Rep. Cheryl Acton

Maddy summarySB 22 modifies Utah state employee benefits for those covered under the Public Employees' Long-Term Disability Act. It updates the definition of "gainful employment" for disability claims, includes overtime pay in salary calculations, adds a death benefit for disability recipients, and expands life counseling services. The bill also increases state-paid life insurance benefits for exempt employees through new tiers. These changes are funded using savings from reduced long-term disability premium rates, with no new state money appropriated.

Maddy summaryHB 414 amends Utah's raw milk regulations to enhance safety protocols and clarify outbreak response procedures. It directly affects raw milk producers and the Utah Department of Agriculture, requiring specific testing (e.g., bacterial counts under 20,000 CFU/mL), strict temperature controls (50°F within 1 hour, 41°F within 2 hours), and mandatory labeling stating "raw milk may be unsafe." Key provisions include directing third-party lab testing during outbreaks, defining "foodborne illness outbreak" (2+ cases from different households), and setting standards for reissuing suspended permits or lifting cease-and-desist orders. The bill also mandates retail store labeling, sales databases for health investigations, and maintains existing requirements for raw milk production and handling. No new funding is appropriated.

Maddy summarySB 21 modifies Utah's Public Employees' Long-Term Disability Act to clarify eligibility and benefit processes for public employees. It updates the definition of "objective medical impairment" to require documented medical evidence (not just subjective complaints) for mental health claims, extending this clarification through June 2026. The bill also revises application procedures, adjusts benefit exclusions, and directs the program to cover volunteer emergency medical personnel under existing benefits. These changes directly affect Utah public employees seeking disability benefits, particularly those with mental health conditions or who serve in emergency response roles. The bill makes technical adjustments without new funding or major cost shifts.

Maddy summaryHB 431 helps relatives caring for children in Utah's state custody by providing financial support before they become licensed foster parents. It requires the Division of Child and Family Services to offer initial payments of up to $1,000 per child (capping at $3,000 total) when a child is first placed with a relative, and an additional up to $1,000 per child after three months if the child remains in that placement. The bill also mandates reporting these payments to a legislative subcommittee. This applies directly to "initial kinship caregivers" - relatives not yet licensed as foster parents who are the first relative placement for a child in state custody. The law makes no new funding commitments but modifies existing payment procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 443 requires candidates for county, municipal, or special district offices in Utah to file a conflict of interest disclosure statement when submitting their declaration of candidacy. It also mandates annual disclosure of criminal convictions (misdemeanors or felonies) for candidates and current officeholders, with the requirement that this does not make them job applicants for public employers. Election officials must post these disclosure statements online, and candidates seeking reelection to the same office are exempt if they already filed the disclosure that year. The bill affects local candidates and officeholders by increasing transparency around potential conflicts and criminal history.

Maddy summaryHB 262 requires homeowners' association (HOA) board members in Utah to complete at least one hour of annual education covering topics like fiduciary duties, financial responsibilities, and HOA governance rules. It mandates board members to report completion to the HOA secretary (or all members if no secretary exists) and maintain records for four years. Unit owners can seek court action for $250 plus fees if a board member fails to comply, including requesting removal after a 90-day remedy period. The bill creates no new costs, sets a standard for approved education providers, and takes effect after administrative review.

Maddy summaryHB 303 amends rules for sharing public school student directories, requiring written consent from parents or guardians before schools can share student contact information. The bill limits directory sharing to specific school-related purposes, such as school events or communications directly involving the student. It also prohibits schools from selling directories or using them for commercial purposes. This directly affects public schools, students, and families by changing how personal information is handled and shared. The bill is currently in the House after being returned from the Senate.