Rep. Ray Ward

Maddy summaryHB 570 changes how Utah local governments and private entities calculate impact fees for new single-family homes. It requires using the number of plumbing fixtures (like sinks and toilets) shown in building plans - instead of construction costs or other factors - to determine the fee amount. This directly affects new home builders and local governments that collect these fees for infrastructure projects. The bill amends Utah Code Section 11-36a-305 to standardize this calculation method for single-family residential developments, effective May 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 184 allows property owners to request that municipalities accept "preferred land use regulations" for building starter homes or smaller residential lots, even if current zoning would normally prohibit it. The bill defines a "starter home" as a single-family home sold at or below the local average home price (with two parking spots), and sets a minimum lot size of 5,400 square feet for certain developments. Municipalities must review these requests within five business days, either approving them or denying them with written reasoning; if not denied within 30 days, the request becomes permitted. This process aims to increase housing affordability by streamlining approvals for smaller, more affordable homes without requiring additional engineering plans or design documents.

Maddy summaryHB 367, the Solar Power Utility Amendments, changes how Utah utilities compensate solar power customers for excess electricity sent back to the grid. The bill requires the Public Service Commission to create an optional "time-of-use export pricing tariff" that offers different credit rates based on the time of day or real-time market conditions, with a guaranteed minimum credit floor. Solar customers can choose to join this new tariff or keep their existing compensation plan, and utilities must clearly explain the differences and allow switching back without penalty. The law protects existing customers from forced changes and ensures the new system works with current metering and battery storage technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date for the Utah Commission on Aging from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2031. It directly affects the Utah Commission on Aging by giving the body five additional years to continue its work before its statutory termination. The bill makes only a technical change to the commission's sunset date in Utah Code, with no new programs or funding. This is a routine procedural amendment to delay the commission's automatic repeal, requiring no additional legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 121 clarifies which courses schools cannot charge fees for by updating definitions in Utah law. It specifically adds "science" to the list of core subjects (alongside English, health, math, and social studies) where fees are prohibited for courses that grant credit or a grade. This directly affects secondary schools (grades 7-12) and students enrolled in these required science courses, ensuring schools cannot require fees for them. The bill makes a technical correction to existing definitions without introducing new requirements or costs.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryHB 493 amends Utah's death certificate procedures and medical examiner processes to improve accuracy and efficiency. It requires health care professionals to complete death certificates online using a new system that flags cases needing medical examiner review, notifies families about potential fees if bodies are cremated or made unavailable for autopsy, and clarifies when medical examiners must investigate deaths. The bill directly affects health care providers, funeral directors, and families handling deceased relatives. Key changes include updating filing deadlines, adding online tools for death certificate completion, and prohibiting funeral service staff from charging for signing death certificates. These updates aim to streamline documentation while ensuring proper oversight for deaths requiring medical examiner involvement.

Maddy summaryHB 463 modifies Utah's child support laws to better address ongoing child care costs. It requires courts to include child support arrears details when terminating parental rights and mandates divorce decrees to reference the Office of Recovery Services. Starting July 2026, child support orders must include a provision for parents to pay recurring child care expenses as a standard requirement, replacing the current receipt-based system. The Office of Recovery Services must study and propose a new method for calculating these costs and report to the Health and Human Services Interim Committee by 2026. The bill does not appropriate funds and affects parents obligated to pay child support, courts issuing orders, and the Office of Recovery Services.

Maddy summaryHB 340 creates a new category for small portable solar devices (under 1,200 watts) designed to plug into standard household outlets. It exempts these devices from utility interconnection fees, approval requirements, and net metering program rules, while requiring a safety feature that shuts off during power outages. Homeowners using such devices won’t need utility approval, pay installation fees, or install extra equipment. The bill also protects utilities from liability for damage caused by these portable systems. It takes effect May 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 357 simplifies Utah's medical cannabis program by removing several regulatory requirements. It eliminates the need for healthcare providers to register with the Department of Health to recommend medical cannabis and removes continuing education mandates for providers. The bill also shifts enforcement of advertising and payment rules from the Department of Health to the Division of Professional Licensing. These changes primarily affect medical cannabis providers and businesses operating under Utah's current program, streamlining administrative processes without new funding.