Rep. Casey Snider

Maddy summarySB 1003 modifies Utah's Supreme Court leadership structure. It requires the governor to appoint a chief justice from among the justices (with Senate approval), replaces the justices' election of the chief justice, and limits chief justices to one term after the bill's effective date. The bill also creates a new associate chief justice position, elected by the justices for a two-year term, who assumes chief justice duties when needed. These changes affect the Utah Supreme Court's internal management and leadership succession, with no new funding required.

Maddy summaryHJR 9 is a non-binding legislative resolution declaring Utah's position on Colorado River water usage. It states that Utah, as a state allocated 23% of the Upper Basin's water under historical compacts, should be allowed to use its Colorado River allocation anywhere within Utah's geographic boundaries - regardless of whether the water originates in the Upper or Lower Basin. The resolution cites Utah's reliance on this water for 60% of its residents and its commitment to staying within its allocation amid growth. It does not change water rights or impose new requirements, as it is purely a statement of policy position by the state legislature.

Maddy summarySB 276 allows individuals or businesses affected by the Utah Horse Racing Commission’s decisions (such as license denials or fines) to appeal those rulings to a court. If the Commission wins the appeal, the Department of Agriculture and Food can recover legal fees, court costs, and other expenses. The bill also requires the Commission to create specific rules for how the Board of Stewards conducts hearings. This is a procedural update to administrative processes, not a change to horse racing regulations or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 465 requires law enforcement agencies in cities that are county seats of first-class counties to enter into formal agreements with Utah's Department of Public Safety by July 2025. These agreements must include reimbursement terms for department resources, define joint operations roles, establish data-sharing rules, and set public safety improvement metrics. The bill also mandates annual reports to the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee on agreement implementation and outcomes. Additionally, it temporarily authorizes the Division of Facilities Construction to use eminent domain for homelessness facilities on unincorporated city-owned land (expiring July 2027). All provisions in this bill expire on July 1, 2027, except the annual reporting requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 378 creates new funding streams for Utah's Species Protection Account by requiring counties to remit money from specific sources, including property taxes on new high-voltage transmission lines ($6,400 per mile), taxes from wind/solar facilities, and revenue from radioactive waste disposal. These funds, deposited into the Species Protection Account, support wildlife conservation efforts like habitat protection, species assessments, and Great Salt Lake wetlands projects. The bill modifies existing tax codes to establish these payment requirements and reporting obligations for counties and businesses, but does not appropriate new state funds. It directly affects counties (via remittance duties), transmission line operators, and renewable energy facilities.

Maddy summarySB 198 requires Utah state agencies to publicly post federal guidance letters they receive on their websites and the Utah Open Data Portal, and to send copies to the Legislature’s Federalism Commission and Legislative Management Committee within 15 days of receipt. It defines "federal guidance letters" as nonbinding written instructions from federal agencies about interpreting or administering federal laws (excluding specific communications to one state entity). The bill also mandates that agencies publish rescission notices for withdrawn guidance letters and ensures all posted information remains permanently accessible and user-friendly. This transparency measure applies to all state agencies receiving such federal guidance, effective May 7, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 200 amends Utah's boat registration fee structure and creates a new Boating Grant Tax. It changes statewide registration fees for specific watercraft types, including canoes, jon boats, pontoon boats, sailboats, and utility boats, as defined in the bill. The legislation does not appropriate new state funds but establishes a dedicated tax for boating-related purposes. This bill directly affects boat owners who register these qualifying watercraft in Utah.

Maddy summaryHB 355 modifies Utah's laws governing sand, gravel, and rock aggregate operations (defined as "critical infrastructure materials") to protect existing operators' rights. It creates a "vested critical infrastructure materials use" for operations established before January 2019, allowing operators to expand to contiguous land they own or control by May 7, 2025. The bill enables operators to extend, enlarge, or modernize their operations on this land without losing protected status, while requiring them to file declarations recording their rights. It repeals a study requirement and makes technical updates to related statutes, affecting current operators but not creating new permitting processes.

Maddy summarySB 203 clarifies who can legally bring civil lawsuits in Utah by strengthening "standing" requirements. It defines key terms and mandates that plaintiffs must personally demonstrate harm (injury in fact, causation, and redressability) to sue, rather than representing third parties' rights without their consent. The bill specifically requires plaintiffs acting for others (e.g., associations suing for members) to prove members meet standing requirements, have consented, and their involvement isn’t necessary for the case. This affects all civil plaintiffs, particularly those seeking to litigate on behalf of third parties or groups, and courts must dismiss cases failing these standards. The law amends Utah Code sections 78B-3-101.1, 78B-3-101.3, and renumbers 78B-3-101.5.

Maddy summarySB 238 amends Utah Code Section 72-10-205.5 to clarify when an aircraft is considered "abandoned" and update notification rules for airport operators. It revises the definition to include aircraft idle 45+ days in wrecked condition without active repairs or insurance claims, or those with unpaid charges after 180 days. Airport operators must now send registered mail notices to owners (or publish class A notices if unknown) detailing the aircraft, abandonment grounds, and unpaid fees, giving owners 30 days to remove the aircraft after payment. If unresolved, the aircraft becomes the airport operator’s property, with immunity from liability for seizure. The bill takes effect May 7, 2025.