Friends and Neighbors,
Big ideas are taking flight in the 2025 session, and week two set the stage for big things ahead.
This week, we took a giant leap toward making Utah the hub for aerospace innovation. We passed S.B. 62 Space Exploration Committee, launching efforts to explore the potential of building a spaceport right here in our state—opening new doors for research, industry and economic growth. We also advanced S.B. 96 Advanced Air Mobility Amendments, paving the way for air taxis to revolutionize transportation across the state by reducing road congestion and preparing to carry fans and athletes during the 2034 Olympics.
Utah has always been a place of innovation, from the grit of our pioneer ancestors to our rise as a leader in business, energy and infrastructure. That same forward-thinking spirit is driving us into the future as we soar to even greater heights.
With each step, we’re ensuring Utah remains on the cutting edge. Check out some key moments from week two below!
Balancing the Budget to Ensure Utah’s Strength and Stability
Each year, the Legislature is required to pass a balanced budget, ensuring your tax dollars are spent wisely on essential services like education, transportation and social programs.
Balancing the state budget isn’t all that different from managing a household budget. In the early weeks of the session, appropriations subcommittees set up base budgets to cover these core services—much like a family prioritizing rent, groceries and utilities. As the session progresses, we assess available resources and make additional investments, similar to deciding whether a family can afford extra expenses like a vacation or home improvements. In the final week, we pass the “Bill of Bills,” finalizing the budget and making sure Utah remains financially strong while investing in our future without overburdening taxpayers.
Having voted to pass several base budgets this week, I will remain committed to ensuring our state makes smart, strategic budget decisions that keep Utah strong, prosperous and ready for the future.
Priority Spotlight
Setting a New Standard for Student Success
The growing link between cellphone use, mental health challenges and academic focus in youth is hard to ignore—97% of students with phones use them during school hours, and teens receive an average of 237 notifications daily.
Right now, the state’s baseline policy allows unrestricted cellphone use in schools. S.B. 178 would simply shift that baseline to restrict cellphone use during classroom hours unless districts choose to set a different policy. This change would not remove school districts’ authority to create their own cellphone guidelines; rather, it adjusts the default for them to build upon, maintaining the flexibility to craft policies tailored to their needs.
S.B. 178 would reframe the conversation regarding cellphone use in schools—how can technology enhance learning rather than disrupt it? Instead of focusing solely on how to limit screen time, school districts have the opportunity to consider how devices can be used intentionally to support educational success. By making engaged learning the standard, this bill aims to give students a better chance to succeed—both in the classroom and beyond.
On the Hill
Utah Tech University Day on the Hill
We were thrilled to be joined by Utah Tech students and faculty on the Senate floor today for the university’s Day on the Hill. With over 12,000 students, this university offers one of Utah's most affordable tuition rates and an incredibly low student-to-faculty ratio, providing Utahns with a personalized educational experience that meets their needs. Go, Trailblazers!
Celebrating Utah’s Rodeo Champions
We had the honor of welcoming Utah’s rodeo champions to the Senate, including Josh Frost, the 2024 World Champion Bull Rider, and Dean Thompson, the 2024 World Champion Bareback Rider. These athletes have showcased incredible grit and determination, putting Utah on the map in the world of professional rodeo. We also recognized students from six different college rodeo teams in Utah, where these athletes continue carrying our state’s strong rodeo tradition. It was a privilege to celebrate their hard work and dedication to the sport!
Celebrating Utah’s Growing Life Science Industry
Utah is home to a robust and rapidly growing life sciences industry that has become a staple of our economy. As the industry continues to expand, additional jobs and investment opportunities are coming to the state. Life Sciences Day on the Hill brought an array of science, technology and healthcare displays to the Rotunda. I’m grateful for their valuable contributions to the state.
Utah’s Thriving Tourism Industry
Tourism is thriving in Utah, with dozens of beautiful natural landscapes to explore and small towns full of rich history. In 2023, this industry brought our state over $12 billion in direct visitor spending, $2.35 billion in tax revenue and over 150,000 travel and tourism jobs. Our five National Parks, 46 State Parks and 15 world-class ski resorts attract visitors from all over. Because of our strong and successful tourism industry, Utah will continue to be a place for all to recreate and enjoy.
Legislative Highlights
What it does
Strengthens privacy by requiring that students who live in sex-designated on-campus housing are assigned to a housing unit that corresponds with their biological sex.
Requires the Utah Board of Higher Education to provide guidance for higher ed institutions to ensure compliance with the law.
Clarifies responsibilities for implementing the law when different government entities have jurisdiction over different aspects of a public building.
Allows higher education institutions to designate gender-neutral housing for students who request it, which creates flexibility while maintaining privacy standards.
Why it matters
Many college students choose sex-designated housing to ensure privacy during a significant transition period in their lives.
H.B. 269 reinforces those privacy expectations, while still providing options for gender-neutral housing where requested.
By clarifying last year’s legislation, this bill prevents misuse and enhances clarity for public universities.
This approach respects the needs of all students while prioritizing safety, housing access.
What it does
Updates Utah’s sales tax code regarding payments, collections, sales remittance and taxation to better align with best practices for online and remote sales.
Reduces unnecessary tax burdens on small sellers who meet the transaction threshold but have relatively low total sales by removing the rule requiring sellers to pay sales tax if they have more than 200 transactions in a year.
Clarifies tax collection and payment procedures or sellers, making compliance easier.
Why it matters
By bringing Utah’s tax policy in line with national standards for remote sales and simplifying tax rules for businesses, we ensure a fairer and more straightforward approach to sales tax collection in Utah.
These changes better support small businesses, ensuring hardworking Utahns thrive and our economy remains strong.
What it does
Eliminates state income tax on Social Security benefits for all recipients, regardless of income level — meaning about 152,000 Utahns will get to keep more of their hard-earned retirement savings.
Why it matters
After years of hard work, retirees deserve financial security and peace of mind.
By cutting this tax, Utah is helping seniors keep more money in their pockets, making retirement more affordable and enjoyable.
What it does
Provides funding to support schools in holding Veterans Day assemblies, ensuring students have the opportunity to recognize and learn from veterans.
Schools may to receive up to $1,000 to organize meaningful commemorations, with the Utah State Board of Education providing guidance on best practices.
Why it matters
Teaching students to honor and appreciate veterans creates a culture of respect and gratitude.
By providing funding and guidance, this bill helps schools establish and sustain a meaningful Veterans Day tradition.
This three-year pilot program encourages long-term engagement with veterans in communities across Utah, ensuring their service and sacrifices are recognized for generations to come.
Getting Involved
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.
Our new webpage 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: senate.utah.gov/getting-involved
ICYMI
As always, feel free to reach out to me by contacting my intern, Meredith, at mmurdock@le.utah.gov or 385-441-0602.
Best,
Ron Winterton
Comments