CHECKING IN AT THE LEGISLATURE:
2026 Legislative Session Week Three

Week 3 Update Video

Helpful Links 

• Listen to or Participate in Live Meetings 
• Learn about the House Majority Issues
• Utah Voter Registration
• Rural Affairs Quarterly Report
• Water Progress for the Great Salt Lake with a Magnesium Plant
• Dirtier Air does not come from Population Growth 
• Repeal Prop. 4

IN THIS ISSUE 

1. Bills for Stronger Marriage & Stronger Relationships
2. Strengthening Accountability: Housing Stability for Reentry and Chronic Homelessness
3. H.B. 122 Supports Pregnant & New Mothers in Correctional Facilities
4. S.B. 134 Strengthens Utah's Judicial System
5. Legislative Audits Inform Criminal Justice Reform
6. Friends on the Hill: Community Connections at the Capitol and Beyond
7. Bills Passed this Week

Bills for Stronger Marriage & Stronger Relationships

This week, I had the pleasure of discussing these bills with Dan Evans from Fox 13 News, where we emphasized four bills aimed at supporting Utah families. HB 210 removes marriage penalties which disproportionately affect lower-income couples. HJR 18 asks Congress to eliminate the federal marriage tax penalty. HB 103 strengthens protections against underage marriage, making violations a third-degree felony. Finally, HB 324 increases funding for the Utah Marriage Commission to provide resources to strengthen relationships statewide.

With Teresa Wood, Beaver/Garfield CJC director. Rebecca Martell, Utah County CJC director. Andrea Noyes, Grand County CJC Director. Tracey Tabet, Utah CJC Program Director. Kristy Pike, Washington County CJC Director. Kylie Yerkes, CJC Services Specialist.

Housing Stability for Reentry & Chronic Homelessness

I presented this request for appropriation to support accountability and evidence-based policy to help prevent homelessness for Veterans, reentry, and chronic homelessness. The proposal includes a state-wide housing readiness certificate, free education tools, and financial mentors to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as renters. Implemented by trained human service professionals through the Community Justice Advocates program. Participants receive targeted support to address housing, debt, and legal challenges before they escalate. With proven reentry research in landlord engagement, education, and a limited risk-mitigation fund. This program reduces barriers, increases landlord confidence, and encourages voluntary participation. Together, this coordinated approach improves housing and financial stability while reducing recidivism and homelessness statewide.

Supporting Pregnant & New Mothers in Correctional Facilities

I am proud to support legislation as H.B. 122 sponsored by Representative Pierucci, which strengthens protections for pregnant and postpartum inmates. This bill ensures new mothers have a full 12-week recovery time period to access medical care and support services. Alongside social workers who assist with childcare and substance treatment, it limits the use of restraints unless it is necessary for safety. We can support mothers successfully transition out of correctional facilities while supporting children’s well-being to ultimately save taxpayer dollars.

S.B. 134 Strengthens Utah’s Judicial System: Adding Justices & Judges

During the Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Standing Committee, we discussed S.B. 134 to address the growing demands on Utah’s courts. The courts gave a fantastic presentation of the changes made following the Legislative auditors “Government Excellence” survey, available on le.utah.gov for any entity to evaluate administrative efficiencies. After those evaluations, we agreed to fund more judges. S.B. 134 adds two justices to the Supreme Court, two judges to the Court of Appeals, and three district court judges where they are needed most. Along with additional law clerks and support Staff. Utah’s rapid population growth and high case loads give courts the capacity they need to efficiently serve the public. 

4 Audits on Salt Lake City: Great Need for Better Leadership, Accountability, & Policy

As part of our work on the Criminal Justice Standing Committee, we’ve closely reviewed four in-depth Legislative Auditor General performance audits. They reflect the need for stronger leadership, accountability, and policy across Salt Lake County’s criminal justice system. Under new leadership from the Salt Lake Police Chief Redd, the department completely changed its course and success in less than a year, delivering tremendous outcomes. Furthermore, one audit found the Salt Lake City Police Department suffered from leadership disruptions and morale challenges that hindered effective operations. A second audit stated the Salt Lake County Jail overcrowding has strained capacity and contributes to higher recidivism. The third audit of the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office identified inconsistent policies and transparency issues in how cases are screened and managed. Lastly, a comprehensive analysis of the County’s criminal justice system informed us of coordination weaknesses among key agencies and offered recommendations to improve public safety outcomes.

Friends on the Hill: Strengthening Relationships in Public Service, Education, & Family

Top Photo: Mr Halbasch, Woods Cross High School AP and CE Government students, and Davis School Board Member Alisa Mercer

Bottom Left: Enjoying the Capitol with my Grandsons and Samantha Ballard 

Bottom Right: Brent Uberty; CEO at BW Productions, Aldy Milliken; Executive Director at the Kimball Art Center, Jocelyn Scudder; Executive Director at the Arts Council of Park City, Jeren Stevenson; Utah Cultural Alliance Government Affairs.

Bills Passed by the House this Week

• H.B. 209 Voting Amendments
• H.B. 211 Real Property Recording Amendments
• H.B. 20 Correctional Facility Capacity Amendments
• H.B. 22 Vintage Vehicle Amendments
• H.B. 24 Criminal Penalty Amendments
• H.B. 30 Wildlife Management Area Amendments
• H.B. 37 Used Oil Management Act Amendments
• H.B. 46 Taxpayer Information Sharing Amendments
• H.B. 55 Privacy Compliance for Education Technology Vendors
• H.B. 57 Motor Vehicle Division Amendments
• H.B. 60 Water Rights Amendments
• H.B. 63 Livestock Watering Amendments
• H.B. 64 School and Institutional Trust Lands Amendments
• H.B. 79 Governmental Immunity Amendments
• H.B. 82 Judgment Information Amendments
• H.B. 93 Goshen Bay Waterfowl Management Area
• H.B. 103 Underage Marriage Amendments
• H.B. 113 Emergency Reporting Abuse Amendments
• H.B. 116 Criminal Fines Amendments
• H.B. 128 Traffic Amendments
• H.B. 146 Mentoring and Supporting Teacher Excellence and Refinement Program Amendments
• H.B. 164 Patient Disclosure Amendments
• H.B. 186 Judicial Conduct Commission Amendments
• H.B. 242 Initiative and Referendum Signature Gathering and Removal Amendments
• H.B. 356 Drug Distribution Amendments
• H.B. 392 District Court Amendments