2026
LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD
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Dear Business Leader, Utah’s 2026 Legislative Session was once again historic, and we are happy to report a 100% success rate on our designated priority legislation. This session saw more than 1,000 bills introduced, over 540 passed and a $31.63 billion budget appropriated. We tackled the state’s most pressing challenges and proved, once again, that working together builds a stronger future for business and for all who call Utah home. Every year, the Utah Chamber identifies bills that align with our Public Policy Guide as Priority Votes. This session, we diligently tracked and monitored 260 business-related bills, showing up day after day to advocate for sound policy. Guided by member input and our priorities, we advanced new tools to expand Utah’s housing supply, strengthened the workforce talent pipeline, accelerated responsible critical mineral development and advanced long-term efforts to protect the Great Salt Lake. This is the work of building a better Utah, and none of it happens alone. Our pro-business climate thrives because of the dedicated commitment of bill sponsors, legislative leaders and engaged stakeholders. Most importantly, it is strengthened by members like you who share your expertise, help shape our policy priorities and lend your voice to the issues that matter most to Utah businesses. Thank you to our members, our partners, business-friendly legislators and every employer and employee who invests their time and voice in helping Utah prosper. And though the session has concluded, our work has not. We continue to carry this momentum forward, advocating without pause for the policies that keep Utah strong. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to this year’s Free Enterprise Champions as we look forward to building on this progress together.
Sincerely,
Derek Miller President & CEO Salt Lake Chamber
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Jeremy Hafen Board Chair Salt Lake Chamber
2026 Legislative Session by the Numbers 1,380 Bill Files Opened
1,016 Total Pieces of Legislation Introduced 655 House 361 Senate
Bills Passed, Signed or Vetoed by the Governor 541 Passed 539 Signed 2 Vetoed
205 Total Bills Tracked by the Utah Chamber 57 Tier II legislation 260 Total bills watched
17 Priority Bills Passed or combined with other bills that passed or were funded
100% Success Rate Of priority legislation
19 Supported Bills Including priority legislation
6 Bills of Concern Chamber engagement to help significantly amend or hold legislation
$31.63 Billion Budget Passed
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2026 Priority Bills During the legislative session, the Utah Chamber Board of Directors designates top priorities of the business community to be considered as “Priority Votes.” These bills are listed below.
Education & Workforce H.B. 373
Higher Education Innovation Sponsored by Rep. Karen Peterson and Sen. Ann Millner This bill creates a pilot program to fund research projects at Utah colleges and universities that support priority industries, economic development and public policy needs. The bill also renames the Utah Innovation Fund to the Nucleus Fund, expands the role of the Nucleus Institute at Point of the Mountain and appropriates $50 million to support research grants. Strengthening partnerships between higher education and industry is essential to maintaining a highly skilled workforce and competitive economy. This bill strengthens innovation and research efforts that will contribute to Utah’s long-term prosperity.
S.B. 195
Workforce Development Sponsored by Sen. Ann Millner and Rep. Karen Peterson This bill establishes a Statewide Youth Apprenticeship Governance Council to coordinate youth apprenticeship programs among education, workforce and economic development agencies while strengthening collaboration with industry. The bill also allows Utah to participate in the federal Workforce Pell Grant program, enabling short-term workforce training programs at colleges and technical schools to qualify for federal Pell Grant support. Expanding workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities helps students gain relevant skills and connect to career pathways earlier. This bill strengthens Utah’s talent pipeline and helps employers address workforce shortages in high-demand industries.
S.B. 241
Early Literacy Sponsored by Sen. Ann Millner and Rep. Karen Peterson This bill establishes a statewide framework to improve reading proficiency in kindergarten through third grade, with a goal of 80% of Utah students reading on grade level by 2030. The bill requires early reading assessments, individualized reading intervention plans for struggling students, expanded literacy coaching and science-of-reading training for educators and, in some cases, third-grade retention for students who do not meet reading benchmarks. This bill has received a $16 million ongoing appropriation. Early literacy is a key indicator of a student’s long-term success, including educational attainment and future economic opportunity. Investing in foundational reading skills helps prepare Utah students for future success, careers and the workforce.
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H.B. 250
Utah Retirement Plan Exchange Sponsored by Rep. Joseph Elison and Sen. Brady Brammer This bill creates an online marketplace where private employers can review, compare and select retirement plan options for their employees. The exchange will present qualified retirement plans in a standardized format so employers can easily evaluate costs, features and investment options. This program could particularly benefit small businesses by making it easier and more affordable to offer retirement savings plans, helping employees build long-term financial security. Retirement benefits remain an important tool for employees and employers. This bill simplifies access to retirement benefits for small businesses, allowing them to offer competitive compensation packages to their employees. The bill also creates long-term stability for employees by increasing their financial security well into the future.
Energy & Critical Minerals S.B. 254
Extracted Natural Resources Amendments Sponsored by Sen. Ann Millner and Rep. David Shallenberger This bill establishes a statewide framework to accelerate the development of critical mineral resources by fast-tracking permits, creating a Critical Minerals Council and establishing policies and zones to support mineral extraction and processing. The bill also modifies mining exploration tax credits and creates new state accounts to reinvest severance tax revenues into priorities such as water infrastructure, energy development, transit and critical mineral projects. Critical minerals are essential to national defense, advanced manufacturing and energy production. This bill helps position Utah as a leader in responsible critical mineral development while streamlining permitting, increasing coordination, providing regulatory clarity and increasing investment.
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Health Care S.B. 150
Health Care Providers Scope of Practice Amendments Sponsored by Sen. Evan Vickers and Rep. Jim Dunnigan This bill establishes a formal process for the Office of Professional Licensure Review to evaluate whether new technologies or innovations should be incorporated into the scope of practice for regulated health care occupations. The bill allows legislators or industry representatives to request a review and requires the office to study the proposal, consult with experts and report recommendations to the Business and Labor Interim Committee. Affordable and accessible health care remains important to Utah employers, employees and families. This bill creates a pathway for innovation within the health care system that may improve efficiency, expand access and help address rising health care costs over time.
H.B. 572
Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Social Services Amendments Sponsored by Rep. Steve Eliason and Sen. Evan Vickers This bill makes a broad set of changes to Utah’s behavioral health system, including shifting administration of the Governor’s Suicide Prevention Fund to the Office of Substance Use and Mental Health, expanding coordination between law enforcement, courts and behavioral health providers and creating new programs such as community-based peer support services. The bill also updates oversight bodies, adjusts involuntary commitment procedures and includes $750,000 from the General Fund to support implementation. Strong behavioral health systems contribute to healthier communities, workforce participation and economic stability. Improving coordination and access to care helps support employee well-being and long-term workforce resilience across the state.
Homelessness H.B. 308
Homeless Services Amendments Sponsored by Rep. Clinton Okerlund and Sen. Todd Weiler This bill updates Utah’s homeless services framework by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the Office of Homeless Services and the state homelessness coordinator, streamlining reporting requirements and adjusting oversight of funding and service coordination. The bill allows shelters to temporarily expand capacity (up to 135% of their permitted beds) with municipal consent and temporarily increases local government contributions to support homelessness mitigation efforts. Homelessness impacts public safety, workforce participation and economic vitality in communities throughout Utah. This bill strengthens coordination between state and local partners while providing communities with additional flexibility to respond to evolving needs and crisis situations.
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Housing, Transportation & Infrastructure H.B. 68
Housing and Community Development Amendments Sponsored by Rep. Calvin Roberts and Sen. Lincoln Fillmore This bill creates a new Division of Housing and Community Development within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, bringing together several housing programs that were previously spread across different state agencies. The bill also establishes a state housing coordinator and moves key housing and homelessness programs into the new division. A more streamlined approach to housing policy will improve coordination and accountability across state housing programs. By consolidating housing programs under one division, the state can accelerate housing solutions, improve affordability and support workforce stability by expanding access to attainable housing near employment centers.
H.B. 475
Development and Planning Coordination Amendments Sponsored by Rep. Calvin Roberts and Sen. Kirk Cullimore This bill reorganizes and clarifies the state’s economic development structure by renaming the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity as the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and establishing a new Economic Development Council to help guide statewide economic development strategy. The bill also updates responsibilities within the office and improves coordination among state agencies and programs involved in economic development. By establishing a new Economic Development Council, the state can ensure effective coordination when strategizing economic development and major growth projects. The structure and membership creates a more unified framework for strategic growth planning, helping the state respond more effectively to major economic development opportunities and infrastructure demands in Utah.
H.B. 492
Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing Amendments Sponsored by Rep. Calvin Roberts and Sen. Kirk Cullimore This bill creates the State Housing Infrastructure Partnership Fund and Board to provide loans and grants to local governments for infrastructure projects that help enable new housing development. The bill also increases bonding capacity for affordable housing infrastructure and prioritizes projects that support starter homes and additional housing supply. Infrastructure limitations continue to be one of the greatest barriers to increasing housing supply across Utah. This bill provides additional tools to help communities invest in roads, water and utility infrastructure that support new housing development, workforce growth and long-term economic expansion.
S.B. 242
Transportation Amendments Sponsored by Sen. Wayne Harper and Rep. Kay Christofferson This bill makes a series of updates to Utah’s transportation policies, including changes to road usage charges for certain electric vehicles, expanded uses of local option transportation sales taxes and increased bonding authority for commuter rail expansion. The bill also clarifies the relationship between Salt Lake City and the Utah Department of Transportation by replacing a prior joint study on highway reduction strategies with codified provisions requiring coordination with UDOT when changes to state highways are proposed. Utah’s continued growth requires sustained investment in transportation infrastructure and regional mobility. This bill supports long-term planning efforts that improve connectivity, reduce congestion and expand access to employment, housing and commercial centers throughout the state. 6
S.C.R. 10
Concurrent Resolution Emphasizing Utah’s Commitment to Advanced Air Mobility Sponsored by Sen. Wayne Harper and Rep. Jon Hawkins This resolution recognizes Utah’s leadership in aerospace innovation and affirms the state’s commitment to developing Advanced Air Mobility technologies, including aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing. The resolution outlines Utah’s long-term goal of establishing an operational air mobility system and vertiport network ahead of the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and expresses intent to coordinate with federal partners such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Department of Transportation. Utah’s aerospace and advanced technology sectors continue to drive innovation and economic development across the state. This resolution positions Utah to remain competitive in emerging transportation technologies and creates a foundation for safe, efficient integration of advanced air mobility capabilities.
Natural Resources & the Great Salt Lake H.B. 348
Dedicated Water Amendments Sponsored by Rep. Jill Koford and Sen. Scott Sandall This bill creates a new dedicated water application process that allows water right holders to dedicate water for uses such as instream flows, sovereign lands or certain reservoir projects while maintaining the underlying water right. The bill also establishes rules for how these applications are filed, processed and monitored by the state engineer, including limits intended to protect ongoing agricultural water use. Long-term water sustainability is critical to Utah’s future, agricultural industry and quality of life. This bill creates additional tools to support water conservation efforts while maintaining protections for existing water rights and ongoing agricultural operations.
H.B. 410
Water Leasing Amendments Sponsored by Rep. Jill Koford and Sen. Scott Sandall This bill creates the Great Salt Lake Preservation Program and a Great Salt Lake Preservation Board to lease agricultural water from willing water users to help increase flows to the Great Salt Lake. The bill also streamlines water leasing processes, directs the Great Salt Lake commissioner to facilitate water leasing and appropriates $5 million to support the program. The Great Salt Lake plays a vital role in Utah’s air quality, economy, public health and environmental sustainability. This bill expands collaborative conservation efforts and supports long-term strategies to help stabilize the Great Salt Lake, including advancing the Great Salt Lake Strategic Plan.
S.B. 130
River Restoration Amendments Sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Fillmore and Rep. Cheryl Acton This bill expands the state’s ability to fund improvement projects along the entire length of the Jordan River. The bill creates a matching grant program for counties, municipalities and the Jordan River Commission to support projects that increase recreational access and public safety along the river, supported by a $2 million appropriation. Investments in environmental restoration and public infrastructure contribute to stronger, more connected communities. Improvements along the Jordan River will enhance recreation, public safety and quality of life while supporting economic development in surrounding areas.
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Tax Environment H.B. 236
Truth in Taxation Amendments Sponsored by Rep. Karen Peterson and Sen. Dan McCay This bill strengthens Utah’s truth-in-taxation process by requiring taxing entities considering a property tax increase to publicly announce that intent earlier and provide clearer information about the amount and purpose of the proposed increase. The bill also requires governments to first adopt a tentative operating budget that excludes the proposed tax increase and to present a separate alternative budget showing how additional revenue would be used if the increase is approved. Transparency and predictability in the tax process are important to long-term financial planning and economic stability. This bill improves public accountability while helping taxpayers and employers better understand the impact and purpose of proposed property tax increases.
Opposed Bills H.B. 161
Property Tax Modifications
H.B. 203
Non-Compete Amendments
H.B. 543
Uniform Commercial Code Amendments
H.B. 587
Income Tax Amendments (decoupling of federal R&E expensing)
S.B. 211
Tort Amendments
S.B. 293
Consumer Pricing Data Amendments
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2026 Free Enterprise Champion The Free Enterprise Champion designation honors select legislators for their exceptional leadership in advancing the principles of free enterprise and for their partnership with the Chamber in supporting policies that strengthen Utah’s economy and communities.
Senator Scott Sandall Senator Scott Sandall has been a consistent champion of Utah’s business community, serving on both the Business and Labor Interim Committee and the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee. He served as floor sponsor for two of the Chamber’s 2026 priority bills and voted in support of all Chamber priority bills 100% of the time in both committee and on the Senate floor. We are grateful for his thoughtful leadership and commitment to policies that strengthen Utah’s economy.
About Senator Scott Sandall Senator Scott Sandall represents District 1, covering all of Box Elder County and parts of Cache and Tooele counties. He served in the Utah House of Representatives from 2015-2018 before joining the Senate in 2019. He currently serves as the vice chair of Executive Appropriations. Born and raised in Tremonton, Sen. Sandall graduated magna cum laude with a degree in agricultural economics from Brigham Young University. He is now a fourth-generation farmer and rancher, owning and operating Sandall Ranches in Promontory, Utah. Before joining the Legislature, he served as Box Elder County Farm Bureau president and as a Utah Farm Bureau State board member. He also volunteered with the Bear River High School community council and as a local Scout leader. Sen. Sandall and his wife, Christie, have four children and 14 grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys golfing.
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Senator Evan Vickers As Chair of the Senate Business and Labor Committee, Senator Evan Vickers plays a key role in shaping Utah’s business climate. He sponsored the Chamber’s priority legislation, maintained a 100% voting record on all of the Chamber’s priority bills and regularly met with Chamber members to discuss important policy issues. We appreciate his accessibility, leadership and commitment to working collaboratively with Utah’s business community.
About Senator Evan Vickers Senator Evan Vickers represents District 28, covering Beaver, Iron, Juab, Millard and Washington counties. He was first elected to public office in 1987, serving on the Cedar City Council until 1999. In 2009, he was elected to the Utah House of Representatives and joined the Senate in 2012. He served as Senate majority leader from 2019 to 2025 and currently chairs the Senate Business and Labor Committee, where he has focused on small business regulation and rural Utah issues. Born in Panguitch and raised in Beaver, Sen. Vickers graduated from the University of Utah College of Pharmacy in 1977. He and his family own six businesses, five in Cedar City and one in Richfield. Sen. Vickers and his wife, Chris, have five children, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and live in Cedar City. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, hunting and fishing at their family cabin near Panguitch.
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2026 Free Enterprise Champion Representative Doug Owens Representative Doug Owens has demonstrated a strong commitment to thoughtful, bipartisan policymaking and economic opportunity. He voted in favor of Chamber priority legislation 100% of the time in his service on the Economic Development and Workforce Services Standing Committee as well as on the House floor. He also sponsored legislation that was important to our Chamber members. We appreciate his willingness to engage on complex issues and his commitment to policies that support Utah businesses and communities.
About Representative Doug Owens Representative Doug Owens was born and raised in Salt Lake City and graduated from the University of Utah and Yale Law School. He and his wife, Cynthia, have four children and live in Millcreek. Rep. Owens has three decades of legal experience resolving complex commercial, environmental, and employment issues. Early in his career, Rep. Owens took two years off to stay home with three small children while Cynthia finished her medical residency. As the representative for House District 33 and House Minority Caucus Manager, Rep. Owens is committed to the preservation of the Great Salt Lake, reducing air pollution, strengthening public education and keeping public lands in public hands. In furtherance of that goal, Rep. Owens has sought to highlight the economic value those lands have as recreation resources. He founded Utah Outdoor Partners, a non-profit organization, to promote the creation of parks, trails and other recreation infrastructure to keep pace with population growth.
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Representative Karen Peterson Representative Karen Peterson has been a tremendous advocate for Utah’s workforce, education system and economic future. As Chair of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, she sponsored and floor-sponsored several Chamber priority bills, maintained a 100% voting record in support of Chamber priority bills and actively engaged with the business community through events such as Capitol Club. We appreciate her leadership and dedication to policies that strengthen Utah’s competitiveness and future workforce. She will be retiring from the Legislature and working as Assistant to the President for Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships at Southern Utah University.
About Representative Karen Peterson Representative Karen Peterson serves House District 13, representing Clearfield, Clinton, Sunset and West Point. A longtime Clinton resident, Rep. Peterson brings deep experience in state and local government, having served on the Clinton City Council and worked as Legislative Policy Director for Governor Spencer Cox and an Education Advisor for Governor Gary Herbert. She has a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University and a master’s degree from Southern Utah University. Known for her strong advocacy in education, she also champions policies that support strong families, thriving businesses and taxpayer transparency. Rep. Peterson and her husband, Eric, an engineer at Hill Air Force Base, have three children and an energetic Australian Shepherd.
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2026 Free Enterprise Champion The Free Enterprise Champion designation also honors a distinguished Chamber member for their exceptional leadership in advancing the principles of free enterprise and for their partnership with the Chamber in supporting policies that strengthen Utah’s economy and communities.
Dick Garlish President Rocky Mountain Power Dick Garlish serves as president of Rocky Mountain Power and has been a valued partner to Utah’s business community. In addition to opening Rocky Mountain Power’s headquarters to business leaders and policymakers to better understand Utah’s energy infrastructure through our Utah Rising Initiative, Garlish has played an important role in working with legislators, regulators and stakeholders to advance policies that support reliability, affordability and long-term energy planning. His willingness to engage in difficult conversations and help build consensus has contributed to a stronger energy future for Utah. We are grateful for his leadership, partnership and commitment to the continued success of our state.
About Dick Garlish Dick Garlish is president of Rocky Mountain Power, an electric utility serving over 1.2 million customers in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. In his role, Garlish is responsible for regional strategy and engagement, leads customer and community affairs and government affairs. Before joining PacifiCorp in 2020, Garlish served as senior vice president and general counsel at Peak Reliability. Earlier in his career, he held several senior positions at Idaho Power Company, including senior counsel, director and general manager. Garlish also served as senior corporate counsel at NorthWestern Energy. Garlish was raised and educated in the mining city of Butte, Montana, and received his bachelor’s degree from The Evergreen State College and his law degree from the University of Montana School of Law. Prior to entering the energy industry, he served as a law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Sam E. Haddon of Montana. Garlish lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Special Thanks to Our Chairs
Public Policy Committee
Ally Isom
Troy Keller
Vice President & Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Partner
Clyde Companies, Inc.
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Chamber Coalition
Jamie Andrus
Curtis Blair
President & CEO
President & CEO
Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce
Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce
Industry Council
Howard Headlee
Aaron Starks
President & CEO
President & CEO
Utah Bankers Association
47G - Utah Aerospace & Defense 14
utchamber.com
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