2026 General Legislative Session Day 37 (2/26/2026) Part 1 [Source] Translate

The meeting commenced with a prayer by Millie Barr and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senator Baldry, confirming a quorum with 20 senators present. The House transmitted several bills for consideration, including House Bill 59 on identification verification amendments, House Bill 112 on political advertising amendments, and House Bill 321 on inmate medical treatment rates, which were read for the first time and sent to the Rules Committee. Standing committee reports were presented, recommending favorable action on various bills, including House Bill 72 on criminal use of cryptocurrency and House Bill 240 on carbon dioxide system amendments, all of which were adopted unanimously. Senator McKell introduced guests Leah Moses and Shaney Hunters, and additional reports recommended House Bill 301 on drug recodification and Senate Bill 311 on medical translation amendments, both adopted. Senator Adams recognized the Utah Land Use Task Force and the Utah Property Rights Coalition for their efforts in promoting property rights. Senate Joint Resolution 18 was introduced to amend the Utah Constitution regarding legislative duties and sent to the Rules Committee. The third reading calendar began with House Bill 105 on child welfare revisions, which passed with 20 votes in favor. Senator Cullimore moved to lift and substitute House Bill 71, which also passed. Other bills discussed included House Bill 117 on organ donation amendments and House Bill 87 on animal crime victim amendments, both of which passed. House Bill 187, introduced by Senator Ipsen, related to the Colorado River Compact, also passed. Senator Ipsen moved for the passage of second substitute House Bill 187, which passed with 20 votes in favor, one against, and eight absent. Senator Hinkins introduced first substitute House Bill 251 on diligent water rights, which passed with 19 votes in favor. House Bill 369, concerning the Department of Agriculture and Food, also passed with 19 votes in favor. Senator Hinkins discussed House Bill 419, expanding the definition of environmental actions, which passed with 15 votes in favor. Senator Stratton introduced third substitute House Bill 165 on critical infrastructure and cybersecurity, passing with 20 votes in favor. House Bill 177, allowing in-state scholarships for ROTC students, passed unanimously. Senator Vickers introduced second substitute House Bill 97 on leftover medications, which passed with 20 votes in favor. House Bill 343, extending the certification period for Medicaid beds in nursing homes, passed with 22 votes in favor. Several bills were circled for further discussion, including House Bill 342 and House Bill 126. House Bill 308 on Homeless Services Amendments passed unanimously, updating the structure of the Utah Office of Homeless Services. House Bill 243, clarifying the ban on proposition betting, passed with 19 votes in favor. Senate Bill 69, allowing students to use cell phones during school hours, passed unanimously. House Bill 425, addressing local government fees, passed with 20 votes in favor. House Bill 429 was circled for future discussion. House Bill 41, updating wildland urban interface codes, passed with 22 votes in favor. Senate Bill 83, regarding Controlled Substance Scheduling Amendments, passed with 23 votes in favor after amendments. Senator Winterton discussed House Bill 32 on signature gathering, which passed but was later tabled for fiscal impact. Various other bills were discussed, with several passing and others being circled for future consideration. The meeting concluded with Senator Cullimore noting Research Day on the Hill and a motion to recess until 2 p.m., which was approved.