Rep. Carl Albrecht

Maddy summaryHB 145 amends Utah's definition of "valid excuse" for school absences to include participation in specific extracurricular clubs. It explicitly adds mountain biking, shooting sports, and Utah State University-administered youth development programs (focused on agriculture, STEM, leadership, etc.) to the list of activities that qualify as a valid excuse. This directly affects public school students in Utah who participate in these clubs, allowing them to miss school for club-related events without being marked truant. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and makes only technical changes to the existing code.

Maddy summaryHB 201 extends Utah's existing radioactive waste facility expansion tax until December 31, 2026. It applies to facilities submitting new applications for waste disposal capacity before that date, requiring a $3.45 tax per cubic yard of new capacity (capped at 8.7 million cubic yards). Revenue from this tax must be paid within 60 days of application and deposited into the Electrical Energy Development Investment Fund. The bill makes minor technical updates to tax code sections but does not create new funding or alter the tax's core structure.

Maddy summaryHB 224 modifies how Utah electrical corporations recover energy costs through "energy balancing accounts." It establishes a baseline cost set by the Public Service Commission in rate cases, requiring companies to share 80% of cost differences (both above and below the baseline) with customers for expenses incurred on or after January 1, 2026. Costs before this date remain fully recoverable by companies (100% recovery). This directly affects utility customers and electrical corporations by changing how energy cost fluctuations are shared, with refunds or additional charges triggered when actual costs deviate from the baseline.

Maddy summarySCR 4 is a Utah concurrent resolution supporting the state's effort to formalize a cooperative agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to streamline permitting for oil, gas, and mining operations on BLM lands. It urges the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining to negotiate an MOA that would allow the state to review technical aspects of permit applications - like drilling plans - while ensuring the BLM retains final decision-making authority. The resolution aims to reduce permitting delays and save BLM staff time by leveraging Utah’s local expertise in geology and resource management. This affects oil, gas, and mining operators seeking permits on federal lands, as well as Utah’s state agencies and the BLM.

Maddy summarySB 42 extends the repeal date for Utah's State Weed Committee from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2036. This procedural bill does not change the committee's structure or duties - it continues to advise on noxious weed programs with members from agricultural agencies, universities, and industry groups. The bill makes only technical adjustments to align the committee's termination date with other related statutes. It has no budget impact and does not alter existing policy or responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 64 creates a formal process for counties to nominate culturally or scientifically significant sites on Utah's school and institutional trust lands for preservation. It requires counties to submit detailed nominations - including maps, evidence of significance, public input, and preservation plans - within 24 months of receiving notice from the trust lands administration. The director must review nominations within 180 days, approve those meeting strict criteria (like limiting sites to 640 acres or excluding mineral resources), and maintain a public list of approved sites. This bill directly affects counties with trust lands and the administration, establishing clear procedures without new funding or altering existing historic preservation laws.

Maddy summaryHB 67 removes the lead acid battery disposal regulations from Utah's sunset schedule, preventing them from automatically expiring on July 1, 2026. This ensures existing rules for handling and disposing of lead acid batteries (affecting auto shops, recyclers, and waste management entities) remain in effect indefinitely. The bill makes no new policy changes but maintains current requirements through technical amendments to the Utah Code. No additional costs or new provisions are introduced.

Maddy summaryHB 66 extends the repeal date for Utah's Soil Health Program from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2036. This amendment directly affects the program itself, which supports agricultural practices that improve soil quality and sustainability for Utah farmers and ranchers. The bill changes Section 63I-1-204 of Utah Code to delay the program's termination by 10 years. No new funding is appropriated, and the change only modifies the program's scheduled end date without altering its current structure or operations. The bill passed unanimously and takes effect May 6, 2026.

Maddy summaryHCR 1 is a non-binding resolution expressing Utah's support for the advanced nuclear manufacturing industry and declaring the state's desire to host such manufacturing. It commits Utah to helping technology companies address safety challenges in nuclear manufacturing, transportation, and waste management, while welcoming innovative nuclear firms to the state. The resolution does not create new laws, appropriate funds, or directly affect specific entities, but signals legislative backing for the industry's development.

Maddy summarySB 192 modifies Utah's tax credit program for commercial wind and solar energy systems. It requires commercial systems of 660 kilowatts or larger to include energy storage that can provide at least six hours of the system's peak daily power output to qualify for tax credits. This applies directly to businesses installing or financing large-scale renewable energy systems for commercial use. The bill also clarifies definitions related to energy storage, system reliability, and commercial energy systems without appropriating new funds. These changes aim to ensure stored energy is available when needed, making the systems more reliable for the grid.