HB 333 clarifies that adoption record access applies to all adoptions in Utah and allows birth parents (pre-existing parents) to petition a court to keep adoption records sealed after an adoptee turns 18. Adult adoptees (18+) can automatically access their original birth certificate, adoption report, findings of fact, and final decree without a court order. Birth parents may request a 10-year sealing extension of these records if they provide sworn evidence of reasonable fear of harm from the adoptee. The bill amends Utah Code § 81-13-103 and takes effect on May 6, 2026.
HB 324 removes a $400,000 annual cap on funds the Utah Marriage Commission receives from county marriage license fees. It affects county clerks who collect marriage license fees, as they must now send all funds above $400,000 from these fees directly to the state General Fund instead of capping them for the Commission. The bill does not change existing $10 contributions for Children's Legal Defense or domestic violence shelters, which remain unchanged. This is a technical adjustment to fee distribution rules without creating new fees or altering other provisions.
HB 377 amends Utah's real estate licensing rules to clarify and streamline regulations for brokers and property managers. It creates a "dual broker" license, allowing a principal broker to operate a separate property management company without needing a second property management license. The bill also sets new requirements: property managers employed by entities needing broker affiliation must affiliate with a principal broker, while others do not, and updates rules for handling client funds and brokerage record-keeping. These changes affect real estate brokers, property managers, and the Division of Real Estate, which gains authority to create related licensing rules.
This bill makes permanent a budgeting mechanism that adjusts Medicaid reimbursement rates for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services based on Utah's General Fund revenue growth. It ensures ABA providers receive rate increases tied to the state's budget growth factor (e.g., 100% if growth is below 100%, or 102% if growth is 102% or higher). The policy directly affects Medicaid providers delivering ABA services to beneficiaries and ensures these rates stay aligned with reimbursement for similar services under Medicaid managed care plans. The bill does not appropriate new funding but modifies how existing funds are allocated to maintain these rate adjustments.
SB 192 updates procedures for the Legislative Management Committee (LMC), clarifying its role in overseeing workplace harassment and discrimination policies. It requires annual rotation of the LMC chair and vice-chair between the Senate President and House Speaker, mandates quarterly meetings, and grants the Senate President and House Speaker joint authority to break committee ties. These changes directly affect how the LMC governs legislative operations and committee workflows. The bill focuses solely on procedural adjustments to committee management, with no substantive policy changes to laws or regulations.
HB 273 requires Utah's State Board of Education to develop model policies for technology and artificial intelligence use in public schools, directly affecting all Utah public schools, teachers, and students. Key provisions include adding artificial intelligence standards to core computer science curriculum, establishing grade-level technology use requirements, creating a model for balanced technology integration, and allowing high schools to offer AI-focused "sandbox" courses. The bill also mandates reporting on implementation and exempts certain student groups from grade-level tech requirements, with no new state funding allocated.
This bill updates Utah election laws to clarify how voter registration information is classified and shared. It allows voters who previously had private registration records to reclassify them as public unless they take steps to maintain privacy, and requires election officials to notify affected voters about this change. The legislation also adds new protections against unauthorized access to voter lists, requires the lieutenant governor to publish data on at-risk voters, and modifies how ballot titles are prepared for constitutional amendments. These changes affect all Utah voters, election officials, and political organizations that handle voter registration data.
HB 280 regulates third-party litigation funding in Utah by creating clear distinctions between funding for individuals ("consumer maintenance") and businesses ("commercial maintenance"). It extends consumers' right to cancel funding agreements (rescission), restricts foreign entities from providing such funding, and prohibits funding providers from influencing case decisions or settlements. The bill also requires businesses to disclose outcome-based funding agreements in court and holds funding providers jointly liable for costs if a case fails. These changes primarily affect individuals in personal injury or wrongful death cases and businesses using litigation funding, aiming to increase transparency and protect consumers from predatory practices.
SB 175 updates Utah's health insurance requirements for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) coverage. It requires health benefit plans to cover ASD treatment - including applied behavior analysis - and expands the list of qualified providers (like psychologists and social workers) eligible for reimbursement for diagnosis and treatment. The bill also removes outdated language about preexisting conditions and clarifies definitions for ASD diagnosis and treatment under Utah law. These changes directly affect health insurance plans sold in Utah's individual and large group markets, ensuring coverage for children aged 2-10 years with ASD. The law amends specific Utah Code sections (26B-3-904 and 31A-22-642) without appropriating new funds.
HB 320 amends Utah's existing Artificial Intelligence Policy framework by clarifying definitions (like "artificial intelligence" and "regulatory mitigation agreement"), updating the Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy's duties, and modifying the Artificial Intelligence Learning Laboratory Program. The bill establishes a structured process for AI companies to test new technologies under temporary regulatory flexibility (via "regulatory mitigation agreements") while requiring them to report findings and safeguard consumer data. It directly affects state agencies managing AI regulation, AI developers participating in the Learning Laboratory, and Utah consumers through future policy guidance. The Office must annually report program outcomes and policy recommendations to the legislature, with no new funding requested.
HB 343 amends Utah's Medicaid certification rules for nursing care facilities, primarily affecting facilities seeking to renew or transfer certification when relocating or renovating. The key change allows facilities with a previously approved two-year extension for relocation to request a longer four-year extension under specific circumstances, such as emergencies or documented need. It also clarifies requirements for maintaining certification during facility transitions, including written assurances to avoid disputes over facility ownership. The bill makes technical updates to existing code but does not appropriate new funds or change bed capacity rules without director approval. This streamlines certification continuity for facilities relocating within counties or within five miles of their original site.
SB 158 expands Medicaid reimbursement eligibility to include licensed residential support programs accredited by the American Camp Association, directly affecting Medicaid beneficiaries receiving recreational therapy services in these facilities. The bill adds this program type to the existing list of covered settings (like hospitals and skilled nursing facilities) where qualified enrollees - those enrolled in Medicaid and referred by a mental health therapist - can access reimbursed services. It authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to seek necessary federal waivers to implement this change, with no new state funding required. The policy takes effect May 6, 2026, and focuses solely on expanding coverage eligibility without altering service criteria or beneficiary requirements.
