All Roll Calls
Yes: 164 • No: 9
Sponsored By: Calvin Roberts (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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66 provisions identified: 37 benefits, 5 costs, 24 mixed.
The Talent Development Award Program lets colleges give qualifying students up to the full cost of resident tuition, fees, and books each term. You must pursue a qualifying associate or bachelor’s degree and plan to work in a qualifying Utah job after graduation. Schools follow board rules, prioritize students with financial need, and package awards with loans, grants, work, and family support. Up to 5% of program funds may cover administration. Awards depend on available money.
For‑profit businesses that create new high‑paying jobs can get grants up to $10,000 per job. Each employee must be paid qualifying wages for 12 straight months before payment. The grant repays up to 25% of estimated hiring and training costs and is reduced by other GOED incentives.
Beginning May 6, 2026, businesses can claim a refundable economic development tax credit equal to the amount on a state certificate. Motion picture companies can also claim a refundable credit for approved productions. If a credit is larger than taxes owed, the Tax Commission refunds the difference under its rules. The office reports yearly totals and criteria and removes recipient names.
Beginning May 6, 2026, when DOT certifies its needs, the state may issue general obligation bonds for transportation. Bond money pays for major highway projects, including I‑15, Mountain View Corridor, Southern Parkway, and other prioritized roads. Named allocations include $35 million for I‑15 south of Spanish Fork Main Street to Payson, $28 million for Riverdale Road, $12 million for the Vineyard Connector, $18 million for the Provo west‑side connector, and $125 million for other prioritized projects. Another $20 million goes to the State Infrastructure Bank Fund for transportation loans.
Beginning May 6, 2026, total highway bonds under this program are capped at $2.077 billion. This sets the maximum borrowing authority for these transportation projects.
Beginning May 6, 2026, GOED may sign agreements with eligible businesses that set wages and other performance terms, annual and total credit caps, how long credits can be claimed, record‑keeping for four years, and audits. Credits require meeting statutory claim rules. GOED may authorize higher credits for projects in development zones and may set rules to approximate sales and use taxes paid on capital projects. GOED may amend or end agreements after certain mergers, retail expansions, or scope changes that create new state revenue outside the incentive.
Beginning May 6, 2026, claiming a credit tied to a life science investment requires new data sharing. The life science company must let the Tax Commission share its tax returns with the economic development office and let Workforce Services share its employment data. The company must also give current capitalization tables and other needed data. These authorizations are required before any credit is claimed.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the law fixes benefits for appointed and board executives, including retirement options, health and dental insurance, life insurance, and Schedule B‑level leave. HR sets each executive’s salary range from deputy ranges (minimum equals the lowest deputy minimum; maximum equals 105% of the highest deputy maximum, excluding MD deputies). The governor sets each salary within the range and must use the highest physician range if the health and human services director is a physician. Some posts get department vehicles or accidental death insurance, and departments must pay for extra life insurance from current budgets. The HR director recommends a pay plan by October 31 each year, and water‑agent pay is adjusted if the appointee already holds an executive job.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the law changes two targeted business credits. The enterprise zone credit applies only to tax years that begin before January 1, 2025. Unused amounts from those years can be carried forward for up to three years. For the rural job creation credit, unused amounts carry forward seven years if the contribution was before November 1, 2022, or four years if on or after that date.
GOED must propose a capital‑city convention center zone by April 15, 2025, and for other cities within 60 days after a city petition. The proposal requires city and county consultation and notice to taxing entities; the State Tax Commission has 14 days to confirm tax administration is feasible. A zone may capture up to 100% of property tax growth and up to 100% of certain sales taxes for 30 years; in a capital city, it may also capture up to 50% of another sales tax. Parcels share the same 30‑year period, and the zone must be contiguous, generally 50 acres or less (unless the city approves more), and in a capital city must include parts of the current convention center and its bordering block. An independent hotel review committee also advises on hotel agreements.
First home investment zone proposals must include a plan to keep required affordable homes affordable for the full zone term and a plan to enforce owner‑occupancy. Affordable homes must be spread across each phase, and cities may front‑load more of them early. In these zones, affordable units must be spread throughout the development, and at least 80% of extraterritorial homes must be single‑family detached. GOED hires an independent gap and pro‑forma review at the city’s expense; GOED may accept up to $20,000 from the city to pay for this work.
Towns with fixed‑guideway transit must adopt a station area plan and land‑use rules to carry it out. Plans must lay out a vision, a map, and a five‑year action plan and explain how they boost housing and transit choices. Existing stations generally need plans by December 31, 2025; towns with more than four stations must phase in plans over several years and can get one 12‑month extension if the regional agency certifies it’s not feasible. The regional planning agency reviews and certifies each plan and the town must include that certification in its state report. After certification, the town reports progress every five years for up to 15 years.
Starting May 6, 2026, the Hotel Impact Mitigation Fund pays $2.1 million each year to qualifying hotels built before July 1, 2014. GOED splits the money based on each hotel’s qualifying losses as defined in law. The program ends July 1, 2028, unless renewed.
Housing and transit reinvestment zones must set aside at least 12% of homes as affordable. Up to 9% serve households at or below 80% of county median income, and at least 3% serve households at or below 60% of county median income. Phased projects must meet these shares in each phase and include a plan to keep units affordable for the full zone term. A city or public transit county that already meets HUD 60% AMI guidelines at approval is exempt.
Starting May 6, 2026, grants must deliver at least one affordable housing unit for every $20,000 awarded. The board cannot award a grant if the project cannot meet this ratio.
Starting May 6, 2026, Utah Tech may issue up to $6 million in revenue bonds to buy the Avenna Center. The State Building Ownership Authority may finance up to $3.47 million for a Student Services Center at USU Eastern. The University of Utah may use up to $8.2 million of institutional funds for a building addition, and Utah State may use up to $10 million for a fine arts addition or renovation. Salt Lake Community College may use up to $3.9 million for a Strength and Conditioning Center and may not ask the state for operation and maintenance. For most projects, state funds cannot build the project, but some may use state funds later for operations or capital upkeep.
Beginning May 6, 2026, technical college presidents must create regional plans after consulting schools, higher ed, and employers. Higher ed capital requests must show how projects meet job and training needs over 3, 5, and 10 years, respond to industry and GOED commitments, and balance online and in‑class needs. The division helps prepare this information and checks its accuracy, and it recommends and prioritizes projects for lawmakers.
A new state board brings education and industry together and meets at least quarterly. The Utah Works Program provides short training tied to real hiring needs and reports hires each year. Colleges can seek grants to expand programs with employer commitments and must report results. The state job portal adds mobile tools, links to training, and checks that employers are registered. A commissioner of apprenticeship programs is appointed. Lawmakers also study new college funding models through July 1, 2027.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the state may share basic employer information with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to publish the Directory of Business and Industry. Shared items include name, address, phone, employee ranges, industry code, and ownership type. The law also clarifies the innovation institute board’s duties to run the state innovation fund, review investments, set executive pay, and convene partners with GOED.
A nine‑member Board of Economic Development and a governor‑chaired Economic Development Council are created. They set goals, study rural needs, and recommend target industries at least every five years. Initial coordination on opportunity zones is reported by May 31, 2026, with annual reports due by July 1 starting in 2027 and 2028. GOED also gets city‑like powers for certain projects but cannot create general state debt.
Starting May 6, 2026, a Center for Rural Development supports rural planning, leadership training, and coordination with higher education and agencies. It helps run rural opportunity programs, works government‑to‑government with rural communities, and may make rules to carry out its duties.
Beginning May 6, 2026, a new Utah Office of Tourism runs statewide marketing and research and must get board approval before new ads. The office is partly repealed July 1, 2030. The state also works with outdoor recreation partners to grow the outdoor economy. GOED may use up to $1.8 million in balances and donations to plan and build or lease a Southern Utah Welcome Center up to 5,000 square feet and may ask for state funds unless donations arrive and work begins.
Beginning May 6, 2026, major sporting event venue zones must meet goals like redevelopment, new venues, more transit use, better parking, cleaner air, and more tourism. Proposals may capture property tax increment, capture local sales and use tax increment, or use a local tax allowed by law. Before starting property tax increment collection, the creating entity must notify listed state and local officials by January 1 of the collection year.
Beginning May 6, 2026, bond money may pay for studies, land and right‑of‑way, site work, engineering, legal and architectural fees, and interest during construction plus six months. DOT can sign project agreements before bond money arrives. The state also directs bond funds to listed Salt Lake County road and transit projects. Cities must certify proper use, file a cash‑flow plan by January 1, and report spending after project close. DOT pays after July 1 based on the plan.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the state may finance up to $15 million to build the Huntsman Cancer Institute. It may also finance up to $857,600 to add to the Vernal Health and Human Services building. Amounts may include issuance costs, capitalized interest, and debt reserves. The authority must work with the University of Utah and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Beginning May 6, 2026, you may not start development on land with a department or GOED easement unless the agency authorizes it. You may improve, alter, or expand an existing home or business use if the changes follow all easement conditions.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the state auditor can withhold state money or property tax disbursements from a government unit that is not following budgeting or reporting laws. In most cases, the auditor must give written notice and 60 days to fix issues first. If problems continue, the auditor can block access to accounts and ask a court for temporary custody of funds to protect them, but must allow payments to avoid major disruptions or to pay debt service. The auditor can audit political subdivisions and entities noticed by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (on or after July 1, 2024), cannot audit work they did before becoming auditor, and must appoint a state privacy auditor with Senate consent.
Beginning May 6, 2026, a developer who wants to prepay property taxes must file a financial impact statement and a plan to reduce impacts with GOED and all affected local governments. Major developers of industrial or natural‑resource facilities must file the statement and plan at least 90 days before starting construction, even without tax prepayment. Local governments may allow tax prepayments and may grant tax credits for developer spending that follows the plan.
The law creates an Affordable Housing Infrastructure Grant Board and requires GOED to staff it. GOED must set rules on how to apply, how projects are ranked, and how grants are awarded. Each project must plan at least 50 affordable units and submit detailed cost estimates; the executive director must approve before funds are disbursed for design or construction. The department may use grant funds to pay GOED’s administrative costs under a written agreement.
Beginning May 6, 2026, a reinvestment zone must set aside at least 51% of buildable land for housing. That housing must average 50 units per acre (39 units per acre at transit hubs or BRT), and at least 25% of units must have more than one bedroom. When a zone is approved, all affected taxing entities must join at the same rate under the approved terms. In the capital city, a convention center zone approval can require creating a public infrastructure district and must follow spending limits in law. Cities may propose noncontiguous first‑home zones if it reasonably helps meet goals, and roads or rights‑of‑way do not break contiguity. Before collecting tax increment, a city must give notice by January 1 of the start year to key state and local tax and education offices.
Cities or transit counties must submit detailed zone proposals with goals, maps, base years, projected revenues, and a parking impact study. GOED must notify affected taxing entities within 14 days and hire an independent gap analysis that includes market and financing reviews; the proposer pays, and GOED may accept up to $20,000 to cover costs. The State Tax Commission must send a letter on whether tax rules are workable. A multi‑member committee is created to review proposals, meet publicly, and vote; zoning must already allow the proposed development before approval.
Starting May 6, 2026, a grant that includes highway work cannot be awarded unless the applicant supplies the needed right‑of‑way as a minimum match. The board gives priority to highways of regional importance that connect to major routes.
Beginning May 6, 2026, certain state appropriations are nonlapsing, so unspent money stays available after the fiscal year. The list includes the Legislature, State Board of Education, Utah Lake Authority, wildlife land and water acquisition, some primary care grants, and economic development programs like Enterprise Zone and Rural Employment Expansion.
Starting May 6, 2026, the commission may approve a utility‑owned EV charging program funded by customers up to $50 million total. The utility may create a new rate class to recover full costs over time and must report yearly by June 1. Cost recovery requires a formal showing that investments are prudent, in the public interest, reduce emissions, and produce customer benefits.
A zone can capture up to 80% of each taxing entity’s property tax growth above the base year. For commuter rail or transit hubs, capture may run up to 25 years per parcel within a 45‑year window; for light rail or BRT, up to 15 years per parcel within a 30‑year window. If density is 39–49 units per acre at a transit hub or BRT station, the maximum capture drops to 60%. A project cannot trigger more than three separate collection periods within its allowed window.
Beginning May 6, 2026, a first home investment zone can capture at most 60% of each taxing entity’s tax increment above the base year. Collection can run no more than 25 straight years inside any 45‑year window, with at most three separate collection periods. A proposal may not capture sales and use tax increment. Cities may include short‑term rental bans inside the zone, which can limit host income. A city cannot propose a zone in certain locations, including in a first‑class county if limits are reached, in areas eligible for a housing and transit reinvestment zone, or where the local agency holds cash above 20% of ongoing unencumbered revenue.
Starting May 6, 2026, the state gives every public school student a unique ID that does not include personal data. Agencies also coordinate so an ID given in preschool stays with the child in K–12. This helps track test results while protecting student privacy.
Beginning May 6, 2026, outdoor ads readable from interstate or primary highways are banned. Exceptions include official signs, on‑site sale or activity signs, public assembly facility signs, approved unified development signs, signs in commercial or industrial zones, and approved logo signs.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the governor must send nomination materials at least 30 days before an extraordinary Senate confirmation session (not for judges). For judicial appointments, the governor must immediately give the Senate president and staff the appointee’s name, resume, all application materials received, and the number of letters withheld. When aware a Senate‑confirmed job will open, the governor must give 30 days’ notice to Senate leaders and set a process for input from agencies and groups.
Beginning May 6, 2026, agencies must name a tribal contact and notify the division of changes. The division will coordinate with tribal governments and state leaders so at least three joint meetings have broad participation. The law also creates a Bears Ears Visitor Center Advisory Committee staffed by the Division of Indian Affairs. The committee must study needs, hold at least one public hearing, and send recommendations to the Legislature. It may hire consultants only if money is appropriated for that purpose.
The state may finance up to $14.3 million, plus issuance and reserve costs, to build a facility for the State Library and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. The Building Ownership Authority must work with the State Board of Education and GOED. This authority takes effect May 6, 2026.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the Utah Center for Immigration and Integration may not encourage a business to skip hiring state residents to meet workforce needs.
The Division of Wildlife Resources now coordinates statewide outdoor recreation policy and promotion with state, federal, and local partners. It publishes a public annual report on land work and grants, including each grant’s description and amount. The division runs programs that reduce direct impacts of tourism, promotes motorized and nonmotorized recreation and access for all users (with a focus on youth health), and builds data on recreation impacts. These duties are in effect May 6, 2026.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the transportation department must work with GOED and other agencies to plan scenic roads and tourist facilities. The law creates a 13-member Utah State Scenic Byway Committee. GOED staffs and chairs the committee. Members may get travel reimbursement but no salary. The committee sunsets January 2, 2030.
Beginning May 6, 2026, state agencies may let post offices provide some state services if federal law allows. Deals cannot run past July 1, 2028. Agreements must protect state data, train USPS staff, and generally pay USPS at least its attributable costs. Wildlife license deals must follow state wildlife agent laws. After agreements start, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development runs a marketing campaign to tell the public which post offices offer the services.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the state auditor sets audit rules for local mental health and substance use authorities and their contractors. Audits check that state and federal funds are used for program purposes. They also check that providers follow contracts and laws.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the state auditor regularly audits certain K–12 and higher‑ed scholarship programs, including Carson Smith and Utah Fits All. The audits review finances, operations, and performance and are reported to state leaders.
Beginning May 6, 2026, a regulatory relief office runs a public website for residents and businesses to suggest rule changes. At least quarterly, it reports top suggestions to the governor and two legislative committees and protects private information. The law also creates the Utah Center for Immigration and Integration to help recruit and retain foreign labor, coordinate policy, build a statewide strategy, convene a task force, and advise state leaders. The center can make administrative rules to carry out its work.
Starting May 6, 2026, the Tax Commission may give GOED tax data to prepare fiscal estimates, but without names, addresses, or SSNs. GOED must publish only aggregated results, and people cannot get this data from GOED under GRAMA. Also starting May 6, 2026 through July 1, 2029, local governments may request tax collection data and copies of returns to verify revenues; requests must be in writing, and all data stays private.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the Utah Energy Infrastructure Board is created in the Office of Energy Development. It has nine members, staggered four‑year terms, and a quorum of five. Members may receive per diem and travel expense reimbursement but no salary. The board helps plan energy infrastructure efforts.
Beginning May 6, 2026, a state steering committee guides electric vehicle charging projects. It approves the project director’s plans, budgets, and reports, and reviews key spending. The committee operates until July 1, 2028.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the State Building Ownership Authority can finance projects using bonds or lease‑purchase. It can provide up to $10,479,000 for the Davis County regional court expansion, up to $4,200,000 to buy and remodel the Washington County Courthouse, up to $1,500,000 to remodel and expand the Wasatch Mountain State Park clubhouse, and up to $835,300 for a Snyderville area liquor store. Financing may include issuance costs, capitalized interest, and debt reserves. The Authority must work with the courts’ office or the alcohol services department as listed.
Beginning May 6, 2026, non‑legislators who serve in these meetings do not receive compensation or benefits. They can still get per diem and travel under state rules.
Starting May 6, 2026, employers must keep true and accurate work records in the state for three years after the calendar year the work was done. The division may inspect and copy the records at reasonable times.
Beginning May 6, 2026, a capital‑city convention center reinvestment zone may spend only on a convention center, a public entertainment venue, parking, and related infrastructure. The proposal must include budgets and financial plans.
Beginning May 6, 2026, a county that hosts a qualified hotel receiving a GOED convention incentive must pay 5% of the state portion each year into the Stay Another Day and Bounce Back Fund. In listed years, the county must also restore the Hotel Impact Mitigation Fund to $2,100,000 if its balance is below that amount.
Beginning May 6, 2026, GOED employees may request exemption from state public retirement membership. Exemptions count toward the statutory cap and must follow federal law and board rules.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the Division of Wildlife Resources can lease concessions on its land to businesses after notifying the commission and following the Utah Procurement Code. The division can charge fees for special services and for using its facilities. If you use those services, you may pay fees. Income from these charges is used for recreation purposes.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the transportation department can put up and run logo advertising signs on main highways and tourist directional signs on rural roads in 4th–6th class counties. Businesses pay amounts set by the department to appear on these signs. The department must follow state procurement rules when it leases space or contracts. Money from the sign programs first pays program costs and goes to the Transportation Fund. Any extra is credited to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development by the next fiscal year.
Starting May 6, 2026, certain public purchasing units must buy goods and services from the Division of Correctional Industries. They may buy elsewhere only if the corrections director and the purchasing official write that the items don’t meet needs, can’t be supplied in time, or aren’t cost‑competitive. Disputes go to an appeal board; higher‑ed and other branches have named final decision‑makers. Each year by July 1, the division publishes a catalog of its products and prices and updates it as needed.
Starting May 6, 2026, Senate leaders can waive the 30‑day notice for most nominees. They cannot waive it for top posts like department heads, tax commissioners, education boards, the higher education board, and governor‑named cabinet members. The Senate must hold a hearing for those posts.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development is no longer an “applicable procurement unit” for certain mandatory purchasing rules. Other listed exclusions remain in place.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the Division of Wildlife Resources can acquire property for the state by purchase, lease, gift, exchange, or eminent domain, with approval by its executive director and the governor. It cannot pledge the state’s credit without the Legislature’s consent. Before buying real property, the division must notify the county; if the county asks within 10 days, it must hold a public hearing there. For takings, it must follow Utah’s eminent domain procedures. The division must also promptly negotiate with the federal government on Weber Basin and similar recreation projects.
Starting May 6, 2026, a government entity that plans to seek a federal designation in the state must notify named state legislative committee chairs before federal legislation is introduced. If asked, the entity must meet with the committee to review the plan.
Starting May 6, 2026, a Fairpark district or similar authority cannot dissolve if it has unpaid bonds, loans, advances, or contracts with non‑state parties. On dissolution, all property title goes to the state. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development must publish a notice, and the state auditor receives the records. The dissolving entity must pay all shutdown and dissolution costs.
Beginning May 6, 2026, the wildlife division may accept gifts of land or property only with the executive director’s and governor’s approval. The division may apply for and run federal outdoor recreation grants, following state and federal rules. The division may allow multiple uses on its lands, including grazing, hunting, fishing, camping, mining, and water development, if consistent with its duties.
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Calvin Roberts
Republican • House
Kirk A. Cullimore
Republican • Senate
All Roll Calls
Yes: 164 • No: 9
House vote • 3/5/2026
House/ concurs with Senate amendment
Yes: 58 • No: 2
Senate vote • 3/4/2026
Senate/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/4/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Yes: 27 • No: 2
House vote • 2/26/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 3 • No: 0
House vote • 2/20/2026
House/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/20/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 61 • No: 4
House vote • 2/12/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 7 • No: 1
House vote • 2/12/2026
House Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Governor Signed
House/ to Governor
House/ received enrolled bill from Printing
House/ enrolled bill to Printing
Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
Bill Received from House for Enrolling
House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
House/ received from Senate
Senate/ to House
Senate/ signed by President/ returned to House
Senate/ received from House
House/ to Senate
House/ concurs with Senate amendment
House/ placed on Concurrence Calendar
House/ received from Senate
Senate/ to House with amendments
Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Senate/ substituted
Senate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Senate/ Rules to 2nd Reading Calendar
Senate/ 2nd Reading Calendar to Rules
Senate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
Senate/ committee report favorable
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Substitute #4
3/3/2026
Substitute #3
2/19/2026
Substitute #2
2/12/2026
Substitute #1
2/6/2026
Introduced
2/4/2026
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