pa uh, patient category eligible illness previously Utah's right to try law applied only to patients with a terminal illness. SB 2 22 adds a second qualifying category. An eligible illness is a condition that presents a substantial and severely debilitating or life-threatening risk as determined by a physician and for which the patient …
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Moves that the first substitute for S.B. 222 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 55:40Read what they said
Appreciate that. Thank you Mr. President. I move that SB 2 22 first sub be read a third time. Thank
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sponsor presents S.B. 238, which modifies property tax provisions on the residential exemption, property tax appeals, judgment levies, and truth in taxation, drawing on legislative audit recommendations, and offers to answer questions.
▶ Watch at 1:18:26Read what they said
taken the, uh, suggestions from our performance audit from our legis, from our legislative audit team, as they've done, uh, audits of concerning our local authorities, property tax and, uh, shifting the tax burden, what this bill will modify, taken their recommendations. Uh, they came to the Rev Tax Committee, our interim tech committee in October and reported on some recommendations. We've taken those recommendations and others this as Senate Bill 2 38 modifies several provisions of Utah's property tax code related to the residential exemption, property tax appeals judgment, levies, and the truth and taxation process. The bill is intended to improve compliance and administration of the residential exemption, clarify evidentiary standards and valuation appeals and refine notice hearing …
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Explains that the substitute adds a 10-year time limit for bringing the later homicide charge, subject to exceptions, clarifies requirements for prior cases, requires serious bodily injury, lets the court reduce a minimum prison term, and allows credit for time served on the earlier conviction.
▶ Watch at 1:27:17Read what they said
Um, yes. This substitute, uh, adds a 10 year time limit for bringing the latter homicide charge subject to exceptions. For certain serious prior convictions, it clarifies that the prior case must have resulted in a conviction or a dismissal without prejudice. It requires the higher threshold of serious bodily injury. To trigger the new exception, it replacing the previous standard of bodily injury. It allows the court to reduce a minimum prison term. A defendant must serve before parole and allows the board of pardons and parole to credit time served for the earlier conviction against the later homicide sentence. That's what the, this sub does.
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Gives background on Desiree Turner Buck, who was shot in 2017 and later died from her injuries, and says the bill creates an exception to double jeopardy allowing homicide charges when a victim dies after an earlier prosecution for the serious bodily injury.
▶ Watch at 1:28:15Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Mr. President. Um, lemme give you a little bit just quickly background. I, I know we're trying to move quickly. In 2017, 14-year-old Desiree Turner Buck was shot by two classmates who had intentionally plotted her murder and left her in a Smithfield Canal. Despite this horrific attack, Desiree became a symbol of resil resilience and hope across Utah and the nation. Her recovery included 16 brain surgeries, yet she went on to graduate from high school, marry and serve a mission for the church of Jesus Christ. Latter Saints, her perpetrators were convicted in 2018 of attempted aggravated murder in sentenced to 15 years to life. In 2025, April, Desiree tragically passed away due to complications …
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Thanks the Turner family, the county attorney's office, the sentencing commission, defense attorneys, prosecutors, and the Attorney General's office, and moves that the first substitute be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:30:22Read what they said
I, I appreciate that, Mr. President. Yeah. Like I said, uh, Desiree was an amazing individual and her family's been amazing. Uh, wor working on this bill, I just need to, uh, uh, thank, uh, the Turner family, the Cash County Attorney's Office. We've had the sentencing commission, we've had the defense attorneys, the prosecutors have been together, and also our Attorney General's office. And I appreciate all of them that we've been able to, uh, uh, find common ground and language, uh, that again, as I've been calling it, the, the Desiree's Law. So, with that, a motion, Mr. President, that first substitute Senate Bill 92. Be read a third time.
S.B. 86 Firearm Safe Harbor Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Presented SB 86, which makes law enforcement safe harbor firearm records private and collects data on firearms held by agencies, and turned time over to staff.
▶ Watch at 33:37Read what they said
Thank you, uh, Mr. Vice Chair. I appreciate that. I appreciate coming to the History committee today. Uh, I'm back to reminiscing what I was doing on the back in, uh, 1976 also. So it was great. Appreciate that. Thank you. Um, yeah, SB 86, Ophir Safe Harbor Summary. Lemme give you a little bit of background. First of all, we've been working on a, we've had a, uh, working group for, I dunno, a couple years or so. A number of, of stakeholders have got together to see what we can do to try and, number one, help people be aware. The Safe Harbor, um, uh, program is basically that somebody in a household, if they're having a mental …
S.B. 86 Firearm Safe Harbor Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Concluded the presentation and offered to answer questions.
▶ Watch at 40:37Read what they said
Thank you. I think that'll conclude our presentation. Great. Thank you. Happy to answer any questions.
S.B. 86 Firearm Safe Harbor Amendments · House Public Utilities and Energy Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asked that staff be allowed to respond to the heirloom firearm question.
▶ Watch at 50:11Read what they said
If I could. Mr. Vice? Yeah, I'd like to have, uh, uh, Dave, uh, mentioned, uh, you know what he, what was told commissioner, is that what he said?
H.B. 56 Vehicle Registration Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Moves to table first substitute H.B. 56 on third reading.
▶ Watch at 54:33Read what they said
You Mr. President Pro temp a motion that we table on third first substitute house bill 56 For physical impact.
H.B. 99 Eyewear Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Moves that H.B. 99 be tabled on third reading.
▶ Watch at 57:24Read what they said
You Mr. President Prote. A motion that we table on third house Bill 99 for physical impact.
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Sen. Wilson presented SB 162 first substitute, saying it clarifies how the sales tax applies to streamed and downloaded digital products and does not change existing policy.
▶ Watch at 1:17:21Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Appreciate that. Um, SB 1 62 first sub address is an area of confusion of Utah State, uh, sales tax statutes with regard to stream and downloaded products. Some of us remember the days when we would go to Blockbuster, pick up a movie, watch it, and return it to Blockbuster. The rental of a movie was subject to sales tax, then technology changed. And instead of going to Blockbuster, we would go to Red Box, pick out a movie, and the kiosk would dispense a DVD player, which we watched, and then return to Red Box machine. Again, the rental of the movie was subject to sales tax, but we all know that technology has …
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Thanks Steve Young for explaining why the bill is needed and says the parties worked together to clarify the language.
▶ Watch at 1:26:03Read what they said
Yeah. I just appreciate the, you know, Steve Young being here and explaining, you know, why, why this is needed. And, and like I said, we all came together and to clarify the language, it's gonna be good going forward. So I appreciate the support.
S.B. 186 Charter School Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Thanks the presiding officer and says he will be brief on the second substitute S.B. 164 on school construction amendments, after a long discussion the previous day.
▶ Watch at 21:08Read what they said
Senator Wilson. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, yesterday, uh, we had a quite a discussion and I'm gonna be a little, uh, less long-winded.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Presented S.B. 164, citing an audit of school construction projects that found most began building before receiving permits and stating that districts keep control of their projects while the state holds the liability insurance, so verifying compliance matters.
▶ Watch at 21:19Read what they said
Uh, I've been told that I need to make this a little bit quicker, so I'm gonna be, uh, if you remember the debate yesterday, this is talking about the non-compliance with building codes that, uh, of course can manifest into risks to school policy properties and building occupancy. Let me just highlight one thing. In the audit that was done by our legislative auditors, they, they audited projects between 2017 and 2024 outta 30 projects that they reviewed. 19 projects began building before receiving their permit. DSB permit seven never did receive a permit. Only four were compliant with starting to build before their permit or before they received their, well, they, after they received their permit, they started …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Waived summation and moved that second substitute S.B. 164 pass.
▶ Watch at 24:41Read what they said
I'll, I'll waive summation Mr. President. Uh, and go ahead with a motion that we favorably pass Senate SU second substitute Senate Bill 1 64 pass.
H.B. 71 Health Provider Directory and Access Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Moves to table third substitute H.B. 71 on third reading.
▶ Watch at 47:10Read what they said
Yes. Uh, a motion that we table on third, third substitute house bill 71 for physical impact. A motion to table on third, third substitute house Bill 71.
H.B. 139 Female Genital Mutilation Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Moves to table the bill for fiscal impact.
▶ Watch at 50:19Read what they said
You Mr. President. A motion that we table on third first substitute house bill 1 39 for fiscal impact.
H.B. 108 Minors in State Custody Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Moves to table H.B. 108 on third reading.
▶ Watch at 1:07:00Read what they said
President Prote To motion that we table on third for physical impact house bill 1 0 8. The motion is to table on third house bill 1 0 8.
H.B. 30 Wildlife Management Area Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Moves to table the third reading of first substitute HB 30.
▶ Watch at 1:11:54Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Temp a motion that we table on third first substitute house bill 30 for physical impact. The motion is to table on third first substitute house Bill 30.
H.B. 57 Motor Vehicle Division Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Moves to table House Bill 57 on third reading pending a fiscal impact review.
▶ Watch at 1:36:50Read what they said
Mr. President a motion that we table on third for fiscal impact. First substitute house bill 57. Okay, we motion that we table first substitute House bill 57 motor vehicle, uh, division amendments on third fiscal impact.
H.B. 238 Utah Energy Generation and Transmission Planning · Senate floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Wilson states that announcements were already made earlier and moves to adjourn until Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 AM.
▶ Watch at 1:44:36Read what they said
Uh, I I think we already had the announcements earlier and I'm sure everybody with their memories remember exactly what, uh, Senator Comore said earlier. Um, so I would just do a motion that we had adjourn until Thursday, February 19th at 10:00 AM
S.B. 287 Targeted Advertising Tax · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Had concerns, has talked with the sponsor, and will vote aye to let the sponsor keep working on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:19:01Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, yeah, like, uh, like Senator Cola Moore, I had some concerns. I've talked with a sponsor. He, he's, uh, guarantee me he is gonna continue to work on the bill. Um, but, uh, I have faith in, in the good, the sponsor and hope that, uh, you know, he can find a, a place that, uh, bring people together. But, uh, I, I will be voting aye, to get it out committee and, and allow the senator to continue to work on it.
S.C.R. 7 Concurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Presents the resolution, saying state-led innovation could move more Utahns from government programs into work-based self-reliance and reduce costs to taxpayers.
▶ Watch at 29:17Read what they said
Senator Wilson. Thank you Mr. President Pro Temp in Utah. We are very good at getting people out of poverty, but we think we could do even more to improve social welfare programs and get more utahns off of government programs and into work-based self-reliance with more innovation authority from the federal government. We also think more state led innovation will reduce cost to taxpayers by helping more families become self-reliant and enjoy our robust free enterprise system. That's the message Mr. President Pro temp that this resolution will send to Congress, federal agencies and the executive branch.
S.C.R. 7 Concurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Waives his summation and moves that the resolution pass.
▶ Watch at 30:03Read what they said
Thank you. I'll waive my summation and just move that, uh, Senate concurrent resolution seven pass.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Sen. Wilson moves to adopt the second substitute to S.B. 164.
▶ Watch at 33:49Read what they said
I thank you Mr. Uh, Mr. President. Uh, I'd like to, uh, move the second sub on SB 1 64.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Sen. Wilson explains the second substitute, including removal of a notification and traffic-plan requirement, a revised oversight fee schedule, exemptions for districts that hire approved project managers, local health department authority, and optional design templates.
▶ Watch at 34:04Read what they said
Uh, yes. The second sub, uh, basically we've had between 14 and 15 stakeholders and with input on the, on the bill, we've been able to put most of the language in the second sub. Um, and it from the original, it removes a provision that would've required school di school districts to notify local agencies before purchasing or leasing school property and to submit construction traffic and safety plans prior to building. It also changes from a mandatory up to 1.25% oversight fee to a fee schedule established by division rule and approved by the rate committee with fees that can be reduced or waived for school districts with delegated oversight authority and adjusted based on actual oversight provided. …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Presents the second substitute to S.B. 164, describing its changes to notice requirements, oversight fees, inspections, and templates.
▶ Watch at 34:07Read what they said
between 14 and 15 stakeholders and with input on the, on the bill, we've been able to put most of the language in the second sub. Um, and it from the original, it removes a provision that would've required school di school districts to notify local agencies before purchasing or leasing school property and to submit construction traffic and safety plans prior to building. It also changes from a mandatory up to 1.25% oversight fee to a fee schedule established by division rule and approved by the rate committee with fees that can be reduced or waived for school districts with delegated oversight authority and adjusted based on actual oversight provided. And those fees, Mr. President are put in the, …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Explains that the bill moves public school construction oversight from the State Board of Education to DFCM, with phased implementation, delegated authority for qualified districts, fee schedules, and an appeals process.
▶ Watch at 37:24Read what they said
I could. Mr. President, go ahead. Thank you. Um, currently the Utah State Board of Education is responsible for the high level oversight of public school construction. The school board has neither the expertise nor the capacity to provide the required oversight. Currently, this is what the board is, is responsible for providing guidelines for public school construction, a construction and inspection resource, manual bidding limitations on school boards, an annual school plant capacity outlay report, oversight of building inspections and plan reviews, training of building inspections and certificates of occupancy. That's what currently, and let me talk about, uh, an audit was just, uh, done by our legislative audit team, and they came and, uh, reported to the inter, …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Sen. Wilson presents the bill, saying it moves public school construction oversight from the State Board of Education to DFCM, citing audit findings, describing approval steps and timelines, and explaining delegated authority and appeals.
▶ Watch at 37:25Read what they said
Thank you. Um, currently the Utah State Board of Education is responsible for the high level oversight of public school construction. The school board has neither the expertise nor the capacity to provide the required oversight. Currently, this is what the board is, is responsible for providing guidelines for public school construction, a construction and inspection resource, manual bidding limitations on school boards, an annual school plant capacity outlay report, oversight of building inspections and plan reviews, training of building inspections and certificates of occupancy. That's what currently, and let me talk about, uh, an audit was just, uh, done by our legislative audit team, and they came and, uh, reported to the inter, inter interim education committee. And this …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Sen. Wilson responds that districts with qualified personnel or contracted certified inspectors can proceed without state approval, and that design remains up to districts.
▶ Watch at 47:18Read what they said
No. If, if they have qualified either qualified personnel already employed or if they have a relationship with a company that already provides plan review building inspections throughout that process. And also for the occupancy, the certificate of occupancy, they are welcome to use that. Um, I believe all they have to do is just show that they're the building inspections, inspectors are certified And they can proceed to construction without state approval. I I, yeah, as long as they can show that the building inspectors are, are, uh, licensed, then yes. And as far as the design of the building is still up to the districts. Um, and as far as, like I said, the plan review can be …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Answers that districts with qualified personnel or inspection relationships can proceed without state approval, and that district design decisions remain with the district.
▶ Watch at 47:18Read what they said
No. If, if they have qualified either qualified personnel already employed or if they have a relationship with a company that already provides plan review building inspections throughout that process. And also for the occupancy, the certificate of occupancy, they are welcome to use that. Um, I believe all they have to do is just show that they're the building inspections, inspectors are certified And they can proceed to construction without state approval. I I, yeah, as long as they can show that the building inspectors are, are, uh, licensed, then yes. And as far as the design of the building is still up to the districts. Um, and as far as, like I said, the plan review can be …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Responds that no outcome is guaranteed but expects the project database to share best practices, and says rural districts may use DFCM services at a fee.
▶ Watch at 48:35Read what they said
Speaker, president Pro Tem, Senator Wilson. You know, I appreciate the question and, and I, you know, I, I don't think there's any guarantees in life other than Joe Namath. Um, I, I, I, I truly believe that the best piece of this bill is going to be compiling the database where we can take best practices. If Washington County has a great way of building schools down in Washington County, I want to be able to take the information, the designs, the materials used, and be able to share those with other districts throughout the state. And we also have timelines up to 10 and 15 days, which is a lot less than what our municipalities and our counties …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Sen. Wilson says there are no guarantees but expects shared best practices and data to help lower costs, and says some rural districts want DFCM to manage their projects.
▶ Watch at 48:38Read what they said
know, I appreciate the question and, and I, you know, I, I don't think there's any guarantees in life other than Joe Namath. Um, I, I, I, I truly believe that the best piece of this bill is going to be compiling the database where we can take best practices. If Washington County has a great way of building schools down in Washington County, I want to be able to take the information, the designs, the materials used, and be able to share those with other districts throughout the state. And we also have timelines up to 10 and 15 days, which is a lot less than what our municipalities and our counties are currently doing. Um, I guess there's …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Sen. Wilson says the fees in the fiscal note apply only to districts that choose DFCM services and that districts already pay similar fees.
▶ Watch at 51:57Read what they said
Senator Wilson? Yes, Mr. President Pro temp. Um, whenever a school district decides to build a program or a a building, they always add all of these fees. These fees in the physical note are only for those districts who want to use the DFCM for plan review or certificate of occupancy. So these are only going to be, but every district already includes all these fees, whether, whether they have internal, uh, employees or whether they're gonna contract with an another company, um, to, to do these services.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Says the fees apply only to districts that choose DFCM plan review or occupancy services, and that districts already pay similar fees.
▶ Watch at 51:57Read what they said
Senator Wilson? Yes, Mr. President Pro temp. Um, whenever a school district decides to build a program or a a building, they always add all of these fees. These fees in the physical note are only for those districts who want to use the DFCM for plan review or certificate of occupancy. So these are only going to be, but every district already includes all these fees, whether, whether they have internal, uh, employees or whether they're gonna contract with an another company, um, to, to do these services.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Sen. Wilson says districts with qualified employees or certified inspection contracts need not use DFCM for fees, plan review, occupancy, or inspections.
▶ Watch at 52:59Read what they said
Senator, uh, Mr. President Prote? No, this is just, if they have to show that they have certified employees in the district, or they have a relationship, they have a contract with somebody with qualified building inspectors, they do not have to use DFCM for these fees or for the plan review or the, um, certificate of occupancy or all the, um, building inspections in between. There's more than just the two. You, you've got, you've got building inspection. They'll be, they'll be looking the rough work. They'll be checking on the concrete, uh, strength to make sure that rebar, I mean, you go on and on through the whole process.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Says districts with qualified employees or contracted inspectors need not use DFCM for fees, plan review, occupancy, or inspections.
▶ Watch at 52:59Read what they said
Senator, uh, Mr. President Prote? No, this is just, if they have to show that they have certified employees in the district, or they have a relationship, they have a contract with somebody with qualified building inspectors, they do not have to use DFCM for these fees or for the plan review or the, um, certificate of occupancy or all the, um, building inspections in between. There's more than just the two. You, you've got, you've got building inspection. They'll be, they'll be looking the rough work. They'll be checking on the concrete, uh, strength to make sure that rebar, I mean, you go on and on through the whole process.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Sen. Wilson says districts will still choose their designs and can use their own staff.
▶ Watch at 54:39Read what they said
President Pro temp? I mean, this is gonna be up to the districts. The districts will still be able to build whatever design of, of building they want. They'll be able to use their own people. Uh, I, I don't see how that's gonna change what type of schools that the districts build.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Sen. Wilson says districts still control maintenance and that the bill requires districts to show deferred maintenance plans.
▶ Watch at 55:29Read what they said
Senator Wilson? Uh, yes. They are still in controller maintenance, but part of this bill also is, from what I've discovered in the two years I've been working on between the audit and this bill, is that there are many, many districts that have not put forth any money for the deferred maintenance. We have millions and millions of dollars going into buildings, and I'm afraid that, that most of them are not being maintained, uh, adequately up here in the hill. We do a great job when we fund a building. We always fund fund o and m as part of that building, knowing that if we maintain it, it's going to last longer. And I, I, and, um, …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Sen. Wilson summarizes the bill's rationale, cites DFCM staffing and superintendent input, and moves that the second substitute be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 58:21Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Proto. Uh, yeah, this has been, uh, quite an effort. Um, let me just finish this by summing with what's in the Auditor General's best Practice Handbook for Student Achievement in Public Education and other related legislative audit work. Utah's audits emphasize that the core focus of education should be on student achievement and learning outcomes. And that other functions like facilities and construction are separate. Professional responsibilities. The handbook highlights that school boards and administrators should concentrate on improving student learning and academic achievement through clear instructional frameworks, teacher support and evidence-based planning, rather than focus on ancillary task or administrative roles that dilute attention from core educational goals. Mr. President Pro Temp, I've had conversations …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Gives closing remarks summarizing the bill's goals and moves that the second substitute be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 58:21Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Proto. Uh, yeah, this has been, uh, quite an effort. Um, let me just finish this by summing with what's in the Auditor General's best Practice Handbook for Student Achievement in Public Education and other related legislative audit work. Utah's audits emphasize that the core focus of education should be on student achievement and learning outcomes. And that other functions like facilities and construction are separate. Professional responsibilities. The handbook highlights that school boards and administrators should concentrate on improving student learning and academic achievement through clear instructional frameworks, teacher support and evidence-based planning, rather than focus on ancillary task or administrative roles that dilute attention from core educational goals. Mr. President Pro Temp, I've had conversations …
S.B. 100 Federalism Revisions · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Thanks the presiding officer and begins discussing the Safe Harbor Storage Program.
▶ Watch at 1:03:51Read what they said
Senator Wilson. Thank you Mr. President Pro Temp. The Safe Harbor Storage Program has been a program that, uh,
S.B. 86 Firearm Safe Harbor Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Explains the Safe Harbor Storage Program, the bill's aggregate data reporting to the commission and Criminal Justice Interim Committee, the private-record provision, and a sunset date.
▶ Watch at 1:03:54Read what they said
The Safe Harbor Storage Program has been a program that, uh, if somebody either themselves or someone in their home, uh, is in a mental health crisis, they can take their firearms voluntarily to the local law enforcement agency. What this bill will do is it will have the enforcement, the law enforcement agency, will collect and report anonymous aggregate data regarding the use of the firearm Safe Harbor program to the CCJJ. And then it requires the commission to receive, compile, and provide data received from law enforcement agents to the law enforcement Criminal Justice Interim Committee. It also provides that the record created by a law enforcement agency under the firearm Safe Harbor program is a private record …
S.B. 86 Firearm Safe Harbor Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Moves that Senate Bill 86 pass and requests a roll call vote.
▶ Watch at 1:05:13Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Prote. Uh, a motion that, uh, Senate Bill 86 pass And the question is, shall Senate bill 86 pass Roll call vote.
S.C.R. 7 Concurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Presents SCR 7, saying Utah's model of temporary help with workforce supports is strong but federal rules such as benefit cliffs limit state innovation, and the resolution asks Congress and federal agencies for more authority to innovate.
▶ Watch at 42:49Read what they said
And our unified model of providing temporary help coupled with workforce supports to families in poverty is a national gold standard. Second, even with our success, there are challenges in the way the federal social welfare system is structured that can make it harder for some Utah families to escape poverty, namely, benefit cliffs, an actual or perceived loss of benefits triggered by earning more that makes the family feel stuck or worse off financially. Third, the federal policies prevent the kind of innovative reform we think Utah is well suited to pursuing. And we need greater authority to innovate at the state level to improve these programs and reduce chronic poverty. In short, Mr. President, we are good at …
S.C.R. 7 Concurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Waives summation and moves that SCR 7 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 44:23Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. I'll waive summation and move that SCR seven be read a third time. Thank You. And the question is, shall
S.B. 86 Firearm Safe Harbor Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Presents SB 86, which would let people voluntarily store firearms with law enforcement during a crisis, keep related records private, collect data for three years, and run background checks before return.
▶ Watch at 1:16:28Read what they said
Uh, we've had a, a great working group for the last couple years on things, how we can not only promote, but also help expand the firearm Safe Harbor Amendments. We've been working with the, uh, Utah Chiefs Association, the Utah Department of Public Safety, and the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, among other, uh, stakeholders. What this bill, SB 86 is going to do is, is first of all, when an individual has the opportunity, feels like they may be in a, a crisis, a mental health crisis, or somebody in the home, they can voluntarily bring their firearms to the local, uh, uh, enforcement, police, uh, uh, law enforcement agencies to store those firearms until they …
S.B. 86 Firearm Safe Harbor Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Waives summation and moves that SB 86 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:19:28Read what they said
I appreciate that Mr. President Pro tempt, uh, a motion I'll, I'll waive summation and I'll, uh, motion that SB 86 firearm safe Harbor Amendments. Be read a third time.
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Sponsor explains that the bill clarifies Utah sales tax language on streamed and downloaded products to create a level playing field and reduce confusion.
▶ Watch at 15:43Read what they said
is is addressing an area of confusion, uh, in Utah sales tax statutes with regard to streamed and downloaded products. Um, there was a couple of companies that had a confusion. We've talked with the companies they've provided, we negotiated this, this language, uh, just basically clarifies that platforms maybe structuring their transactions to take advantage of the difference. So what we've done is clarified to make it a level playing field between streamed and downloaded products and for the businesses that sell them. It also promotes compliance by eliminating a no area, a known area of confusion in the sales tax code. Without Mr, that would conclude my presentation. Mr. President,
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 23) · Feb 11, 2026
Moves that first substitute S.B. 162 pass.
▶ Watch at 16:36Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, I move that, uh, first substitute Senate Bill 1 62 pass.
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Wilson moved to adopt the first substitute to S.B. 162.
▶ Watch at 1:24:05Read what they said
Senator Wilson. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, there's a first sub also I'd like to move Mr. President,
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Wilson explained that the substitute responds to a cable provider concern by clarifying that transactions taxed under the multi-channel video or audio service tax are not also subject to the streaming sales tax, and that it is not a policy change.
▶ Watch at 1:24:27Read what they said
Yes. The sub addresses a concern raised by cable television providers who are already subject to the multi-channel video or audio service tax act. It just clarifies that if a transaction is subject to the multi-channel video or audio service tax, it is not also subject to the sales tax on streaming. That's just a clarification of the exemption, Mr. President. It's not a change in policy.
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Wilson presented the bill, which the tax commission requested to clarify that streamed and downloaded digital products are both subject to sales tax, closing a loophole and creating a level playing field among platforms.
▶ Watch at 1:25:11Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this bill was brought to me from the tax commission. It addresses an area of confusion in Utah's sales tax statutes with regard to streamed and downloaded products. Some of us remember the days when we would go to Blockbuster and pick out a movie to watch that rental of the movie was subject to sales tax. Then technology changed and we would go to Redbox pick out a movie from the kiosk. Again, the rental of the movie was subject to sales tax, although Block, block, blockbuster and Redbox did not seem that long ago. Technology has changed a lot since then. Now, if you wanna watch a movie, any platforms offer the ability …
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Wilson said the bill would not change the current process and that he would find out and follow up.
▶ Watch at 1:29:21Read what they said
And, and this is not gonna change whatever the process now It is, it won't change what it is, but I, I will find out for you and let you know. That's a good question.
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Wilson said he would not think out-of-state purchases would be taxed, but that this does not change current law.
▶ Watch at 1:29:52Read what they said
I, I guess I'd need to downloaded out of state or, Or watched or, you know, ordered out of state. So not in Utah. Does that Senator Wilson make a Difference? Senator Wilson? Uh, my, my, uh, I would not think that would be taxed if you're, if you're outta state when you do this, but I hear again, it's a good question. I, I would, my best guess would be no in that case, but here again, that doesn't change any of the law that currently is. Nothing changes as far as how it's, the law's always been. This just clarifies what the law has been, so.
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Wilson said he was not sure what the one-time cost was for, noting the bill settles litigation and closes a loophole, with ongoing costs that companies have agreed to pay.
▶ Watch at 1:30:48Read what they said
Uh, that, that's a great question. I, I, I'm not quite sure what it was. They obviously felt like, uh, there's gonna be one time cost and ongoing. My, my only guess would be is, like I said, this is, this is closing a loophole. I have to be a little bit careful, uh, um, because there was litigation and this is a settlement in the LI litigation case. And so, um, I'm not quite sure where the billion dollars, but I do know ongoing is closing that loophole that the companies have agreed that they will pay.
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Wilson said he would guess such school purchases would be exempt from sales tax.
▶ Watch at 1:33:07Read what they said
Uh, I, I would guess they would be exempt. Obviously schools are exempt from sales tax, I assume they're in this condition.
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Wilson said the tax commission brought the bill in response to litigation, closes a loophole with language both companies accept, and asked for support to read the bill a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:33:34Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, just, just, uh, some again, I mentioned that this is brought to me by the task commission. Um, this was, uh, uh, litigated. This is a, a, uh, uh, a response to the litigation to try and clarify the language that most, uh, companies were abiding by. There were a few that was, uh, used as a loop loophole. We've closed that loophole with just clarifying, uh, both the companies are on board, uh, with this language. And, um, ask for your support, uh, motion that first substitute Senate Bill 1 62. Be read a third time.
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Asks to move a first substitute for the bill.
▶ Watch at 51:03Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Appreciate that. And I do have a first sub that I'd like to move whenever that is appropriate.
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Presents the bill as a response to a Utah State University audit, covering trustee duties, presidential evaluations, internal audit, technical college boards, institutional attorneys, budget reporting, and compensation.
▶ Watch at 51:51Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. And that's what I'll be speaking to. What, what this bill does. Higher education, institutional governance. Uh, this is basically the answer to the audit that went on, uh, concerning Utah State University and other higher education institutional governance, other, other institutions. So, um, this bill addresses governance for the higher education, including the role of institutions, boards of trustees. Uh, I may add that we've been working very closely, uh, with President Brad Mortenson, and also, of course, commissioner Jeff Landward and the Yi Board and others, as we, uh, put this, uh, bill together. And as many of you know, the audit came out. And again, this is, this is just in response to …
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Responds that the bill reflects recommendations from the Board of Higher Education and the commissioner and is not intended to be heavy-handed.
▶ Watch at 59:16Read what they said
Yeah, no, and I, I appreciate that. Um, like I mentioned, uh, these are all recommendations from the ushi board and also from the, the, uh, chair, uh, Jeff Landward, well, not the chair, but the commissioner, and, and I agree with you that obviously the audit in Utah state and uncover some very concerning. Uh, but we, we didn't include everything that we found in Utah State in this bill. This was, um, a lot of it was already taken care of. A lot of it is already in code, and a lot of it was, uh, personnels that these personnel that decided not to follow code, and we didn't increase code, code for things like procurement and others …
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Says the bill responds to the audit and includes items requested by the commissioner and Board of Higher Education, and offers to provide more information.
▶ Watch at 1:01:19Read what they said
As, as I mentioned, the bill is, is in response to the audit, but it also, uh, is in, you know, other things that the comm, again, the commissioner and the Yohi board asked to put in the bill. So, uh, I I, I, I'd be happy to get you more information on why they put that in, but those were, those were things that the yushi board asked for.
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Says the commissioner will be closely involved in the strategic plans and invites the commissioner to respond.
▶ Watch at 1:02:21Read what they said
That's a great question. Uh, I'm sure as the, the commissioner is, is, is I'm sure gonna be much very much involved. What happened a few years ago when we, when we went from a, a yui board that was basically 18 people, we went down to nine and a more manageable, uh, board. A lot of the responsibilities that we had in the Yushi board, Uintah, our board of trustees. And so this was something that a lot of board of trustees were not aware of. I know there's a lot of board of trustees that are asking for clarification on what they're supposed to be doing, but I don't think there's any question that this, the, um, uh, …
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Says the bill clarifies trustee roles, provides them staff, and is long overdue.
▶ Watch at 1:16:50Read what they said
That's exactly right, Mr. Chair. I mean, we're, we, we, I, I know we all want smaller government, but we want efficient government. And obviously there was definitely some needs when we changed the Yui board and, and we didn't provide the trustee boards with the, with the amount of, uh, force well, uh, put guard rails on what the responsibilities are. And I think this bill is long overdue. And we, we, we've been talking about this bill during the spring and summer. Um, we knew the audit was coming. We had a little bit of ideas, but, uh, in talking to many of the board trustees and what we're expecting of them, I think this is a great …
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Notes that the governor appoints trustees subject to Senate confirmation.
▶ Watch at 1:17:33Read what they said
And, um, yeah, the, the governor does get to choose the trustees and we get to con confirm them. And I don't know if the, if the good senator from Salt Lake, if, if she did not, you know, if she voted no on these Senate confirmations for all these board trustees, then uh, that's fine. That's her prerogative of being in the Senate. Well,
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Thanked the committee for arriving late from another meeting and said he is ready to present SB 91 and its substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:19:03Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Appreciate that. And committee members. Thank you very much. Uh, apologize. I was just in another committee. I'm a little bit late, but, uh, appreciate you, um, SB 91. I do have a sub whenever it's appropriate to move that if we're that first sub.
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Presented SB 91, saying 21 counties run DMV offices under a decades-old agreement that undercompensates them, and that the bill would raise the registration fee by $1.25 and route the funds to reimburse counties, with the first $500,000 going to a building in Cache County.
▶ Watch at 1:19:24Read what they said
Yes, I'll, I'll speak to the sub, but just so you know. Thank you. Thank You. Um, SB 91 is, is is a bill I've been working on for a number of years. In fact, last year it, it, uh, passed the set at unanimously, passed both committees unanimously, and then ended up, uh, on the, the board that, uh, did get, uh, it didn't get, uh, uh, uh, voted on on the house board. So what it basically does is in 21, and this is a little bit complicated, so I'll try and explain it. In 21 of the 29 counties, DMV offices are run by the counties. There was an agreement signed 20 something years ago that to …
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Asks for a motion to recommend the first substitute to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:19:24Read what they said
Do you Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yeah, I, I, uh, I'd like a, uh, a motion that we, fay recommend first substitute Senate Bill two 40, the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 240 Higher Education Institutional Governance · Senate Education Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Thanks the commissioner, the Board of Higher Education, and the committee, and says the bill is good.
▶ Watch at 1:19:46Read what they said
Some. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, I, again, I appreciate Commissioner Landward, the Yui board, and all, all those who have helped, uh, uh, kind of mold this bill into, to what I think will be at making sure that it's a more efficient system. Uh, and again, I, I appreciate the support of the committee. I, I think it's good. Bill. Thank you.
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Said he would conclude his presentation and is available to answer questions.
▶ Watch at 1:27:12Read what they said
We, you know what, it's, it's late on a Friday afternoon, vice chair. I, I think it's probably smarter for me to just conclude my presentation, so happy to answer any questions though.
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Said the fee also helps the five large counties by reducing pressure on their DMV offices, and that general fund money pays for the other buildings.
▶ Watch at 1:29:06Read what they said
Sure. So in reality, I think that, uh, these outside counties are also taking a lot of of pressure off of the DMV offices in the five counties. So I feel this also is going to help the five counties. Uh, and, and here again, this is going, the, the extra will be going into the general fund, and of course that's where the money comes, uh, for the other buildings. Right. So the general fund pays for the five And, and it will for Cash County also and the other three smaller counties. Okay.
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Responded to the funding question about registrations from other counties. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:29:59Read what they said
Yeah. Um, but here again, so If somebody from another county registers their boat in Ridge County, okay.
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Said a single $1.25 statewide fee is simpler than a county-based approach, and that some counties could otherwise refuse out-of-county customers; compared it to other statewide fees that fund different regions.
▶ Watch at 1:30:12Read what they said
That would be pretty difficult. Um, in my opinion, uh, to me, a dollar 25, I mean, I've always been, been that we lower it as low as possible and spread it over, you know, everybody knowing that, uh, that, that people can go anywhere they want and not have to worry about, and I've looked at this, believe me, what you're just saying there is let's just have people, um, what what I worry about is that the smaller counties are gonna say, well then, you know, you owe me 25 bucks 'cause you're from Salt Lake County and you know, extra for this. Or what happened to the good senator when they said, we're just not going to …
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Said he had looked at the funding structure. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:32:23Read what they said
But it's a good, it is a good, like I said, I, I looked at that.
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Said ongoing costs would come from the general fund like other DMV buildings, and argued that the Cache County office and others should provide convenient service for residents statewide.
▶ Watch at 1:32:49Read what they said
That'll come out? The general fund come Out of the general fund? Yeah. Just like all the other buildings, additional funds. Yeah. They're all the other DMV buildings throughout the, the five, and may I say Cash County is, is much larger now than Washington County was 20 something years ago when they decided to just let DMV, you know, run the office. I guarantee you, I surely wish 20 something years ago, they would've just had the state run. The DMV office in Cash County been a lot more simpler. But this, this has been a problem. Um, and the idea of, of resigning the agreements that was done 20 something years ago, no one is interested in resigning …
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · House Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 6, 2026
Explained that the first substitute changes the funding structure so that money not distributed to counties returns to the general fund, reflecting work with several parties.
▶ Watch at 1:40:38Read what they said
Yes. Uh, and again, I mentioned that this, this is just the piece I covered, uh, just a, a different funding piece than what we had before. Uh, like I said, uh, Ryan Hunter, Jonathan Ball, uh, representative Val Peterson and Bridger Bollinger, uh, just had a different funding piece where the, the balance goes back in the general fund, uh, is, is what the change was with First Sub
S.B. 236 Property Tax Exemption Process Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Moved to replace the bill's title and body with first substitute S.B. 236.
▶ Watch at 48:01Read what they said
Motion that, uh, we delete title and body of Senate bill 2 36 and replace it with first substitute Senate Bill 2 36.
S.B. 236 Property Tax Exemption Process Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Said the substitute reflects work with the Tax Commission and other entities to set the needed dates and details in the bill.
▶ Watch at 48:12Read what they said
differences are between the two or? Sure. Yeah, there, the original bill was good, and we worked with the tax commission and a couple other entities to make sure it got exactly the dates and the specificities that they needed in the bill. So that first substitute represents that work
S.B. 236 Property Tax Exemption Process Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend the first substitute of S.B. 236 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 49:08Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, motion that we favorably recommend for substitute Senate bill 2 36 of the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 73 Online Age Verification Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Asked whether the bill should require reporting on how the youth mental health funds are spent, and said the sponsor is open to discussing it.
▶ Watch at 59:03Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, Senator Musselman, thank you very much appreciate, uh, your work on this bill. Uh, we talked a little bit earlier about a, a reporting back in this bill to come back and make sure that the funds are spent properly by the health youth services. Is that something that you'd be, um, favorable to putting in the build? Is that something that, uh, should be, would be helpful to try and keep track of where the funds are being spent? Yeah, I'm, I'm open to talking about that. Um, Senator, and, and I'll continue to talk with you and others. I've talked with a couple others and there's, there's advice both ways, right? We, we …
H.B. 40 Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Moves that the committee favorably recommend HB 40, first substitute, to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:23:53Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. A motion that we favor recommend House Bill 41st substitute to the full body of the Senate. Okay.
H.B. 46 Taxpayer Information Sharing Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Moves to recommend second substitute House Bill 46 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:25:52Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, a motion, uh, we favor, we recommend House Bill 46 second substitute to the full body of the Senate.
H.B. 46 Taxpayer Information Sharing Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Apologizes to others for going ahead of them and offers thanks. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:26:27Read what they said
letting you guys jump in front. I just felt bad everybody's sitting there, so thank you.
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Sen. Wilson presented S.B. 238, covering residential exemption applications, judgment levy notices, truth in taxation virtual participation and compliance timing, and said the bill responds to a property tax performance audit.
▶ Watch at 1:26:47Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Appreciate that. Uh, Senate Bill 2 3 8 modifies several provisions of Utah's property tax code related to the residential exemption, property Tax Appeals judgment levies, and the Truth and taxation process. The bill is intended to improve compliance and administration of the residential exemption, clarify evidentiary standards in valuation, appeals and refine notice hearing and certification requirements for taxing entities that impose judgment levies or seek to increase property tax revenue through Truth and Taxation. Uh, this bill is a response to the performance audit, if we remember, uh, from local authority, property tax and shifting tax burden. That was done. It's a follow up bill. So, so some bills I did both in 2024, …
S.B. 238 Property Tax Adjustments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Sen. Wilson said the bill has no appeal process by design, expects entities that were not certified to comply next year, and said the Tax Commission reviewed rates leniently.
▶ Watch at 1:36:46Read what they said
Oh, I, I appreciate the comments. Lemme just, just say that, um, you know, there, there is no appeal process and there was a reason for that because of the pre appeal process in the fut in the, the past had just meant non-compliance. And so I, I, like I said, I think the learning curve's there. I think most, most of these entities that did not get the, uh, get their, uh, rate approved, I think will come back next year. And, and hopefully they'll, uh, they'll figure it out. And, uh, and also I wanna know that, let everybody know that the, the tax commission was very lenient and they looked at in many, many, any way possible …
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Thanks the chair and asks how to take up an amendment, and asks a committee member to move Amendment 1.
▶ Watch at 2:20:58Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I appreciate you juggling the, the, uh, the agenda for me and, and I just appreciate the, uh, support and the number of people were that came from, uh, from Cache Valley today. Uh, Mr. Chair? Uh, I do have an amendment. I'm, I'm not quite sure, uh, exactly how you want, if you wanna move that now or later. I didn't know how you'd like to do that. I'll go, uh, well, uh, can I get a member of the committee, Senator Baldry to, to, to, is it Amendment one? Amendment One? Yeah.
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Says the amendment removes the word 'acquittal' from line 44, following feedback from the Attorney General's office.
▶ Watch at 2:21:45Read what they said
Amendment bill, thank Mr. Chair. All we did is on line 44, we just took out the word acquittal. Uh, we had some feedback from the, um, uh, the Attorney General's office and they recommended that we take that word out, which we've, which we've done.
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Presents SB 92, known as Desiree's Law, which would allow subsequent prosecution when a victim later dies from injuries caused by an earlier offense, under specified conditions.
▶ Watch at 2:21:58Read what they said
Uh, Mr. Chair, uh, I appreciate, uh, you again moving the agenda. Uh, I'm, uh, it's, it is a pleasure and honor for me to, uh, present SB 92 prosecution amendments, uh, which will also be known as Desiree's Law. A bill that arose from profound grief in the Cache Valley community. In 2017, 14-year-old Desiree Turner, buck Was shot by two classmates who had intentionally plotted her murder and left her in the Smithfield Canal. Despite this horrific attack, Desiree became a symbol of resilience and hope across Utah and the nation. Her recovery included 16 brain surgeries, yet she went on to graduate from high school, marry and serve a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of …
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Turns time over to Dane Murray and April Turner and asks whether they may give statements.
▶ Watch at 2:24:08Read what they said
Uh, Mr. Chair, with your permission, I'd like to turn some time over to 200 individuals who are here with me. Uh, we've got ca from the Cash County Attorney's Office, Dane Murray. And also, if you'll please welcome April Turner of Desiree's mother. Thank you for being here. And if it's okay, appropriately, if I have them do statements.
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Thanks the speakers and the family, notes work with the sentencing commission on possible changes, and asks for the committee's support.
▶ Watch at 2:35:35Read what they said
Mr. Chair. I appreciate, uh, Dane and April, and also all Desiree's family and friend that have joined us. I also want to, uh, uh, shout out to Sarah Owens, who's the Victim Services supervisor with the Cash County Attorney's Office for her work and also our Cash County attorney, Taylor Sorenson, who also was very, a big part of, of, of this. And so I do wanna also mention, uh, Mr. Chair that, uh, we are trying to make this a perfect bail. We are working with, uh, the sentencing commission, and they, they've got a, a couple possible tweaks. We need to talk about some things. We just wanna make you aware of that. Um, so, uh, but …
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Sums up that the bill was revised after Attorney General review, says he will meet with defense attorneys and the sentencing commission, and expects agreeable language.
▶ Watch at 2:42:37Read what they said
Yes, I would. Uh, Mr. Chair, thank you very much. And yeah, I, I appreciate the comments and, um, we've looked at this a number of different ways. We were, uh, one time we were looking at, uh, uh, you know, probation, uh, looking at it that way. So this, this came back when the Attorney General's office came to me and said that this is constitutional, they'd looked at it. So, uh, we went back to the original plan. Happy to meet with the defense attorneys. Those, you know, I, I did have a meeting with them that they, that they canceled. But happy to work with them. I've worked with them in the past and also the sentencing …
H.B. 34 Victim Rights Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Presents HB 34 as a cleanup bill to a 2024 law, placing the victim rights coordinator role in statute and clarifying the process without expanding victim rights or authority, with no fiscal note.
▶ Watch at 17:45Read what they said
Senator Wilson. Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this bill is a cleanup bill from HB 3 0 8, which passed in 2024. After a year of using that process, a few clarifications were needed. So the statute reflects what is working in practice. This bill codifies an improved process to better support victims alleging violations of their rights. It places the victim rights coordinator role into statute a position that already exists and is functioning very well. And it incorporates lessons learned from the implementation. It does not expand the victim rights or authority and carries no physical note. It simply brings clarity and consistency to an existing process. Uh, these are the next steps in codifying that process that's …
H.J.R. 2 Joint Rules Resolution - Resolution Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Reminds members of the president's dinner and a museum tour, and moves to adjourn until tomorrow morning.
▶ Watch at 1:18:53Read what they said
I guess a motion to adjourn? Well, I guess a reminder that we've got the, uh, president's dinner tonight over in the, uh, north building in the, uh, level two, if I remember right. And I believe there's gonna be a, uh, a tour of the museum also after. And so I guess a motion to, uh, adjourn till tomorrow morning at 1111.
S.B. 157 New Motorboat Distributor Act · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Sen. Wilson thanks the chair and says he will keep his remarks brief.
▶ Watch at 38:27Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that. And, uh, I'll, I'll try and make this as, uh, as brief and quick as possible knowing that you Maybe agenda I better interrupt you.
S.B. 157 New Motorboat Distributor Act · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Sen. Wilson presents the bill to set a comprehensive framework for motorboat manufacturer and dealer relationships, including termination, warranty, and dispute appeals through the Department of Commerce, and says Utah's boat industry is large and economically significant.
▶ Watch at 38:53Read what they said
you. Uh, new motorboat Distri DISTRI Distributor Act. Now you got me doing it is intended to accomplish several items, and I, if I may, uh, I'm joined by Todd Solberg, who's the president of the Utah Boat Dealers Association. Um, to put a set of principles and procedures in place. It creates a level playing field between the boat manufacturers, the distributors, and the boat dealers. The distributees, like the automotive industry that has rules and regulations for the distribution, sales, and service of new automobiles. This act will accomplish the same types of things as it pertains to sales, warranty, repair, relevant market area succession termination, and have a regular regulatory agency. The Department of Commerce oversee the …
S.B. 157 New Motorboat Distributor Act · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Sen. Wilson says he is checking the figure with a colleague and that the automobile penalty is higher.
▶ Watch at 46:44Read what they said
Uh, uh, I'm phoning a friend here in the front row saw that and he said that that the, that the automobile is higher than this one. Okay.
S.B. 157 New Motorboat Distributor Act · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Sen. Wilson says many boat dealers wanted to attend but were concerned about manufacturers asking who was sponsoring the bill and felt unable to testify.
▶ Watch at 49:34Read what they said
I appreciate it, Mr. Chair. Let me just say something that you, you would have a lot more boat dealers here, uh, except there was great concern among them as the manufacturers kept demanding who it was that's bringing this bill forward and they felt they were unable to be here to testify, concerned about exact the reason why we need this bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
S.B. 157 New Motorboat Distributor Act · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Sen. Wilson says work will continue through the remaining votes in both chambers and that he looks forward to working with Frank Pignanelli.
▶ Watch at 50:17Read what they said
Oh, absolutely. Yeah. I mean, we've still got how many votes in the Senate and the House everywhere and, and, and I appreciate, uh, Frank's obviously somebody we've worked with before in our franchisees and, uh, uh, looking forward to working with him, uh, as, as we move forward.
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Presents SB 222, which would expand Utah's Right to Try eligibility beyond terminal illness and broaden the definition of dosage form, and introduces John Dahlstrom.
▶ Watch at 56:22Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate you Wade for me. Sorry, I just presenting in another committee and, uh, thank you. Um, SB 2 22 is the proposed amendment to the Utah Right to Tri Act. I'm joined, joined by John Dahlstrom, and I'll have him introduce himself when, uh, when I'm done presenting and he can have some comments. Uh, the pro, the proposed bill amends, the Utah Right to Try Act Utah code the section 58 85 and amends the definition, uh, under section 58 85 dash 1 0 2. So that eligible patient is one with an eligible illness and removes a definition requirement for a terminal illness. This is in line with what other states, Texas, …
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Responds that existing Utah law already requires informed consent and physician oversight and that the bill expands access to the same framework.
▶ Watch at 1:05:34Read what they said
Speak to Yeah, yeah. Uh, yeah, I can speak to that. The great thing is that we already have a good statute here in Utah, and it does address a lot of what you've talked about. Um, the, uh, patients are, uh, required to give informed consent in order to participate. Plus the physician really is the gatekeeper on this to make sure that the treatment that they're proposing, you know, falls within the, um, the, uh, uh, expertise of their profession and also the ethical guidelines of their profession. So those are already in the statute that we have. All we're saying is let's expand that beyond just those that are already, um, really too sick to, to overcome …
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Explains that the statute limits use to phase one drugs and that the bill does not change those limits, only expands who can benefit.
▶ Watch at 1:07:06Read what they said
Yeah. So these are phase one drugs. So they've met the requirements to enter into a phase one trial. So our, our statute currently limits the, the, its, uh, provisions to phase one drugs. So we we're not asking to change that. We're merely saying that what we'd like to do is expand the ability to use the statute that we currently have that's looked into all of the questions that you've just raised so that a larger population can benefit from it.
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 3, 2026
States that the statute requires patient informed consent in consultation with a physician.
▶ Watch at 1:07:58Read what they said
Well, there are requirements for the patient to give informed consent, uh, in consultation with the physician. That's what's currently in the, in the statute. Okay.
S.B. 222 Right to Try Amendments · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Thanks the committee, says he is confident language can be worked out with the medical association, and says the bill could help patients and Utah innovation.
▶ Watch at 1:11:10Read what they said
See none back to the bill sponsor. Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that. And I, I'm just excited. I, I went through a, a, um, um, in fact, I think I did with the good Senator Ana when we went through and the, the technology they're working on is just unbelievable. And, and my concerns are the same with you. And, and in, in talking, uh, I, I I, I very confident we'll be able to come up with some language and working with, with Michelle. So, uh, I'm just excited. The technology is somebody who's just gone through, you know, not myself, but in a very close family member who is, is who's currently, uh, battling cancer. …
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Presents SB 91, which adds a $1.25 registration fee to help the other 21 counties run their DMV offices.
▶ Watch at 38:00Read what they said
tax commission runs DMV, uh, buildings and their offices in eight different counties. What this bill will do, it'll add a dollar 25 to the registration fee. This money will go towards the other 21 counties in helping them, uh, run their county run DMV offices. So we'll be able to provide services for all the citizens of Utah and also keep the funds, uh, in those other eight, uh, counties without being, uh, disturbed. So, Mr. President, again, this, this bill I think will solve a very complicated issue, one that we've had for, uh, over 20 plus years. And, uh, with that, Mr. President, uh, will conclude my presentation.
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Says residents can use any DMV office, and that the funds will support training and computer upgrades to address fraud and secure data.
▶ Watch at 39:25Read what they said
Yes. Thank you for that question, Mr. President. Uh, yes, you'll be able to, as we've, as we talked about yesterday, there are a number of counties, uh, near the Wasatch Front that don't have appointments and they've seen a number of, of citizens also those like in, uh, rich County who forget to get the registration done on their boats or their, their other, um, uh, ATVs. Uh, that will be able to go to any DMV office throughout the state and provide funds or provide services. Also, these funds will also be used to, to for training and also for to upgrade, uh, computer systems as we know that fraud's a real problem these days. We wanna make …
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 14) · Feb 2, 2026
Wilson presents SB 91, which would raise the DMV registration fee by $1.25 to reimburse counties that run DMV offices, since the state contract has not kept pace with costs.
▶ Watch at 23:11Read what they said
Uh, I believe that most of you will. It may sound familiar to you. This is a bill that, uh, I ran last year and it died on the house, uh, board last day. Uh, basically what this bill does, uh, there's been a, there's been a situation, uh, for a number of years on how DMV uh, offices are operated. In 21 out of the 29 counties, residents and visitors alike are accessing DMV services through a county office, not a state office. The contract for counties to provide these services on behalf of the state has been amended, has not been amended. It's been over 20 years. Reimbursements have de decreased so much over the years while costs, …
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 14) · Feb 2, 2026
Wilson thanks colleagues for their support, says the bill passed unanimously last year, and moves that SB 91 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 28:23Read what they said
Okay. Thank you, Mr. President. I, I appreciate the, uh, support. Again, like I said, this was this past unanimously last year. I think it's a a, a good fix to a problem that just only gonna compound itself and get worse. And so I appreciate the support. And with that, uh, looking at, uh, motion that SB 91 be read for a third time. Thank you. And the question is, shall Senate bill 91 be read a third time? Roll call vote.
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Speaks briefly ahead of presenting his own bill, then introduces SB 112 and bankruptcy judge Joel Marker to present it.
▶ Watch at 41:17Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. We'll be, we'll be succinct. Um, so back in 1978, I'm sure you all remember it well, um, as a compromise, um, uh, on some federal bankruptcy litigation, um, they allowed states, if they chose to, to opt out of the federal exemptions and to, and to have their own state exemptions. And most of you have heard the term homestead exemption, which basically means if you file bankruptcy, you can lose almost everything, but you're gonna get to preserve some of your equity. And that number's changed over the years to kind of help you start over. Um, and so, uh, this, uh, and, and by the way, Utah and, uh, I have with me …
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Summarizes the two provisions of the bill, notes the wild card and EITC parts, and concludes the presentation.
▶ Watch at 47:36Read what they said
Okay. Well, um, let me just finish that. You should go To Senator Weiler If Yeah, lemme just finish that by saying, um, I know some of our friends in the hall have talked to you about lines one 13 through one 15 of the first sub. That's the wild card. Um, I am not aware of any opposition to lines one 16 through one 18. That's the EITC. Um, so if, um, so I just want to say, um, that there would be a way, if you're convinced that we don't wanna give someone who does, who may be a renter and can't afford a home, if we don't want to give them, uh, at least $10,000 to start …
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Asks whether the state exemption is added to the federal exemption or is an either-or choice.
▶ Watch at 49:12Read what they said
Um, I have a, uh, I have a question. Uh, dis I just don't practice in the bankruptcy area very often, so at all, actually. Uh, so let me just ask, um, does this state exemption get added to the federal exemption? Uh, it's an either or. It's an either or. Okay. That, that was my question.
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Asks whether the federal exemption principle can apply where the state is silent.
▶ Watch at 49:58Read what they said
I, I just wasn't sure. Sometimes, uh, and I, 'cause I don't know this, um, if federal law says it is, uh, you know, it enumerates some things, then you have the state program. But if the state is silent on a specific type measure, does it allow then for them to grab that federal principle and apply it to the state?
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Moves to replace SB 112 with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 57:39Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, a motion, I believe to, uh, uh, delete and title embody SB one 12 and replace it with first substitute SB one 12. Okay. That motion's in order. Would you like to speak to that? Uh, no. Thank you. Uh, Senator Weiler, I assume,
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Moves to recommend the first substitute of SB 112 to the full Senate, with continued work with the banks and credit unions.
▶ Watch at 1:02:47Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, under the, uh, caveat that you'll continue to work with, I will, obviously the credit union, the banks, then, uh, I'll go ahead and, and, and, uh, move that we fatally recommend first substitute Senate Bill one 12 to full body of the Senate. Thank you. Uh, that motion's in order.
S.B. 112 Utah Exemptions Act Modifications · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Says he needs to leave to present a bill in another committee.
▶ Watch at 1:04:39Read what they said
Uh, honestly, I, I probably need to go. Okay, Go for it. They said They, they, the bill ahead of mine is up. So Go ahead. Um,
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Presents SB 162, which clarifies that streamed and downloaded digital products are both subject to sales tax, and says the fiscal note does not reflect current collections.
▶ Watch at 1:05:34Read what they said
So, uh, I'm just gonna try and read through this pretty quickly. The, the bottom line is the tax commission is, this bill is not going to change anything in the present code. It's just an update with clarifying information. I know some of the budget people were licking their chops when they saw this in ongoing increases, but it, it, the, the physical note is, is not accurate. 'cause it, this is gonna be the exact same process that has been, uh, that they have been doing in the, in the tax commission. So, uh, SB 1 62 addresses an area of confusion in Utah's sales tax statutes with regard to streamed and don't downloaded products. Some of us …
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Says he discussed the fiscal note with the Tax Commissioner and that it assumed collections that are not occurring.
▶ Watch at 1:09:54Read what they said
Do you want to go ahead and address that or do you want me to, that was the bottom line of talking to Commissioner Valentine. He came and talked to me about this, this physical note's wrong. They, the physical note, uh, the person that did the physical note was assuming that we were gonna collect more than we already are, which we're not. So this physical note is not accurate.
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Says he had already told budget leaders the fiscal note was inaccurate and asks that it be updated.
▶ Watch at 1:11:22Read what they said
No. And I, I, I made it, I made it known that this was not accurate, but, and there were some frowns, uh, with the budget chairs. Yeah. So if you'll, uh, if you'll get that updated, that helped me a lot. But for my purposes I'm fine.
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Moves that the committee favorably recommend SB 162 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:12:44Read what they said
Uh, sure. A motion that we favor recommend SB 1 62 to the full body of the Senate.
S.C.R. 7 Concurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Said the presentation would be brief and that he would grab his notes before starting.
▶ Watch at 1:13:11Read what they said
Let me, um, yeah, we'll try and hurry through. Thank you. Let me grab my, my,
S.C.R. 7 Concurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Presented SCR 7, a pro-federalism resolution asking the federal government for more authority for Utah to innovate in social welfare programs to address benefit cliffs and reduce chronic poverty, and asked Nic Dunn to speak.
▶ Watch at 1:13:34Read what they said
I appreciate that, Mr. Chair. Thank you. The chair and the, the committee. Um, uh, SCR seven, concurrent resolution on state innovation for the transition from government benefit self-reliance. A little bit about the bill. This was run last year. It passed the house committee, uh, the floor and the Senate committee, unanimous simply ran out. It was, it died on our, on the, on the Senate, um, board. Uh, first, uh, this is a pro federalism resolution, which conveys to the federal government. Three key things. And I'm also joined by Nick Dunn from, uh, Southern Institute. First, that Utah is unique in having the highest upper mobility in the nation. Uh, even with our success, there are challenges …
S.C.R. 7 Concurrent Resolution on State Innovation for Transition from Government Benefits to Self-reliance · Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Thanked the committee members for considering the bill. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:18:03Read what they said
Yeah. Committee members. Thank you very much. Yeah. Appreciate You doing this. Yeah, great. Thanks.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Presents SB 134 second substitute, which adds Supreme Court and Court of Appeals justices and district judges, plus law clerks, staff, and funding, citing caseload, population, and other state comparisons.
▶ Watch at 2:47:29Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Sorry about that. I'm trying to, trying to organize my notes here and, uh, try and make it as quickly as possible. I know that many of you, uh, have reservations not on the bill, but, uh, for dinner. So I'll try and make this quickly. So it's good to be with you again. Chair, uh, Kenny members, staff members, it's good to see you. Also, I, if I could start off on second substitute, 1 34 SB 1 34. Lemme give you a little bit of a, of a history background. Um, of course, the, the state, uh, became a state in 1896. At that time, we had three, uh, justice Court, or Justice Court, …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Clarifies the ongoing and one-time funding amounts in the bill.
▶ Watch at 3:03:41Read what they said
Let, lemme just, let me make sure I'm clear. The ongoing is 4.60, okay. The one times 1.8. And so you're looking at ongoing of 4.6. Okay. Um, yeah, Four. So that only to get to eight, close to that, if I combine that with the, the other bill with McPherson's bill, so I understand.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Explains that the half law clerk positions are part-time.
▶ Watch at 3:33:25Read what they said
Half a law clerk is, is hopefully the top half. And you know, I I I'm not sure if they work 20 hours or if we're speak talking real and they work 80 instead of 160, but it's, it's meant to just to be part-time. So.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Closes by clarifying the Chief Justice's statement on backlog and noting the bipartisan Senate committee vote on the bill.
▶ Watch at 3:45:54Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I, I'll, I'll be brief. I do, I do want to, uh, clarify and correct a statement that was by the representative from the Bar Association. Our Chief Justice did not say no backlog. He said essentially no backlog, not quite sure what essentially mean, but essentially is not no backlog. So I just wanted to clarify that. I also wanted to talk to about, in the Senate, it was a judiciary committee and it came out of there with an eight to one, uh, vote. It was, uh, bipartisan support and four attorneys, uh, voted in favor of this bill. So, um, I think it was vetted very well and, and had their support. …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Names the Senate committee that combines judiciary and criminal justice.
▶ Watch at 3:47:25Read what they said
Um, the Judiciary and Criminal Justice Committee. It's Judiciary, law Enforcement and Criminal Justice in the Senate. We combine the two committees. Yes. Good point. We work on the same things Yeah. All the time. Yeah.
S.B. 86 Firearm Safe Harbor Amendments · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 27, 2026
Presents SB 86, which would make records of firearms held by law enforcement under the safe harbor program not public and would have the anonymized data collected and compiled by CCJJ, and says he asked law enforcement to help explain the program.
▶ Watch at 51:09Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that. I apologize that I missed last week's hearing. I was, I was next door, uh, presenting a bill, so, yeah, no worries. Sorry about that. You bet. Well, I appreciate the opportunity. Thanks again for the chair and for the members of this committee. Um, fire Safe, safe Harbor Amendments. We, we have been, we've had a, uh, working group for I think a couple years now, working on what we can do to expand. I think it's a great program where individuals who are having, um, you know, maybe, you know, mental health crisis or haven't felt well, uh, mentally can take their firearms to a local, uh, law enforcement agency. And …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Asks staff to join him at the table and distributes handouts listing the audit recommendations and his talking points on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:32:15Read what they said
Excellent. Sounds good. Thank you. Oh, oh, sorry. Let me turn on your mic. Ben Dodge and Jim Russell and Andy Mark, come on up to the, if you might have, bring one chair up, if that's okay. If you wanna share a chair, uh, that might get awkward. Um, also, Madam Chair, I, I've got a handout, uh, first of all with the list of audit recommendations and secondly, with my talking points, this is quite a, uh, a complicated bill. And so if I, if it's okay, I'd like to hand it out to all the committee members.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Walks through the audit recommendations and the bill's provisions on DFCM oversight, fees, permitting, inspections, cost matrices, delivery methods, reporting, and appeals.
▶ Watch at 1:33:12Read what they said
Yeah, ma Madam Chair, if I could, I'd like to first start off, as many of us who are in the interim committee knows, they, they came and presented this public schools construction standards and efficiency audit to the interim committee. I believe it was probably in May or June. And, um, I just wanted to go through the recommendations from the audit. Um, recommendation 1.1, the Utah State Board of Education should develop sufficient internal controls to functionally verify and enforce compliance with its pre-construction and inspection verification requirements. The second requirement, Utah State recommendation, sorry, the second, uh, the second Utah State Board of Education should develop or procure an online document management system or portal to maintain …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Describes stakeholder meetings and changes to the bill, then the duties of LEAs, the State Board, charter schools, and the implementation timeline, and introduces the presenters.
▶ Watch at 1:48:26Read what they said
Last way. We have had a number of meetings. Um, we have had feedback from the, um, uh, from, or the, uh, superintendents and also the local S Association on, on, uh, you know, some different things. We, we've changed, uh, some of the language. So the responsibilities of a local LEAs submit pre-construction applications to DFCM before beginning any public school construction project, demonstrating that the project fits within the cost matrix established by DFCM rule before approving any construction contract over a million dollars. Submit costs for benchmark review, justify costs exceeding benchmarks by more than 10%, and follow standardized procurement procedures. Final DFCM approval is required before the contract can be executed. Obtain construction permits exclusively from …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Responds that the fee is a ceiling and is consistent with current project oversight for state agencies and higher education.
▶ Watch at 2:11:52Read what they said
I think that represents a ceiling, and it's, and it's congruent right now with what we're doing with state agencies and higher education for project management oversight.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Says districts would not have to lay off facilities staff and that the added resources are meant to help them and keep buildings safe.
▶ Watch at 2:12:21Read what they said
Uh, no, I'm not expecting them to lay off any of their facilities. I, this is just, uh, you know, added resources to try and help them well, and, and also trying to share. But they're, they're not gonna go in and tell them which plans or how to build or what. They're going to give them suggestions and ideas and, uh, with materials, making sure they're, um, they're, they're, the, the building is safe.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Says the bill is meant to help districts with materials and design choices, not to dictate which schools or contractors they use.
▶ Watch at 2:17:26Read what they said
Um, this is only trying to help, uh, with the process. I don't think we're gonna try and tell them what kind of schools they have to build. Not gonna tell 'em which construction companies they need to use. They're just there to try and help. Um, with, with helping them know which materials, which designs, they might be able to save money, I would think that would help the bonding system if the, if the, uh, citizens knew that they had an oversight to make sure that costs are controlled.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 26, 2026
Says there is work to do with stakeholders, mentions a planned DFCM audit by the same auditors, and commits to continuing to work on the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:51:25Read what they said
I appreciate that, Mr. Chair. Thank you. We obviously got, uh, our work cut out for us. Uh, you know, we're, we're taking, you know, the audit recommendations. We're taking, uh, input from Utah State Board of Education. We're trying to relieve them of, of some responsibilities. Um, we're gonna meet with them, obviously on, on Thursday. We meet with the board. Um, like I said, I, I think it's a, a problem we need to address. Um, but we obviously, uh, have a lot of work to do, which I'm willing to do. Um, I just want to, as many of the, uh, uh, eight construction and, uh, there is work to be done. I think there's some areas …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Presents Senate Bill 134 and cites court caseload data, appellate court growth since statehood, and planned added judges and staff.
▶ Watch at 12:26Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Appreciate that. Uh, we had, uh, some robust discussion on Friday. I hope everybody had a great weekend. Uh, I'm sure many of you probably received communications about this bill. I'd just like to go over some of the stat, uh, this data and the, uh, I guess I could, uh, call it evidence, uh, why this bill is a, a proper, uh, way of us bringing resources, uh, system-wide, uh, to the Juab, uh, to the judiciary. Uh, again, if I re again mentioned that in 1896 during state hood, we had three Supreme Court Justices with 276,000 people. In 1917, we added two more for five, we had 444,000 people. It's been 108 years, …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Responds that appellate filings have risen and that faster case resolution should be a high priority.
▶ Watch at 21:55Read what they said
Yes. Thank you. I I appreciate that question. Uh, Mr. President, uh, as we know, the, the cases from the district court that are appealed go to the Court of Appeals. Last year, the Court of Appeals had 1,143 filings. And of course, the Court of Appeals then funnels up to the Supreme Court. Last year, the Supreme Court had 270 filings, and they had 58 rulings. It's obviously, in my opinion, as these cases increase at the district level, they move up to the Court of appeals and some move up to the Supreme Court. I think it's important that our citizens, uh, that we are able to get to their cases in as, as fast a manner. There's …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Says the bill provides system-wide resources and cites Supreme Court ruling averages and the role of law clerks.
▶ Watch at 25:07Read what they said
Yeah. Thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate the question. Um, I, I, I think we are supporting with, again, system-wide resources. As, as I look here, Mr. President, the Utah Supreme Court over the last decade has averaged 61 rulings a year. Over the last 20 years. They've averaged 72 rulings. There's no question that the Supreme Court, Supreme Court needs resources to get those numbers. They were 58 last year. Previously they were 72 average over 20 years. And that's 14 cases that, that, in my opinion, these extra resources will help in deciding with decisions. These extra law clerks will help with, um, uh, you know, precedents. They'll do research not only in the appellate court, but also …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Says he is not an attorney but has been told some appeals have waited three to three and a half years to be heard.
▶ Watch at 26:53Read what they said
Senator Wilson? Uh, I'm, I'm not an attorney, uh, Mr. President, looking at the overall volume, I believe they do need help. Uh, looking at some cases, I've been told from my attorney friends, there are some cases that have been, uh, for three, three and a half years waiting to be heard. Uh, I think it's obvious in my opinion that the Utah Supreme Court needs additional resources.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Summarizes the debate, quotes Governor Cox on wait times, and requests a call of the Senate.
▶ Watch at 33:28Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. I, I think in summing, obviously we've had a great discussion. We've talked about personal opinions, um, that said, we don't need extra resources in the court appeals, or at least be the Supreme Court. Let me quote the, uh, the Governor Cox. He says, when I was interviewing justices for the Supreme Court, almost every one of them said they were worried about the wait times for decisions coming out and felt that we needed more support, both at the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. Their opinions mattered. Their concern. Mr. President, I'd like to ask for a call of the Senate,
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Moves that the bill pass.
▶ Watch at 34:54Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. I, I move that second substitute Senate Bill 1 34 pass.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
Presents S.B. 134 as sponsor, citing judiciary caseload data, the bill's added justices, clerks, and district judges, and Governor Cox's support for more court resources.
▶ Watch at 33:14Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, just a little bit of history. Uh, when the, when the Utah became a state in 1896, there was roughly 276,000 people, and we at that time had three Supreme Court justices. It was, uh, roughly 20 something years later in 1917 when the population of the state of Utah, uh, ballooned, I guess, to 444, roughly just under 500,000 people. Uh, they saw a need to increase the Supreme Court to five. Uh, in 1987 when the current court of appeals was created, uh, there was 1.7 million people. And at that appellate court had seven justices, President, um, I'd like to read this morning, we all received a Utah Judiciary annual report. And …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
Responds that the bill provides system-wide resources to both the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, as the judiciary has requested.
▶ Watch at 41:36Read what they said
Uh, thank you, Mr. President. I think it's obvious using the judiciaries, um, their own words when they say with the expansion and needed in both the Appellate Court and the Supreme Court, I believe this bill will give system system-wide resources. And I think that's exactly what they need.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
Explains that the substitute lets the governor's office and the judiciary fill Supreme Court vacancies before the appellate court vacancies.
▶ Watch at 44:25Read what they said
I do. Mr. President, Go ahead. Go ahead. Thank You. Uh, yeah, this, and here again, I was approached by, uh, cabinet members in the governor's office and also CCJJ. They, they wanted to be able to have a code that they would be able to, um, fulfill the Supreme Court justices before turning to the appellate court. They thought that was a better, uh, process. And, uh, so this is their language that they came up with that allows them to, to fill the Supreme Court justices first, especially as we know that they may come from the appellate court, uh, and then, uh, they can, uh, move to the appellate court. They also mentioned that this is probably …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
Says he does not recall discussing the effective date and that the timing was agreed on with stakeholders.
▶ Watch at 48:01Read what they said
Senator Wilson, uh, Mr. President. I don't remember a discussion about the implications of the dates, but this is just what we had decided on with, with a number of stakeholders.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
In summation, distinguishes the federal court expansion debate, cites Chief Justice Durant and the judiciary's annual report on record appellate filings, and says the selection process is unchanged.
▶ Watch at 1:03:16Read what they said
Uh, thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate, uh, the, uh, all the input. If, if I may, Mr. President, in my summation, I'd like to, uh, direct some comments, uh, to my good, good colleague from Cedar City on the situation with the Federal Supreme Court. It's my understanding at that time with they've had nine justices, and I believe there were some people concerned. They felt like there were six, uh, conservative judges and three less conservative judges. And at that time, I remember it was that they were, uh, looking at adding at least four, uh, Supreme Court justices on a, in a clear attempt to overcome the conservative majority. So that was a completely different situation. If …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 4) · Jan 23, 2026
Moves that second substitute S.B. 134 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:06:12Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, a motion that second substitute Senate bill 1 34. Be read a third time. Thank you. And the question is, shall second substitute Senate Bill 1 34?
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Presented SB 91, which would raise the vehicle registration fee and fund a state-run DMV office in Cache County's neighbor Cash County while reimbursing county-run DMV offices differently.
▶ Watch at 3:51Read what they said
Go ahead. Thank you, Mr. Chair, Is this on? Yes, it is. Okay, thank you. I appreciate that. Sorry, it's a little bit late as you know how that is. You get caught in the hallways. Uh, this bill must be 91. This is the exact same bill that I brought up a year ago, passed this committee, passed the Senate unanimity, got over to the house, passed unanimity in the transportation committee in the house, and then got circled and on the, uh, board and did not, uh, pass, uh, basically in this a little bit of complication. We talked a little bit about this, uh, during interim, and I appreciate the good, the good, uh, uh, chair Harper …
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Said the distribution language is mostly current code and that the bill includes some new language.
▶ Watch at 14:31Read what they said
Last Yeah, most of that is just current code in, in, in the, in the bill. I'll have to look at it, see, but most of it is all current, current code one 50. I don't remember them distributing the funds after they collected them.
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Said the bill's line is new code.
▶ Watch at 14:52Read what they said
That's what I, that is, that is obviously it's our line is new code, so yeah, Sorry. Okay.
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Said the distribution code is the same as in the previous version, with the year possibly to be updated.
▶ Watch at 15:05Read what they said
This is all the same code as we had. I'm sure we should probably change the year because here later, but it should be all the same.
S.B. 91 Motor Vehicle Registration Services Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Gave closing remarks, saying the fee increase is the best way to fund county-run DMV offices without taking funds from transportation or the main-county DMV offices, and asked for support.
▶ Watch at 18:41Read what they said
Appreciate it, Mr. Chair. Yeah, I, we've been literally looking at this, or I think it's been three years, at least two and a half years. We look at this trying to, trying to solve this problem. And I really believe, I don't like raising fees. It's, it, it, it is not easy, but I think it's the easiest and best solution to try and give the resources to these county run DMV offices without taking funds away from the transportation department and also without taking fees away from our current DMV offices, uh, in, in the, in the main five big counties. So, uh, I appreciate your support.
S.B. 161 Evaluations in Guardianship Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Sen. Wilson thanks the chair and says he is ready to present a bill.
▶ Watch at 1:08:35Read what they said
Rumor has it, but yes, I would like to thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the opportunity and, um, Well, let me call that. So we're, yes, we're doing it right. So we'll next go to Senate Bill 1 34,
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Wilson presented the bill to add two Utah Supreme Court justices and two Court of Appeals judges, citing population growth, rising caseloads, other states' court sizes and the Supreme Court's declining number of rulings.
▶ Watch at 1:08:51Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Appreciate that. Um, we, we, and, and the Senate has been, have been looking at for a number of years of expanding and trying to help our court system. We know that Utah, um, is, has been the fastest growing state, probably over the last, maybe a little over a decade. And we know that that has caused a caseload increase for our judicial, uh, Juab, for our judiciary. We also understand that complex cases, um, that have also, uh, getting more and more complex as they go. Mr. Chair, I'm gonna give you a little bit of a background, a little bit of a history. I, I'm kind of a history buff. So let me …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Wilson said judges added since 1987 total 26 if the bill passes, noted the national average of 12 appellate judges versus Utah's seven, and said it is time to increase court resources.
▶ Watch at 1:14:27Read what they said
Okay. Um, 'cause some of my notes we're going to, to, um, uh, talk about with, with the, uh, the possible substitute and the amendment. Basically what, what, what our total number of judges added since 1987, if this bill passes, uh, would increase by 26 judges that have been increased since 1987. Uh, so I think there, there has been resources that have gone toward the district level. Uh, I, I definitely agree that there's more resources that need to be added. Uh, both sy for the Systemwide resources as our backlog, uh, has continues. I think we owe it to our citizens to make sure that their cases are heard, uh, as quickly as possible. There's nothing like, …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Wilson described the fiscal note of about $4.5 million, including law clerks, staff, and courtroom construction and modifications.
▶ Watch at 1:17:21Read what they said
And I apologize, Mr. Chair, if I can go back. Yeah, please. I should mention that. 'cause you did bring up a great point here on the, uh, on the physical note. Um, the physical note, of course, with each judge, you also, uh, inc include, include two law clerks per judge. So that would be four law clerks, uh, on the appellate court, four on the Supreme Court, along with, um, staff. There's, there's expenses for it, and there's also going to be a general fund for construction of new chambers and modifications to the bench. So, um, and in this, this, it's a four and a half million dollar physical note, currently ongoing of 2.8, one time of …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Wilson said each appellate judge and justice gets two law clerks plus judicial assistants, district judges share a clerk pool, and restated the fiscal note figures.
▶ Watch at 1:24:30Read what they said
there's two law clerks per justice, per Appellate court justice. Well, and also, uh, the Supreme Court, they also has two. So with the two justices in the appellate court, there will be four law clerks added. And with the two in the, the, uh, both the Supreme Court and the appellate court, they have four law clerks along with, uh, judicial assistance, um, with those. And then on the district court level, what, what we're funding is like a court clerk and like a more of a secretarial position. But then they, it's my understanding and I can anybody who's, uh, more knowledgeable, they usually share a pool of clerks among, they don't get the district court judges don't …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Wilson said he was not familiar with the Nevada model but agreed to continue the conversation.
▶ Watch at 1:29:45Read what they said
Okay. Thank you. Well, I appreciate that, Senator Musselman, I think that any of these types of, of, uh, ways that we can to increase court, um, proficiency is, is, is what we need to look at. I think we need to continue a conversation with you and I, you're right, I'm, I don't, I'm not aware of the Nevada, uh, it sounds like it's more like an appellate court, uh, way of city where they have three sitting judges, which we do in the appellate court. So, but I, I appreciate, uh, looking into that and I, I think it's something we need to continue to discuss. I I appreciate your, at least your consideration.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Wilson said he spoke with an appellate judge and the Chief Justice about case complexity and caseload increases.
▶ Watch at 1:32:51Read what they said
Yeah, well, uh, without, um, maybe a confidentiality problem, but I have talked to an appellate court judge who did talk to me about the court, the, the case complexity and the increase of number of cases in the appellate court. So I I, it was a, I'm sure it was a confidential, I don't know if I'm, should, should tell what you know, which, which appellate court judge called me and actually thanked me for the bill and did talk about the case caseload. And also, um, uh, I, I, I have visited, uh, the first district court up in Logan, uh, and actually had conversations with chief, uh, uh, with, with the Chief Justice, uh, Durant up in …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Wilson said not to his knowledge, but conversations with judges and attorneys convinced him system-wide resources are needed for future caseloads.
▶ Watch at 1:34:02Read what they said
Um, uh, not that I know of. I've had conversations with Mr. Drexel on different things on, but, uh, other than conversations with the good Senator Weiler and, and Senator Brammer about, uh, the district judges and, and the caseload, I'm not an attorney. And so I'm not in the, the, the, uh, courts. But I think with the conversations I've had with the Chief Justice and the Appellate court and other attorneys, uh, and, and also the district judges in in district one, um, it's obvious that, um, in my opinion, uh, you know, we, we definitely need, uh, system-wide resources increased. Appreciate that. And I think I've used this before also. I, I, I've become a, a huge …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Wilson cited the Supreme Court's low ruling counts, explained how more justices could free more to write opinions, and said the bill is an attempt to support the judiciary alongside added district judges.
▶ Watch at 1:36:05Read what they said
Uh, and I appreciate that, Mr. Chair, if I can. Yes, please. Um, you know, I, I, um, I have not been involved with the previous years. Uh, I know that, uh, from what, uh, the good chair told me is that for a number of years, Senator Hilliard, uh, would always present a bill every year. And I think Senator Weiler has continued that of what their wants are. Um, I, um, understand, or the chief justice is how he believes that, um, uh, they don't need any more help, but it's obvious, looking at the caseload, they only had 27 rulings in 20 23, 47. In 20 24, 58. In 2025, as I mentioned, 52 of those were …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Wilson said there were 270 filings and 58 rulings last year, indicating a backlog, but he lacked data for earlier years.
▶ Watch at 1:39:10Read what they said
I don't, other than last year, again, there were 270 rulings, uh, or not rulings cases filed with the Utah Supreme Court, and there were 58, uh, rulings. So whatever happened to the others, to me that that's a back load. And I, I get, and, and, and I have no animosity. I do appreciate the Chief Justice, uh, Dre, I appreciate him talking with me back in December. Um, but to me it's obvious there's a backlog somewhere there for that many filings, and they can continue to increase with that many rulings. Um, I do not know how many filings there were in 20 23, 24, 25. I'm just looking at where it is right now.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Wilson said court administrators could provide that information.
▶ Watch at 1:40:33Read what they said
If I can, Mr. Chair, Yes, Please. Uh, I know that, uh, we have administrators from the court and we will, hopefully they're here and, and they can provide us that information. And I, I agree. That would be interesting to see.
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Wilson closed by saying the bill is an honorable attempt to add system-wide resources and bring Utah's Supreme Court in line with similarly sized states.
▶ Watch at 2:25:04Read what they said
I appreciate it, Mr. Chair. And I know the time is, you guys have got a lot of time, uh, ahead of you on on, on your last, uh, bill. Uh, let me just, uh, sound by saying this is a, this I think is a better honorable attempt to try and get system-wide resources. And when you look at, uh, 35 states that either have seven or nine justices, they're obviously functioning properly. Um, and I think it's time after what around 108, nine years that it is time to bring our, our, uh, state supreme Court up to the same level as other states that are the same size. Uh, let me, let me just also mention is …
S.B. 119 School and Classroom Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend SB 119 to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:48:22Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Are we ready for a motion? If that's okay, Mr. Chair? Yep, that's fine. Uh, motion that we favorably recommend SB one 19 to the full body of the Senate.
S.B. 75 Educator Salary Adjustment Eligibility · Senate Education Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Moves to amend SB 75 with Amendment 1.
▶ Watch at 1:57:37Read what they said
Go ahead. Oh, yeah, yeah. That'd Senator Vickers Be great. Thank you. Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, yeah, I move that we, uh, and I can't see it in front of me, but the amendment number one, I assume under, uh, Senator Musselman's name. Uh, just a motion.
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.