Rep. Paul Cutler

Maddy summarySB 275 creates Utah's State-Endorsed Digital Identity Program, managed by the Department of Government Operations. It establishes a digital identity bill of rights, sets standards for verifying identities, and allows state-verified digital IDs to be used as proof of age (e.g., for purchasing alcohol or tobacco). The program requires government agencies, healthcare providers, and digital wallet services to follow specific security and privacy rules when processing these identities. It does not create new costs, as no funding is appropriated, and replaces outdated electronic ID provisions upon sunset review.

Maddy summaryHB 381 amends Utah laws governing electric-assisted bicycles and similar mobility devices. It clarifies that motorcycles include electric models, bans alcohol use while operating e-bikes, and prohibits modifications beyond the manufacturer's settings. The bill requires helmets for riders under 21 on highways, allows police to hold e-vehicles from minors for safety violations, and mandates safety courses for certain device operation. These changes directly affect e-bike and e-motorcycle users, particularly young riders, by establishing new safety standards and enforcement procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 303 amends Utah family court procedures to clarify how courts handle costs, fees, and custody decisions. It requires courts to consider "coercive control" (patterns of isolating, controlling, or threatening behavior) when making child custody or parent-time rulings, and adds specific criteria for awarding attorney fees based on financial need and ability to pay. The bill also creates new processes for ordering mental health treatment in custody cases and establishes formal guidelines for child custody evaluations. These changes directly affect parents, children, and courts handling divorce, custody, and family law disputes in Utah.

Maddy summaryHB 32 updates Utah's petition signature collection rules to improve accuracy and transparency. It directly affects individuals gathering signatures for initiatives, referendums, or other petitions (called "circulators") and election officials verifying those signatures. Key changes include requiring all circulators to complete an online training course before collecting signatures, mandating election officials to notify signers via email/text about their signature status, and requiring officials to reject petitions if circulators haven't completed training. The bill also adds 22-month retention requirements for petition packets and standardizes verification forms to reduce errors. These changes aim to streamline the petition process while ensuring signature validity.

Maddy summaryThis Utah bill (SB 59) amends alimony laws to require courts to explicitly consider the tax impact of alimony payments on both parties when determining or modifying support. It also clarifies that alimony payments automatically end if a recipient cohabits with another person, even if cohabitation began before a termination motion is filed. The changes apply to divorce cases where the petition was filed after May 1, 2024, and require courts to document findings if rebutting the presumption of equalizing living standards in long-term marriages. The bill takes effect on May 6, 2026, affecting divorce proceedings involving alimony in Utah.

Maddy summaryHB 319 allows Utah counties to accept digitally authenticated documents (like e-signatures) instead of traditional notarized documents for recording. It requires counties to get approval from the State Archives before implementation, ensuring digital records meet security, retention, and preservation standards. The bill establishes that digitally authenticated records have the same legal standing as notarized documents when all requirements are met. This directly affects county recorders, document creators (such as real estate agents), and anyone submitting records to county offices. The law makes no changes to funding or fees but updates state code to reflect electronic record standards.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryHB 346 amends the definition of "position of special trust" specifically for aggravated sexual abuse of a child offenses in Utah law. This technical update ensures consistency across multiple statutes, including those requiring certain professionals (like licensed health care providers) to report suspected threats in school settings. The bill does not create new reporting requirements or change existing obligations but aligns legal references to the updated definition. No funding is appropriated, and the changes are purely procedural to maintain clarity in the code.

Maddy summaryHB 403 is a technical corrections bill that updates existing Utah Code sections without creating new policies or costs. It removes an obsolete subsection, clarifies the official name of the Motor Vehicle Division, and fixes spelling errors in three code sections related to electric bicycles (41-6a-1115.5), vehicle registration (41-22-3.5), and boating account administration (79-7-301). The bill makes no changes to public requirements or penalties but ensures existing laws are accurately worded. It directly affects how state agencies reference these laws in official communications. The bill takes effect May 6, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 13 allows Utah municipalities to place a legal lien on property for unpaid water, sewer, or utility-related service fees after providing written notice of the debt and intent to lien. It authorizes cities to charge interest and a one-time administrative penalty on overdue payments. The bill directly affects property owners who fall behind on these utility bills, giving municipalities a new tool to collect outstanding fees. Key provisions require clear billing notices, define "utility" services, and update lien procedures without creating new government spending.