Legislators / Ronald M. Winterton
Ronald M. Winterton
Republican · Senate District 20
Hear from them directly
Contact Sen. Ronald M. Winterton
- Email: rwinterton@le.utah.gov
- Phone: 435-299-8531
- Office: P.O.Box 523, Roosevelt, ut, 84066
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Watch or join a meeting
Every committee hearing and floor session is open to the public and streamed live on le.utah.gov. Each committee's agenda has the link to watch or join online, and how to sign up for public comment.
Ronald M. Winterton serves on:
- Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee
- Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee
- Government Operations Interim Committee
- Transportation Interim Committee
- Federalism Commission
- Senate Government Operations Confirmation Committee
- Native American Legislative Liaison Committee
- Senate Political Subdivisions Confirmation Committee
- Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Confirmation Committee
- Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee
- Senate Rules Committee
- Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee
What they've said
198 remarks on 66 billsS.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Winterton explained that after the bill was heard in the House committee, a substitute was made to add a definition, the House adopted it, and the Senate is now concurring with that substitute.
▶ Watch at 34:38Read what they said
Sure. Uh, when I presented to the house standing committee on this, after that, uh, I indicated there might be changes. There was another party that wanted to change or add a definition in, in that. So we made a substitute and they adopted over there. That's what we're doing. Here is concurring with that substitute.
H.B. 265 Non-nicotine Inhalation Product Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Introduces the fourth substitute H.B. 360 as a bill brought forward from interim government operations work, which centralizes election notices, aligns candidate filing periods, and converts deadlines to business days.
▶ Watch at 1:25:02Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This bill is a reification bill, uh, of it was brought to the government, uh, operations from the Lieutenant Governor's office during interim. So basically, I'll just give you the highlights. It centralizes, uh, election notices, aligns candidate filing periods, converts deadlines to business days, ballot nutrition, uh, neutrality in which,
H.B. 361 Elections Provisions Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Presents H.B. 361, covering ballot name and envelope provisions, county commission election clarifications, voter roll and election material instructions, and Great Seal duties, and opens the floor for questions.
▶ Watch at 1:25:25Read what they said
to business days, ballot nutrition, uh, neutrality in which, uh, the county clerks won't have their names on the ballots anymore. On the return envelopes, it clarifies county commission elections, uh, which race they're actually in, uh, special district, uh, alignments when their elections are take are taking place. And then the voter roll and election material clarification. It gives the county clerks, uh, their instructions. And then in the last thing that it does is the Great Seal regulation, uh, on the duties of, of who handles that. And with that, I'm open for suggestion or Questions. Thank you. Uh, looking for questions, discussions.
H.B. 457 County Governance Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Presents H.B. 457 as a condensed fifth substitute that lets unincorporated islands in second class counties be annexed by municipalities, with exemption authority that depends on county population and removes the planning requirement.
▶ Watch at 1:52:53Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This is on the fifth sub and so this bill is very condensed in what it started out to be. Um, the key provisions on this, uh, bill, it defines the eligibility of unincorporated lands in, in a lot of our populated counties, we have a lot of unincorporated areas that are participating or having municipal services. And so this bill is to give them the ability to annex those in. Um, there's, they have to be 55 acres or smaller. They're surrounded by a single municipality and they are local located in a second class county. So this bill only addresses second class counties. I received a lot of emails and other counties don't want …
H.B. 457 County Governance Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Moves under suspension of the rules that the fifth substitute of H.B. 457 pass.
▶ Watch at 1:54:49Read what they said
Okay. Under suspension of the rules, I am motion to fifth house Bill 4 57 pass.
H.B. 3 Appropriations Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Praises Senator Stevenson as a mentor and says he will miss him, recalling his work on state programs.
▶ Watch at 2:04:48Read what they said
Yeah. Senator Stevenson has been a really great mentor. Uh, he's always got a story or a joke and, uh, that's probably the one thing I'll miss, but I remember a plane ride back from Moab one night. We all went down there and, uh, he educated me and he, he had this little twinkle in his eyes. He says, don't worry about it, I get the picture. And I appreciate that because he's looked after some of the special needs of the state and because of that, that, uh, long side or foresight that he saw that we have a lot of programs that are very successful because he's looked after him. So I will miss him. But, uh, …
H.B. 510 Municipal Incorporation Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Supports the bill, saying it moves in the right direction and that the House sponsor worked hard on it.
▶ Watch at 3:23:49Read what they said
Yes. I appreciate the, the sponsor of this bill in the house. They've worked hard and, and in my district, I have two counties that this would be very good. We always hear that we keep taking power away from the locals and trying to do their work for them. And this bill is headed in the right direction and she's worked long and hard and I think it's a good start on where we need to be with this.
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Explains that the bill clarifies that out-of-state sex offenders on probation or parole who transfer to Utah must be on the Utah sex offender registry, and says stakeholders support it.
▶ Watch at 2:07:16Read what they said
Bill. It clarifies that an out if an OUTTA state offender on probation or parole transfers to Utah, they're required to be on Utah sex offender registry. As some have interpreted the current statute differently, allowing some sex offenders to stay off the registry. So this bill helps with the need for public safety and compliance. There's no physical note to it. It's not a new program. Um, c JJs the sentencing Commission Interstate Compact Commission and swap all approve and, uh, support this bill.
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Responds on the motion to substitute; the captions for this part are partly unclear. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:08:36Read what they said
Yes, I'm Amina Wolf. To to that it seems like it, it's only appropriate that we Thank you. Make sure. Thank you. Thank you. We're looking
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Waives summation and calls for the question on the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:09:23Read what they said
I'm going to go to you summation in a motion. I'll waive summation and call the question.
H.B. 445 County Government Land Purchasing · Senate floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Asks whether a county entity that buys property in another county is still subject to taxes.
▶ Watch at 2:42:39Read what they said
I appreciate this bill, but let me ask you a question. I think you addressed it. I heard you say that they would a county entity that purchases in another county is still subject to taxes, correct?
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 209, which sets criteria for voter identification using driver licenses, ID cards, and tribal ID cards, and says it is separate from the federal registration process.
▶ Watch at 1:03:37Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tem. Uh, this was one of the three, uh, election bills that we had about the first week of the session. Senator Mikel had one and this is, uh, a chunk that he took outta his and we ran it on this bill. It identifies and sets up the criteria for what voter ID is. It's nothing different than what we've already had in that we explained that a driver's license, um, identification cards, uh, tribal identification cards and that these are all ways that you can I, uh, show your identity to register to vote. A lot of people's got this mixed up with the federal, uh, registration process, which is, uh, more, um, …
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Offers an amendment to correct a missing word that the drafting attorney identified, and moves to adopt it.
▶ Watch at 1:04:54Read what they said
I have an amendment, yes. The drafting attorney came to me afterwards and said in his haste, he forgot to put a word in so he went and made that amendment. So I'd like to move the first amendment or amendment to in my name.
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves that third substitute H.B. 209 pass.
▶ Watch at 1:05:34Read what they said
for summation or a motion? I would motion that Third sub substitute house bill 2 0 9 pass. And the reque.
H.B. 158 Unlawful Tracking Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether the bill covers a cell phone.
▶ Watch at 2:27:36Read what they said
As you read off those, my mind goes to tracking devices. Does this include a cell phone?
S.B. 78 Property Tax Relief Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether deferred property tax amounts accrue interest each year or remain a fixed amount.
▶ Watch at 2:49:06Read what they said
I'd like to go back and address the deferral program there. If they defer that, is their interest tacked onto that each year or does it just the set amount?
H.B. 32 Signature Gathering and Verification Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents the substitute bill, describing its provisions on the elections office, signature notices, petitioner packets, and how signature gatherers are paid, and says he is open to questions.
▶ Watch at 3:56:11Read what they said
President, uh, this, uh, substitute bill on on three. We, we studied this item last year in, in interim, and then the good representative took it on his assignment and he's refined it and worked with them. And it addresses, uh, the state elections office and it, it orders 'em to maintain an online course for signature gathers, notifies the signers and of the signature status by email or text. It creates a condensed petitioner packet with clear summarizations of initiatives and referendums that clarifies the certification, the spoiling, the retentions of signatures. Um, it goes down, one of the refinements of the bill is that the bill refines the current code and specifies how signature gathers are to be …
H.B. 32 Signature Gathering and Verification Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says the hourly payment rule applies to initiative and referendum signatures, while candidate signatures may be paid in other ways.
▶ Watch at 3:58:12Read what they said
No, that's just for them. It does talk about, uh, the other ones for signatures for candidates so they could be paid otherwise and hourly.
H.B. 361 Elections Provisions Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Floor sponsor says concerns from the elections office and a citizen were resolved through discussion, defends delegating rulemaking authority subject to legislative review, and notes a county's packet delivery schedule would benefit from the change.
▶ Watch at 1:05:14Read what they said
Thank you. I just wanted to highlight too that there may not not have been any objections right now, but I did have a meeting with members from the office, the elections office, and with some, a concerned citizen. And it really just took some explanation and then they understood that their misperceptions, uh, that we weren't trying to do some of the things they thought we were trying to do. So I think it's really important when there's differences to be able to have those, those questions answered. I also wanted to speak to the rulemaking authority. Some people don't understand that we have a rulemaking authority that we pass on. We are part-time legislature. And the other part …
H.B. 411 Human Trafficking Hotline Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Questions why the bill is needed and says its language is weak, noting the Attorney General already has authority to act and suggesting stronger wording.
▶ Watch at 56:47Read what they said
Yeah, I I appreciate those that have shared their testimony with us. And I know that this is a real problem. I look at this bill and I'm questioning, it seems to me like this bill is soft pedaling the issue at hand. Um, really doesn't have teeth in it. And I'm wondering why do we need it? Because we're talking the attorney general May, and so we're just soft pedaling it. I have a problem with that. If legislation is gonna give us direction in that, we should have more assertive language here because he can do that already. He can send a letter if this is in his wheelhouse, to prosecute and chase them. Help me with this …
H.B. 411 Human Trafficking Hotline Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Says he would prefer stronger language that requires action rather than permitting it.
▶ Watch at 58:55Read what they said
Yeah, I just see it different. 'cause we're not commanding it all. We're just saying may, if it's convenient, you may do this. I would much rather see it stronger.
H.B. 411 Human Trafficking Hotline Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moves to recommend the bill to the Senate floor.
▶ Watch at 1:07:32Read what they said
I think this is a really important thing and uh, I would make the motion that we recommend this to the Senate floor.
H.B. 464 Parent Taught Driver Education Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said that from his experience as a commercial driving trainer and tester, parents may overlook habits that a professional would catch, and he is not yet comfortable with the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:21:24Read what they said
You know, I've been all over on this one. I have grandkids that are of age and one's coming 15 next week and I ask them about it and it all sounds fun and good and that, but from my professional life, I do commercial driving training or teaching testing. Not the, I can't, I can't teach 'em and test them. And as I look at it and the one individuals that I test have had a license for a long time are trying to requalify for it or get it back. And those are the individuals I really have the hardest time with because they have very poor habits. Now I differ from the state examiners in perspective having …
H.B. 464 Parent Taught Driver Education Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Said he understands the goal, notes rural schools in his area lack local options, and is still not comfortable with the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:23:57Read what they said
Yeah, well I have grandkids in that situation. I have three rural schools that have this situation. They have to go somewhere else to find it. So I think I understand what you're trying to accomplish here. I'm just not comfortable with it yet.
H.B. 566 Health Care Transparency Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Says he likes the bill and understands its purpose, and asks whether it is an audit of DHHS or a request for transparency and tracking.
▶ Watch at 1:49:59Read what they said
Yeah, I like the bill and I understand what you're trying to do. I'm learning here because I didn't know the division of Integrated Healthcare was a division or part of it. So are we having a, let's just say a child, uh, go back to the parent and say, we're gonna audit you or set up this and you're gonna comply. Is that what we're doing? Because, No, I do not believe so. I don't know where that, is that on? Oh, that's on the front. It it's on the line. A that Okay. Just on the highlighted, you know, I'm starting to see, what am I reading about? That's one of those things. And it just raised that …
H.B. 549 Energy Efficiency Rebate Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend first substitute H.B. 549.
▶ Watch at 2:13:02Read what they said
I, I would make a motion that we favorably recommend first substitute house bill 5 49
S.B. 97 Tax Revenue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Asks whether the amendment would encourage or discourage home ownership and requests an explanation from the sponsor.
▶ Watch at 1:31:59Read what they said
to amend Senator Winterton. Yeah, I'm, I'm slowing down in my thinking right now, and I I'm trying to follow this discussion to the point where if we go with the amendment, does this encourage or discourage ownership? If there's no advantage to owning your own home, then we haven't solved our housing problem at all. If we have something that encourages home ownership, then we ought to stick with the first, first one. And, and that's how my brain's working tonight. Maybe I'm not seeing this right. Could he address that?
S.B. 97 Tax Revenue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 42) · Mar 3, 2026
Follows up that a higher tax on renters would give people a reason to buy homes to reduce their expenses.
▶ Watch at 1:33:48Read what they said
Yes. If I, if I can follow up because with that mentality, then there's no real reason to encourage people to buy homes because whether they're renting or not, they're gonna get to pay this tax if the tax is higher, it would encourage home ownership because they could reduce their, their expenses by owning their home instead of renting their home. That's where my mentality goes to.
H.B. 498 Utah App Store Accountability Act Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend the second substitute of HB 498.
▶ Watch at 1:00:35Read what they said
I would make a motion that we favorably recommend second sub house bill 4 4 98.
H.B. 444 State Land Access Road Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Questions the purpose of the bill, noting county concerns about closing roads and past disputes over access roads, and asks what the bill is meant to accomplish; later says he can go along with it.
▶ Watch at 1:03:50Read what they said
Yeah, I, uh, I read the bill and I read it a second time and I kept thinking, I'm confused here because most counties don't want to close roads. They protect them for, you know, if, if I own the road all the way through, that should be up to me. Whether I don't want people on it, but I don't know if I ever sell it, somebody else might want to get to the property to the, to the next to me if they ended up buying my property. So I can't understand why we need a bill to tell us that. The owner can change if you want, but then you don't have to be, because my county …
H.B. 444 State Land Access Road Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend HB 444 as a second substitute to the Senate floor.
▶ Watch at 1:07:04Read what they said
Alright, I'll make the motion to favorably recommend second substitute house bill 4 4 4
H.B. 492 Transportation, Infrastructure, and Housing Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Asks who will administer the fund and whether it runs through the housing office or UDOT.
▶ Watch at 1:10:52Read what they said
Sorry I stepped out for just a second. I missed some of your presentation. So apologize. If I'm gonna ask something you've covered, who's gonna administrate or administer this fund? Is it going to the housing or is it under still under udot?
H.B. 492 Transportation, Infrastructure, and Housing Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Asks whether the applying entity must provide matching funds.
▶ Watch at 1:11:46Read what they said
Now that just brings one more you, is there a match? Didn't, aren't you requiring the entity to come up with some of the money for this?
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Presents SB 227 second substitute, saying it bars insuring punitive damages and stops insurers from raising premiums based on punitive damage exposure, while keeping punitive damages available in serious cases.
▶ Watch at 1:30:36Read what they said
Well, thank you for having me. Uh, this bill is, uh, I've learned a lot on it. I'm not an attorney, so I've been being schooled and we have worked back and forth with, uh, four different parties for the last, what, five weeks. And, uh, I thought we were in a good place. And I had a, a fifth one show up the other night and would like to make some changes. But you're gonna get presented the bill that I passed out of the Senate with and just know that there might be a sub coming for the house if we can come to terms. But right now, the bill that you have in front of you is …
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Says the amendment language is still being drafted, and that the second substitute reflects review by the Attorney General, state risk management, and the Department of Government Operations.
▶ Watch at 1:32:35Read what they said
I just got the language at noon today and still talking to drafting attorney. It's not gonna make any really, it's gonna be another definition of our interpretation probably to go, uh, under number three there at the back of the bill. Uh, the second sub came as a result of having the Attorney general review this and also had the state risk management, uh, Rachel Terry weigh in on this and, and she included some language and Nick Meekum from the Department of Government Ops. So that's where the second sub came to. We got to that point. Uh, we'll see what the language they want. They just wanted to more definitions and I don't know that's gonna change …
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Explains that the bill came from small trucking companies in the Basin that could not find insurance or faced premiums nearly double, and that it targets no particular industry.
▶ Watch at 1:34:14Read what they said
It came as a result of, of, um, out in the basin, we have a lot of trucking companies, and over the last 18 months, most of the smaller trucking companies can't find insurance. Can't find somebody to write insurance for. And, and when they did, it was almost double what they were accustomed to. And, and so it was kind of, how do we prevent that? And then they were talking about the punitive damages are, are being assessed. They wanted that touch, but I've learned that, no, I'm not gonna touch that. And, and if this can drive the insurance companies that they can't raise rates because of maybe the risk or your safety rating, something like that. …
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Says about eight states have this law and that it has helped their residents.
▶ Watch at 1:35:29Read what they said
It has. Uh, I didn't bring that with me. I think there's eight states that have this right now, and it has helped their residents.
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Says no amendment is needed now, though further changes from drafting may come on the floor.
▶ Watch at 1:37:05Read what they said
No. Uh, you be on the floor. You guys will probably see, see it, but I, I don't, like I say, I don't know what it's gonna be for sure.
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Says the sponsor will keep working on the amendment and expects Representative Jack to carry the bill in the House.
▶ Watch at 1:38:32Read what they said
Yeah. We'll, we'll push it. I think I have Representative Jack that will have this in the house, so it'll be in his name if we get it done.
H.B. 118 Driver Training Schools for Commercial Driver License Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moves to adopt the second substitute for H.B. 118.
▶ Watch at 40:11Read what they said
Great. So we'll go to Senator Winterton. Then I would Make the motion that we adopt the second substitute on house bill one 18.
H.B. 118 Driver Training Schools for Commercial Driver License Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Says the first substitute may go beyond the state's role because the testing program is federal, and discourages support for it.
▶ Watch at 41:42Read what they said
I appreciate what the, uh, the sponsor of the first sub is trying to do, but I feel like that maybe we're stepping outta lines because this is a federal program and to dictate what the feds are asking us for, I don't think that's in our wheelhouse. And, and so I would, um, discourage support of the second or the first sub.
H.B. 118 Driver Training Schools for Commercial Driver License Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Says the state's driver license division is strong, that third-party testers can test out-of-state permit holders under the federal program, and that the state does not issue permits to people who cannot test in English; the problem lies with schools taking students' money.
▶ Watch at 48:31Read what they said
Senator Winterton, before we go to the public, I appreciate the sponsor and, and her, her efforts on this. Um, I do want, I think it's important that the state and the citizens and the state recognize that our, uh, driver's license division is top notch. And, and the publicity that we've got nationally on, on the problems is not a state problem. From my point of view, we've adopted some of this or inherited it from other states. Mm-hmm. Uh, because of the federal, uh, program, a third party tester can test anybody that has got a learner's permit, whether that's outta California, Nevada. Yep. Colorado. A and, and so if we're gonna take a bagger app, I know …
H.B. 118 Driver Training Schools for Commercial Driver License Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the second substitute for H.B. 118.
▶ Watch at 52:39Read what they said
I would, uh, motion to favorably recommend second substitute house bill one 18 Discussion. That motion.
H.B. 336 Recovery Operations Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Said the bill is a good start, citing unpaid volunteer fire and rural county costs, and said more work is needed on insurance coverage for recovery.
▶ Watch at 1:13:34Read what they said
Yeah, I appreciate the testimonies. Um, I think that this is an issue that, this is a good start, but we got a long ways to go because I know in a former life and having be been responsible for emergency services, when we would send out a volunteer fire department for, for a Jaws of life or something, mo on the highways, we found that they were not getting paid. And the cost to prosecute or to try to chase down the insurers, yeah, you have automobile insurance, but it doesn't cover this or that. And so I know for the small rural, uh, counties that have to, to absorb this, this is a start. So I'm saying we …
H.B. 276 Artificial Intelligence Modifications · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asks whether the bill covers only images and video and not counterfeit impersonation in audio, such as radio imposters.
▶ Watch at 1:19:20Read what they said
Okay. So you're just talking about images, you're not talking about the counterfeits. Uh, I mean, you listen to radio and you'll hear them have imposters, uh, representing whether it's Donald Trump or, or Arnold Schwartzenegger or something like that. You're not targeting that industry, you're talking about the images itself. Correct?
H.B. 276 Artificial Intelligence Modifications · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asks how the bill would be enforced and how the public would know who enforces it.
▶ Watch at 1:19:58Read what they said
So how do we enforce this? Or who en enforces it? I mean, you get hit every day. So what's the mechanism? How does the public know who's gonna enforce this?
H.B. 276 Artificial Intelligence Modifications · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Says he understands the goal but is unsure whether the state is ready to implement the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:20:46Read what they said
I understand what we're trying to accomplish here. I'm just having a hard time following it to the point that are we ready for it?
H.B. 276 Artificial Intelligence Modifications · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Has reservations about the bill and prefers sending it to interim study, but will support it at this time.
▶ Watch at 1:36:48Read what they said
Yes. Uh, I do have my concerns too, like my colleague there, um, we had a bill go through your Senate sponsor has a bill, kind of like this. And as I read this bill, I thought we already addressed it, but there are different issues and I see that now. So I have some reservations on whether or not it's time to pull the trigger to, to move this. You know, my preference is that we send it to interim and get it right to start with, but I will support it at this time.
H.B. 357 Amendments to Motor Vehicle Data Privacy · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moved to adopt Amendment #1 to the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:46:55Read what they said
Yes, I'd make that a motion to adopt amendment one Discussion representative nun a Aye.
H.B. 357 Amendments to Motor Vehicle Data Privacy · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend the first substitute of HB 357 as amended.
▶ Watch at 1:47:18Read what they said
Um, I would make motion that we favorably recommend first substitute house bill 3 57 as amended
H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moved to replace the bill's text with the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:58:33Read what they said
Now we need to adopt the first sub, right? The first sub. Yeah, that's correct. So I would make a motion that we, uh, delete title and body of the original bill and replace it with first sub.
H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend the first substitute bill.
▶ Watch at 1:58:58Read what they said
I'll make a motion then that, uh, we favorably recommend first substitute house bill 54 Discussion. That motion.
H.B. 324 Utah Marriage Commission Fee Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Moves to encircle third substitute H.B. 32.
▶ Watch at 1:32:57Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President ProAm. I'd like to make a motion to encircle third hou, uh, third substitute house bill. 32.
H.B. 32 Signature Gathering and Verification Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Explains H.B. 32, which requires signature-gathering training, changes how rejected packets and signer notices are handled, and puts existing policies into law.
▶ Watch at 1:33:25Read what they said
Hey, this Bill, uh, was on the interim study list and, uh, the good representative that ended up taking it found out that it was a lot of work. And the bill addresses our, our voting sys, uh, the voting system, the, um, signature gathering. So it's 92 pages long. What was policy is now gonna be law. So it addresses the State Elections Office, uh, orders them to maintain the Lieutenant Governor's online training course. And, uh, the training course will be required to all individuals before they are allowed to gather signatures. Talks about the packets and, um, if they're rejected have, it'll be because the people were not trained to gather the signatures. That's one of the …
H.B. 32 Signature Gathering and Verification Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 37) · Feb 26, 2026
Moves that third substitute H.B. 32 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:34:46Read what they said
A motion is, is a third house, uh, third substitute house Bill 32. Be read a third time. The question is, shall third substitute house bill 32. Be read for
H.B. 174 Sex Characteristic Change Treatment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Asks whether moving the date back another year would let more people enter the program before the cutoff.
▶ Watch at 27:01Read what they said
Senator McKay, will you yield? Yes, Go ahead, Senator Winterton. Okay. Um, it's a pretty simple bill, but, uh, can you tell me, is the year gonna make it a difference if we set this back another year? Or is that leaving the, opening a window for more to still get into the program when we cut it off?
S.B. 176 Landscaping Procurement Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Is not against the bill but worries that acting now uses up leverage the state may need later, so it may be moving too soon.
▶ Watch at 53:37Read what they said
I appreciate the sponsor and her working on this. And as I think about it, I'm not against the bill, but I think some of this is low hanging fruit that we're wanting to, to kind of help with air quality right now. But my concern is, is if if we do this now and they come down harder, what is the low hanging fruit at that time? If we've already given up some of the leverage we had on, on these, uh, things, then we're gonna have to go to the next step, which may be a harder step for us. So that's just what I've been thinking on the bill is that, uh, sometimes maybe we're jumping too …
H.B. 330 Liability Limitations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Explains that the bill sets out circumstances for an affirmative defense against civil action for conduct authorized or required by a government entity, and what does not qualify.
▶ Watch at 1:27:22Read what they said
civil action for conduct omission or condition authorized or required by a government entity. And, uh, it specifies the circumstances in which that affirmative defense can be done, um, filed and then it, and then it also talks about what does not qualify. So it's forward thinking, trying to prevent some of the happenings that's going on throughout the US and, and we want to get ahead of it here in the state of Utah.
H.B. 68 Housing and Community Development Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Asks why the Impact Board needs authority to appoint a hearing examiner, administrative staff, and additional support, noting the funding would come from mineral lease money set aside for communities.
▶ Watch at 1:31:10Read what they said
Uh, line 47 92 begins with the impact board. May Yes. Okay. Okay. Proceed. Could you tell me what the need for that is? The Impact board has been in place for, you know, 30, 40 years now. They've gotten along this far. Is there a need that they, we need to do this now. Senator Fillmore.
H.B. 68 Housing and Community Development Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Notes prior experience with the Impact Board and questions whether the added language is necessary, since the board has not needed it in his recollection and projects are usually not controversial.
▶ Watch at 1:32:05Read what they said
Well, and, and having previously been on that board, the Attorney general assigns an attorney to be there with the board to protect them and that, so outside of that, over the number of years and, you know, let's say it's been about 18 years, I followed them. I don't know that this is necessary. And the only reason I'm questioning it is that okay, the board appoints it in that, but that funding would then come out of the mineral lease money that is set aside to help the communities. So if there's a need for it, I could see that we need to have language, but it, we've, in my recollection, we've never needed it. And it's also …
H.B. 68 Housing and Community Development Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 36) · Feb 25, 2026
Thanks the sponsor, says his concern was for his own review, and says he looks forward to a meeting with Impact Board representatives before the next reading.
▶ Watch at 1:33:42Read what they said
Senator Winterton Now thank you. I appreciate that. It was just a concern that I saw reading the bill, why we're putting extra language in there so I can do my own investigation. Ask him about that. But, uh, I just wondered if you had known. Yeah. And Mr. President. I thank him for that. It's, uh, we've got another reading on this. I hope I can get an eye on two, uh, from him to move this forward in the process and would look forward, uh, to that discussion and to any meeting that we put together with the impact board representatives.
H.B. 381 Electric Mobility Device Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Asked whether the bill covers only paved highways, including state and city roads, and not private roads or dirt roads.
▶ Watch at 1:12:32Read what they said
We're just talking about highways or, or like a, a, b, or C road, right? We're not talking about private roads or on the dirt, correct?
H.B. 381 Electric Mobility Device Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Said his grandchildren have small electric bikes and that he is concerned they may ride onto pavement, and asked how to enforce rules for them.
▶ Watch at 1:12:43Read what they said
Okay. Whether it's a state highway or a city highway, if there's cars riding on the asphalt considered highway, My grandkids, they have small electric bikes. I don't know how fast they go. Is it stamp on there? Tells You that there, there should be. And if they're, if they're riding under the direct supervision of their parents, then that's fine. Or if they're not in the roadway, uh, then, then they are following law today. Okay? If they're out riding in the middle of the road, we want them to wear a helmet and understand the rules. Well, my fear is, I mean, they're just on my property right now, but they get overconfident and think, well, I'm gonna …
H.B. 136 Unlicensed Driver Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Moves to replace HB 136 second substitute with the fourth substitute, and explains the motion is being split into two parts.
▶ Watch at 1:58:49Read what they said
I wouldn't make a motion that, uh, we delete and title and body. Um, I'll bill 1 36, uh, Second sub, the Second sub to fourth sub, and also adopt the, uh, um, house amendment I'll, I'll bifurcate the motion. So the first motion is to delete entitlement body house bill 1 36 second sub and replace it with house bill 1 36 4 sub discussion.
H.B. 136 Unlicensed Driver Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Moves to adopt the amendment and send the fourth substitute of HB 136, as amended, out favorably.
▶ Watch at 1:59:57Read what they said
Okay. I, I would make the motion that we adopt and send out favorably, uh, fourth substitute house bill 1 36 as amended Discussion to that motion.
H.B. 136 Unlicensed Driver Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Says he supports the efforts behind the bill, with some reservations he hopes can be worked through.
▶ Watch at 2:04:10Read what they said
Let me just say, I appreciate your efforts. I know it's not the bill that we all are anticipating, but it is a start fully support the efforts here. Have some reservations, but I think that we'll, we'll be able to work through 'em.
S.B. 218 Constable Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Asks whether the bill means constables currently under county or city contracts would instead hold a statewide license.
▶ Watch at 12:05Read what they said
Senator Cullimore, Listen to your presentation. Um, so we're taking them where they've been contracted with cities or counties and we're gonna put 'em, make 'em a statewide license so that they could go anywhere. Is that the way I understand it, Senator Cullimore
S.B. 218 Constable Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Says there is no further discussion and notes that no fiscal note has been provided for the bill. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 13:16Read what they said
I don't see any further discussion, but again, I don't see a fiscal note either, so yeah, I probably have to do on that. See if you can catch that fiscal note.
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Explains that the bill sets how insurers may factor policyholders' rates, limits punitive damages, and shields employers from liability for employees who acted on their own.
▶ Watch at 15:08Read what they said
It, um, helps tell insurers what they can and can't do when they're, they're factoring in your rates. It limits their unity damages and it also protects the employers, uh, that, uh, to a certain degree they can't be held liable for what their employees do as long as the employees acted on their own. And that's the gist of this Bill. Thank you. Seeing no discussion of the bill, I'm gonna go to you for action.
S.B. 284 Local Land and Water Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 35) · Feb 24, 2026
Asks whether a current project that waits until July 1 would be grandfathered under the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:33:44Read what they said
Okay. Having not read the substitute, can you tell me whether or not a current project would fall under these regulations? Say they wait until July 1st and, and then move forward. Do they get to be grandfathered in or is this gonna be, I thought you were trying to get me. Sorry,
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Says the bill has involved back-and-forth work and moves the second substitute and an amendment.
▶ Watch at 1:44:54Read what they said
and, uh, I started in a space I didn't know anything about, but it's been back and forth. Uh, I need to move, uh, the second substitute and also the amendment.
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Explains that the amendment refers to a code cited by the Division of Government Operations and the state risk manager, who then supported the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:45:33Read what they said
Yes. And that is amendment number one? Yes. What that does is refer us back to a code that the division of, uh, government ops and also our state risk manager wanted in there just to reference. And they were good with the bill after we did that.
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Winterton describes the bill as limiting employer liability for things employees do, requiring proof that the employer knew about it, and says it should be simple to carry out.
▶ Watch at 1:46:15Read what they said
risks when setting policies, uh, and the prices and then it limits the employer or say the bosses or principles, uh, that they can be hit with something, with something that their employees did. So you have to prove that they knew about it and that's the extent of it. It should be one that, uh, be simple enough to, to execute.
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Winterton says he worked with trial lawyers, insurance attorneys, the trucking association, the state risk manager, and the Department of Government Operations on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:47:02Read what they said
Winterton, I Worked with the trial li lawyers to the insurance, uh, attorneys, the insurance, uh, side of it. And then, um, I had the trucking association that was worried about this. I also had the DE State risk manager and the Department of Government ops on it.
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Says he worked with trial lawyers, insurance attorneys, the trucking association, the state risk manager, and the Department of Government Operations on the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:47:03Read what they said
Worked with the trial li lawyers to the insurance, uh, attorneys, the insurance, uh, side of it. And then, um, I had the trucking association that was worried about this. I also had the DE State risk manager and the Department of Government ops on it.
H.B. 330 Liability Limitations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Explains H.B. 330 as protecting energy companies that acted in good faith under government permits from lawsuits over harms from lawful operations, using a coal mine and power plant example.
▶ Watch at 53:18Read what they said
for conduct a mission or condition authorized or required by a governmental entity. And, uh, give an example of this. Uh, when a, when a, let's just say a power company, when they go to the extent of purchasing and getting a, a permit for a coal mine, they, they work with the BLM and the EPA and get those permit, and then they get in mining and then they bring it over to the power plant to generate, burn it and generate electricity. And when they do that, then they're also under other regulations under the EPA, the state, you know, state and the Fed both have their hands in it, uh, and under good faith, they, they operate …
H.B. 330 Liability Limitations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Points to the second substitute's exception for authorizations that a government entity finds were materially violated, and says the defense would not protect founders.
▶ Watch at 55:31Read what they said
Senator Winterton. Yes. And I think that the second sub addressed those issues. Um, uh, down on line 52, it says it does not apply if the plaintiff proves to the government entity that issued the authorization or requirement has determined that the person materially failed to comply with the terms of the conditions or authorization. And then it goes on and it talks about, uh, product failure or admission of an employee or something. If they're a founder, this does not protect them on that at all. Uh, Senator Weiler? Yeah.
H.B. 330 Liability Limitations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Responds that the question depends on whether the neglect involved the permitting agency or the business itself, and suggests such cases would be excluded from the bill.
▶ Watch at 56:36Read what they said
Well, I'd, I'd have to ask, uh, to find out did the attorney do his homework as far as who was at neglect here? Was it the agency that permitted it or was it the actual business themselves? Because it sounds like to me that that would be something that would be excluded from this
H.B. 330 Liability Limitations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Says the scenarios were not contemplated when the bill was first presented, and moves to circle the bill so language can be revised.
▶ Watch at 59:43Read what they said
Well, I appreciate the concerns there and, and I'm sure that looking at this, that those scenarios were not contemplated because we were at a, an energy conference when this was rolled out saying here's some real problems. And so, um, I think the sponsor worked with everybody and the second sub came out because he was listening. And so for that reason, I, I'd much rather make a motion to circle this and, and see if there is, uh, some language that you want to, that you would feel more comfortable putting in here. But we want to be able to protect the other industries that are, are now looking thinking, you know, we may turn off the lights …
S.B. 111 Veterinary Post-employment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 31) · Feb 20, 2026
Sen. Winterton supports the bill, saying his area has lost veterinarians who were bound by non-competes and that competition improves quality of service.
▶ Watch at 2:33:32Read what they said
Yes, I rise in support of this bill too. I live in an area where we used to have seven vets, we're down to two now. We can't recruit them if they get somebody there. They have a non-compete a and so the only way to get out is they have to leave the area or the state. So I, I think that this is, this is a, a good bill to, to try to see if we can't recruit and, and somebody can come in. Senator Hinkins makes a very good point. Competition is what makes our world operate. And, and it also gives us good quality. If you perform the services, those that are good will be successful.
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Moves to concur with the House changes, which he says strengthened the resolution's language in line with an agreement with the BLM.
▶ Watch at 11:47Read what they said
Yes, I I would move to concur with them. All they did was change the language and made it stronger. We had an MOA there and they wanted it in agreement with the BLM, which would strengthen the federal, uh, language.
H.B. 330 Liability Limitations Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 30) · Feb 19, 2026
Presents H.B. 330 as a rule-of-law bill creating an affirmative defense in civil actions for conduct authorized or required by a government entity, citing climate litigation and product liability exceptions.
▶ Watch at 43:01Read what they said
Senator Winterton. Thank you Mr. President. Back in December, uh, I was in attendance to the energy conference. Uh, Senator Harper and and Milner were there along with Representative Jack and we hear, heard a presentation and we go, whoa, is this really happening? So this is model legislation that we're looking at and it is a, a rule of law bill. If a government off authorizes an activity and you comply with the terms and conditions of the government that the government imposes, you shouldn't be retroactively punished by optimistic litigants to circumvent this, uh, the political process. Deep blue states and municipalities and other activists are attempting to use the state courts to impose draconian energy policies that …
H.B. 401 Geothermal Study Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said he supports the bill because existing infrastructure at those sites could save time and money if geothermal potential is found.
▶ Watch at 36:17Read what they said
Yes. I really like the bill. It makes sense. A lot of people think, well, what are you doing? But, you know, we already have infrastructure there. We could save a lot of time and money for right of ways in that if we should find geothermal there. So I, I really like the forethought of, of let's investigate whether or not that's doable.
H.B. 401 Geothermal Study Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Moved that the committee favorably recommend H.B. 401.
▶ Watch at 36:48Read what they said
Senator Winterton, I had make the motion that we favorably recommend House Bill 4 0 1 out favorably.
S.B. 282 Electrical Grid Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Asked whether the bill requires companies to project costs and water use up front or only report after construction, and how the financial bonding works.
▶ Watch at 42:30Read what they said
Yeah. As I read the bill, I like the concept in this, but are you saying that you want them to project up front what the, these costs are gonna be and the use of, of, uh, the water and that, and then after it's built, they come back and and report annually on those things? Is that how this is working? And then the other thing was, is that like the financial bonding and that?
S.B. 282 Electrical Grid Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Asked whether local governments have a role in verifying water availability and approving projects.
▶ Watch at 44:10Read what they said
Okay. I, I was, I just was answering, then I got thinking, uh, a lot of what you're, you're asking for is a great idea. Is there places to insert the local, because again, Condit conditional use permit or something from the local entities, hopefully they're checking the boxes, is to find out that they do have water resources available, or like you say, Piute in the sky type of a thing that we're speculating to get through this process. Is there local eyes on this end?
S.B. 282 Electrical Grid Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said local communities should have input on large energy projects and questioned whether the state would be forcing projects on communities.
▶ Watch at 45:42Read what they said
You're right. And, and you know, as we look around that we've got a lot of energy resources and we talk about the geothermal, and then when we're talking nuclear, well, those local communities have a lot of say in, do we want this in our backyard? We welcome it, or whatever. Um, I just think it probably be good idea that we could insert, you know, input or, or at least, you know, they should have eyes on it before. As state leaders, we force this on some community.
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Supports the bill, citing a past Duchesne County project in which DFCM managed construction and inspections for a smaller district.
▶ Watch at 57:13Read what they said
Senator Winterton. Yes, I appreciate the sponsor tackling this problem. Having been, uh, firsthand experience of this for our smaller school districts. They don't have this sex expertise. And so they look around, sometimes it's pretty hard to find an inspector that can do a project this large. And so what they're, they're, um, trying to do in this bill is just exactly what we did in Duchesne County. And we had them come and manage it. They did the construction inspections, uh, the updates, the, uh, punch list and that, and I was amazed at, at the professionalism that they did, and they protected the customer, the school district there from having something that none of us knew that …
S.B. 164 School Construction Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Sen. Winterton supports the bill, citing his experience with a county-managed school construction project that helped a small district.
▶ Watch at 57:15Read what they said
Yes, I appreciate the sponsor tackling this problem. Having been, uh, firsthand experience of this for our smaller school districts. They don't have this sex expertise. And so they look around, sometimes it's pretty hard to find an inspector that can do a project this large. And so what they're, they're, um, trying to do in this bill is just exactly what we did in Duchesne County. And we had them come and manage it. They did the construction inspections, uh, the updates, the, uh, punch list and that, and I was amazed at, at the professionalism that they did, and they protected the customer, the school district there from having something that none of us knew that much about. …
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 25) · Feb 13, 2026
Explains that language from the Highway Patrol was added to address emergency situations in which towing capacity in one county could be overwhelmed.
▶ Watch at 12:43Read what they said
Motion to concur. What we did there is there was language from the highway patrol that wanted to address emergent situations in which the towing industry might be overwhelmed in one county. That's what they put in there. So
S.C.R. 10 Concurrent Resolution Emphasizing Utah's Commitment to Advanced Air Mobility · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moved to place S.C.R. 10 on the Consent Calendar.
▶ Watch at 45:30Read what they said
I think, uh, I'll make this motion, uh, that we put this on consent Move. Yes.
H.B. 230 Offender Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asked about the fiscal note's $4,500 ongoing cost and whether counties would be reimbursed if the state does not cover the inmate ID work.
▶ Watch at 1:25:02Read what they said
Yeah, I like the bill on that. Um, the physical note says it's gonna be an ongoing cost of, uh, $4,500. Now, if these inmates are in the county jails, is that revers reimbursable to the counties or is the state just going to do the training and, and handle this?
H.B. 75 American Indian and Alaska Native Education Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Presents House Bill 75 as a cleanup update to American Indian and Alaska Native education, defining terms more precisely and requiring the state school board to make rules for curriculum in the state plan by January 1, 2027.
▶ Watch at 27:14Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro. Tim. Uh, this is a update, a cleanup for the Native American, uh, space. Uh, all it does is define, make some definitions finer and then also sets, uh, in plan, uh, the state school board to having to make rule making authority to have it in, uh, place by New July or January 1st of 27 on, um, on the curriculum on the state plan. Thank you. That concludes your presentation. Yes.
H.B. 75 American Indian and Alaska Native Education Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Moves to consent to House Bill 75.
▶ Watch at 27:52Read what they said
Uh, let's see. Have Senate bill seven, uh, house bill. Oh yeah. You gotta make a motion. Excuse me. Uh, motion is to consent to house bill 75.
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Introduces H.B. 209 as an election bill on citizenship and residency verification and moves Senate Amendment 1, which is adopted.
▶ Watch at 1:11:50Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President Pro Tem. This is one of our election bills finishing up our work from last year. Uh, this bill is based upon providing a mechanism in which we can decide, uh, citizenship and, and also determining our county clerk determining residency. And that's the bulk of this bill. Uh, it provides clearness and, and fairness. Uh, it gives, spells out the, um, orders in which the Lieutenant Governor's office and the county clerks can go through the procedure of identifying a residency if it's very clear in here. And, uh, the sponsor did a really good job in trying to address all of the, uh, issues that came at him. I am reminded that there is …
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says county clerks are neutral on the bill and that following its rules would make citizenship determinations easier for them.
▶ Watch at 1:13:28Read what they said
Okay. Well, uh, it's received a lot of, uh, eyes on this. A lot of feedback and again, I mean, the sponsor has been really, uh, good at, at trying to clarify what's going on in the bill. Our clerks are, are neutral on this because it, it does, uh, make them, if they follow the rules in this bill here, it'll make their job easier as far as the determination on citizenship. Okay. Thank you. Now, discussion to the bill.
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says the bill addresses concerns about noncitizens voting by setting identification requirements and listing accepted documents, and that people who cannot prove citizenship may vote only a provisional federal-only ballot.
▶ Watch at 1:14:32Read what they said
Well, mainly this is, uh, we had a, a debate whether or not we had some illegal aliens voting in our elections. Is that throwing off, uh, the accuracy of who is voting? And so this bill addresses and tackles that it sets up identification clauses, uh, spells out many different ways that, that a county clerk or the Lieutenant Governor's office can, uh, come to a conclusion. What is the identifications that we're doing? So it clears that up. I mean, most people misread this, and, and it's as simple, if you're registered to vote right now, you've had that ID your driver's license, if it's issued by the state, already fulfills that. But you're gonna have to show …
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says more than zero is too many, that an audit found one case, and that tightening controls would make people feel safer about elections.
▶ Watch at 1:16:52Read what they said
Okay. Uh, more than zero is too many in my opinion, but, uh, you know, they, they did an audit and, uh, I think they came up with one. There's a, a county clerk that's claiming more than that and, and they're doing a really deep dive in as to this issue itself. And so I think the need is there. But in Utah, I think we've had a very good system. But tightening, tightening down the controls will, will make everybody feel safer about our elections. And, and who is actually, uh, voting.
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says the burden concern is misinformation, since a birth certificate, driver's license, or marriage certificate is sufficient.
▶ Watch at 1:18:31Read what they said
No. No, it's not, it's unfortunate That is misinformation because if you have, uh, a birth certificate, a driver's license, a marriage certificate, there's no problem whatsoever on this. We're not causing undue burden on anyone.
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says a state-issued driver's license is sufficient, a marriage certificate is accepted, and identity is recognized under either a maiden or married name.
▶ Watch at 1:19:07Read what they said
No. Um, if you have a driver's license, again, that's your identification. If it is the new identification that the state issues, you'll see on there that, that all of that has been verified, that's all you need. If you do have your marriage certificate, I, uh, a male does not need to have all of that because their name doesn't change. But even at that, your identity follows you however you have it, whether it's on your maiden name or your married name, the state will recognize that.
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says legal residents will have documentation of identity, points to the list of accepted proof including tribal cards, and says the process is simple.
▶ Watch at 1:20:08Read what they said
Well, if that person is in the United States legally, they will have documentation as to who they are. I don't know that we're causing any conflict with that. And, uh, again, it's spelled out, there's several ways a documentation, if you want to go and look from, uh, line 1 0 9 down, it talks about here's what we'll recognize as proof. And, uh, we've taken in control or in consideration, um, a Native American, if they have a tribal card, their government, their nation has identified who they are, and that's their id. So it is a very simple process people are making and reading more into this than, than what it is. We've tried to streamline this …
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says proof is a one-time step at registration, and active voters remain on the rolls without showing it again.
▶ Watch at 1:23:03Read what they said
Yes, you are correct. If you are a registered voter one time and you're an active voter, you stay on the rolls. It's not every time that you have to, to go to ask for a ballot, you are on the rolls. So it's a one time thing. It's not difficult.
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says the bill does not affect people already registered, requires one form of ID for new registrants, and sets out the steps for those who are not citizens.
▶ Watch at 1:25:14Read what they said
How does it affect them? I don't think it affects 'em at all because they, they're currently registered or are participating in the system. So it has no bearing on them. They've already done all this, and we're not changing anything. We're just, we're again, identifying if you want to register as a voter, you haven't been there before. Here's a number of different pieces of paper that will proof your identity. We're not asking for multiple, we're asking for one form of ID so that we can register you that. So if you're here illegally, yeah, you'll have to go through these steps. You're gonna have to go through immigration. You're gonna have to get here. Legally. We'll give …
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Says county clerks handle registration and decide whether applicants meet the requirements, and that registered voters remain on the rolls.
▶ Watch at 1:26:36Read what they said
The, the bill spells out the, the county clerks that are doing the registration and that it's up to them. And if you can satisfy them, they're the ones that have the, the say in whether or not you, you'll have a ballot or not. If you're currently registered in that, you'll continue to be on the rolls.
H.B. 209 Voting Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 24) · Feb 12, 2026
Closes by saying the bill gives the Lieutenant Governor and county clerks clear procedures for proof of citizenship, and moves that the third substitute be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:31:15Read what they said
Hey, thank you for the discussion and, and I appreciate the comments because we feel like we do a really good job here in the state of Utah. Is there room for improvements or is there doubt? We need to address those things and so we're not making any new law. We're following. If you're a citizen of the US then just prove that you are. And if you have currently been voting, that process has already taken place. But for those that are worried about having to come up with all this additional information, no, it's not that difficult. One piece of paper will, will get you there and get you registered and from then on you, you've got …
S.B. 266 County Governance Revisions · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Sen. Winterton presented SB 266, saying it would define the lines between elected officials and county managers where county code is unclear, and said he was open to questions and input.
▶ Watch at 1:02:40Read what they said
Senator Winterton, Uh, some background on this one here. And this was, uh, last year in interim, during interim, uh, we combined or we split, um, county or political subdivisions and, and county govern or governance offices up. And we have diff two different interim committees. This was a bill that was on the study item for political subdivisions. We had several things that the county governance was on there for study. And, uh, this is one of four that I showed up at political subdivisions and walked away with bills. And, uh, so, um, happy to have the discussion during interim. We didn't get much traction out of this bill and nobody wanted figured if we didn't talk about …
S.B. 266 County Governance Revisions · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Sen. Winterton responded that the bill aims to clarify which duties belong to elected officials and which to a county manager, not to eliminate professionals, and said he wants public input so the question is not left for a court to decide.
▶ Watch at 1:08:00Read what they said
Well, and you have every right to be concerned. I represent two counties that have this form of government. They both operate very well and do a good job. We have three others in the state that's struggled and have problems. We have one outside of that that has an elected, uh, executive, and they've struggled on it. And, and there, there seems to be struggle sometimes back and forth as to whose duty is it? And, and a county council ha has both, both legislative and executive powers. And, and we assume that the manager is their executive and takes on that work because they're full-time and they do a good job at it. But what the attempt is, …
S.B. 266 County Governance Revisions · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Thanks the public for input and moves to hold SB 266 so the points raised can be used in a substitute bill.
▶ Watch at 1:24:06Read what they said
Yeah, let me just say that I appreciate the input. I mean, it's terrible that we have to get to this point to try to get people in the room to solve something that some will see as a problem. Others say it's not. I recognize that. And, and at this time, I would make a motion that we hold this bill and, and give us time to have those thoughts that were expressed today formulated into a new substitute for this bill.
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Presents SCR 4, which asks the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining to enter a memorandum of understanding with the BLM to help streamline permitting.
▶ Watch at 1:32:05Read what they said
Okay, I'm looking around. I don't see, uh, our director from oil, gas and mining. M**k Thomas helped me present this and, and come up with it. And simple resolution. It basically just states that we want to have his division engaged with the BLM in permit reform and recognizing the BLM has the ultimate say in it. But we do have the manpower and that, and by entering to, uh, um, memorandum, memorandum of understanding with the BLM, we can do that work and streamline the permitting process. That's the gist of this whole resolution.
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Says the effort to enter the memorandum has been ongoing and gained attention after the government shutdown, and that the state can continue the work without it.
▶ Watch at 1:33:14Read what they said
Yeah. No, we have been trying to do this, and it actually came to the forefront after, you know, the government shut down and things came to a stop. We didn't on our side, but it just goes to show that we can continue doing the work and then without that.
S.B. 97 Tax Revenue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Asks whether the bill would limit county general fund balances to 25% of the annual budget.
▶ Watch at 50:09Read what they said
Yes. Okay. I had a couple of questions and I, I understand what you're trying to do. And you're saying that if this goes through that, what the counties have in the general fund right now, they could only go 25% of what the annual budget is for next year's taxes?
S.B. 97 Tax Revenue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Asks why school districts are excluded from the 5% tax increase cap and questions the different treatment.
▶ Watch at 51:01Read what they said
And, and that's for the county. So on line 6 78, we exclude school districts. Why are we, uh, treating them different? Seems like to me they're the ones that collect the most amount of the taxes and, and the percentage we should be addressing some of that.
S.B. 97 Tax Revenue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Says he is uncomfortable with the school district approach, is concerned about their bonding ability, and will add it to his list of issues to work on.
▶ Watch at 52:47Read what they said
That's the only reason, and I, I agree I have discomfort in doing it. I'm with you. But at the same time, um, you know, trying to maintain that balance, I feel like is, is an important component and, and it reminds me to add that to my list of things to work on on the bill. Well, yeah, I, I was thinking more or less their bonding ability and what they have, so I appreciate that.
S.B. 97 Tax Revenue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Asks whether owners who rent a second home long term would lose the residential exemption.
▶ Watch at 53:13Read what they said
You, you, you talk about the, the businesses. Are we talking about if, if you own a home and you rent it to someone, that that now will be increasing so that it's not a benefit to own a second home that somebody classifies as their full-time residence?
S.B. 97 Tax Revenue Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Thanks the sponsor and says he will raise another suggestion with him offline.
▶ Watch at 56:13Read what they said
Thank you. I appreciate that. And I do have one other, I'll take, take it offline because I think it's a suggestion that we might look into to, to try to tackle the same problem.
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Winterton asked whether the tax is collected as state revenue or returned to local communities as online purchases increase, and Sen. Wilson said he assumed it goes into state sales tax collection and would check with the tax commission.
▶ Watch at 1:28:14Read what they said
Uh, question that comes to mind. We collect this as a state sales tax. Uh, or does it go back to say my zip code? I'm, I'm just wondering if, if people are buying more and more online, not going to the bookstores and that, how do our locals, you know, how do we make that up to them? Is that tracked that way? Can you answer that, Senator Wilson? Yeah, that, that's a great question. Um, I, I assume in my conversations with the tax commission that goes into the state tax, but I I will have to, I'll have to ask about that, but, uh, my, my, my indication would be is it's the, the state sales tax …
S.B. 162 Online Sales Tax Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 22) · Feb 10, 2026
Sen. Winterton urged checking the answer, saying local communities may lose revenue from online purchases and should be compensated.
▶ Watch at 1:28:57Read what they said
Okay. I, I'd encourage you to look into that because if we're encouraging or people buy online, we're discouraging them from supporting local. Unless we're getting credit for the dollars spent and the tax coming to the state, there should be some compensation for the loss of revenue locally. And Mr. Mr. President, Senator Vickers, if I can, uh, yeah.
S.B. 242 Transportation Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Winterton asked whether the bill simply puts UDOT in the room with the city to decide transportation matters rather than mandating specific actions.
▶ Watch at 44:13Read what they said
Yes, for clarification, since you just dropped the second sub in that, and I read the original bill many times trying to, uh, figure out what the emails were all about as I read it. Is this no more than just putting udot in the room with the city to decide this transportation going forward is more of a study than a shall that you're gonna have to do all this stuff?
S.B. 242 Transportation Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Winterton said the committee cares about safety and asked whether the bill is a partnership with the city making decisions with UDOT rather than a state takeover.
▶ Watch at 1:27:13Read what they said
Yes, thank you. And I appreciate those that have come out and, and spoke and that, and I want you to understand that we are concerned about safety here. We all also are concerned about how do we safely get people around this city. And, uh, I think that, uh, most of us have been very accustomed to having wide lanes or three lanes of traffic and, and now, um, to give that up to a bicycle and parking, there's consideration there. If I was a business owner and I lost some parking in front of my place, I would be concerned. But, uh, we're hearing you, I do have a couple questions for the sponsor and, and it from …
S.B. 242 Transportation Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Winterton said decisions remain local with state transportation input and that the state has an interest in high-traffic streets it funds.
▶ Watch at 1:28:57Read what they said
Okay. So we're not making the decisions here. It's locally based in conjunction with our transportation specialists and then the funding that comes and the strings attached to that. It, we don't own all the streets in this city. Correct. And so the state does have an interest in which streets we do put, you know, at risk if we're putting bikes on high traffic ones, we don't want that. And so the city has a lot of say, so I appreciate your efforts on this, but I don't want people to think that we did not read it or we're not concerned. We are concerned and we want to make the best possible traffic around, uh, survey that we …
H.B. 57 Motor Vehicle Division Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Asks how electronic titles work when a vehicle is sold and whether the change applies only to fleet operations.
▶ Watch at 1:45:30Read what they said
Yeah. You, you mentioned an electronic title and this got me thinking I get electronic title when I sell that vehicle. How do we, what's the process there? 'cause he used to have the thing in hand and you'd sign it off and they'd take that down. How do you handle that? You know, I honestly don't, It's just a question. I think that it's gonna come up right, right. I'd like to have an answer. Fleet operation? Yeah. Oh, go ahead. Is that Just for fleet operations?
H.B. 57 Motor Vehicle Division Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Asks further about tracking and transferring electronic titles and says he wants answers before supporting that part.
▶ Watch at 1:46:12Read what they said
Okay. Yeah, I'd, I'd like to know the answer to that because Yep, Absolutely. I mean, I all about it. I mean, how many people loses their paper? They lose a paper title, but if you can do electronic, but then again, if you transfer that to somebody, how does that happen? I think a electronic title's harder to keep track of than a paper title. Yeah. Okay. Right. We'll, we'll we'll wait for you to bring back other Information. Yes. Yeah, absolutely. We'll do that. Thank you. I'm not in favor of that. Okay.
H.B. 57 Motor Vehicle Division Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Urges the sponsor to be sure about the electronic title change because title work is hard to track electronically.
▶ Watch at 1:46:52Read what they said
Senator Ipson, I guess I'm just sure you, I think you need to be really sure about that electronic title thing. 'cause I, I handle a lot of titles and I can't imagine keeping track of those electronically.
H.B. 57 Motor Vehicle Division Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Says the committee may need to look at some details, but expects the change to help large international companies. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:48:11Read what they said
saying none represented for summation. Um, yeah, if we need to look at some details there, we can do that, but I, I, I think it'll help a lot for these big international companies. So thank you. Yeah.
H.B. 128 Traffic Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Asked who has the right of way when merging into a congested roundabout and suggested lane filtering or alternating merges as a fix.
▶ Watch at 2:01:30Read what they said
I don't think you go far enough. I'm still confused because as I watch down here at the roundabout, it'll back up and back up and back up. Who has the right of way as they come up the hill? You know, as long as they can keep following the vehicle in front of them, those of us that are waiting to merge do not. So I think you need to address that. It should be just lane filtering or, you know, every other car or something. But I sat out here for 10 minutes trying to get around the roundabout thinking, don't they understand that there is a gap?
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Sen. Winterton asked whether adopting new building codes would make homes and industrial buildings more expensive to build.
▶ Watch at 35:32Read what they said
Okay. As I read the bill, you know, I, I thought okay, we're just updating code. We're, we're trying to make it easier in that, and then the, the question came to mind is we're addressing some issues that have not been there, but then we're adding that. And the question remains, when we adopt new building codes, are we making it more expensive for home builders and for our industrial buildings by adopting codes that make it almost impossible for somebody to afford to, to get into a home?
H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Sen. Winterton said inspectors may interpret codes differently, that Utah builders need workable rules, and that burdensome regulation could hinder housing and growth.
▶ Watch at 37:09Read what they said
Senator Winterton, you talked about, you know, it's up to the interpretation of the inpe or the inspector, and then sometimes they don't agree with, with each other. And, and I guess the point being is that Utah's known that we have best practices. We have a lot of contractors that are recruited to go to other states to build because we have these high standards. But then again, when the overreach of government gets to too burdensome, we hinder any growth. Unless you know, you, you're well enough off that you can afford it because you can't find a, uh, institution that will give you a construction loan. And so I, I just want the body to be aware …
S.B. 45 Kratom Adjustments · Senate floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Asks whether the bill covers synthetic kratom products or is an outright ban.
▶ Watch at 59:31Read what they said
Now, you, you talked about natural. Does this include, uh, synthetic in any way? Or is this an outright band on it? Senator Mikel?
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · House Transportation Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Explains that the substitute defines the type of highway covered, separates police-generated tows from private-request tows, and addresses impound yard location and tow rotation, including evidence exceptions.
▶ Watch at 1:28:19Read what they said
Thank you. Um, this started out as a very simple bill. It was three lines, and it was basically set out to just tell 'em that we're gonna follow what's in the code right now. Since then, I've had, uh, the Towing Association, the Sheriff's Association, and one other. And, uh, and that's why we're on sub two is that we've thrown their, their ideas in there, but we've, oh, the state tax commission weighed into, so we've defined what, um, a highway is, and the state tax commission regulates the impound yards and have criteria. There's a couple more bills floating through, uh, this session that deal with different parts of, of that. So my bill just deals with …
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · House Transportation Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Thanks the committee for the motion and asks for their support.
▶ Watch at 1:33:45Read what they said
Nation. Appreciate the motion. And, and thank you for your con consideration and hope you'll support us in this right
H.B. 19 Drinking Water Utilities Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Introduces First Substitute H.B. 26, Voting Equipment Amendments, saying it results from an interim committee study.
▶ Watch at 26:51Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, the gist of this bill is a result from the study from the interim committee, uh,
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Presents the bill, saying Utah would handle its own emergencies and would not be subject to international organizations such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations, or the World Economic Forum.
▶ Watch at 30:39Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, this is a follow up. Just, uh, a statement that, uh, states that in Utah there will be responsible for any emergencies and, and the particular instances in our state and not, uh, subject to, um, those, uh, world organizations like the World Health Organization, United Nations, or the World Economic Forum. That sometimes the rhetoric gets caught up and when we think we have to act on it, we we're just saying that we will do it. Our governor won't declare those emergencies based upon those circumstances. Thank you for the presentation.
H.C.R. 1 House Concurrent Resolution Regarding Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Makes a motion regarding House Bill 61, the Navajo Trust Fund bill.
▶ Watch at 31:39Read what they said
Thank you. I'd like to make a motion to UNC Encircle house bill 61. We have a motion to encircle house bill 61 Navajo Trust Fund.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Says the bill would not affect aid, because international organizations do not send money directly and aid would come through federal programs.
▶ Watch at 31:53Read what they said
To my knowledge, no, because those do not direct money to us directly. It would come through our federal programs and we would receive it that way.
H.B. 61 Navajo Trust Fund Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Winterton presents H.B. 61 as a cleanup bill recommended by the state treasurer, which would change required Navajo Trust Fund meetings from monthly to quarterly, protect confidential investment strategies, and move expenditure updates to the commission and board for oversight.
▶ Watch at 31:57Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, this bill is recommended by the, um, state treasurer. He happens to be the chairman of the fund. This is the Navajo Trust Fund and out of need to make it more, uh, efficient and to preserve the fund. It, we'll call it a cleanup bill, but, uh, what it does first off is they have monthly required meetings. They want to change that to quarterly. Just to have a meeting. To have a meeting doesn't make sense. The other thing, it, it will preserve the transparency while protecting the fund. Its investment strategies for the beneficiaries. The current statute could be interpreted to require reporting on each individual investment, which violates the investment confidential confidentiality agreements …
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Cites the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, saying Utah pushed back on outside measures and its economy fared better.
▶ Watch at 32:35Read what they said
Well, during, during the COVID Pandemic, it started out of the states, it was manufactured outside of the U us and then with everything that dominoed, all of a sudden everybody started taking all these, uh, precautions or or passing legislation for this in the state of Utah. We were one of the few that pushed back and, and controlled it in our economy, survived because we didn't buy into that. That's one that comes to mind right now.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Says he cannot think of such an example and that the messaging during COVID-19 spread across the United States.
▶ Watch at 33:33Read what they said
No, I, I can't think of one myself. I think that everybody got caught up in the messaging that they were sending and that was the domino effect that the swept the United States.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Says the bill is a statement that Utah will not react to those conditions.
▶ Watch at 34:55Read what they said
I think more than anything, it's a statement that we're not going to react to, to those conditions. So that's the best I can do for you
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Says the issue was addressed in an earlier Senate bill and that the bill responds to residents' fears about reacting to those conditions.
▶ Watch at 35:27Read what they said
You know, that's a very good point, and I don't think so. I think we addressed it in, in Senate Bill 1 95 during that time, but I think that they, the residents felt like that maybe we hadn't addressed the fear that we might be reacting to those. So that's the best on that one. Thank you.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Thanks colleagues for their comments, says the concerns were valid, and moves that House Bill 85 pass.
▶ Watch at 37:26Read what they said
I, I, uh, respect the comments and, and I think that there's some valid points there. I think that we owe it to our citizens to let them know that we did listen to 'em and that this was a concern of, of many. And with that, I would urge your support on this bill. So I'd make the motion that, uh, house Bill 85 pass.
S.B. 39 Investment Zones Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Asks Harper to confirm whether the bill creates a new district, and asks to yield for a question.
▶ Watch at 1:16:31Read what they said
I don't know if it's a question or, or a comment, but, uh, I want him to repeat that again because all the emails I've got is that he is creating a new district here and we've hid it. Would he please tell me that we're not? Yes, Senator Harper, will you yield?
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Sen. Winterton presented S.B. 227, saying it aims to limit punitive damages to help small trucking operators whose insurance costs have risen, and that he is open to input and questions.
▶ Watch at 36:30Read what they said
I thought this was a simple bill. There's no simple bills. This is a second bill. This session that I'm learning from the attempt is, is that, um, I've got a lot of, uh, people in in the basin that make their living with trucking and they're small operators and their insurances have gone sky high. They're trying to survive out there. And, uh, this was an attempt to try to help them. And I know that I'm not there. I know that I'm learning on this process and, and so, uh, we've defined very small. We're trying to limit the p damages that, uh, are being assessed. Uh, and conversations today, tell me, I'm, I'm in the wrong area, …
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Winterton said he prefers to correct the bill before the floor, moved to pass it favorably with a commitment to continue working on it and a future substitute.
▶ Watch at 54:28Read what they said
Well, I have two thoughts. That's one I'd like to correct it before it gets to the floor, but I don't want people walking away from the discussion. And if I hold it, then they think, whew, We've got it off. I, I would make a motion that we approve this with the, with a commitment for myself that I'll keep 'em there and we'll come to a resolution on this because it's not something that we can just wave off another time. I mean, I've seen what basin trucking companies have gone through this last year to 18 months and they're just hanging on. And so I, I'm committed to try to figure out what we can do to …
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Winterton explained that the cap sets a limit on awards and that the formula establishes a baseline amount.
▶ Watch at 57:06Read what they said
The idea was let, let's cap what can be awarded and what is the baseline, because you're right, I mean, they should be getting something, but if we say, well, you can't prove it, but you are awarded something that, that is my understanding is that that would be the minimum.
S.B. 227 Punitive Damages Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Winterton said the base is $200,000 with a $750,000 cap, and that economic losses must be proven to the jury or judge, calling this a first attempt at the issue.
▶ Watch at 57:48Read what they said
The way I look at it is the base is 200,000 with a seven 50 cap. And, and economic wise, you're gonna have to have prove to the jury or the judge, here's the damages economically, okay? If, if a person's outta work or you know, can't, or say, you took my truck out and I can't provide a living. Now, what are those economic, that is why that formula's in there is at a reasonable time. What is that two times what you've lost or not. It, this is the first attempt to try to wrangle this issue in.
H.B. 26 Voting Equipment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Presents H.B. 26 as an elections cleanup bill that addresses security hardware on voting equipment so it cannot be connected online and removes outdated rank choice voting language.
▶ Watch at 30:29Read what they said
Senator Winterton. Thank you. Thank you Mr. President Pro Tam. This is a committee Bill came out of government operations. It's basically a cleanup bill for elections. Uh, the code cleanup, it's, uh, it addresses the hardening of the security hardware band on, uh, voting equipment so that it cannot be online and, uh, gives people the assurance that, uh, you know, we can't be tampered with. Um, and it removes the, uh, rank choice voting, uh, language that we no longer have that, that, that sunsetted now. And that's the extent of the bill.
H.B. 26 Voting Equipment Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Moves that first substitute H.B. 26 be read for a third time.
▶ Watch at 31:21Read what they said
I would move that first substitute house bill 26. I'd be read for a third time.
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Presents S.C.R. 4, which directs the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining to discuss with the BLM formalizing the permitting process, with the aim of streamlining permitting and shortening approval times.
▶ Watch at 40:01Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, SCR four Formalizes, uh, and a and authorizes our division of oil gas mining to, um, get in discussions with the BLM to formalize our permitting process. The outcome hopefully will be that we streamline the permitting process and shorten the amount of time that it takes to, to get those okays.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Presented H.B. 85, saying it asks state and local officials to base emergency decisions on conditions in Utah rather than on directives from the UN, the World Health Organization, or the World Economic Forum.
▶ Watch at 1:00:53Read what they said
It's been around for a while and, uh, it, uh, died on the board last session, midnight came before we got to it. So here's the, the third attempt to it. All this bill does is, uh, recognize that, uh, when emergency happens, that, uh, our governor or our elected officials in our cities and counties do not react to the United Nations, the World Health Organization or the World Economic Forum, that we base our decisions upon what's happening in Utah. That's what the bill does.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Said it is a good question, that pandemic response came amid pressure from other organizations, and that an earlier bill attempting to address this did not fully prevent reactions to outside events.
▶ Watch at 1:01:57Read what they said
Senator Winterton, That's a really good question. But when the pandemic hit, it was worldwide and the, the fallout from that was a frenzy of we were being pushed by, you know, other organizations that we've got to do everything to keep this from spreading. And so the pressure came from that. And so, I it's a really good question. I'd put something in there if we knew the answer to prevent the opposite from happening. But this is trying to go back to, we, Senator Vickers ran a bill, senate bill 1 95 back Kanosh in I think 21 that had all this listed there, but we still were reacting to other things that did not happen in our …
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Said the governor's emergency power is limited to 30 days without legislative approval, that the bill aims to keep that power in check, and that the standard is hard to define.
▶ Watch at 1:04:33Read what they said
Well, if you remember back, uh, the Governor's power is limited to emergency for 30 days after that, he has to come and ask us. But he can declare an emergency on his own power. We're just saying keep this in check. We don't want something that's happening across the globe to affect Utah when we don't have the evidence that you're, you're saying. So, yeah, I think it's pretty hard to define.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Said the measles outbreak was centrally located in Utah, and that the legislature should be involved in responding to economic disasters declared by global organizations.
▶ Watch at 1:05:12Read what they said
Well, that was centrally located in our state. And that's something that we're saying, well, whether it's the economic forum that's declaring a, a financial disaster or something, and we've gotta get in front of it, I think we as a legislative body would be brought into that argument to make sure that we're doing the right thing because we pride ourselves on being the best run state in the nation. So we shouldn't be reacting to something that's happened from these world organizations is basically the, the cause of this.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Said the House sponsor wanted to name the organizations in the bill, that the relevant lines do so, and that he trusts the body to keep Utah policy in place.
▶ Watch at 1:08:09Read what they said
Okay. I, I think that the, the Good House sponsor on this felt like it was needful that we called out those organizations. And so that's where the line 75 and 76 put that in. But outside of that, um, I'll trust the body that, uh, policy and the state of Utah will remain with us.
H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Moved that H.B. 85 be read for a third time.
▶ Watch at 1:08:39Read what they said
I would make the motion then that house bill 85 be read for a third time.
S.B. 17 Credit Card Processing Fees Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 3, 2026
Presents SB 17, which addresses the recovery fee charged by credit card companies or processing agents for electronic payments, so higher education and local education agencies can use a state contract.
▶ Watch at 37:18Read what they said
Okay. Thank you. This comes from our interim, uh, committee. Some of you would probably re remember it, but it was brought to our attention by the staff. But in 2024, uh, leg, uh, the legislative auditors went and audited and found out that, uh, we had missed a, a step here. And this is dealing with the credit card processing fees and it's on a state contract. And those that are not on it can't do this. And so, uh, we needed to, to pass this bill. It just addresses the recovery fee, uh, charged by a credit card company or processing agent to process an electronic payment. And this is for ue, the higher education and local LEAs. …
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Describes SCR 4 as supporting a streamlined permitting process in which the state and the Bureau of Land Management would work together, and notes that the BLM retains approval authority.
▶ Watch at 49:46Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, last summer during our energy, um, task force, we were looking at different things, uh, how we continue with our energy programs here in the state. And, um, this resolution, uh, supports, uh, streamlining the permitting process. And this takes into consideration that we work closely with the BLM on this. Uh, the state does their portion of it and the BLM also. And so this resolution just initiates working collaborative with each other and that we would be the boots on the ground on that. And it recognizes that ultimately the BLM has the authority to approve these. And that's what it does.
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · Senate floor debate (day 15) · Feb 3, 2026
Moves that SCR 4 be read for a third time and calls for a roll call vote.
▶ Watch at 50:42Read what they said
Make a motion that SCR four be read for a third time. And the question is, shall SCR four be read for a third time? Roll call vote.
S.B. 200 Impounded Vehicle Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said he sees merit on both sides and wants the bill moved forward, but asked the sponsor to refine the work tools language to address concerns.
▶ Watch at 1:03:30Read what they said
I can see both sides here and I can sympathize on both sides and, and so I wanna see it forward, but I wonder if this good sponsor wouldn't get with those that have expressed some concerns and see if we couldn't put some language in there that would satisfy. Uh, uh, I think that sometimes it's a little bit too broad work tools to the point where, you know, I can justify a lot of things in my vehicle that would, I mean, I drive around and my wife says that's my office, and, and so we need to maybe refine it a little bit more.
S.B. 200 Impounded Vehicle Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Moved to forward the bill to the full Senate.
▶ Watch at 1:04:13Read what they said
With that, I would make a motion that we forward the bill onto the full Senate floor.
H.B. 17 Public Infrastructure District Meeting Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Winterton says the bill does not go far enough, supports transparency and public access, and would agree to further modification.
▶ Watch at 1:27:53Read what they said
I don't want this to be too easy on you. I don't think the bill goes far enough. Oh, I, I understand there's other bills out there that might touching those areas, but I think this is a good start because I know when you start talking about the rural water districts and that requirement is you have to meet within the district. Yeah. You cannot be outside there because that's not right. The citizens have to travel to keep up with whatever they're trying to do. Yeah. The dark and that. And so, yeah, I would look forward to, I would agree to Further, uh, modification of this. Okay. I, I'm all about having transparency and access to the …
H.B. 16 Solar Power Plant Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asked whether an above-ground solar farm that still allows grazing would lose state incentives.
▶ Watch at 1:34:32Read what they said
Yeah, I just had a question as you're talking, what if, uh, I know you're trying to protect the ag land. What if, uh, the solar Farm is above the ground where they can still use it for grazing? Does that still eliminate state incentives on that if they haven't changed the purpose of the land there?
S.B. 15 County Forms of Government Amendments · House Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 29, 2026
Presented Senate Bill 15, which removes the requirement that counties with a population of 225,000 or more have a full-time county commission under the expanded form, so counties may choose full-time service instead.
▶ Watch at 1:28:22Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, first off, this is, uh, bill from the interim committee, uh, political subdivisions. And, uh, it's not a super difficult one. It, it strikes out, uh, two and a half lines, uh, down on line 51, 52, and 53. And basically all it does is it, as I think about it, it's, it's taking consideration of the population is 225,000 people or more for a, for a full-time county commission in an expanded county commission form of government. Under the section there, it's just taken away and given them the option to be full time. Uh, in some counties that's been a hindrance and instead to answer that, then they just hire staff to do it. So, …
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 9) · Jan 28, 2026
Describes S.B. 120 as clarifying gray areas in the towing code, says the substitute includes language from the Sheriff's Association, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 38:13Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. This is, uh, I wouldn't say an annual towing bill, cleanup bill, but it is defining the gray areas in the code. After meeting with the Sheriff's Association, we subbed it and got their language in it. And with that, uh, it's, I'm open for clarification on any questions.
S.B. 17 Credit Card Processing Fees Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 9) · Jan 28, 2026
Presents the Legislative Auditor General's audit of credit card processing fees and explains that the bill lets entities pass on credit card fees if they are charged.
▶ Watch at 40:23Read what they said
of the Legislative auditor General released an audit of credit card processing fees, the focus of the state cooperative contract of which is required of all executive branch agencies and open to all other public entities compared to the contract secured by the LEAs. And, and, um, they base their analysts analysis, um, in the state is most likely getting the best rate and, and other entities should consider the potential benefits, uh, in participating on the state contract. And so this bill's addressing that last item on that audit and uh, it just says that they would be able to pass on the credit card fees if they're charged any.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Winterton moves to replace the first substitute with a second substitute that adds language requested by the Sheriff's Association on impounded vehicles and vehicles held as evidence.
▶ Watch at 43:20Read what they said
Yeah. I'd like to delete title embody first substitute one 20 and replace it with second substitute one 20 Reason being in committee, we, uh, heard from the Sheriff's Association, they wanted some language in there to actually address some of the concerns that they have when they impound vehicles or they're in there for, um, um, evidence. And so we put that language in the second substitute. That's what's in there.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Winterton says the bill reiterates existing towing law, notes county ordinances requiring vehicles to stay in their counties, describes an exception for vehicles held as evidence, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 44:10Read what they said
Okay. The substance of this whole bill is to reiterate what's already on the books, but we haven't been honoring what we have on the books. And there are some county ordinances in which, uh, state that cars should stay in their counties. When we tow them, they sometimes end up 45 miles away and, um, that makes a hardship on the traveling public or the residents of the county. And then, like I said, the, the Sheriff's Association wa was concerned about, uh, evidence of vehicles and that, and, and so it gives an exception of where those vehicles will be towed. And that's, I'd be open for questions.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Explains that the bill reiterates existing towing rules, lets vehicles stay in their home counties with exceptions for sheriff evidence concerns, and opens the bill to questions.
▶ Watch at 44:10Read what they said
Okay. The substance of this whole bill is to reiterate what's already on the books, but we haven't been honoring what we have on the books. And there are some county ordinances in which, uh, state that cars should stay in their counties. When we tow them, they sometimes end up 45 miles away and, um, that makes a hardship on the traveling public or the residents of the county. And then, like I said, the, the Sheriff's Association wa was concerned about, uh, evidence of vehicles and that, and, and so it gives an exception of where those vehicles will be towed. And that's, I'd be open for questions. Thank you for the, again, the, the explanation.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Winterton says the exceptions address that concern, citing an example in the Sandy area.
▶ Watch at 45:22Read what they said
The winter didn't Go ahead. Yes, that was one of the concerns with, with the sheriff's has raised and they brought up the example right here in the valley, Sandy and that, and so it does address that.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Says the bill does address those concerns, including an example from the Sandy area that sheriffs raised.
▶ Watch at 45:22Read what they said
The winter didn't Go ahead. Yes, that was one of the concerns with, with the sheriff's has raised and they brought up the example right here in the valley, Sandy and that, and so it does address that.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Winterton moves that second substitute Senate Bill 120 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 45:50Read what they said
I'll just move that. Uh, second substitute one 20. Be read for a third time.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Moves that second substitute S.B. 120 be read a third time.
▶ Watch at 45:50Read what they said
I'll just move that. Uh, second substitute one 20. Be read for a third time.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Winterton makes a motion regarding Senate Bill 17, credit card processing fee amendments. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 47:14Read what they said
Motion to encircle, uh, Senate bill one seven. Motion to Uncer Senate Bill 17 credit card processing fee amendments.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Makes a motion on Senate Bill 17, credit card processing fee amendments.
▶ Watch at 47:14Read what they said
Motion to encircle, uh, Senate bill one seven. Motion to Uncer Senate Bill 17 credit card processing fee amendments.
S.B. 17 Credit Card Processing Fees Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 8) · Jan 27, 2026
Presents S.B. 17, which follows up on a 2024 legislative audit and lets higher education institutions join the state credit card processing contract so they can pass fees on to cardholders if they choose.
▶ Watch at 47:30Read what they said
Okay, thank you. Uh, this was a government operations interim committee recommended bill. It's following up on an audit that, uh, legislative auditors did back in 2024. Uh, this item was overlooked and it has to address credit card processing fees and we have a state contract and because we do, some of them can participate in it and some can't. And this bill opens a way up where they can be part of the state contract and so, uh, it just helps some so that they can, uh, uh, forward the fees on to the credit card owners if, if that's what the institution and this is for higher ed and that's all it does. Thank you for that …
S.B. 134 Court Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 7) · Jan 26, 2026
Supports the bill but questions whether it can be phased in during a lean budget year and asks the sponsor about phasing.
▶ Watch at 20:57Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. President. You know, I've received a lot of, uh, emails over the weekend and, and what's been said I concur with, and I support it. I just think that in a lean year, uh, we're asking everybody to cut back, and then we're gonna add seven more judges and their staff to it. And, and I just question whether or not, what is plan B if we can't afford 'em all, where do we start? I know that we need 'em in the lower courts and, and listen to the Supreme, uh, justice, uh, grant. He, he said, you know, that's where the bottleneck is. And so I, my question is to the sponsor, is this all …
S.B. 28 County Classification Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Presented SB 28, which would reclassify counties every five years based on population and revenue instead of repeatedly raising thresholds or making exemptions.
▶ Watch at 1:14:45Read what they said
Thank you. Uh, this was a committee bill that came out of the interim political subdivisions. It was a committee bill and, uh, in the Senate we combined both government ops and political subdivisions together. And so the attempt on this is that for years, we've always just kept raising the numbers for classifications of a county, or we make exemptions for 'em. Uh, this bill is an attempt to kind of stop that. And, and we've thought outside of the box, and it's an attempt that we're looking not only at population, but on the revenue side of each county. And it proposes that we will do this every five years. So we'll do it after the census and …
S.B. 28 County Classification Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Said a 2017 study on how classification changes affect state code was never completed and that the bill would allow that study to be requested now, though the effects are not yet known.
▶ Watch at 1:17:52Read what they said
Well, you know, back in, uh, I think it was 2017, they were commissioning a study to see how, how does this affect them on, on the codes It never got done. And so once we get this, I think that we can ask for that study to now tell us, but it's not going to, we don't know. That's the, the answer. We don't know.
S.B. 28 County Classification Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Said Utah Association of Counties members help work out what a classification change would do, and that this question was not answered yet.
▶ Watch at 1:18:29Read what they said
But, uh, UACs members, they're the ones that help mod or come up with what this would do. But that's a question we did not answer.
S.B. 28 County Classification Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Said counties have rarely changed classification, that the bill would give counties advance notice of changes and a revenue-based way to decide when they can afford their own incentives, and that rural areas still need state help.
▶ Watch at 1:20:03Read what they said
And yet, I'm thinking in the back of my mind, in my 18 years, can I cannot think of one change in classifications of counties bumping them from one or the other. We haven't done it. We have not, we keep raising the level on the bar to the point where your question is very valid. What is the domino effect when we start doing that? Now we're probably talking about maybe three, four counties that this could affect in the next 10 years. But when you look at the, the now, the threshold for to go to first class county, even though we're growing very fast in two counties, they're not gonna be there. But they have to be …
S.B. 28 County Classification Modifications · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend SB 28 to the Senate floor.
▶ Watch at 1:21:28Read what they said
So, um, with that I would make a motion that we favor favorably recommend, um, Senate Bill 28 to the senate floor That that motion is, uh, is appropriate.
S.B. 148 General Oversight Amendments · Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee · Jan 23, 2026
Responded to the public concern about at-will appointments, saying the language clarifies that members serve at will and that past removals by the House and Senate leaders prompted the change.
▶ Watch at 2:58:49Read what they said
I did have, he brought up something. Mm-hmm. And, uh, he's talked about terms mm-hmm. Aren't these appointments at will? So yes and no. It's, it's actually a little bit weird, and that's why this is actually being fixed, is people, uh, the speaker and the president have at times removed people. Believe it or not, I've been the chair of this committee now for a year and a half, and in the process of being the chair of this committee, I've had four house chairs and their terms, you know, they were removed from the committee except for Representative Walter who decided to stay on the committee. But with turnover in the house, they needed to draft and pull …
S.B. 146 Industrial Byproduct Amendments · Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Moves to favorably recommend the bill to the Senate floor.
▶ Watch at 2:42Read what they said
I'd make a recommendation that, or recommendation that we favorably, uh, recommend this to the Senate floor.
S.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas, and Mining · Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Presents SCR 4 as an effort to speed up permitting through an MOU with the BLM, and introduces Division Director Mick Thomas.
▶ Watch at 1:41:53Read what they said
Thanks for your patience. SCR four, concurrent resolution regarding permitting of oil, gas, and mining. Thank you. Uh, ever since last session for the last couple years, we've had an energy, uh, task force that looks at, uh, our, what can we do better in the state and, and speed things along. And, uh, this resolution is an effort to do not permit reform, but to speed it along. It's an MOU, it, it encourages an MOU with the BLM to decide with our division of oil, gas and mining, how we do that. How can we streamline that? And, uh, I have with me, uh, director, uh, M**k Thomas from the Division of Oil Gas and Mining. He was …
S.B. 101 Specialized Product Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 3) · Jan 22, 2026
Winterton asks to circle S.B. 120 while waiting for a new draft.
▶ Watch at 48:11Read what they said
Winterton, I'd like to make motion to circle this bill. I'm waiting for a New draft. Okay.
S.B. 17 Credit Card Processing Fees Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Presented SB 17, which would let higher education institutions pass credit card processing fees on to cardholders so the state no longer absorbs them.
▶ Watch at 32:21Read what they said
Okay. Thank you. Uh, this is a committee bill and, uh, it was brought to our attention that we're always looking for, you know, more revenue or cost savings. This one here, credit card, all it does is it allows the higher education agencies to pass along the processing fees that come along with the credit cards. We're absorbing that right now. So if we start there, uh, higher ed ed, sometimes it's three to $4,000 every single month. It could be hired besides the transactions. And so if we give them the ability to charge the person, the cardholder, those fees we're held neutral on that, and we're not paying it. So that's what the bill does. It's very …
S.B. 17 Credit Card Processing Fees Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Responded that the bill currently addresses only government and higher education entities, not private businesses. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 35:52Read what they said
Mr. Chair, that's a, a, a restaurant that's owned by the university. No. Or that operate To the university Private. And I said, this bill only addresses government a higher ed right now. But you bring up a good point.
S.B. 17 Credit Card Processing Fees Amendments · Senate Education Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Explained that the bill responds to a state audit and would let institutions join the state credit card contracting pool, and urged support.
▶ Watch at 44:57Read what they said
Back to you. No, I appreciate the motion and, uh, again, I, I appreciate the clarification that this is addressing the audit. Uh, what they found doesn't prohibit prohibit them from doing it right now, but they want to be in on the state contracting, uh, pool. And, and this would allow that to happen. So it was, staff recommended it came out as a committee bill because they thought that this would clear up some of the practices right now. So thank you. I'd encourage your support on that. Okay.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Winterton says he wants to move the substitute and then speak to it.
▶ Watch at 1:19:20Read what they said
Yes. I, I'd like to first move that one and then I'll speak to that.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Winterton says the substitute changes a definition after talks with the Towing Association and that the bill defines how operations work.
▶ Watch at 1:19:30Read what they said
Yes. Uh, it was, uh, def definitions. Okay. If, if you look at the, on the, the bill that you have on line, uh, pay or line one 40, we changed it from non-government to non-consent police generated. And that came out of discussions last night with, uh, the Towing Association. Uh, we came to consensus. This bill is not changing anything. It is defining the parameters of how we operate.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Winterton says the bill reiterates existing law on dispatch rotation and county ordinances that keep tow vehicles in the county of origin, and that it requires impound lots to meet state and local rules.
▶ Watch at 1:20:58Read what they said
I haven't heard one book. The, the biggest portion of this bill is just reiterating what we already have on the book. It comes down to dispatch centers and, and if it's law enforcement and they come upon a car, they call dispatch and they on the rotation, they get the next one in line. What's happening is there are counties that have ordinances that say you have to, the vehicle has to remain, remain in the county of origin, not going 45 miles, 60 miles away, because that's where the rotation towing company was from. And so it's caused a lot of conflict. Um, I'll, I'll use Morgan County because they're, they're in this fight in the fact that …
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Winterton responds that impound lots are generally available within counties and that remote areas may have longer distances.
▶ Watch at 1:24:08Read what they said
Uh, that, that is a great question. Most of the time, and I looked at the, the facilities that we have, the impound lots, every one of them has it, but sometimes they might be to the far edge. And I go, well, you gotta realize that the rest of that county is federal land, public land. There's no population there. Yeah, I'm thinking Of San Juan County for instance. What do you, what do you, Yeah. And, and so they're gonna have to tow it to a facility within the county and, you know, down on the reservation.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Winterton says the Sheriff's Association raised the issue and he will have language addressing it.
▶ Watch at 1:24:50Read what they said
Um, sheriff Glover from the Sheriff's Association just brought that to my attention before we came in here. I says, get me some language. Okay. You will address that.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Winterton says the committee can address the issue and that the goal is clear definitions.
▶ Watch at 1:25:17Read what they said
We can, we can do that. But that's what they're asking for is let's make clear definitions here. Yeah.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Winterton says only a few counties, mostly rural, have such ordinances to protect local businesses' investments.
▶ Watch at 1:26:00Read what they said
No, Mo there are just a few counties and most of them are rural. Mm-hmm. But they're trying to protect their business owner's investment. And when they have to compete with somebody from the urban side, that's where I find that they have ordinances that say we want it to stay in our county.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Winterton says the bill protects businesses with local investment and addresses tow requests made directly by drivers rather than law enforcement or dispatch.
▶ Watch at 1:27:06Read what they said
No, it, it's protecting those that have investments there, that are paying property taxes and that. Mm-hmm. And, and that's who, I mean, this, this doesn't, even if you break down highway patrol, somebody comes along and says, do you need a tow or something? You say, yeah, I'd like so and so. Okay. They're in another county, you requested it. It didn't come from law enforcement or the dispatch. That's what we're addressing.
S.B. 120 Towing Modifications · Senate Business and Labor Committee · Jan 21, 2026
Winterton thanks the committee and says the issues raised are not easy.
▶ Watch at 1:30:17Read what they said
Appreciate somebody, uh, you know, understanding that these are not easy. They're usually more into, into the weeds and we don't see that, so I've learned.
S.B. 15 County Forms of Government Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Says the bill was recommended by the political subdivisions committee and repeals four lines so that county officials may be full-time if citizens want that, and that is all it does.
▶ Watch at 17:43Read what they said
Thank you Mr. President. Uh, this was a political subdivision committee bill. It was recommended that we, uh, repeal, uh, four lines in this bill, which makes it possible to either part-time or full-time county employee or elected officials that if it's the desire of the citizens that they be full-time. That's all it does.
S.B. 15 County Forms of Government Amendments · Senate floor debate (day 1) · Jan 20, 2026
Moves to suspend the rules and pass S.B. 15.
▶ Watch at 18:12Read what they said
Okay. Uh, make a motion then under suspended of the rules that, uh, the Senate Bill 15 passed.
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