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2025 Session - Week 1

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Writer's picture: Ron WintertonRon Winterton


Friends and Neighbors, 

 

Welcome to week one of the 2025 General Session! Over the next 45 days, the Utah Legislature will tackle several proposed bills, balance the state budget and shape policies that impact every corner of the state. 

  

Utah's history is defined by resilience and ambition, with its towering mountains and vast deserts inspiring generations to dream big and achieve greatness. The focus this session is on powering the state's future through innovation and strategic foresight. Building Utah’s future is about more than just meeting current demands—it's about enhancing past successes while addressing future needs with bold vision. Key priorities include positioning Utah as an energy leader, supporting education, fostering economic growth and delivering strategic tax cuts to put more of your hard-earned money back into your pocket, all with a commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable solutions.



Now, let’s dive into this week’s highlights and updates as we gear up for week two! 



Week One at a Glance  

We kicked off the session with a bang! The talented students of the American Fork High School drumline set the tone and delivered a showstopping performance in the senate chamber. The band earned 8th place at the Bands of America National Marching Band Championships, the highest placement in Utah history, making it the top marching band in the western United States. 


The phenomenal drumline performance was followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Sonia Lopez, after which we were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Utah’s own 2024 Paris Olympic Silver Medalist, Kenneth Rooks. 

  

Priority Spotlight: Powering Utah’s Future 

This year, our motto is Powering Utah’s Future. Along with meeting the needs of today, our vision spans 100 years down the line to imagine what bold possibilities we can make a reality. In this future, our electricity costs remain the lowest in the nation, keeping the American Dream attainable with affordable housing, our water supply is plentiful and our educational institutions soar to even greater heights. Additionally, advancements in space technology and air taxi infrastructure have made our economy and transportation stronger than ever.  

  

Our blueprint lays the tracks for continued success by prioritizing the things that matter most – education, family, innovation, energy, affordable housing and more – we are charting a strong path for generations to come and keeping our state the best in the nation. 

  

Learn more about our 2025 blueprint and find other helpful information here. 

  

State of the State: Celebrating Utah’s Strengths and Shaping Our Future 

The governor gave his State of the State address, where he discussed why Utah is consistently ranked number one: the exceptional people of our state. As elected officials, it’s our responsibility to ensure Utahns have the freedom to rise to great heights.  I share his sentiment and look forward to working with him and other lawmakers as we build a lasting and prosperous future for our state. 


Listen to Gov. Cox’s address here.

Watch here.


State of the Judiciary:  

On the first day of the legislative session, Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Durrant delivered the State of the Judiciary address, he discussed the importance of checks and balances in our government system. As Durrant stated, lawmakers have a significant role in identifying areas for improvement. We hold the unique power to enact meaningful change through the legislative process—ensuring that the voices of the people of Utah are heard and reflected in our laws. We appreciate and respect the vital role the judiciary plays in upholding justice and maintaining the rule of law. 

  

Bill Highlights: 

S.B. 25 Postretirement Reemployment for Emergency Services Workers  

What it does  

  • S.B. 25 adjusted the earnings limit for retirees returning to work in affiliated emergency services roles, such as firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians. 

  • Specifically, it allows these retirees to earn up to $15,000 or half of their average salary, whichever amount is lower, and still keep their retirement benefits.  

Why it matters 

  • This adjustment provides retirees with a clear process for supplementing their income by serving in vital emergency roles, such as EMS and firefighting, without risking their retirement benefits. 

  

S.B. 17 Services for DoD Civilian Employees  

What it does 

  • S.B. 17 supports Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees and their families by addressing key challenges to attract and retain top talent essential to critical missions, including: 

  • Professional Licensing Exemptions: DoD employees and their spouses can seamlessly continue their careers in Utah, as they are exempt from occupational and professional licensure requirements, provided they hold valid licenses from other jurisdictions. 

  • In-State Tuition Residency: Grants in-state tuition eligibility at Utah higher education institutions to DoD employees and their families, making higher education more accessible and affordable. 

  • K-12 Education Requirements: Helps children of DoD employees smoothly transition into Utah’s K-12 education system by addressing key requirements, ensuring a seamless educational experience for military families. 

Why it matters 

  • S.B. 17 is a forward-thinking piece of legislation designed to enhance support for DoD civilian employees who are crucial to fulfilling the military missions in Utah. 

  • Over the years, the DoD has encouraged states to implement innovative solutions to better serve military families and their unique needs. Utah has risen to this challenge, earning national recognition as a leader in community-based quality-of-life programs for military service members and civilian employees. 

  

S.B. 55 Unauthorized Use of Residential Real Property Amendments  

What it does  

  • S.B. 55 strengthens protections for property owners by enabling law enforcement to act more swiftly and effectively to remove squatters.  

  • It increases criminal penalties for squatters who damage property or try to illegally sell or rent properties they do not own.  

  • These measures help safeguard neighborhoods, deter repeat offenses and ensure property owners can regain control of their homes more quickly. 

Why it matters  

  • Unlawful occupancy of vacant homes is a growing issue, especially with second homes and vacation properties.  

  • Squatters not only cause significant damage but also leave property owners feeling helpless and communities vulnerable.  

  • Utahns deserve the peace of mind knowing their homes are safe, even when they’re away. This bill helps provide that security, making sure homes stay protected and neighborhoods remain safe. 

  

S.B. 39 Education Testing Amendments  

What it does 

  • S.B. 39 streamlines standardized testing for students in grades 3-10  by establishing a uniform assessment structure, creating consistency across these grades. 

  • Additionally, the bill would create a 15-member parent committee to provide input on educational assessment standards. 

Why it matters 

  • It addresses challenges in student assessments, improving their effectiveness and providing a clearer, more accurate picture of student proficiency.  

  • By aligning testing practices with current educational standards, these updates offer a deeper understanding of student performance, ultimately supporting better outcomes for Utah’s students. 

  

S.B. 62 Spaceport Exploration Committee  

What It Does 

  • S.B. 62 takes a bold step in positioning Utah as the next frontier of space exploration by establishing a committee to explore the possibility of building a spaceport in Utah.  

  • The committee will dive into the opportunities, challenges and potential benefits, paving the way for Utah to further its standing in the space industry. 

  • The exploratory committee will assess the feasibility of establishing a spaceport in Utah, which could serve as a hub for space exploration, satellite missions and scientific research. 

Why It Matters 

  • Utah’s aerospace sector drives 20% of our economy, employing 300,000 Utahns and partnering with industry leaders like Northrop Grumman and Boeing.  

  • A spaceport could expand Utah’s role in the global space economy, fostering innovation, creating high-paying jobs and solidifying our reputation as a leader in aerospace and defense. 

  • By investing in the future of space exploration, we are paving the way for the next frontier of possibility. 

  

Your Guide to Getting Involved in the Legislative Process  

We know that the work we do during the legislative session can feel daunting, which is why we’ve created a webpage to help you get involved and stay engaged. Public participation is vital to developing better policies for all Utahns, and we want to make it easier for you to follow the issues that matter most to you.  

  

The website includes helpful video tutorials to guide you through navigating the legislative website (le.utah.gov) and making the most of its resources. Check it out here:


  

ICYMI  



 As your senator, I appreciate hearing your thoughts on the policies you support or oppose. Your feedback matters. I’m fortunate to have an intern helping manage this busy session. To schedule a meeting, reach out to Meredith at mmurdock@le.utah.gov or 385-441-0602—we’d be happy to connect. 


Best,  

Senator Ron Winterton

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