Month: February 2025

Friends and Neighbors,

For two years in a row, Utah’s been ranked the best state overall, and we’ve held the top economic outlook for 17 consecutive years. This success comes from our state’s smart planning and responsible financial policies.

Budget updates released this week show Utah’s economy is strong, with revenue growing steadily at 3.5% for fiscal year 2025-26. Wages are rising, retail sales are up, and we’re on track to balance the budget while making important investments in the future. This consistent growth shows Utah’s ability to adapt and remain strong. We’re also transitioning smoothly to a more normal revenue flow after the pandemic’s economic impact.

By sticking to fiscally conservative policies and strategic planning, we’re ensuring that Utah stays a great place to live and work for years to come.

For more updates on what’s happening on Capitol Hill, watch my video update below. 

Enhancing Protections for Children in Congregate Care Facilities 

In 2021, I passed S.B. 127 to increase oversight in congregate care facilities. Since then, however, multiple deaths have occurred in Utah facilities. To strengthen protections and prevent further harm, I’m working on S.B. 297 this year.

S.B. 297 establishes the Congregate Care Admissions Committee to review and approve admission criteria, enhances safety standards across facilities, and creates a Congregate Care Ombudsman within the Department of Health and Human Services to receive, investigate, and address complaints.

A big thank you to Intermountain Primary Children’s for working with me on this important bill, and to the advocates and survivors who shared their stories with the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee last week. S.B. 297 passed unanimously in committee and will now be heard on the Senate floor. I look forward to getting this legislation across the finish line and ensuring that children in Utah are safe and receive the care they need.

Expanding Affordable Housing

Helping Utah families buy their first home is key to keeping our state a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

S.B. 181 Housing Affordability Amendments take a step toward solving this issue by preventing certain municipalities and counties from requiring garages for affordable, single-occupancy homes. Garageless homes, which were more common in the past, are cheaper to build— a standard two-car garage can add up to $50,000 to a home’s cost. While the changes are simple, this bill could significantly lower construction costs and, in turn, home prices, making homeownership more accessible. It also allows local officials to require on-site parking, so parking needs are still addressed without limiting affordable housing development.

This bill is part of our ongoing effort to promote more affordable housing options. Along with initiatives like the First-Time Homebuyer Program, we’re working to keep the American Dream within reach for Utah families now and in the future.

Improving the Government Records Appeal Process

S.B. 277 aims to improve the efficiency of the government records appeal process. The bill addresses the backlog of appeals by creating a full-time director to ensure appeals are handled in a timely, consistent, and lawful manner. This bill is based on audit recommendations and should streamline the process. 

The current system, which relies on a volunteer committee that meets only once a month, has resulted in inefficiencies and inconsistent decisions. The committee, which has the authority to issue subpoenas, impose fines, and make binding decisions, lacks the legal expertise typically required for such responsibilities. In recent years, there has also been a dramatic increase in appeals, creating a significant backlog. For example:

• In 2022, only 1 out of 48 appeals was heard within 73 days.
• In 2023, the average time from receiving a notice of appeal to issuing a decision was 156 days.

The number of appeals has sharply increased:

• 2012 – 72 appeals
• 2013 – 47 appeals
• 2014 – 81 appeals
• 2022 – 240 appeal
• 2023 – 177 appeals
• 2024 – 260 appeals

S.B. 277 establishes a dedicated director to oversee appeals and increases training for government agencies to improve initial records requests, address inefficiencies, and ensure more information is released upfront.

This bill does not limit the public’s ability to request records or appeal decisions, and it does not introduce any fees for submitting an appeal. The public will still be able to access records and use the court system if they choose to appeal. Additionally, the balancing test that is part of the current statute will remain intact.

Students on the Hill 

One of my favorite parts of being at the Capitol is meeting with students from our district. This past week, I had the pleasure of talking with students from Diamond Fork Middle School in Spanish Fork. I enjoyed sharing about the legislative process and answering their questions.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We’ve officially passed the halfway mark for the 2025 session! With just three weeks to go, we have a lot of work left to do. Through fiscally responsible policies and forward-thinking solutions, we’re working to ensure Utah remains the best place to live and the number one state for social mobility, economic outlook, employment and more.

Every Friday, I post a legislative video update on my Facebook page. You can watch my most recent video below. As always, please reach out with questions or thoughts. Your feedback is vital.

Honoring Local Heroes

I had the great privilege of recognizing two local heroes from Spanish Fork, PJ Merrill and Traven Elquist, for their exceptional courage and quick thinking. These Spanish Fork High School students saved a man’s life during a cross-country meet at Spanish Fork Sports Park this past August. Their actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing a need and taking action in emergencies.

Visiting with Students in Our District

I had the privilege of meeting with fifth graders from Spring Lake Elementary, where I answered their questions about the Capitol, governance, and the legislative process. I love visiting with students at our state’s Capitol. I’m always grateful for opportunities to engage with the next generation of civic leaders and share how our government works.

S.B. 178 Devices in Public Schools

Up until now, there has been no statewide policy on cellphone use in schools. S.B. 178 establishes a new standard by creating a state default policy to restrict cellphone use during classroom hours, replacing the previous approach of unlimited use. 

Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) will still have the autonomy and flexibility to create policies tailored to fit their schools’ needs. School districts are also directed to create a policy that allows exceptions for device use during emergencies, medical needs, safety threats or for individual education plans. Additionally, the State Board of Education can create model policies that will help guide LEAs in implementing these changes.

Currently, 97% of students use their phones during school hours, and 72% of high school teachers report cell phone distraction as a major issue. Research shows that limiting smartphone use leads to improved test scores, a decline in bullying and fewer psychological-related healthcare visits among students. 

This bill empowers school districts, teachers and students to create a more focused and productive learning environment. Instead of schools having to minimize the damage of cellphones, this approach will help schools tailor policies to use technology in smart and productive ways for student success. 

S.B. 24 Child Abuse and Torture Amendments 

S.B. 24 harshens penalties for child abusers by:

• Elevating child torture from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony.
• Adds the offense of child torture to the list of offenses for which imprisonment is mandatory.
• Allows a judge to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of four years to life, seven years to life or 10 years to life, based on their discretion.
• Creates a new offense category by expanding the definition of aggravated child abuse to include both physical and psychological abuse over an extended period.

This bill is in response to a growing number of child torture cases nationwide, including a few high-profile incidents in Utah. Under current law, first-time offenders may not face prison time, as incarceration is typically recommended only for those with extensive criminal histories. This legislation seeks to strengthen penalties and ensure greater accountability for these crimes.

S.B. 224 Property Tax Relief Modifications

S.B. 224 helps those struggling to make ends meet by increasing the household income ceiling and expanding credits for low-income and senior homeowners and renters. This bill provides critical support, helping those on a fixed income stay in their homes and preventing displacement due to rising property taxes.

H.B. 249 Nuclear Power Amendments

Energy costs affect more than just utility bills—they impact the price of everything from groceries and transportation to everyday goods. Utah currently has the cheapest electricity in the nation, and we are committed to keeping it that way. As Utah’s energy needs grow—especially in emerging sectors like AI—we must at least triple our current energy production by 2050. 

H.B. 249 lays the foundation for Utah to become the next energy innovation hub by leveraging new and emerging energy technologies to drive economic growth, create jobs and continue providing Utahns with safe, reliable and affordable power. H.B. 249’s three main components—the Utah Energy Council, Energy Development Zones and the Nuclear Energy Consortium—will work in tandem to ensure Utah leads in energy innovation and development.

By positioning Utah as a leader in energy innovation, we are securing a bright future for our state and helping ensure that the cost of living remains sustainable for all.

Friends and Neighbors,

Last week, I sent out a survey to gather your thoughts on Utah’s elections. Over 900 people in our district participated—thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback! I truly appreciate your input. The results showed:

• 77% support vote by mail
• 79% feel confident their vote was accurately counted in the 2024 general election

This session, we’re reviewing several election proposals, and I will be keeping these survey results in mind as we move forward. My goal is to ensure voting in Utah is both easy and secure. I also want to make sure voter confidence is high. I’ll continue to keep you updated on this issue.

For more information on election proposals and other legislation we’re currently working on, be sure to watch my weekly video update below.

Realigning Higher Education with Utah’s Workforce Needs

Right now, Utah faces shortages in critical fields like healthcare, social work and engineering—industries vital to the strength of our communities and economy. To bridge this gap, our higher education system must adapt to better meet the demands of an ever-changing workforce. 

For decades, Utah’s universities and colleges have excelled in preparing students for successful careers. Now, we are committed to supporting them in expanding opportunities and aligning education with the state’s growing needs.

H.B. 265 Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment would take a proactive approach by directing institutions to develop a strategic reinvestment plan that shifts funding from low-demand areas to the fields most in need of skilled professionals. By prioritizing programs that equip students with in-demand skills, we’re preparing them to secure strong, meaningful job opportunities while strengthening Utah’s workforce.

Honoring Our Fallen Soldiers 

This past week, we had the opportunity to express our utmost appreciation to the families of our fallen military members. America is a symbol of hope and liberty worldwide, and the Utahns who serve our country make us proud every day. We will remember and be forever grateful for those brave individuals who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Celebrating SLCC Cross Country Team

Salt Lake Community College’s cross country program, founded just three years ago, has quickly become one of the best in the nation. Under the leadership of Coach Isaac Wood, both the men’s and women’s teams won national championships this past year. I am proud of these incredible student-athletes and was honored to recognize them in the Senate.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It’s been a busy week as we’ve focused on drafting and passing legislation to make it possible for Utahns to thrive now and in the future. In the last few years, we have seen explosive growth in our district and across the state. This session, in addition to making Utah more affordable, we are focusing on quality of life by:

• Investing in infrastructure
• Securing our water resources 
• Keeping energy prices low

Finding solutions to make Utah affordable and increase the quality of life for families in our district is my top priority. 

Each Friday, I post a video recap of the week on my Facebook page. You can watch last week’s recap below.

Thank you for trusting me to represent our district in the Legislature and fight for your priorities. I look forward to hearing from you and am excited to continue working to represent you and your family in the Utah Senate.

Balancing Utah’s Budget

Each year, the Legislature is required to pass a balanced budget, ensuring your tax dollars are spent wisely on essential services like education, transportation and social programs.

Balancing the state budget isn’t all that different from managing a household budget. In the early weeks of the session, appropriations subcommittees set up base budgets to cover these core services—much like a family prioritizing rent, groceries and utilities. As the session progresses, we assess available resources and make additional investments. In the final week, we pass the “Bill of Bills,” finalizing the budget and making sure Utah remains financially strong.

Protecting Utahns from Unlicensed Life Coaches

In addition to working on long-term issues with my colleagues that focus on the future, I am sponsoring a few bills this session to address immediate needs. This past week, I presented and passed S.B. 48 Behavioral Health Amendments in committee. This bill strengthens guardrails and protects mental health professionals in our state. S.B. 48 prevents unlicensed life coaches from practicing mental health therapy. Read more here.

Aerospace Innovation

This week, we took a giant leap toward making Utah the center for aerospace innovation. We passed S.B. 62 Space Exploration Committee, launching efforts to explore the potential of building a spaceport right here in our state—opening new doors for research, industry and economic growth. We also advanced S.B. 96 Advanced Air Mobility Amendments, paving the way for air taxis to revolutionize transportation across the state by reducing road congestion and preparing to carry fans and athletes during the 2034 Olympics.

Utah has always been a place of innovation, from the grit of our pioneer ancestors to our rise as a leader in business, energy and infrastructure. That same forward-thinking spirit is driving us into the future as we soar to even greater heights.

Cellphones in Classrooms

The growing link between cellphone use, mental health challenges and academic focus in youth is hard to ignore—97% of students with phones use them during school hours, and teens receive an average of 237 notifications daily. 

Right now, the state’s baseline policy allows unrestricted cellphone use in schools. S.B. 178 Devices in Public Schools, would simply shift that baseline to restrict cellphone use during classroom hours unless districts choose to set a different policy. This change would not remove school districts’ authority to create their own cellphone guidelines; rather, it adjusts the default for them to build upon, maintaining the flexibility to craft policies tailored to their needs.

S.B. 178 would reframe the conversation regarding cellphone use in schools—how can technology enhance learning rather than disrupt it? Instead of focusing solely on how to limit screen time, school districts have the opportunity to consider how devices can be used intentionally to support educational success. By making engaged learning the standard, this bill aims to give students a better chance to succeed—both in the classroom and beyond.