CHECKING IN AT THE LEGISLATURE:
2025 SESSION WEEK 7

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we complete the 7th and final week of the 2025 legislative session, there have been many policy adjustments for government agencies, enhanced transparency, fiscal accountability, tax cuts for all—including Social Security tax and increasing the child tax credit—school safety, addressing organized crime, fentanyl penalties, and dedicating more than 45% of our budget to education.   

It has been an honor to be part of this process, witnessing firsthand the dedication and collaboration that make this work possible. Thank you for electing me to represent House District 20! 

Warmest regards,

Melissa

QUICK LINKS

• Find the hot topics and issues here 
• Learn more about crucial policy areas  
• See all passed bills this session 

IN THIS ISSUE

We gave teachers a $1,446 pay raise, expanded Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, and cut taxes to provide relief for families and businesses. We invested in transportation, energy production, and water infrastructure while enacting policies to make homeownership more attainable. 

To keep Utah safe, we increased criminal penalties and cracked down on illegal immigrants who commit crimes. We also strengthened our election security while preserving vote-by-mail and put safeguards in place to keep government agencies accountable. 

Over 45% of the budget is dedicated to public education, reaffirming our commitment to students, teachers, and our future workforce. 

These achievements reflect our commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Utah. While the session has ended, our work continues. I look forward to hearing from you and working together to keep our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

Over the past five years, the Legislature has delivered over $1.4 billion in tax cuts. This year, we’re continuing to build on that progress with HB106, Income Tax Revisions: 

• Reducing the income tax rate to 4.5% 
• Eliminating income tax on Social Security for individuals earning up to $90,000 
• Expanding the child tax credit for children under six years old 
• Providing a tax credit for businesses that build and operate childcare facilities for employees 

These steady, incremental tax cuts add up to real savings for Utah families. A young family with two children earning $75,000 a year has saved over $1,200 from these reductions, while an individual on Social Security has saved $4,545. This is real money making a real difference—put back where it belongs: in your pockets. 

Transparency and accountability are at the heart of our budgeting process. Every year, I have significantly worked to improve government efficiency, accountability, and transparency. HB317 is one of my 2025 bills continuing these efforts.

A state’s priorities are reflected in its budget, and this year, we’re making investments that will shape Utah’s future.  Key investments include: 

• Increasing teacher salaries to support the educators shaping the next generation 
• Modernizing infrastructure to strengthen Utah’s energy, water, and transportation systems 
• Enhancing public safety to keep our communities secure 

See exactly how your tax dollars are being spent with our Taxpayer Receipt Tool. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Utah. 

No child should go hungry at school. HB100, Food Security Amendments, takes a crucial step toward ensuring that every Utah student has access to a nutritious meal. This bill establishes a program providing free lunch to eligible students, helping families facing food insecurity and ensuring children have the nourishment they need to thrive in the classroom. 

By investing in students' well-being, we’re strengthening Utah’s future and supporting families across the state. Click the pdf below to learn more.

This bill restructures the Cosmetology and Related Professions. Master Estheticians will retain the same structure with clarifications on when they can practice without general supervision because of their training. 

The other related professions will work on a reduced hour program schedule with options for multiple micro-licensures. Safety permits will be available at major reduced hours for those who want to work with just safety training.

This helps students get into the workforce sooner with more specialty licensure options! 

Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, facing not only immediate dangers but also long-term health risks. Alarmingly, 60% of line-of-duty firefighter deaths are linked to occupational cancers, making cancer a leading cause of death in the profession. 

HB 65 expands access to cancer screenings, early detection, and essential medical benefits for our firefighters. We owe them more than just gratitude—we owe them protection. This legislation ensures that those who safeguard Utah’s communities receive the care they deserve. 

On Friday, March 7th, we honored the widow of Santaquin Police Sergeant Bill Hooser, who was murdered in May of 2024. We recognized the dozens of law enforcement officers who successfully pursued and arrested the dangerous criminal who traveled over 200 miles in 4 & 1/2 hours across Utah roads. We appreciate our many officers who dedicate their lives to our safety.

S.B. 217 Recycling and Waste Amendments 

H.B. 531 Division of Professional Licensing Amendments 

H.B. 538 Judgment Information Amendments 

H.C.R. 10 Concurrent Resolution Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence 

H.B. 560 School Safety Foundation 

H.C.R. 14 House Concurrent Resolution Supporting Streamlining Utah Housing Policies 

S.B. 269 Telecommunications Amendments 

H.B. 501 Law Enforcement Salary Amendments 

H.B. 475 Public Funds Reporting Amendments 

H.B. 75 Administrative Rules Process and Reauthorization 

H.B. 404 Government Employment Amendments 

H.B. 550 Building Permit Fee Prohibition Amendments 

H.B. 563 Ballot Title Amendments 

H.B. 409 Medicaid Pharmacy Amendments 

H.B. 520 Water Entity Amendments 

H.B. 86 Homeowners' Association Requirements 

H.C.R. 15 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom 

H.B. 553 State Grant Process Amendments 

H.B. 551 Elected Official Publicity Amendments 

H.B. 558 Local Government Drug Testing Amendments 

H.B. 395 LEA Reporting Requirements 

H.B. 473 School Digital Materials Amendments 

H.B. 524 Non-nicotine Inhalation Product Amendments 

H.B. 548 Genetic Information Amendments 

H.B. 494 Boards and Committee Amendments 

H.B. 3 Current Fiscal Year Supplemental Appropriations 

H.B. 8 State Agency and Higher Education Compensation Appropriations 

H.B. 335 Political Advertising Amendments 

H.B. 540 Municipal Incorporation Modifications 

H.B. 2 Public Education Budget Amendments 

H.B. 562 Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Amendments 

H.B. 263 Election Record Amendments 

H.B. 454 Local Government Fees Modifications 

H.B. 519 Health Care Access Amendments 

H.B. 535 Driver Training Schools for Commercial Driver License Amendments 

H.B. 10 Fund and Account Modifications 

H.B. 231 Primary Election Amendments 

H.B. 547 Diaper Program Amendments 

S.B. 162 Talent Connect 

S.B. 146 Glucagon Amendments 

S.B. 31 Refugee Services Amendments 

S.B. 237 Utah Communications Authority Amendments 

S.B. 260 Individual Digital Identity Amendments 

S.B. 142 App Store Accountability Act 

S.J.R. 1 Joint Resolution Dissolving the North Logan and Hyde Park Justice Courts 

S.J.R. 3 Joint Resolution Dissolving Salt Lake County Justice Court 

S.B. 241 Limited Purpose Local Government Amendments 

S.B. 216 Environmental Quality Amendments 

S.B. 202 Property Tax Revisions 

S.B. 157 Nonjudicial Adjustment Amendments 

S.B. 39 Education Testing Amendments 

S.B. 24 Child Abuse and Torture Amendments 

S.B. 195 Transportation Amendments 

S.B. 106 Utah-Ireland Trade Commission 

S.B. 230 Utah Resident Terminology Amendments 

S.B. 65 Medication Assisted Treatment Amendments 

S.B. 286 Criminal Plea Withdrawal Amendments 

S.B. 38 Manufacturing Modernization Grant Sunset Amendments 

S.B. 2 New Fiscal Year Supplemental Appropriations Act 

S.B. 8 State Agency Fees and Internal Service Fund Rate Authorization and Appropriations 

S.B. 99 Excellence in Education and Leadership Supplement Amendments 

S.B. 251 Commercial Vehicle Registration Amendments 

S.B. 171 Indigent Defense Amendments 

S.B. 242 Public Employees' Benefit and Insurance Program Modifications 

S.B. 35 Statewide Online Education Program Modifications 

S.B. 170 School Discipline Amendments 

S.B. 297 Congregate Care Amendments 

S.B. 323 Asset and Investment Review Task Force 

S.B. 332 Artificial Intelligence Revisions 

S.B. 71 Social Security Tax Revisions 

S.B. 219 Financial Institution Tax Amendments 

S.B. 69 Medication Amendments 

S.B. 334 Center for Civic Excellence at Utah State University 

S.B. 161 Cultural and Community Engagement Amendments 

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0161.html 

S.B. 274 Health Insurance Preauthorization Revisions 

S.B. 262 Housing Affordability Modifications 

S.B. 15 Certified Public Accountant Licensing Amendments 

S.B. 278 State Debt Collection Amendments 

S.B. 277 Government Records Management Amendments 

S.B. 318 Prosecutorial Misconduct Amendments 

S.B. 57 Newborn Relinquishment Amendments 

S.B. 22 State Employee Benefit Amendments 

S.B. 47 Sales and Use Tax Remittance Amendments 

S.B. 284 Medicaid Doula Services 

S.B. 268 Rules Review and General Oversight Committee Amendments