2026 General Legislative Session Day 34 (2/23/2026) Part 1 [Source] Translate

The meeting commenced with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was confirmed, including a remote participation by Representative Fiafia. Several bills were introduced, including House Bill 594 and House Bill 595 by Representative Owens, and House Resolution 7 by Representative Dunnigan, all referred to the House Rules Committee. Representative Peck honored Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA, reflecting on Kirk's contributions and the tragic event of September 10, 2025, leading to a citation being signed in his honor. The House moved to the Consent Calendar, passing House Joint Resolution 8, House Bill 512, and Third Substitute House Bill 147 unanimously, along with HCR 12 celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Senate Bill 86 regarding firearm safe harbor amendments was circled for further discussion, while HCR 13 on technical education passed unanimously. Representative Burton welcomed students from Utah Valley University involved in constitutional studies. The House addressed House Bill 93 on the Goshen Bay Waterfowl Management Area and House Bill 143 on special education amendments, both passing after concurring with Senate amendments. The meeting focused on House Bill 440 concerning school lunch amendments. Representative Auxier introduced a second substitute for the bill, which had been reviewed in the education committee. The changes aimed to alleviate concerns about restrictive language, encouraging schools to consider best practices regarding lunch and recess without imposing strict mandates. Concerns were raised about potential burdens on schools and the quality of school lunches, which Auxier addressed, emphasizing local control and the bill's intent to improve practices. The second substitute for House Bill 440 was adopted, followed by House Amendment 1, both passing with supportive sentiment. The bill will be sent to the Senate. The Rules Committee recommended several bills for assignment to standing committees, which was adopted without opposition. House Bill 472, concerning licensing and background checks, passed unanimously. HCR 8, establishing a Weight Management and Obesity Pilot Program, passed with 68 votes in favor. House Bill 216, allowing courts to consider Social Security Disability Insurance in child support calculations, passed with 68 votes. House Bill 370, establishing a location monitoring program for sex offenders, passed with 71 votes. House Bill 474, creating a new asset class for cryptocurrency, also passed with 71 votes. House Bill 540, concerning judicial transparency, was discussed, with a substitute version removing live streaming requirements. The first substitute was adopted unanimously, and the bill was circled for further review. House Concurrent Resolution 2, authorizing adult sentencing guidelines, passed with 73 votes. House Bill 138 clarified that a child's death from abuse can include suicide, passing with 70 votes. House Bill 455, addressing hiring standards for peace officers, passed with 72 votes. House Bill 326, prohibiting hunting of feral swine, passed with 71 votes. House Bill 249, creating a fiscal health dashboard, passed with 69 votes. House Bill 302, limiting municipalities to one official flag, passed without opposition. Representative McPherson opened the floor for questions on House Bill 302, which passed with 57 votes in favor. Representative Hawkins announced it was UVU Day on the Hill, with lunch provided, and shared updates from the recent Olympics. Representative Romero announced a meeting for House Democrats, followed by Representative Snyder announcing a Republican caucus meeting. The House was then recessed until 2 PM.