This bill proposes adding a Secretary of State position to Utah's constitution as an elected executive officer. It establishes the role's qualifications (25+ years old, 5-year state residency), sets a two-year initial term for the first elected official in 2028 (followed by four-year terms), and outlines procedures for filling vacancies (requiring same-party appointments by the Governor). The amendment would adjust multiple sections of Article VII to include the new office, its duties, compensation, and election process. This change would directly affect Utah's executive branch structure and future statewide elections.
SB 264 creates an exception allowing public officials running for office to include their photo in a regularly published public entity newsletter as part of a neutral, uniformly displayed candidate profile. This applies only if the profile appears alongside all other candidates in the same format, doesn’t promote or oppose any candidate, and is published outside the 60-day election period restriction. The bill modifies Utah Code §20A-11-1203.5 to permit this specific use of public funds for candidate profiles in standard newsletters. It makes no new funding changes and takes effect May 6, 2026.
HB 555 amends Utah's family law statutes to clarify how courts award attorney fees, costs, and witness fees in cases involving divorce, custody, child support, or property division. It requires courts to specifically assess each party's ability to pay before ordering fees and allows judges to reduce or deny fees if a party is indigent or if the case was filed to harass or unnecessarily increase costs. The bill also updates definitions related to alimony, custody, and child support enforcement. These changes directly affect anyone involved in Utah family court proceedings seeking financial support or custody arrangements.
HB 554 modifies Utah's debt collection rules to streamline how government entities recover unpaid amounts. It directs the State Tax Commission to apply corporate tax overpayments toward debts under the Crime Victims Restitution Act, allows collections without a court judgment, and standardizes definitions for "accounts receivable" (including fines, restitution, and taxes). The bill also permits the State Debt Collection Fund to retain up to one year's expenses annually and makes technical updates to multiple statutes. These changes primarily affect taxpayers with outstanding debts and government agencies collecting public funds, with no new state funding required.
HB 528 requires Utah school districts to report specific open enrollment data - including school capacity, enrollment numbers on key dates, and nonresident student requests - to the State Board of Education. The State Board must then publish this data online, including school-specific enrollment rates and contact information for open enrollment staff. This affects all Utah public school districts and makes enrollment transparency requirements more accessible to families and the public. The bill does not change enrollment standards but mandates standardized reporting to improve visibility into district enrollment patterns.
HB 511 amends Utah's procurement code to define "resident supplier" and require state agencies to give preference to these suppliers when purchasing goods or services. It mandates that agencies create procedures ensuring resident suppliers on approved vendor lists have greater opportunity to compete for contracts compared to non-resident suppliers. The bill also requires bidders to certify if they qualify as resident suppliers, with agencies encouraged to favor such bids in small-purchase processes. These changes directly affect Utah state procurement units and businesses competing for government contracts under small-purchase rules.
HB 604 prohibits certain local executive officials from serving on municipal or county legislative bodies in their own jurisdictions. It bans county executives, county managers, and mayors/managers (whether elected or appointed) from holding legislative seats in the same area they lead, directly affecting current and future officials in these roles. Existing violations (where officials were already serving in conflict as of May 6, 2026) are temporarily allowed until January 31, 2027, or a replacement is sworn in, whichever comes first. The bill takes effect May 6, 2026, with the exception clause set to expire July 1, 2027.
HB 479 modifies Utah's election code to change how mail ballots are handled and accessed. Starting in 2029, voters must actively request mail ballot delivery and return by mail every eight years - otherwise, they will not automatically receive mail ballots. The bill also requires two poll workers to be present at ballot drop boxes, mandates ID verification at drop boxes, and extends emergency ballot access to voters with disabilities who cannot travel. These changes affect all Utah voters who use mail ballots or drop boxes, with the key policy shift being the requirement for periodic voter confirmation of mail ballot preferences.
HB 561 updates Utah's vehicle laws to clarify that mini-motorcycles are legally treated the same as motorcycles. This means minors riding mini-motorcycles must now follow the same rules as motorcycle riders, including needing proper driver licenses, registration, and insurance. The bill also adds provisions allowing law enforcement to impound motorcycles involved in certain traffic violations. These changes directly affect minor riders of mini-motorcycles and impact how law enforcement handles related traffic offenses.
HB 529 proposes creating an elected Secretary of State position for the 2028 general election, transferring most duties currently held by Utah's Lieutenant Governor to this new office. Key provisions include moving election oversight, redistricting responsibilities, municipal administration, management of the state seal, and regulation of lobbyists and notaries to the Secretary of State. The bill requires a prior constitutional amendment to establish the office and includes technical updates to relevant Utah Code sections. It does not appropriate funds and is contingent on the constitutional amendment's passage.
HB 489, the Water Infrastructure Amendments, requires local governments in the Great Salt Lake basin to prioritize low impact development (like permeable surfaces and rain gardens) over retention basins for storm water management, unless no feasible alternative exists. It mandates that detention basins in the basin be designed to release water as quickly as possible without compromising flood control or drainage capacity. The bill also establishes a process for independent review of storm water design disputes, with costs shared equally between applicants and local governments. These changes directly affect municipalities, counties, and developers operating within the Great Salt Lake basin under Utah’s storm water permitting system.
HB 521 creates a new Public Education Economic Stabilization Trust Fund managed by the state treasurer, which must receive $350 million annually starting in 2027 from the existing Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account. The bill requires this trust fund to be funded before other one-time appropriations for public education, ensuring priority for education funding during budget cycles. It also exempts the trust fund from standard state financial management laws and corrects how minimum funding levels apply. This directly affects Utah's public education system by mandating a dedicated funding stream for schools and specific programs like the Catalyst Center Grant Program.
