2026 House Majority Policy Priorities
For Utah
The Utah House Majority Caucus is leading with common-sense, conservative solutions. We are putting families first by keeping cost of living low, helping students excel, and strengthening public safety. Together we will invest in Utah’s long-term strength, make government more accountable and fiscally responsible, and safeguard the natural resources we all depend on.
Cost Of Living
Keeping Utah affordable by lowering costs for Utah families and ensuring taxpayers see real value for every dollar spent.
Reining in Property Tax
Utahns are feeling the pinch of increasing property taxes. Over the past few years, local governments and school districts have approved high property tax increases. Additionally, increases in home values relative to other property types have skewed the property tax burden borne by Utah homeowners.
Utahns deserve to have their voices heard when decisions are made about how property taxes are levied and spent so that any tax increase is not only justified, but necessary to provide essential services citizens depend on.
We’ll take steps to reduce property taxes for Utah homeowners and ensure taxpayers can make their voices heard on local property tax increases.
The Property Tax Burden in Utah has Shifted to Homeowners
Utah State Tax Commission
Keeping Homeownership Within Reach
Utah families deserve the chance to build a life, own a home, and put down roots in the communities they love. Lawmakers have cut red tape and empowered cities and the free market to meet demand, so the next generation can afford to live, work, and raise families here. There is still more to be done to keep the American Dream within reach for new homeowners and maintain the quality of life we all know and love.
The Legislature will help cities invest in the infrastructure needed to bring new homes onto the market at prices Utahns can afford. We will also work to improve coordination between state, local, and private partners to ensure new homeownership opportunities strengthen communities rather than straining them.
By supporting infrastructure, simplifying regulations, and letting the free market work, Utah will make homeownership a reality and keep the American Dream alive.
of building inspections are now completed within one business day, thanks to H.B. 58 (2025) lowering building costs
That's three times faster than the required standard
Utah League of Cities and Towns
Lowering Gas Prices
Utahns shouldn’t have to pay more at the gas pump than neighboring states – especially when most of the fuel we use is refined right here in our state. Utah taxpayers have subsidized the oil and gas industry and out-of-state consumers for a long time with special tax exemptions for exports.
We will take steps to lower gas prices for Utahns.
AAA
Cutting Taxes
Over the last five years, the Legislature has steadily cut taxes by over $1 billion. Tax relief and strong fiscal discipline go hand in hand. Our thoughtful approach ensures meaningful tax cuts without sacrificing essential services or long-term stability.
Because of forward-focused, fiscally-responsible policy at the state level, Utahns will receive over $200 million in additional state tax relief this year tied to recent federal legislation.
Utahn's will receive
in new state tax cuts in 2026
Legislative Fiscal Analyst, Big Beautiful Bill
Strong Families
Reducing costs and barriers to raising a family so Utah families can thrive.
Supporting Families
Utah has long been a place where families come first. We know that strong families are the cornerstone of a happy, prosperous society. But even here, families are facing new challenges. Rising costs and other barriers to family formation are causing Utahns to have fewer children than they want. Over the last several years, the Legislature has taken action to support Utah families – expanding the child tax credit to reduce costs, implementing paid maternity leave for state employees and childcare tax credits for employers, and increasing access to IVF services.
While the family’s status as the centerpiece of our society is losing ground across the nation, we will continue aligning policy to support marriage and family stability, cut costs for families, and cultivate a culture that encourages and makes it easier to raise children.
Utah fertility rates have declined sharply as families grapple with rising costs and other challenges
Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Protecting Children
Utah is leading the nation in protecting kids from the harmful effects of social media and addictive technology. As new tools like AI emerge, we’re doubling down on protecting our kids’ mental health, privacy, and safety.
The Legislature has also made historic investments in school safety, providing schools $200 million over the last three years to keep Utah students safe.
We will put common-sense guardrails around businesses’ AI practices when they interact with our kids.
of kids ages 9-12 are using AI chatbots
1 in 4 have sought advice from an AI chatbot
1 in 3 say talking to an AI chatbot is like talking to a friend
internetmatters.org
Limited Government
Safeguarding Utah’s strong economy with balanced budgets, wise investments, and a commitment to living within our means.
Cutting Government Spending
Just like Utah families have to balance a budget, Utah’s economy is strong because we live within our means. We’re not afraid to make tough decisions to keep government lean and accountable. Every dollar saved is a dollar that stays in the pockets of hard-working Utahns.
Utahns are feeling the financial pressure from a flurry of recent property tax increases from cities, counties, and school districts. Tax hikes should be a last resort after government entities first exhaust all other options to cut waste and improve efficiency.
We are challenging all levels of government – cities, counties, school districts, and even ourselves – to take a hard look at their budgets and cut anything that isn’t benefiting Utahns or is better delivered by Utah’s businesses, non-profits, or citizens.
Utah is ranked #1 for fiscal stability for the fourth year in a row
U.S. News and World Report
Mitigating Federal Uncertainty
Last year’s record government shutdown underscored the perils of overreliance on federal funding. Fortunately, Utah’s best-in-the-nation economy and prudent fiscal management have put us in a strong position to weather any storm.
We conduct regular contingency planning, maintain a state sovereignty fund, and require agencies to consider the burden of federal mandates. Additionally, we have reduced our state debt by 66% since 2021 and are on track to be completely debt-free, lowering costs for all Utahns and making us even more self-reliant.
Utah is leading efforts to return control back to the states. If we can keep our federal tax dollars in Utah, we can run federal programs more efficiently, effectively, and affordably.
Utah has the 2nd lowest per capita debt in the nation
Reason Foundation, Deseret News
Infrastructure
Building Utah’s future through infrastructure that lasts.
Powering the Future
Utah maintains some of the lowest energy prices in the nation thanks to our all-of-the-above approach to energy. Last year, we paved the way to save a power plant that has the capacity to power over 750,000 homes. Going forward, the newly created Utah Energy Council will implement our energy strategy by investing in critical infrastructure and supporting nuclear energy initiatives.
This session, we will keep energy costs low for Utahns by streamlining nuclear permitting, planning for transmission needs, and opening financing options to meet growing electricity demand.
Last year, we paved the way to save a power plant that has the capability to power over
Reducing Traffic
We’re planning ahead to make sure our infrastructure keeps up with demand so that Utahns can maintain their quality of life. The Legislature is committed to building roads, transit, and active transportation infrastructure that keep Utahns moving forward.
The upcoming completion of projects across the state, like the Mountain View Corridor, will reduce congestion, making it easier and faster for Utahns to get from point A to point B.
We will continue to invest in transportation from St. George to Logan so Utahns can spend their time doing the things they love, not sitting in traffic.
UDOT Projects
Bangerter Hwy
Washington county
Mountain View Corridor
Pioneer Crossing
West Davis Highway
SR-162 & SR-262
UDOT
Securing Critical Minerals
Utah’s access to critical mineral resources – including a newly identified, major rare-earth deposit in the Utah desert- offers the chance to research, develop, and process them locally – reducing Utah’s and the nation’s dependence on foreign suppliers like China.
Elements needed to produce batteries, vehicles, advanced aerospace technologies, and many more can be found here at home – giving Utah a strategic advantage.
We will work with the federal government, universities, and private industry to develop national lab-level capabilities in the state for critical mineral research and processing.
Utah is home to 48 out of 60 critical minerals
U.S. Department of Interior
Accountability & Transparency
Restoring confidence in government through transparency, accountability, and a commitment to serving the people.
Restoring Our Representative Democracy
For more than a century, Utah has struck a careful balance: giving citizens the ability to propose initiatives and referendums while preserving the responsibility of elected representatives to refine and improve those laws as circumstances change.
A recent misguided Utah Supreme Court decision disrupts that balance and threatens to create a new class of untouchable “super-laws.” These measures fall far short of the rigorous standards required for constitutional amendments, but would be almost impossible to update, amend, or refine — handing enormous power to unelected judges and to wealthy outside groups who try to influence our state.
Utahns deserve better.
This year, Utah voters will have the chance to approve a constitutional amendment that restores the balance our founders intended. It reaffirms that Utah’s laws should be shaped and updated by the elected representatives who are accountable to Utahns — not locked in place by outside interests or unelected judges.
“A republic, if you can keep it.”
– Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin’s warning still matters today. Utah’s founders understood this well when they established a representative democracy in our state constitution in 1896.
Enhancing Election Integrity
Trust in free and fair elections is the foundation of our representative government. Utah has a strong record of election security, but there is always room for improvement. Over the past couple of years, the Legislature has passed bills to implement a rigorous audit process, strengthen ID requirements for voting, and ensure that mail-in ballots are only sent to active voters.
This year, we will take additional steps to secure our elections and increase transparency.
PEW Research Center
Transparency in Government
Every single piece of proposed legislation, every committee hearing, and every vote is freely available for the public to view and share feedback.
This level of transparency should be available across all levels of government. Just last year, we passed legislation requiring greater transparency by the Utah Board of Education, including posting each board vote online.
Judicial Accountability & Accessibility
Judges are supposed to be accountable to the public, but every election cycle, Utahns say they don’t have enough information to make informed decisions about the judges on their ballot.
And it’s no surprise why – the Judiciary is the least transparent branch of government. Aside from a handful of high-profile cases that get reported in the media, it’s nearly impossible for members of the public to get information about judges.
We will improve judicial transparency and increase access to court records so Utahns can hold their judges accountable.
The Judiciary:
Lacks transparency
Requires fees for court records & judicial decisions
Makes it impossible to filter records by judge
Prolongs decisions
Public Safety
Maintaining Utah’s high quality of life by keeping our communities among the safest in the nation.
Addressing Homelessness
Urged by state leaders, Salt Lake City has stepped up enforcement against open air drug dealing, property crimes, and unsanctioned camping in public spaces like the Jordan River Trail. Our capital city’s streets are safer today because of those efforts, but there’s still work to do.
Effectively addressing homelessness requires more than just compassion – it also requires accountability. A homeless person sleeping on the streets is much more likely to die from a drug overdose than from exposure to the elements.
We will continue working with cities, counties, and the Homeless Services Board to streamline our homeless services system, focus resources on programs that deliver results, and help people get the treatment they need to turn their lives around.
Salt Lake City Police Department enforcement of camping, drug use & other quality of life crimes increased dramatically after state leaders called on the city to take action
Office of the Legislative Auditor General
Keeping Utahns Safe
Over the last several years, the Legislature has closed gaps in the criminal justice system and focused on stopping repeat criminal offenders.
Last year’s legislation making fentanyl trafficking a first-degree felony – combined with stepped-up law enforcement efforts – resulted in fentanyl overdose deaths declining in 2025 for the first time since 2017.
After years of staffing shortages and low morale, close coordination between the Legislature and the Utah Department of Corrections has led to record hiring of new correctional officers, improved safety, and increased focus on rehabilitating inmates to reduce recidivism.
We will continue to prioritize public safety, ensuring we have adequate criminal justice resources, including prison capacity to hold dangerous criminals.
Last year, Utah fentanyl overdose deaths declined for the first time since 2017
Utah Office of the Medical Examiner
Education
Preparing the rising generation to lead with knowledge, integrity, and innovation.
Striving for Academic Excellence
The best way to reach academic excellence is to help every student learn in the way that makes sense for them. In Utah, we’re committed to doing right by our kids and taxpayers by ensuring every education dollar spent delivers real results. We’re not just funding schools; we’re building futures.
We will empower parents and students with more choices like expanded CTE opportunities. We must also hold schools accountable for the dollars they receive by tying funding to real classroom instruction, ensuring every education dollar directly supports student learning.
Utah is ranked 4th best in the nation for education
U.S. News and World Report
Reducing Classroom Disruptions
Study after study has shown that phones in classrooms significantly impact student outcomes. Last year we implemented a default statewide policy that removes cell phones from classrooms.
Rising behavioral challenges are making it difficult for teachers to focus on educating our kids, and absenteeism is interrupting learning more and more. Disruptions in the classroom make it more difficult for our students to thrive and, in some cases, raise safety concerns.
This year we’re going to continue to ensure that the devices and software our kids use in the classroom are a learning aid – not an obstacle. We will address absenteeism and restore fair and effective discipline systems that promote order, respect, and reduced juvenile crime in our schools.
The average teen receives
phone notifications per day
The Policy Project
Increasing Return on Investment for College Students
Last year, the Legislature challenged our colleges and universities to cut $60 million in low-value spending and reinvest the savings in high-impact programs that lead to great jobs for Utah students.
Our colleges and universities are now reallocating the savings to expand student opportunities in high-demand fields, such as engineering, nursing, mental health, and more. Best of all, these reinvestments come with no tuition or tax increases.
This year, we’re doing even more to ensure Utah students get the best value out of higher education. We’ll reward schools that deliver results for students, invest in groundbreaking research, and continue aligning Utah’s higher education system to ensure our universities, colleges, and technical schools remain affordable, high-value, and focused on strong workforce outcomes for Utah students.
Working with the Legislature, Utah’s colleges & universities trimmed over
in administrative costs last year
Utah System of Higher Education
Water
Protecting one of Utah’s most vital resources for generations to come.
Tackling Aging Infrastructure & Insufficient Supply
Across the state, aging water systems and limited storage threaten our ability to meet future needs.
In 2024, lawmakers passed H.B. 280 to strengthen coordination between state and local agencies and ensure every taxpayer dollar is used wisely to support Utah’s long-term water needs.
The Legislature is taking the same long-term approach to water as it does for roads—investing in reliable infrastructure, expanding storage, and maintaining the systems that will keep the taps running for generations to come.
By 2060, Utah will need an estimated
for drinking water infrastructure
for water quality upgrades and
for irrigation and canal improvements
Utah Division of Water Resources Report
Protecting & Restoring the Great Salt Lake
Protecting and restoring the Great Salt Lake strengthens Utah’s economy, environment, recreation opportunities, and future. Lawmakers created new conservation procedures requiring mineral companies to reduce water use when lake levels fall too low. Through voluntary agreements, mineral companies committed to forgo 254,000 acre-feet of future water use—enough to cover an area the size of Davis County in a foot of water. Proof that collaboration and thoughtful policy deliver results.
This session, lawmakers will expand water conservation tools and strengthen partnerships to protect the Great Salt Lake’s long-term health.
Salinity levels in the Great Salt Lake have returned to healthy levels since reaching dangerous highs in 2022
Utah Division of Water Resources Report
