Budget & Taxes

signed · Utah · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 287: Targeted Advertising Tax

SB 287 imposes an annual tax on companies that deliver targeted advertising in Utah and meet specific revenue thresholds: $1 million or more in Utah-targeted ad revenue and $100 million or more in total targeted ad revenue (50% of their overall revenue). The tax rate is calculated based on the company’s Utah-targeted ad revenue, using a formula that compares Utah ad impressions to total impressions. Companies must file annual returns with Utah’s State Tax Commission, and collected revenue will fund a dedicated restricted account for tax administration. The tax begins January 1, 2027, and applies only to qualifying large advertising entities meeting these financial criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes new tax on large ad companies, increasing state revenue for budget purposes without specified public service funding.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · Utah · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 425: Local Government Fees Amendments

HB 425 restricts how Utah cities and towns can charge certain fees. It bars cities from imposing general fees for broadband internet or public safety services (like police/fire) on the public, with limited exceptions (e.g., fees for bonds issued before 2026 must end by 2027). Similarly, towns cannot charge general fees for public safety services, except for existing fees tied to agreements between towns or volunteer services, which must be renewed every three years. The bill also creates a new process for municipalities to establish transportation utility fees (for services like roads), requiring annual reviews, appeal mechanisms, and local referendums for new fees.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRestricts local fee imposition for broadband/public safety, limiting municipal revenue sources under local taxation and fees.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBars local fees for broadband internet, reducing costs and supporting access to technology services per bill's focus on broadband fees.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

signed · Utah · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 325: Government Records Classification Amendments

HB 325 modifies Utah's government records law to make certain financial records public while keeping tax exemption details private. It requires all government entities to classify records showing fund receipts or expenditures - such as budgets, grant documents, vendor payments, and financial reports - as public information. Conversely, it classifies any record revealing whether a taxpayer receives property tax exemptions, deferrals, or abatements as private. These changes apply to all Utah government agencies without new funding requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates public access to budget/spending records (e.g., financial reports, vendor payments) promoting fiscal transparency. Keeps tax exemption details private but doesn't alter tax policy. Primary focus supports budget transparency per subje...95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

failed · Utah · Senate Mar 7, 2026

SB 247: Road Funding Amendments

SB 247 would establish a minimum statewide average rack price for motor fuel (gasoline), starting January 1, 2027, initially set at $2.67 per gallon. Beginning January 1, 2028, this minimum price would be adjusted annually based on a formula to account for inflation or other factors. The bill directly affects drivers and businesses that purchase motor fuel by setting a guaranteed floor price for gasoline. This legislation failed in the Senate on March 4, 2026, and did not become law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesSets minimum gasoline price floor to ensure stable fuel tax revenue for transportation funding, directly supporting state budget through consistent taxation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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in committee · Utah · Senate Mar 7, 2026

SB 285: Uninsured Children Dental Care Amendments

SB 285 creates a new "Uninsured Children Dental Care Restricted Account" within Utah's General Fund and appropriates $5 million for fiscal year 2027 to fund dental care for uninsured children. The bill directs the University of Utah School of Dentistry's Oral Health Assistance Program to provide these services across all counties. Funds are nonlapsing for FY2027-28, with excess amounts over $200,000 lapsing to the General Fund starting FY2028-29. This bill directly affects uninsured children in Utah by expanding access to dental care through a dedicated funding mechanism.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $5M from General Fund for uninsured children's dental care, directly increasing state spending on public health services per budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill appropriates $5M for dental care services for uninsured children, directly expanding access to health services and funding a healthcare program.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · Utah · House Mar 7, 2026

HB 157: Department of Natural Resources Amendments

HB 157 amends various Utah laws related to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It changes how the DNR handles employee work periods, allows water rights records to be kept electronically or physically, and adjusts rules for water rights after contract issues. The bill removes a cap on low-interest loans for water metering, ends the Alternative Energy Development Tax Credit Act, and repeals funding rules for a watershed program. It appropriates $5 million from the General Fund for DNR operations in fiscal year 2027. The changes primarily affect DNR staff, water rights holders, and entities managing water resources in Utah.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesEnds Alternative Energy Tax Credit and repeals watershed funding, defunding program and restricting tax relief.90% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRepeals Alternative Energy Development Tax Credit Act, removing financial incentive for renewables and weakening clean energy support.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentEnds Alternative Energy Tax Credit and repeals watershed program funding, defunding environmental initiatives per bill text.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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failed · Utah · House Mar 7, 2026

HB 170: School Board Referendum Amendments

HB 170 amends Utah's laws to establish a clearer process for school district residents to hold referendums on certain school board decisions. Specifically, it allows voters who live within a school district to petition for a vote on laws passed by their local school board that increase taxes or create new taxes, subject to limited exceptions. The bill defines key terms related to referendums and makes technical updates to existing statutes, but does not appropriate new funding or create new financial obligations. This directly affects school district residents seeking to challenge tax-related decisions through a voter referendum.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill requires voter approval for school tax increases, restricting school boards' authority to enact tax changes without public consent.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · Utah · Senate Mar 7, 2026

SB 231: Energy User Amendments

SB 231 modifies Utah's property tax system for large energy users (facilities with 100+ megawatts of cumulative electricity demand). It prohibits new tax increment financing agreements (a tool for funding development projects) for projects containing such "large load customers" after May 6, 2026, affecting cities, counties, and special districts. The bill also requires large load customers to notify county auditors and treasurers of their location. These changes adjust how tax revenue is distributed and restrict development funding for major energy consumers.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesProhibits new tax increment financing for large energy projects, restricting local government funding tools under property tax amendments.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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