Maddy summaryHB 158 amends Utah law to broaden protections against unauthorized tracking by renaming the offense to "unlawful use of a tracking device or tracking application." It makes it illegal to place trackers on personal property (excluding vehicles) or use tracking apps to monitor someone after they revoke consent, even if initial permission was given. The bill adds statutory damages for victims who choose this option over compensatory damages in civil cases. It includes exemptions for licensed private investigators (under specific conditions), parents tracking minors, caregivers for vulnerable adults, and law enforcement acting under court orders or official duties. The law applies directly to individuals using tracking technology and aims to strengthen privacy rights against persistent monitoring.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 178 removes a requirement that courts order drivers convicted of speeding in school zones (21+ MPH) to perform compensatory service observing a crossing guard. This change applies to both first offenses at 30+ MPH and repeat offenses within three years. The bill does not alter existing fine schedules for speeding violations (e.g., $260 for 21-29 MPH) or speed limits. It makes only technical updates to Utah’s school zone speeding penalty law, with no new costs or policy changes beyond eliminating this specific service requirement.
Maddy summaryHB 94 allows Utah defendants who owe court costs or fees (but not restitution payments) to reduce those amounts by completing court-ordered treatment or compensatory service. The bill increases the credit rate for compensatory service from $10 to $12 per hour and requires defendants to prove financial hardship and provide documentation of completed service or treatment. It applies only to non-restitution fees, such as court costs or fines, and does not affect restitution payments. This change aims to provide flexibility for defendants facing financial hardship while maintaining accountability for non-restitution obligations.
Maddy summaryHB 103 creates new criminal offenses in Utah for marrying minors (under 18), transporting minors for illegal marriages, and traveling to marry minors, all classified as third-degree felonies. It also moves existing offenses - such as parents unlawfully consenting to a minor's marriage, officiating underage marriages without authorization, and fraudulently posing as a parent or guardian - into the criminal code. The bill extends the statute of limitations for these crimes to 15 years after the minor turns 18, allowing prosecution even if the marriage occurred years earlier. Additionally, it invalidates marriages involving minors performed in other states or countries unless they meet Utah’s specific requirements, directly affecting minors, individuals involved in such marriages, and marriage officiants.
Maddy summarySB 268 requires Utah public schools to teach a mandatory course on American constitutional government and citizenship starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill specifies that teachers may optionally include religious liberty topics, such as religious sermons on liberty, moral equality concepts from founding documents, or religion's role in abolition movements and social reforms. It does not mandate religious instruction but allows educators to explore these optional topics within the required curriculum. The bill is currently pending in the House Education Committee (last action: March 2, 2026).
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution authorizes the Utah Sentencing Commission's existing adult sentencing and supervision length guidelines and juvenile disposition guidelines, which were submitted for review. It does not create new rules but formally approves guidelines already developed by the Commission for use in criminal and juvenile cases. The resolution fulfills a legal requirement under Utah Code Section 63M-7-406 that mandates annual legislative authorization of these guidelines. It directly affects how courts apply sentencing recommendations but does not alter the guidelines themselves.
Maddy summaryHB 261 amends Utah's Electronic Information Privacy Act to clarify how law enforcement agencies may access electronic data. It requires warrants for most electronic information, location data, or transmitted data during criminal investigations, directly affecting law enforcement agencies and service providers like phone companies. Key provisions prohibit law enforcement from outsourcing data collection to third parties in ways they couldn’t do themselves, and mandate that illegally obtained data - or evidence derived from it - be excluded from court, similar to constitutional violations. The bill updates definitions and procedures without appropriating new funds or creating new financial obligations.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs Utah's state health plan (PEHP) to make specific changes to its drug coverage starting in 2027. It requires PEHP to include at least one non-opioid pain medication alternative for every opioid drug in its formulary (drug list), and prohibits using cost-sharing, prior authorization, or other extra steps to discourage patients from choosing these alternatives. The resolution aims to address coverage gaps that may lead patients toward opioids instead of safer options. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a law, and applies directly to PEHP's coverage policies.)
Maddy summarySB 110 creates a court process to validate marriages that weren't properly solemnized (e.g., without an officiant or license) in Utah. It requires individuals to file a court petition before May 5, 2027, proving they met specific criteria like cohabitation, mutual marital duties, and public recognition as spouses. After this deadline, no petitions will be accepted, making such marriages permanently unvalidated. The bill directly affects people in informal or "common law" marriage situations who lack formal marriage documentation. It amends Utah law to establish this specific legal pathway with a clear deadline.
Maddy summarySCR 6 is a non-binding resolution encouraging Utah's medical community to improve awareness, education, and diagnosis of POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) in children and adolescents, and urging insurers to cover diagnosis and treatment gaps. It highlights that 77% of POTS patients are initially misdiagnosed, Utah ranks 49th in primary care access, and POTS affects an estimated 3 million U.S. patients, often leading to disability. The resolution does not create new laws or appropriate funds but calls for systemic changes to address barriers in pediatric autonomic disorder care. It specifically targets pediatric patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies without mandating action.