CHECKING IN AT THE LEGISLATURE:
2026 Legislative Session Week Two

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

During this Legislative Session it marks another productive week that advances conservative solutions for Utah’s future. We took meaningful steps to keep power reliable and affordable. This strengthens our election security and helps move forward with policies that keep Utah affordable for families. I remain committed to protecting liberty, supporting our community, and promoting a strong economy across our state.

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

• Listen to Participate in Live Meetings

• Learn about the House Majority Issues

• Utah Voter Registration 

• Locations to sign the repeal for Prop 4

IN THIS ISSUE

1. Breaking Chains: Highlighting Second Chances 
2. Supporting Those Who Serve
3. Advancing Key Legislation Through Committee
4. Recognizing the Eccles and Osmond Families for their contributions
5. Defense Day: Aerospace OxEon 
6. Friends on the Hill: Community & Business Leaders at the Capitol
7. Bills passed the House this week

I was proud to support Breaking Chains, a powerful film created and edited by incarcerated individuals within Utah’s correctional system. In this project they emphasize rehabilitation and accountability to the importance of preparing people for successful reentry. Firsthand experience of seeing the work reinforced the value of programs that encourage growth. It was shown at the International Film Festival and awarded the People’s Choice. 

Utah is strongest when we believe in redemption of an individual’s second chance. My legislation HJR 4 — Resolution on Prison Security and Successful Reentry and HB230 will align reentry efforts to prevent recidivism and keep our streets safer. 

For more information on Breaking Chains click here: 

• https://www.instagram.com/p/DTHeUkMjor8/
• https://www.facebook.com/UtahFilmFestival/posts/we-are-grateful-to-everyone-who-came-out-to-support-the-world-premiere-of-breaki/1836651587223806/
• https://ksltv.com/entertainment/inmates-documentary-utah-prison/871283/

Supporting Utah’s first responders remains a top priority. HB79 clarifies long-standing legal protection for emergency personnel, EMTS, firefighters, and law enforcement. This ensures those who risk their lives to protect others to focus on serving the public without fear of unnecessary lawsuits.

Advancing Key Legislation Through Committee

During floor time this week, I had the distinct honor of presenting a legislative citation recognizing Spencer Fox Eccles for a lifetime of service to Utah as a business leader, philanthropist, and civic champion. Through his leadership and the work of the Eccles family foundations, more than $1.6 billion has been invested in education, health care, the arts, and community initiatives across our state. His transformational gifts to the University of Utah’s medical school and a new health campus in West Valley City will expand opportunity and strengthen care for generations of Utahns. It was a privilege to celebrate his enduring legacy at the Capitol.

The Utah Legislature also recognized the Osmond Family on the floor this week for their extraordinary contributions to entertainment, faith, family, and Utah’s cultural heritage. Honored collectively with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Osmonds have spent more than six decades sharing a message that extends far beyond the stage, representing the very best of Utah to audiences around the world. 

​​Left to right from Boeing Mark Gaspers, Arina Poggioli, George Davidson, Ray Halbert, and Woods Cross City Council Member Jim Grover. With Joe Hartvigsen, CEO of OxEon, Emily Pilstl, Director of Program Management.  Former Rep Adam Robertson with ForTeam Drones identifying foreign drones in our skies. Their drone demonstration featured 47G Aerospace, an impressive showcase of Utah’s growth in aerospace. 

It was a delight welcoming community leaders and youth to the Capitol to discuss the issues that matter most to Utah families. These conversations help ensure policymaking is informed by those working every day. Strong partnerships between lawmakers are essential to Utah’s continued success. I am grateful for their company and fresh perspectives. 

In the past week, I had the pleasure to talk with the South Valley Chamber - Junior Women in Business,  UT Police Chiefs Association, Association of Public Charter Schools Davis Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership. 

With the Davis School District Superintendent Linford, School Board Member Brigit Gerrard, State Board LeAnn Wood, Davis Board Alisa Mercer, Board Member Joani Stevens, Assistant Superintendent Logan Toone, and DATC President Brush  

• H.B. 47 Vehicle Registration and Insurance Amendments
• H.B. 49 Law Enforcement Salary Amendments
• H.B. 50 Child Protection Ombudsman Amendments
• H.B. 52 Tribal Endorsement of Utah Driver License Amendments
• H.B. 53 Community Rehabilitation Program Amendments
• H.B. 54 Boating Safety Education
• H.B. 61 Navajo Trust Fund Amendments
• H.B. 65 Construction Code Amendments
• H.B. 66 Soil Health Program Amendments
• H.B. 67 Lead Acid Battery Disposal Sunset Amendments
• H.B. 69 Drinking Water Restructuring Amendments
• H.B. 73 Public Employee Retaliatory Action Amendments
• H.B. 77 Tax Modifications
• H.B. 78 Nuclear Regulatory Amendments
• H.B. 85 State Sovereignty Amendments
• H.B. 209 Voting Amendments
• S.B. 1 Higher Education Base Budget
• S.B. 4 Economic and Community Development Base Budget
• S.B. 5 General Government Base Budget
• S.B. 6 Transportation and Infrastructure Base Budget
• S.B. 7 National Guard, Veterans Affairs, and Legislature Base Budget
• H.B. 211 Real Property Recording Amendments
• H.C.R. 4 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Religious Freedom
• H.B. 76 Data Center Water Transparency Amendments
• H.B. 182 Genetic Information Amendments
• H.B. 199 Health Data Amendments