Rep. Gay Lynn Bennion

Maddy summaryHB 196 clarifies that Utah highway authorities (including state, county, and municipal agencies) can restrict certain vehicles on controlled-access highways during unsafe conditions, such as requiring specific vehicle equipment (like snow tires) in severe weather. It mandates that authorities post clear traffic-control devices to inform drivers of restrictions and grants the Utah Department of Transportation rulemaking authority to establish detailed regulations. The bill also allows local highway authorities to create their own ordinances for implementing these rules. These changes directly affect drivers traveling on controlled-access highways during adverse weather and highway authorities managing traffic safety.

Maddy summaryHB 99 amends Utah's Residential Mortgage Practices and Licensing Act to give the Division of Real Estate new authority to issue citations for specific violations by mortgage professionals. It directly affects mortgage lenders, brokers, and other licensed entities by adding enforcement mechanisms for breaches like operating without a license, failing to report ownership changes, making false statements to regulators, or using consumer reports to solicit customers. Key provisions include enabling the Division to issue citations for violations listed in subsections (4)(a)-(dd) of the amended law and prohibiting the use of consumer report data for solicitation. The bill makes no funding changes and focuses on clarifying enforcement procedures for existing regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 36 extends the expiration date for Utah's Provo Canyon Resource Management Plan from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027. This bill does not change the management plan itself but delays when the specific provision governing it will sunset (expire). The change directly affects the Provo Canyon resource management plan, allowing it to remain in effect for two additional years. The bill makes this adjustment through a technical amendment to Utah Code Section 63L-11-204, with no new funding or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 89 modifies Utah's small estate probate process by explicitly prohibiting the transfer of water shares using simplified affidavit procedures. This change directly affects individuals handling the estates of deceased owners (valued under $100,000) who hold water rights, as these shares can no longer be transferred via affidavit like other personal property. The bill amends Utah Code Section 75-3-1201 to exclude water shares from the list of eligible property for transfer under the small estate probate rules, while making minor technical corrections to the statute. The law takes effect on May 7, 2025, with no new funding or significant procedural changes beyond this exclusion.

Maddy summaryHB 182 requires landlords in Utah to provide tenants with 60 days' written notice before increasing rent, unless the lease is month-to-month, the increase relates to low-income housing programs, or the tenant agrees in writing to a shorter notice period. It also mandates landlords to disclose upfront details about rent amounts, fees, and eligibility criteria before a tenant signs a rental agreement or pays an application fee. These changes directly affect landlords (including property managers acting as agents) and tenants in all residential rental properties across Utah. The bill clarifies definitions, strengthens disclosure requirements, and sets limits on late fees and unexpected charges, aiming to increase transparency in rental agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 151 requires homebuyers in Utah counties of the first class to sign an affidavit stating they intend to live in a single-family home as their primary residence for at least one year within 30 days of the home being listed for sale. Buyers must record this affidavit with the county recorder within seven days of signing, unless the seller has an exigent circumstance (like urgent financial need) or the home is occupied by a renter. The law exempts affordable housing nonprofits, family trusts, family limited liability companies, and those using Section 1031 exchanges. It applies only to single-family homes (detached units on their own land) and takes effect May 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 180 requires Utah state executive branch agencies to set employee compensation based on ability, knowledge, and skills rather than factors like seniority. It prohibits these agencies from asking current or prospective employees about their previous or current salaries. The bill applies to most state agencies (like the Tax Commission) but excludes universities, the Attorney General's office, and other specified entities. This changes hiring and pay practices for state employees in covered agencies starting May 7, 2025.