Sen. Jen Plumb

Maddy summarySB 80 clarifies that physicians do not commit unprofessional conduct by participating in the execution of a death sentence authorized under Utah law. The bill amends disciplinary rules to explicitly exclude such participation from professional misconduct definitions for physicians. It directly affects medical professionals who may be involved in capital punishment procedures. The bill makes a specific policy change to protect physicians from disciplinary action related to this role, without creating new programs or allocating funds.

Maddy summarySB 87 allows healthcare providers and overdose outreach groups to legally administer or dispense **expired naloxone** (up to 24 months past expiration) without fear of legal liability, as long as it’s done in good faith during an overdose emergency. It specifically extends immunity from civil lawsuits or criminal charges for using expired naloxone, clarifies that prescribing/dispensing expired naloxone isn’t unprofessional conduct, and requires providers to educate recipients on its safety, efficacy, and risks. The bill directly affects **licensed healthcare professionals, overdose outreach programs, and individuals at high risk of opioid overdose** (or their family/friends who may assist them). Key provisions include permitting expired naloxone use under standing prescriptions and ensuring providers give clear instructions on overdose response. The law does not change existing rules for non-expired naloxone.

Maddy summarySB 96 amends Utah laws to clarify how the Department of Health and Human Services investigates opioid overdose deaths and shares related information. It explicitly states the department can investigate drug overdose fatalities as public health hazards, specifies that treatment records shared with medical examiners must follow federal privacy laws (like 42 U.S.C. § 290dd-2), and allows the department to use its authority to identify prevention and intervention opportunities after deaths under the medical examiner’s jurisdiction. The bill directly affects the Department of Health, medical examiners, healthcare providers (who share treatment records), and public health officials. It makes no new funding changes and updates existing codes without creating new programs.

Maddy summarySB 50 requires health insurance plans in Utah to cover medically necessary anesthesia services regardless of procedure duration, directly affecting patients needing anesthesia and insurers offering health coverage. It prohibits insurers from denying payment for anesthesia solely based on exceeding preset time limits, ensuring coverage isn't withheld for extended care. The law applies to health benefit plans renewed or entered after January 1, 2027, and is codified under Utah Code Section 31A-22-663. This bill takes effect on May 6, 2026, with no new state funding required.

Maddy summarySB 317 updates Utah's legal terminology by replacing "opiate" with "opioid" in definitions across multiple statutes. It specifically changes terms like "opiate antagonist" to "opioid antagonist" and "opiate-related drug overdose event" to "opioid-related drug overdose event," while also updating related references to "opiate" in controlled substances descriptions. The bill coordinates these changes with other opioid-related legislation (H.B. 301, S.B. 87, and S.B. 98) to ensure consistent terminology without altering existing policies or adding new requirements. No funding is appropriated, and the changes only affect how Utah law references opioid-related terms in existing statutes.

Maddy summarySB 328 requires municipal services districts (MSDs) to increase transparency when preparing planning or zoning proposals for municipalities. Specifically, MSDs must analyze how proposed changes might impact property values, consult an independent third party on potential consequences, identify affected properties by address or parcel number, and provide this analysis to the municipality. The bill also mandates that at least one MSD board member or employee attend all public meetings where a municipality considers an MSD-proposed planning or zoning recommendation. These changes apply directly to MSDs and the municipalities they serve in Utah. The bill takes effect on May 6, 2026, with no new funding required.

Maddy summarySB 143 amends Utah's Exemptions Act to expand protections for motor vehicles used by individuals with disabilities. The bill allows people with disabilities (or their dependents) to exempt a vehicle specifically modified to accommodate their disability from unsecured debt collection, regardless of the vehicle's value. Previously, such vehicles were limited to a $3,000 exemption or a $15,000 value cap. This change directly affects individuals relying on modified vehicles for daily mobility, ensuring these essential assets cannot be seized to pay debts.

Maddy summarySB 169 ensures all Utah students who meet graduation requirements can participate in commencement ceremonies, including those in online programs (unless safety concerns prevent it). It requires school districts to allow this participation and gives the State Board of Education oversight to monitor local graduation policies. The bill does not change graduation requirements or standards but clarifies that students in online programs must have equal ceremony access. This policy affects all high school students earning diplomas, particularly those in remote learning environments.

Maddy summarySB 115 requires Utah courts to send quarterly reports of specific animal cruelty convictions (including dog fighting, animal torture, or service animal harm) to the Division of Child and Family Services. The reports must include offender details like name, address, and offense type, but explicitly prohibit using these reports to investigate child abuse cases solely based on animal cruelty convictions. This bill creates a reporting mechanism between courts and child welfare agencies for certain animal abuse cases, with no new funding or penalties. It would take effect on May 6, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summarySB 70 requires counties, cities, and towns to include at least one emergency shelter in their operations plans that can accommodate both people and their household pets during natural disasters. It defines "household pet" to include common pets like dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents, and turtles, but excludes livestock, reptiles (other than turtles), amphibians, fish, insects, and racing animals. The bill also clarifies that local governments have immunity from lawsuits related to their emergency operations plans and makes technical changes to existing law. No new funding is provided, and the bill repeals an outdated section of the code.