Budget & Taxes (State Budget)

HB 7 is the Social Services Base Budget for Utah’s fiscal years 2026 and 2027, providing $8.6 billion in total funding to state agencies, primarily the Department of Health and Human Services. It directly affects programs like Child and Family Services, Medicaid, mental health services, and health care administration by allocating specific funds - such as $1.588 billion from the General Fund for 2027 and $53.38 million for legal cost reporting. Key provisions include requiring the Health and Human Services Department to report to lawmakers by May 2026 on attorney fees for child welfare services, including historical costs and funding gaps. The bill establishes concrete budget allocations for operations, capital projects, and specific initiatives without changing program eligibility or creating new requirements.

SB 97 limits how much surplus funds cities and counties can accumulate in their general funds (capping it at 25% of annual revenue) and changes residential property tax rules. It restricts property tax exemptions to one primary residence per household, requires homeowners to reapply for exemptions if ownership changes or eligibility is questioned, and creates a presumption that business-owned property doesn't qualify for residential exemptions. The bill also prohibits using property tax revenue for capital improvement reserves after a set date and adjusts how property value increases are counted for tax calculations. These changes directly affect local governments managing tax revenues and homeowners seeking property tax exemptions.

HB 107 creates a sales tax exemption for the purchase price of a lower-priced vehicle when a person buys and sells two vehicles in separate transactions. It requires buyers to pay registration fees by the end of the month following expiration (with late penalties) and makes new registrations effective in the same month as the previous registration. The bill eliminates the "cure period" for tax violations and redirects penalties from vehicle tax violations to the state General Fund. It primarily affects Utah residents who trade vehicles, simplifying tax treatment for such transactions without adding new state spending.