UtahH.B. 22026 General SessionHouseWALLET

New Fiscal Year Supplemental Appropriations

Sponsored By: Val L. Peterson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Department of Agriculture and FoodPublic Funds and AccountsPublic BudgetingBusinessDepartment of CommerceEconomic DevelopmentDepartment of Financial InstitutionsEducationHigher EducationEnvironmentDepartment of Environmental QualityNatural ResourcesDepartment of Natural ResourcesHealth and Human ServicesDepartment of Workforce ServicesWorkforce ServicesDepartment of Alcoholic Beverage ServicesDepartment of CorrectionsLaw Enforcement and Criminal JusticeVeterans and Military AffairsLegislative OperationsLegislative OrganizationDepartment of Public SafetyDepartment of Government OperationsGovernment Operations (State Issues)State Tax CommissionRevenue and TaxationTransportationDepartment of TransportationDepartment of Health and Human ServicesAppropriationsCultural and Community EngagementAgriculture & FoodDepartment of Cultural and Community EngagementDepartment of Veterans and Military AffairsGovernor's Office of Economic Opportunity

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

51 provisions identified: 39 benefits, 2 costs, 10 mixed.

More help for homeless services

The law funds homeless services with $73,042,700 in FY2027 for the Office of Homeless Services. It gives direct awards of $1,900,000 to FINCH, $100,000 to The INN Between, and $120,000 to Switchpoint. Some items require a 1:1 local government match and a report before spending. A $480,000 TANF portion depends on TANF funds and must be used in FY2027. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Account also gets $2,500,000.

Tax credits for rural film productions

The law authorizes up to $3,000,000 in tax credit certificates for the Rural Film Incentive Program. Qualifying productions in rural areas can use the credits to lower their state taxes. Credits are issued by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism.

Major funding for buildings and prison

The state provides $176,500,000 one-time for capital projects. It includes $130,000,000 for prison capacity expansion, with up to $8,000,000 for design. It also funds the Franklin Covey Campus and a DCFS Sandy building.

Airports, highways, and broadband get funds

The state provides $20,000,000 one-time from the Aeronautics Restricted Account for airport construction and specific local projects. It adds $30,000,000 from transfers and $10,000,000 in federal funds for highway construction. It also directs $72,914,600 one-time in federal funds for broadband through Transportation Engineering Services. Up to $11,000,000 in rural health transformation funds may go to UDOT if allowed by federal rules and approved by CMS.

Drinking water and water quality funds

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state gives $57,063,600 to the drinking water fund. It also gives $16,543,100 to the water quality fund. Most money comes from federal funds, with some interest income. The funds pay for water projects and grants that help public water systems and protect health.

Child care help for TANF families

In FY2027, the state can use TANF reserve funds to pay for child care for TANF‑eligible families. Spending must follow federal rules and depends on available TANF funds. This authorization is limited to FY2027.

More funding for autism coverage

The law provides $9,000,000 for autism coverage in FY2027. $6,779,000 is ongoing and $2,221,000 is one-time. This supports insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder and may lower out-of-pocket costs for families who use these services.

More funding for justice and corrections

The state increases money for public safety and courts. It funds public defense, victim services, and prosecutions. It adds money for prisons, jail contracts, and probation and parole in FY 2027. It also moves $700,000 into the indigent defense account on July 1, 2026 to support defense services. These funds support agencies and services, not direct payments to households.

Natural resources law enforcement boost

Nearly $16,000,000 is added to DNR law enforcement. Funds come from the General Fund and several restricted accounts. This supports more officers and resource protection work.

Outdoor recreation and trail grants

The state provides $6,000,000 in one-time federal funds for land and water conservation. It adds $2,500,000 for off-highway vehicle grants. Lawmakers also intend up to $2,000,000 as a direct award for the Pioneer Trail, if allowed by state procurement law.

Targeted funds for roads and airports

For FY2027, the state funds targeted transportation and airport projects. UDOT buys two snowplows, two tow plows, one pickup broom, and one vactor truck for Regions 1–3. Pass‑through grants total $17,318,000, including $10,000,000 for St. George’s airport and $3,000,000 for Spanish Fork’s Taxiway Bravo. Up to $2,000,000 goes to the Pioneer Trail Foundation and up to $2,500,000 supports the Millcreek Canyon shuttle. Up to $20,000,000 is available for a multi‑agency airport hangar.

Funding restored for ORS benefit systems

The law restores $4,884,000 in ongoing General Fund to the Office of Recovery Services IT base budget. ORS uses this to run and improve systems that collect and pay benefits. The funding supports planning and upgrades to the ORSIS platform.

More stable funding for Medicaid

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law puts $23,000,000 into the Medicaid stabilization account. It also sets the Medicaid ACA Fund schedule at $81,562,900 by shifting sources like the General Fund, dedicated credits, and balances. In FY2027, the Inspector General of Medicaid Services gets $250,000 and may keep up to $60,000 of Medicaid collections to fund one attorney. These moves support program stability and oversight, not direct checks.

More support for kids and youth

The Children, Youth & Families division gets $4,015,400 ongoing and $2,136,000 one-time. The law also directs a one-time $250,000 grant to Pro‑Life Utah in FY2027. Juvenile Justice & Youth Services receives $2,832,300 from the General Fund and $4,500,000 in nonlapsing balances to support secure care, youth services, and community programs. These funds aid programs and nonprofits that serve kids and families.

Rural health and telehealth funding

The Utah Education and Telehealth Network gets $920,000 one-time and may receive up to $26.5 million for rural health work if CMS approves. The Department of Public Safety may receive up to $12.5 million for rural health efforts, also only if CMS approves. The emergency medical bureau may buy up to three vehicles for rural liaisons if lawmakers fund them. These steps aim to expand rural health and telehealth services, not direct payments to households.

More funding for colleges and training

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state boosts higher‑education funding for FY2027. It invests $50.7 million and $17.6 million in college buildings and equipment, including $23.6 million for USU and $14.3 million for SLCC. The University of Utah gets $15 million, used over three years, to build a shared AI research data center. The University of Utah also receives a $14,820,500 one‑time budget increase. Weber State gets $1.1 million in FY2027 to expand manufacturing workforce training with Hill Air Force Base.

Grants to boost small business growth

The state funds several programs to grow small businesses in FY2027. It gives $500,000 to the Nucleus Institute for small, non‑recourse business loans and $250,000 to the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. The Utah Sports Commission receives $1.2 million and can pass funds to programs like Run Elite and the Sports Hall of Fame. The Governor’s Office provides $5,775,000 in pass‑through grants, including $2,000,000 to Thanksgiving Point and $200,000 to the Utah Micro Loan Fund, plus other listed awards.

Big cut to emergency management funds

Federal funding for Emergency Management drops by $41,149,600 in FY2027. This is a large reduction and may limit emergency response work paid for with those federal dollars.

Cut to major road capacity funding

The law cuts the Transportation Investment Fund Capacity Program by $84,170,800. That reduces money for major road capacity projects. The cut applies to the Transportation Fund.

Colorado River Authority gets more funding

The Colorado River Authority of Utah receives $6,163,800 for FY 2027. $1,000,000 comes from the General Fund and $5,163,800 is one-time from its restricted account. Lawmakers intend the Authority to buy one vehicle through fleet operations.

Driver licensing and highway safety funding

The state gives $5,000,000 to driver services for licenses and related work. It adds $3,426,000 for highway safety programs, mostly from federal funds. It also provides $2,000,000 to the Bureau of Criminal Identification. These funds support public safety and service capacity, not direct household payments.

Faster plates and better tax help

The law gives $2,000,000 for license plate production in FY 2027. It also gives $1,041,100 to the Tax Commission for customer service. This may reduce delays for plates and improve help for taxpayers. It does not change tax rates or credits.

Federal funds for DNR partnerships

The Department of Natural Resources receives $3,000,000 in federal funds for cooperative agreements. The money supports federally partnered projects and collaboration.

Grants for culture and local projects

The state awards one‑time grants for FY2027: $170,000 to Utah Humanities, $250,000 to Garfield County’s Escalante Dinosaur Visitor & Science Center, and $255,000 to Tuacahn Center for the Arts. It also allows up to $1,000,000 for the Pioneer Trail Foundation, $1,500,000 to the Aspen Center for Learning, and $500,000 to Ogden for Union Station entry work. These support cultural and local capital projects and do not provide direct household payments.

Great Salt Lake commissioner funding

The Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner receives $2,500,000 one-time. The funds support office administration and related work on lake issues.

More funding for species and watersheds

The state gives $6,000,000 to the Species Protection program. It also provides $150,000 for the Watershed Restoration Initiative. These funds support conservation and local watershed projects.

More money for wildfire and lands

Forestry, Fire, and State Lands gets ongoing and one-time funding for fire and forest work. It adds $366,600 per year for fire management and $900,000 one-time for forest management. It provides $1,500,000 for fire suppression emergencies and reduces lands management by $1,040,000. The division may buy up to five vehicles.

Oil, gas, and mining oversight funds

The state directs $5,045,000 from the Oil, Gas, and Mining restricted account. It funds administration, minerals reclamation, and the oil and gas program. This supports oversight and reclamation work.

Public lands legal work funding

The Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office gets $500,000 for litigation. Administration is reduced by $33,000. The funds support legal work on public lands.

San Rafael energy lab land purchase

The state provides $1,500,000 one-time to buy about 113 acres near the San Rafael Energy Research Lab. The purchase supports the lab and regional development.

State enterprise business system funding

The state funds its enterprise business system with $7,825,000 from dedicated credits. It authorizes $7,500,000 in capital outlay and budgets 7.5 full‑time positions. This supports state financial and business operations.

State parks upgrades and land buys

State Parks receives $3,742,700 one-time for capital projects. It funds renovations, development, and land acquisition. Lawmakers intend $750,000 to buy the 120-acre Promise Rock for Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Utah Geological Survey project funding

The Utah Geological Survey receives $1,508,900. It funds administration, energy and minerals, hazards, outreach, mapping, and groundwater work. The money comes from federal funds and the Survey Restricted Account.

Water projects and cloud seeding funds

Water Resources receives ongoing and one-time funds. The schedule sets $4,035,000 for cloud seeding and $1,498,400 for construction. Planning is reduced by $877,500. Federal and state dollars support these projects.

More money for water construction

Beginning July 1, 2026, $6,200,000 moves into the state water construction fund. The state also adds $4,500,000 one-time from the General Fund to the water infrastructure fund. These funds support planning and building water projects.

One-time boost for victim services

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law adds $1,000,000 to the Victim Services Restricted Account. This money supports programs that help people who were victims of crimes. It strengthens service providers but does not send money directly to households.

Grant for Doctors Volunteer Clinic

The Doctors Volunteer Clinic of St. George receives a one‑time $100,000 grant in FY2027. The health department makes the award under state grant rules. This helps the clinic serve patients; it is not a direct payment to households.

More funding for correctional health care

Correctional Health Services receives $3,979,600 in FY2027. This includes $1,501,600 from the General Fund and other revenue sources. The money supports health care for people in correctional settings.

Housing and land programs get funds

The state funds targeted housing and land programs. The State Treasurer gives up to $750,000 one‑time in FY2027 to the Family Financial Education Foundation for a project to improve home‑buying power. The School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration receives $687,000 for operations, including $427,000 ongoing and $260,000 one‑time, and plans to purchase one vehicle.

Grants for heritage events and literacy

The state provides $1,500,000 one-time for heritage and events grants in FY 2027. It also gives a $500,000 direct award to the First Lady Foundation for a literacy campaign. These funds support community events and reading efforts.

Unemployment system modernization set-aside

For FY2027, the law reserves $700 and $676,300 for one-time Unemployment Insurance modernization projects. The upgrades aim to speed claims and reduce errors. Benefit eligibility and amounts do not change.

Changes to state parks and OHV

State Parks reduce General Fund support by $3,932,000 but add $2,000,000 in dedicated credits and $1,158,500 from the restricted account. Support Services go down, while Recreational Parks and Golf Courses get new funds. Outdoor Recreation shifts funds to provide $730,000 for off‑highway vehicles and plans to buy three vehicles through the state fleet.

DNR admin and facilities funding cuts

DNR Administration loses $400,000, split between the Executive Director program and Law Enforcement. Building operations shift $80,100 out of the General Fund while adding $40,000 to boating and $40,100 to off‑highway vehicles. Contributed research authority is cut by $125,000. These are internal budget changes.

Facility planning and budget authority

DFCM must study leasing space for the Medical Examiner and Public Safety staff in Washington County and report by July 15, 2026. DFCM may add up to five vehicles and two project staff in FY2027 within current budgets. The Division of Finance may move money between listed expendable funds and accounts without new legislation, subject to fund rules.

Justice system funding shifts and cuts

The jail reimbursement program loses $612,900, and the Board of Pardons loses $175,000 in FY2027. Re‑Entry and Rehabilitation funding shifts sources, including a General Fund cut and $250,000 from opioid proceeds. Courts reduce some General Fund support but gain $2,000,000 in dedicated credits and other adjustments. Public Safety must seek Aero Bureau reimbursements and report by October 2027.

Law takes effect July 1, 2026

The law takes effect on July 1, 2026. That date starts the act’s spending and rules unless a part of the law sets a different date.

Liquor agency funding shifts

The liquor agency’s ongoing Liquor Control Fund support goes down by $3,557,400 in FY2027. It adds $525,000 in one‑time funds. Money is reallocated among stores, warehouse, and leadership programs. This changes agency budgets, not household taxes or fees.

Water and wildlife funding shifts

Water Rights funding moves from the General Fund to restricted accounts and adjusts Sovereign Lands funds. Wildlife Resources see General Fund cuts to aquatic and law enforcement sections, with legislative intent for up to $150,000 one‑time for waterfowl habitat and $200,000 ongoing for coyote bounties. Wildlife land and water acquisition drops $100,000, and the Utah Water Agent line is cut by $160,000.

Shifts in DHHS admin funding

DHHS operations shift funding sources: the General Fund is cut by $768,000 ongoing and $200,000 one-time, while other revenues and balances rise by several million. Licensing and background checks get $655,000, and administrative hearings get $266,600 from available federal and nonlapsing funds. These are internal funding changes and do not provide direct payments to households.

Shifts money into the General Fund

Beginning July 1, 2026, $6,000,000 moves from an employment incentive account to the General Fund. On the same date, $12,000,000 moves from an agricultural water account to the General Fund. This increases flexible state funds but reduces those restricted accounts. Any program effects depend on later budgets.

Debt service budget shift for bonds

The law shifts debt‑service budgeting. It reduces ongoing General Fund by $31,875,400 and adds $60,000,000 one‑time. The change provides $28,124,600 for state general‑obligation bond payments.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Val L. Peterson
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Jerry W Stevenson
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 93 • No: 6

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

Senate/ uncircled

Yes: 0 • No: 0