House Revenue and Taxation Committee - February 12, 2026 [Source] Translate

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee meeting began with the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. The agenda was adjusted to prioritize House Bill 423, which addresses DUI offenses and hit-and-run incidents. Chair Representative Elison introduced a substitute bill that combines elements of House Bills 421 and 423, aiming to align penalties for hit-and-run offenses with those for DUI, particularly increasing the penalty for hit-and-run resulting in death from a class three misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. Enhanced penalties for individuals with prior DUI convictions involved in hit-and-run incidents were also proposed. Commissioner Bo Mason from the Department of Public Safety discussed changes to the DUI hearing process to improve case handling. Brett Robinson from the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office highlighted the rise in hit-and-run accidents and the bill's intent to classify serious hit-and-run incidents as felonies. Personal testimonies from victims' families, including Glendon Mitchell and Bradley Van Orman, underscored the emotional impact of hit-and-run incidents and the need for legislative change. Public comments included support for the bill from Ryan Robinson, who noted the prevalence of hit-and-run cases. A defense attorney raised concerns about prosecuting hit-and-run cases, suggesting that judges should have discretion in sentencing. Steve Burton from the Utah Defense Attorney Association acknowledged the bill's intent but called for amendments to differentiate between cases. Jeremy Mitchell shared his personal loss and urged support for accountability. The committee moved to discuss House Bill 228, aimed at improving consumer protection regarding vehicle titles. The bill mandates branding titles for significantly damaged vehicles and conducting title searches to prevent title washing. The committee adopted a second substitute for the bill without public input, and it passed unanimously. House Bill 185, presented by Representative Shelly, proposed a framework for managing carbon credits, including a 5% tax on transactions to fund legal defenses against cap-and-trade programs. State Treasurer Marlo Oaks supported the bill, emphasizing transparency and protecting taxpayer interests. Concerns were raised about potential double taxation on farmers and the implications of the carbon tax. Public comments against the carbon credit bill highlighted opposition from agricultural representatives, who argued it imposes unnecessary costs and bureaucracy. The committee discussed amendments and the possibility of holding the bill for further consideration, reflecting the need for stakeholder engagement. Ultimately, the committee decided to hold the bill for further review, planning to revisit it in a subsequent meeting. The meeting concluded with an apology for time constraints and a motion to adjourn.