UtahH.B. 5572026 General SessionHouseWALLET

Revisor's Technical Corrections to Utah Code

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

46 provisions identified: 24 benefits, 7 costs, 15 mixed.

When government can take property

Beginning May 6, 2026, the law lists which property interests the government may take for public use. Fee simple takings are allowed for public buildings, permanent buildings, reservoirs and dams with permanent flooding, flood‑control structures, mine‑tailing outlets, and certain solar evaporation or mineral‑recovery facilities. If the surface sits over valuable mineral deposits, only a perpetual easement over the surface may be taken. Easements and rights of entry may be taken for needed public materials and work.

First‑home zones set 80% rules

Beginning May 6, 2026, First Home investment zones define affordability with clear 80% tests. Rentals must serve households at or below 80% of the county median income. Owner‑occupied homes must be priced at 80% of the county median home price, or 80% of the zip‑code median if the proposal shows it better meets program goals using county assessment data. Some homes outside city limits must be owner‑occupied for at least 25 years.

State worker pay plans updated

Beginning May 6, 2026, the director must keep job classifications and pay plans current and submit an annual compensation plan by October 31. The director may create a special classification for staff who provide health care to inmates, after consulting with health and corrections. Pay surveys for law enforcement, correctional officers, and dispatchers must include the three largest local governments and all state agencies with similar jobs.

Town property tax cap and offset

Towns cannot set combined property tax levies above 0.007 per dollar of taxable value. The cap does not cover bond payments, interest, or taxes allowed in addition by law. If a county starts a levy under state law, the town must reduce its general levy in the first fiscal year to offset the county revenue described in that law.

State must publish tax hike notice

Beginning July 1, 2026, if the Legislature authorizes a state tax rate above the minimum basic rate or a levy above the certified revenue levy, a NOTICE OF TAX INCREASE is published. The Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst must publish it within 10 days after the general session ends. The ad names the source of the increase and shows an example of how a homeowner’s bill changes.

Stronger local property tax hike notices

Local taxing bodies must give clearer notice before raising rates above the certified rate. Notices must show your current value and tax, the estimated tax at the higher rate, the extra dollars raised, and why. Estimates must use current‑year data. Ads must run at least 14 days before the hearing, and hearings start at or after 6 p.m., allow in‑person or remote comments, and focus only on the tax action. If no decision is made, the next meeting must be announced; calendar‑year bodies cannot adopt a budget that raises more than the largest amount they stated publicly. County auditors can audit compliance, and the commission may refuse to certify a higher rate by Sept. 15 if rules were not met. The commission can also allow joint ads or approve a separate direct notice on petition.

New rainy-day reserve for the budget

The state creates a General Fund Budget Reserve Account. Each year, 25% of any General Fund revenue surplus goes into the account, up to a cap of 9% of General Fund appropriations. Any of that 25% above the cap goes to the State Sovereignty Fund. The transfer happens after the Medicaid Growth Reduction and Budget Stabilization transfer and before other year‑end moves. Extra transfers (up to 25%) can replace amounts used in the past 10 years, within the cap. Lawmakers can use the reserve only for deficits, settlements, retroactive tax refunds, Income Tax Fund deficits, or to keep essential federally funded programs running when federal money is unavailable. Interest earned goes to the General Fund. Effective May 6, 2026.

Some tax credit sections repealed

Several code sections are repealed effective May 6, 2026, including Sections 79‑6‑501 to 79‑6‑505 that established a tax credit. People who qualified for that repealed credit lose the benefit going forward. Other listed sections are also removed.

Stricter rules for beer stores

Beginning May 6, 2026, off‑premise beer stores face tighter rules. Stores may only buy beer from the maker’s designated wholesaler or a small brewer; violations can be misdemeanors. Beer containers over two liters are banned. Sales to minors, obviously intoxicated people, known interdicted persons, or habitual drunkards are prohibited. Gambling, gaming machines, and illegal drug activity are banned on the premises. Employees cannot drink or be intoxicated while on duty. Minors 16+ may sell beer only with a 21+ supervisor on site. All beer must be shown in no more than two areas with a bold sign at least 0.5 inches tall that says, “These beverages contain alcohol. Please read the label carefully.” Staff who sell or supervise must wear a visible name/ID badge, and the store must keep badge records available for inspection; local fines can reach $250. Frozen novelty beer items (beer popsicles, ice cream, sorbet) are not allowed. Some display‑area rules have applied since 2017.

Out‑of‑state therapists must get licensed

Beginning May 6, 2026, an out‑of‑state therapist serving a Utah client cannot prescribe unless licensed in Utah. The therapist must know how to reach Utah emergency services and follow Utah reporting laws. The therapist must file notice within one day after first serving a Utah client and get a Utah license within nine months, or immediately if treating more than one Utah client.

Beer pickup at drive‑throughs and stalls

Beginning May 6, 2026, off‑premise beer retailers can sell beer at drive‑throughs, drive‑up areas, and marked pickup stalls on property they control. Buyers must pre‑purchase before parking. Staff must check ID at the stall and follow required training. Stores must keep video of the pickup stall. These options can boost sales but add compliance steps and equipment.

New pretrial release and hearing rules

At first appearance, the judge must order release on recognizance, release with conditions, or detention. For some felony arrests, temporary detention is required when there is substantial evidence and the person was on parole or probation, or was awaiting trial and would be a habitual offender. Judges must consider ability to pay for financial conditions and cannot base release only on offense seriousness (except capital) or only on a risk score. If detained, a hearing must happen 7 to 14 days after arrest. Effective May 6, 2026.

New repeal dates across state programs

Effective May 6, 2026, many sections are scheduled to end on set dates across health, education, transportation, emergency management, and government titles. Examples: the Rare Disease Advisory Council Grant Program ends July 1, 2026; the Road Rage Awareness and Prevention Account ends July 1, 2028; the Emergency Management Administration Council ends July 1, 2029; the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Fund ends July 1, 2029; the Behavioral Health Crisis Response Committee ends December 31, 2026; and the Cybersecurity Commission ends July 1, 2032. Each listed part ends on the date the law states.

Convention‑center districts for projects

Beginning May 6, 2026, new public infrastructure districts can finance improvements tied to convention‑center areas. They may fund public projects and, within limits, some private improvements like arenas or revitalization work. This expands financing tools and can shift how local projects are paid for.

Wider powers for public infrastructure districts

Districts can issue bonds for more projects, including public transit, housing‑related work, port remediation, and convention center upgrades. A Fairpark‑created district can fund a qualified stadium and related public improvements. Cities keep control over zoning, design approvals, and permits. Infrastructure tied to another public system must meet that system’s standards and be turned over free of liens. District property tax money cannot be paid out without a board resolution, except county tax collection costs. Effective May 6, 2026.

Better inmate health care access

The Department must keep correctional psychiatric jobs filled, using contracts if needed, and report each year on staffing and care timelines. Every inmate is screened for substance use disorder within 30 days of commitment. If a disorder is indicated, medication‑assisted treatment may be offered and the inmate may be placed in programs. A working group starts by June 30, 2026 to recommend an electronic health record system, with a report due by November 2026.

Easier access to naloxone by standing order

Licensed dispensers can give naloxone and similar drugs under a doctor’s standing order, without an individual prescription. The doctor must use a protocol approved by the Division of Professional Licensing. The protocol lists who may get the drug, names authorized dispensers, and requires yearly reviews. Dispensers must keep a record for each person served. Effective May 6, 2026.

Short‑term remote therapy allowed

Beginning May 6, 2026, if you move to Utah, your out‑of‑state therapist may keep seeing you remotely for a short time. One path allows 90 days starting the day you relocate if the therapist was already treating you, is physically in the state where licensed, and files notice within one day. Another path allows 45 days if the therapist files notice within 10 days and meets similar conditions. The licensing division must report to lawmakers by October 2026 on any complaints tied to this exemption.

ID and reentry help before release

Corrections must update each inmate’s reentry plan and give portal access at least 30 days before release. The department must send the case plan and parole conditions to the Board at least 30 days before release. In the last 7 days, inmates meet with the Driver License Division to get or renew an ID or license. A voucher can cover up to the cost of a temporary regular ID. Some non‑U.S. citizens or people without work authorization are exempt from parts of the ID help. Effective May 6, 2026.

Work‑release inmates get minimum wage

Beginning May 6, 2026, inmates on work release in nonsecure facilities cannot be required to work for less than the federal minimum wage. They also cannot be forced to work under substandard conditions.

Annual property value and tax notice

Beginning July 1, 2026, county auditors mail each property owner a notice by July 22. It shows your assessed and taxable values, how to appeal, itemized taxes, the minimum basic tax rate, the estimated tax impact, and any public hearing details. It also lists the last property review date and how to get more information. The notice is mailed at least 10 days before the board of equalization meets and before a hearing on a proposed tax increase.

Fewer licenses for property managers

Beginning May 6, 2026, more real‑estate activities do not need a license. Owners and immediate family can manage their own property. Regular salaried employees can manage property for a single employer, and staff who only do repairs or bookkeeping remain exempt. Some public utilities, DOT, and local‑government employees, and certain attorneys and court‑appointed roles are also exempt within limits.

County jail intake and overflow rules

Beginning May 6, 2026, each county sheriff must have written jail admission and prisoner‑classification policies. Prisoners must be separated by gender and other safety factors. Sheriffs may use alternative incarceration outside the main jail only when the jail is at maximum operating capacity or if a court orders it. Prisoners in these programs remain under the sheriff’s custody.

Doctors must report despite privilege rules

Physician‑patient privilege does not excuse licensed doctors from mandatory reporting under this law. Evidence from such reports is not excluded in related court or administrative cases. Effective May 6, 2026.

Faster city incorporation petition reviews

The lieutenant governor must decide if an incorporation petition meets legal rules within 45 days. If rejected, sponsors may file one modified petition within 30 days, which must be reviewed within 20 days. This process begins May 6, 2026 and ends January 1, 2031.

Jails must follow DOC housing rules

County jails must use the Department of Corrections standards when assigning prisoners to living areas. Jails must also follow specific reporting rules in state law. This aims to make jail conditions and reporting consistent statewide. Effective May 6, 2026.

More DNA collection for some offenses

Beginning May 6, 2026, DNA collection rules apply to more people. Covered individuals include people convicted or who pled guilty to listed crimes on or after July 1, 2002, some out‑of‑state equivalents on or after July 1, 2003, certain bookings within listed dates, and juveniles 14 or older adjudicated for specified offenses.

No alcohol sales to minors or intoxicated

Off‑premise beer retailers may not sell or give alcohol to minors, to obviously intoxicated people, to interdicted persons, or to known habitual drunkards. Breaking these rules carries criminal penalties.

Wildfire risk terms set for WUI

The law defines high‑risk wildland‑urban interface property using a state wildfire risk tool and rules. It creates a three‑level triage scale and names a wildland‑urban interface coordinator. These terms guide how properties are classified for fire risk. Effective May 6, 2026.

Earlier local budget and levy deadlines

Cities and towns must adopt each fund’s budget by June 30. In years with a property tax rate increase, the deadline is September 1. Town councils must set the property tax levy by June 22 (or by September 1 if raising the rate) and the clerk must certify it by June 22. Setting the levy later needs State Tax Commission approval. Final budgets must be filed with the state auditor within 30 days.

Business and Chancery Court definitions

Beginning May 6, 2026, the Business and Chancery Court uses new definitions. It defines assets, blockchain technology, beneficial shareholder, business organization types, monetary damages, and provisional remedies. These terms guide how commercial cases are handled.

Clean energy credits treated as intangible

Clean and renewable energy tax credits are defined as intangible property. Examples include federal credits under IRC Sections 45 and 48, the ARRA Section 1603 grant, and a listed Utah state credit. This clarifies legal treatment for holders of those credits. Effective May 6, 2026.

More data on development tax credits

The state office that runs development zone tax credits must post monthly updates and include detailed data in its annual report. Reports list new credit commitments, estimated costs and benefits, jobs, and capital investment. The office must audit and study credits under state law every three years and share the results.

County road fees on oil and gas

Counties may charge oil and gas producers a mitigation fee to fix direct road impacts from production. The definition covers transportation service fees and impact fees under state law, but not the separate tax in that chapter. This takes effect May 6, 2026.

Grid resilience part ends July 2027

A grid resilience part of law is in effect May 6, 2026. It is repealed July 1, 2027. On that date, its definitions and authorities end.

Small admin fee on collected taxes

The State Tax Commission may keep an administrative charge from each qualifying tax or fee it administers. The charge is the lesser of 1.5% of collections or the share needed to cover its costs. Money goes into a restricted account, and the Legislature must approve spending from it. Interest earned goes to the General Fund. Effective May 6, 2026.

Clearer rules on harmful content

Beginning May 6, 2026, the law defines key terms for deciding what is harmful to minors. It adds a three‑part test: appeals to minors’ prurient interest, is patently offensive, and lacks serious value for minors. It also defines terms like blinder rack, distribute, public place, nudity, and sexual conduct. These definitions guide enforcement and prosecutions.

Report school threats; narrow exceptions

Beginning May 6, 2026, state employees and people in special‑trust roles must immediately report any serious, credible threat against a school, school worker, or student to the local education agency, nearest police, and the state security chief. Clergy do not have to report confidential confessions protected by church rules. Attorneys do not have to report information protected by attorney‑client rules. These exceptions do not remove other legal duties to prevent harm.

Updates to murder and burglary laws

The list of predicate felonies for murder is updated and remains punishable by 15 years to life. Burglary is clarified and is a third‑degree felony, or a second‑degree felony if in a dwelling. If the defendant reasonably believed there was legal justification and that claim is not disproven beyond a reasonable doubt, the court must enter manslaughter (or attempted manslaughter). Effective May 6, 2026.

When this law takes effect

Most changes take effect May 6, 2026. Two property‑tax sections (59‑2‑919.1 and 59‑2‑926) take effect July 1, 2026.

Stronger rules for private records and appeals

Private, controlled, and protected records can be disclosed to listed people with a release dated within 90 days; controlled data cannot be shared further. Anyone claiming business confidentiality must file a written claim with reasons and indemnify the government; claimed records generally stay private during appeals. Appeals to the Government Records Office director have firm timelines, with a hearing in 16–64 days and an order within seven business days. The director may fine up to $500 per day for continuing noncompliance. Effective May 6, 2026.

Smaller communities can form a town

An area can incorporate as a town with at least 75 people, down from 100. The area must be contiguous or a community council area and not inside an existing city. This rule takes effect May 6, 2026 and ends January 1, 2031.

Rules for pay when kids appear online

The law defines when a minor in social media content qualifies for special pay and protections. Two key tests apply: the creator makes at least $150,000 in a year and the minor appears in at least 30% of average monthly content. “Minor content earnings” is the share tied to minutes featuring the minor. These definitions set who must be compensated and how participation is treated. Effective May 6, 2026.

County jail reimbursement terms clarified

The state updated definitions used to pay counties for housing state inmates. New ‘eligible bed days’ include condition‑of‑probation, parole hold or sanction, and probation sanction days. The law clarifies average daily incarceration cost and the state daily rate. Effective May 6, 2026.

State board oversees water banks

The Water Resources Board now reviews, approves, and can revoke water bank applications. It collects annual reports, maintains the water banking website, and may contract and review projects. The board also coordinates with the Utah water agent on interstate compacts. Effective May 6, 2026.

Six-year window for tax notices

The law sets the truth‑in‑taxation exemption period to six years. It starts with the base year. During this window, some notice and hearing steps do not apply to certain tax increases. This changes timing only; it does not change anyone’s tax rate or bill. Effective May 6, 2026.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Casey Snider
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Kirk A. Cullimore
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 108 • No: 11

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 26 • No: 0

House vote • 2/18/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 55 • No: 11

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd reading

Yes: 27 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Governor Signed
3/23/2026
House/ to Governor
3/12/2026House
House/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/12/2026House
House/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/10/2026House
Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/10/2026
Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
2/23/2026
Bill Received from House for Enrolling
2/23/2026
House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
2/19/2026House
House/ received from Senate
2/19/2026House
Senate/ to House
2/19/2026Senate
Senate/ signed by President/ returned to House
2/19/2026Senate
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
2/19/2026Senate
Senate/ 3rd reading
2/19/2026Senate
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
2/18/2026Senate
Senate/ 2nd reading
2/18/2026Senate
Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/18/2026Senate
Senate/ received from House
2/18/2026Senate
House/ to Senate
2/18/2026House
House/ passed 3rd reading
2/18/2026House
House/ 3rd reading
2/18/2026House
House/ 2nd reading
2/17/2026House
House/ Rules to 3rd Reading Calendar
2/17/2026House
House/ received fiscal note from Fiscal Analyst
2/17/2026House
House/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/13/2026House
House/ received bill from Legislative Research
2/13/2026House

Bill Text

Enrolled
3/10/2026
PDF
Introduced
2/12/2026
PDF

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