CHECKING IN AT THE LEGISLATURE:
2026 Legislative Session Week One Part 2

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2026 General Legislative Session has officially begun! I am honored to return to the Capitol to represent our community to work on the priorities that matter most to Utah families. This session, I am focused on protecting children and families, strengthening public safety and justice, supporting higher education and civics and ensuring responsible, forward-looking governance.   

If you are visiting the Capitol during the session, my intern Kaliah can help coordinate time on the House floor or arrange a private tour. She can be reached at (385) 420-3107 or kfernandez@le.utah.gov. 

Warmest regards,

Melissa

Upcoming Events

• Committee Hearings – Throughout January and February, I will be participating in Business, Labor & Commerce, Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice Appropriations Committee hearings.
• Facebook live Legislative Updates: During the town hall meetings, you can join us on an accessible Facebook live option.
• This Saturday: Town Hall: Saturday January 24th from 10 – 11:30am in Bountiful City Hall.
   

QUICK LINKS

• Legislative Meeting: Watch live or participate in committee hearings 

• House Majority Issues: Learn more about current topics and legislative remedies 

• 2026 Caucus Priorities: Overview of House Majority Caucus goals this session 

• KSL News Radio: Eye on the Hill – 2026 Legislative Session coverage 

• KRCL Radio: Utah lawmakers prepare for the General Session

IN THIS ISSUE

1. Quick Legislative Survey
2. More Affordable Life for Utah Families
3. Built for Utahns North Capitol Building
4. Fair Pricing, Stronger Consumer Protections
5. Meet my intern
6. Diversion Program for Incarcerated Mothers

Your voice matters, and I want to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to complete my short legislative survey and share your perspective. Your responses help me better understand the issues that matter most to our community and guide the work I do on your behalf at the Capitol.
Click here to take the survey.

Many Utah Families are feeling the strain of rising costs. My colleagues and I are focused on keeping our state affordable. We’reworking to regulate property taxes, give tax papers a stronger voice when local governments propose increases. This keeps homeownership within reach since it supports new housing and lets the free market meet demand. Our goal is simple: strengthen our communities to ensure Utah remains a place where families can thrive. 

The North Capitol Building: Built for Utahns

As a Legislature, we’re fighting to help Utah families avoid hidden fees and know exactly what they’re paying so you can shop with confidence. HB29 requires businesses to clearly display the total price of a product or service and ensures that any mandatory fees are fully disclosed and not misleading. It also gives the Division of Consumer Protection the authority to enforce these rules and, when necessary, impose fines on companies that violate them. By making pricing transparent and holding businesses accountable, HB29 puts you, the consumer, first allowing Utahns to make informed choices while protecting your hard-earned money.  

I’m excited to introduce Kaliah Fernandez, my 2026 intern for the Legislative Session. Kaliah is a student at the University of Utah, double majoring in Psychology and Political Science, with a passion for public service. She is helping coordinate Capitol visits, committee attendance, and constituent outreach. 
If you are visiting the Capitol, Kaliah can arrange a time on the House floor or a private tour. She can be reached at (385) 420-3107 or kfernandez@le.utah.gov.

• H.R. 1 House Rules Resolution - Amendments to House Rules 
• H.B. 14 Behavior Analyst Licensing Amendments 
• H.B. 19 Drinking Water Utilities Amendments 
• H.B. 21 Senior Care Facility Amendments 
• H.B. 26 Voting Equipment Amendments 
• H.B. 28 Health and Human Services Sunset Amendments 
• H.B. 11 Dyed Diesel Fuel Search Amendments 
• H.B. 12 Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Amendments 
• H.B. 29 Unfair and Deceptive Pricing Amendments 
• H.B. 34 Victim Rights Amendments 
• H.B. 35 Bears Ears Visitor Center Advisory Committee Amendments 
• H.B. 39 Prison and Jail Standards Amendments 
• H.B. 47 Vehicle Registration and Insurance Amendments 
• H.B. 49 Law Enforcement Salary Amendments 
• H.B. 50 Child Protection Ombudsman Amendments 
• H.B. 45 Fire Code Amendments