Water policy, tax transparency and courts headline busy stretch at Capitol

SALT LAKE CITY — As the 2026 General Session moves into its final weeks, lawmakers representing Sanpete County reported a steady flow of bills on water policy, tax transparency, public safety and the court system.

Committee meetings and floor debates intensified over the past two weeks as legislative deadlines tightened and budget discussions continued.

Water policy moves forward

Water remained a central theme at the Capitol.

Lawmakers passed multiple measures aimed at strengthening water rights management, supporting long-term conservation efforts and directing funding toward lake and watershed health. State leaders also continued highlighting recent investments in water infrastructure and conservation planning.

For Sanpete County, where agriculture and snowpack drive the local economy, statewide water policy carries direct implications for irrigation, storage and long-term growth.

“Water is absolutely essential to our way of life here in Utah, and this year the Legislature has taken proactive steps to safeguard that resource for families, farmers and future generations,” says Rep. Troy Shelley.

While S.B. 209, the Gooseberry Narrows study bill, remains alive this session, there has been no new action on the proposal since earlier reporting. No reservoir or park designation has been approved.

Property tax notice requirements pass house

The House unanimously passed H.B. 236, the Truth in Taxation Amendments.

The bill requires local governments to clearly state when they are considering a property tax increase, adopt a tentative budget based on existing revenues and provide a comparison showing how additional dollars would be spent.

Property tax rates are set locally, but changes to notification procedures would affect cities, the county and special districts across Sanpete.

Constitutional cases and court transparency

Lawmakers also advanced proposals addressing how statewide constitutional cases are handled.

Under H.B. 392 and S.J.R. 5, certain constitutional challenges with statewide impact would be heard by a randomly selected three-judge district court panel instead of a single judge. Appeals would still go to the Utah Supreme Court.

Supporters argue the change would broaden judicial perspective on cases affecting the entire state.

However, the League of Women Voters and Mormon Women for Ethical Government have filed suit to invalidate the legislation. They claim the legislation gives does not give equal precedence to all claims of laws being unconstitutional.

Separate efforts this session have also focused on increasing transparency in court proceedings and financial disclosure requirements for judges.

Public safety measures advance

Public safety legislation continued to move through both chambers.

Bills addressed violent crime case clearance, stolen vehicle enforcement, offender supervision and substance use intervention. Lawmakers also passed H.B. 416, establishing a Firefighter Cancer Benefit Trust Fund to provide benefits to firefighters who develop job-related cancers.

In rural communities like those in Sanpete County, where volunteer and small municipal departments provide critical services, the firefighter measure could carry long-term significance.

Classrooms and families

Education and family policy also saw action.

The House passed H.B. 273, setting standards for classroom technology and artificial intelligence use in schools, including limits on screen time in early grades and increased parental transparency.

Lawmakers also advanced measures tied to the child tax credit and adjustments to postpartum, adoptive and foster leave policies.

“As we consider policy, I am guided by a simple principle: strengthening Utah families and communities,” Sen. Derrin Owens said.

With only weeks remaining before adjournment, appropriations committees continue shaping the state budget.

For Sanpete County residents, the most immediate local effects from the past two weeks center on tax notification changes, water policy adjustments and public safety legislation, while other proposals await final votes as the session approaches its close.