General Session of the 65th Legislature

The 2023 general legislative session has officially started! This has already been a productive week full of legislation and debates that will greatly benefit Utah. I am excited to continue that work with my colleagues over the next six weeks. Make sure you follow along with the process! You can view our weekly agendas here.

Oath of Office

This week I took my oath of office to uphold the Constitution of the United States as well as the State of Utah and to discharge the duties of my office with fidelity. This is something I take very seriously and will always be my first priority as I serve you.

2023 Legislative Priorities

Though the legislative session just started, my fellow legislators and I have spent the last year preparing and planning for these coming weeks. As a majority caucus, we hae identified our policy priorities for this session as:

• Stewardship: Safeguarding our natural resources
• Investment: Laying the foundation for our future
• Affordability: Keeping Utah affordable

You can learn more about each of these legislative priorities and what they mean for Utah here.

State of the State

We had the privilege to hear from Governor Spencer Cox during his State of the State address on Thursday. He focused on policies to help families and the next generation of Utahns. I’m looking forward to working with him and my colleagues in the Senate to ensure Utah continues to prosper for our children and grandchildren.

Martin Luther King Jr Day

This past Monday, we had the opportunity to honor the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. I am grateful for the strides he took and the sacrifices he made to better our country.

Economic Outlook & Housing Affordability

Our latest podcast deep dives into housing affordability and Utah’s 2023 economic outlook. Listen as Rep. Stephen Whyte discusses housing affordability and Rep. Robert Spendlove explains where current economic indicators are pointing and what Utahns might be able to expect over the coming year. Click here to listen.

Bills Passed By the House This Week

H.B. 12 Department of Commerce Electronic Payment Fees

H.B. 13 Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities Amendments

H.B. 14 Insurance Commissioner Authority Sunset Amendments

H.B. 15 Board of Credit Union Advisors Sunset Amendments

H.B. 17 Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission Sunset Extension

H.B. 20 Collection Agency Amendments

H.B. 22 Local District Amendments

H.B. 24 Prescription Discount Program Amendments

H.B. 28 Arson Amendments

H.B. 34 Boards and Commissions Amendments

H.B. 36 Long Term Care Ombudsman Amendments

H.B. 43 Domestic Violence Modifications

H.B. 44 Transportation Corridor Funding Amendments

H.B. 45 Domesticated Elk Program Amendments

H.B. 46 Criminal Code Recodification and Cross References

H.B. 47 Criminal Code Evaluation Task Force Sunset Extension

H.B. 48 Early Childhood Amendments

H.B. 49 Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Advisory Council Amendments

H.B. 53 Protective Order Amendments

H.B. 55 Off-highway Vehicle Registration Requirements

H.B. 58 Tax Modifications

H.B. 65 Division of Technology Services Amendments

H.B. 67 Title 71a – Veterans and Military Affairs

H.B. 72 Medical Cannabis Governance Revisions

H.B. 74 Utah Marriage Commission Amendments

H.B. 75 State Commemorative Periods Amendments

H.B. 77 Local District Revisions

H.B. 99 Sex Offender Restrictions Amendments