CHECKING IN AT THE LEGISLATURE:
May 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Ballots have officially been mailed out! You'll likely receive yours within the next few days. If you haven't requested a ballot yet, you have until June 16 at 5:00 PM to do so. After that, you'll have until 8:00 PM on Election Day, June 23, to drop off your ballot at a drop box. I hope you use this opportunity to make your voice heard and shape the future of your community. 

Warm Regards,
Melissa 

UPCOMING EVENTS

• June 2nd: Primary Ballot Drop
• June 12th: Last Day to Register to Vote
• June 16th: Last Day to Request a Ballot
• June 23rd: Republican Primary Election Day
• November 5th: General Election (You'll see me on the ballot)

HELPFUL LINKS

• Sign up for BallotTrax
• Utah Ranks #1 for Marriage and Children
• Utah Fire Sense
• Mountain West Geothermal Consortium Launches
• Utah x America250
• Learn About the Candidates on Your Ballot
• Utah Voter Registration Portal

1. Election Law Changes
2. Taking our Work to DC
3. Number One in Family Structure Index
4. Stewardship of our Resources
5. NSL America 250 Celebration
6. Securing our Energy Future
7. America 250 Celebration
8. Legacy Parkway Closures
9. May Interim Highlights

Election Law Changes

The Utah Legislature's Office of Legislative Research recently released a summary of every significant election law change passed between 2022 and 2026, covering everything from ballot security and signature verification to candidate disclosure requirements and a new citizenship-proof voting system taking effect this November. It's a quick, readable reference for anyone who wants to understand how Utah's election process is changing.

Taking our Work to DC

In Washington, DC advocating for the Targeted Adult Medicaid Waiver. Utah has had this waiver since 2017 to help high utilizer individuals leaving incarceration, chronically homeless, or in mental health/behavioral court-ordered programs.

Number One in Family Structure Index

Utah’s continued prosperity is rooted in the strength of our homes, and that was proven in a new national report that ranks Utah #1 in the family structure index. This ranking reflects our state’s high marriage rates and the fact that more of our children are raised in stable, two-parent households than anywhere else in the country. 

This past session, I was proud to introduce and pass three bills relating to marriage: HJR 18, HB 324, HB 103. These bills work in tandem to support marriages in Utah by reducing tax penalties for married couples, increasing funding for the Utah Marriage Commission, and preserving the sanctity of lawful marriages by ending the practice of traveling out-of-state to marry a minor. Based on this ranking, it's clear that our commitment to marriage and family values has led to tangible results. 

Stewardship of our Resources

Governor Cox has issued a Drought Executive Order declaring a statewide state of emergency due to our drought conditions. This summer, while you’re enjoying all the beauty our state has to offer, please practice extra caution and use our fire sense whenever spending time outdoors.  

NSL America 250 Celebration

I had a wonderful time celebrating America 250 with my neighbors in North Salt Lake! Be sure to take advantage of this historic milestone in American history by getting out and safely celebrating with friends and family. 

Legacy Parkway Closure

A quick traffic note for those who use Legacy Parkway: northbound Legacy Parkway will be closed overnight between Parrish Lane in Centerville and Park Lane in Farmington from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday, June 15 through Thursday, June 18, while crews remove overhead signage. Drivers will be detoured to northbound I-15 at Parrish Lane, so please plan ahead, allow extra time, and follow posted signs.

Beginning as early as June 15, crews will also start pile driving near the Jordan River bridge in Salt Lake City as part of the ongoing Legacy Parkway improvement project. This work may cause off-peak lane closures in both directions through June 26, along with additional noise, vibration, and construction lighting for nearby residents and businesses. The larger project will add one lane in each direction from Farmington to I-215 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. For the latest updates, visit udotinput.utah.gov/legacyparkwayimproved or check UDOT Traffic before heading out.

Securing our Energy Future

Utah has teamed up with Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico to launch the Mountain West Geothermal Consortium. We are uniquely positioned to lead this industry because high-quality heat is closer to the surface here, and experts are already calling Utah the heart of this geothermal renaissance. 
 

Join the Celebration: America 250

There are some fantastic celebrations and community events being planned right here in our area, and I’d love for you and your family to be a part of them. Check out the Utah America 250 website to find upcoming events, get involved, and join in as we honor this incredible milestone together!

May Interim Highlights