Sen. Emily Buss

Maddy summaryHB 22 creates a "classic vehicle" designation to replace the current "vintage vehicle" classification in Utah. The bill removes emissions testing requirements for vehicles under the new classic vehicle category and updates related vehicle definition codes in state law. This change directly affects owners of older vehicles currently classified as "vintage" who will now fall under the new "classic" designation. The bill also appropriates $36,400 for administrative costs related to implementing these changes.

Maddy summarySB 247 would establish a minimum statewide average rack price for motor fuel (gasoline), starting January 1, 2027, initially set at $2.67 per gallon. Beginning January 1, 2028, this minimum price would be adjusted annually based on a formula to account for inflation or other factors. The bill directly affects drivers and businesses that purchase motor fuel by setting a guaranteed floor price for gasoline. This legislation failed in the Senate on March 4, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 17) encourages Utah legislative staff to responsibly explore and use artificial intelligence and related technologies to improve the clarity, accessibility, and efficiency of legislative analyses and information services. It specifically urges staff to leverage AI for tasks like research, drafting, and summarization while maintaining human oversight, protecting confidential data, and following ethical and security standards. The resolution does not create new laws or appropriate funds; it is a procedural step directing staff to adopt AI tools in their work. It directly affects legislative staff who produce policy summaries and analytical materials for lawmakers. The resolution emphasizes training, best practices, and governance to ensure AI use enhances transparency and public engagement without altering legislative decision-making processes.

Maddy summarySB 291 amends Utah's student transportation rules to expand eligibility for state-funded bus service. It defines "hazardous routes" (e.g., high-speed roads without sidewalks, multi-lane highways, or dangerous intersections) and creates new eligibility: students in kindergarten-grade 6 living ≥1.5 miles from school, or students in middle school (grades 6-12) living ≥2 miles away. Crucially, it adds eligibility for students in certain counties if their walking route is hazardous, regardless of distance. The bill appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 to fund transportation for students on hazardous routes, requiring school districts to respond to parent petitions within 30 days. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 541 amends Utah's First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program by increasing the maximum assistance for new construction homes from $10,000 to $20,000 and keeping the limit at $10,000 for existing homes. It directly affects first-time homebuyers purchasing qualifying residential units in Utah who meet federal and state criteria, such as not owning another home within the past three years. The bill modifies key program provisions in Utah Code Sections 63H-8-501 and 63H-8-502 to reflect these adjusted funding limits, while making technical updates to definitions and administrative rules. No new funding is appropriated; the changes adjust how existing program funds are distributed.

Maddy summarySB 320 creates a new legal definition for "school-based food pantry" (including teen centers within public schools) and exempts food distributed through these pantries from requiring proof of immigration status for students under 18 or their parents. It also modifies existing food rules to exempt pantry-distributed food from restrictions on certain additives (like bromate and artificial colors) that normally apply to school meals. The bill directly affects public schools, students, and families accessing food pantries by removing barriers to access and clarifying food distribution rules. The changes take effect on May 6, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 297 clarifies who can provide mental health support in Utah public schools by updating definitions for "qualifying personnel" (including licensed school social workers, counselors, and psychologists) and "behavioral health support personnel" (non-licensed staff assisting students). It requires the State Board of Education to create guidance based on licensing rules from the Division of Professional Licensing, ensuring schools follow proper training and supervision standards. The bill also establishes how existing state funds for school-based mental health services must be distributed to school districts, with requirements for annual reporting and collaboration with local mental health authorities. It does not appropriate new money but specifies that funds cannot replace existing federal or state funding for mental health staff. The changes primarily affect public schools, school districts, and licensed mental health professionals working in educational settings.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition causing withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed to substances like opioids in utero. It urges Utah's Department of Health and Human Services to improve data tracking on NAS cases, including details on substance type, treatment engagement, and health outcomes like hospital stays. The resolution requires the agency to report by 2027 on NAS trends, data system improvements, and recommendations for better care. It does not fund new programs or change laws but focuses on enhancing data collection to support evidence-based maternal and infant health policies.

Maddy summarySB 189 creates the High Growth District Grant Program to provide $15 million in state funding for school districts experiencing significant enrollment growth. It directly affects districts meeting a specific threshold: those with an average annual net enrollment increase equal to at least 10% of Utah’s total enrollment growth. The program funds land acquisition, facility construction/renovation, and transportation infrastructure expansion to address overcrowding. Eligibility is determined using a formula based on three years of enrollment data, with special rules for newly formed or reorganized districts. The State Board of Education will manage applications, distribution, and annual recalculations of qualifying districts.