Friends and Neighbors,
It’s the end of week four, and we’ve officially passed the halfway mark for the 2025 session! With just three weeks to go, the energy around the Capitol is building, and our time on the Senate floor is growing longer as we carefully debate and pass legislation that will have a lasting impact on Utah’s future.
Some bills make small technical adjustments, and others pave the way for long-term prosperity to benefit Utahns for generations to come. But big or small, every piece of legislation contributes to strengthening our great state. Through fiscally responsible policies and forward-thinking solutions, we’re working to ensure Utah remains the best place to live and the number one state for social mobility, economic outlook, employment and more.
But while legislation is a vital part of the equation, it’s the people of Utah who truly make our state shine. From teachers to healthcare workers, business owners to homemakers—every decision we make in this chamber is driven by the desire to improve the lives of those who call Utah home.
Read below for this week’s highlights and details on the work we’re doing to keep Utah moving forward!
Priority Spotlight: Protecting Kids In the Digital Age
For years, Utah has led the nation in putting parents back in the driver’s seat when it comes to their kids’ interactions with social media and online platforms. With S.B. 142 App Store Accountability Act, we are taking the next step to ensure that when a child downloads an app, they aren’t unknowingly signing away their privacy, their data or their security.
This bill isn’t about restricting content—it’s about making sure parents are involved when their kids enter into binding agreements with tech companies. Today, a child can download an app and blindly agree to terms and conditions that may grant companies access to their camera, microphone and personal data. S.B. 142 ensures that parents—not corporations—have the final say when it comes to their kids’ digital contracts.
This builds on Utah’s previous work to protect kids from the harms of social media. Over the past few years, we’ve passed landmark laws requiring age verification for social media accounts and giving parents more tools to oversee their children’s online activity. With S.B. 142, we are continuing to prioritize the safety of Utah’s children in an increasingly digital world.
On the Hill
Red Bull Soapbox Derby Coming to Capitol Hill
Buckle up, Utah, because the Red Bull Soapbox Derby is coming to Salt Lake City! This international event—known for its creativity, innovation and thrill—will take place at the State Capitol on Saturday, June 14.
As the State of Sport, Utah continues to be the premier destination for world-class events.
Since 2000, our state has hosted over 1,100 events, generating approximately $3.7 billion in economic impact. From the 2002 Olympics to the Ironman World Championships, X Games, PGA Tour, State Games of America, NBA All-Star Game, and more—Utah’s sports legacy is unparalleled, and the Soapbox Race adds another thrilling chapter to the story.
Learn more about the event here.
Honoring the Borgstrom Brothers: A Legacy of Sacrifice and Patriotism
The Borgstrom brothers—Clyde, Rolon, Rulon and Leroy—stand as a powerful symbol of sacrifice and patriotism. Hailing from Thatcher, Utah, they each answered the call to serve during World War II, ultimately paying the ultimate price for their country. Between March and August 1944, the family suffered an unimaginable loss with all four sons killed in combat. Their sacrifice drew national attention, leading President Franklin D. Roosevelt to discharge their youngest brother Boyd from military service to prevent further loss.
To honor their legacy, State Route 102 in Tremonton and Thatcher, Utah, has been officially designated as the Borgstrom Brothers Memorial Highway. This recognition serves as a lasting tribute to their courage and a reminder of the deep personal cost of freedom. May their story continue to inspire future generations with gratitude and reverence.
Celebrating Utah's Rising Artists
Creativity took center stage at the Senate this week! In partnership with the Springville Museum of Art, we celebrated the incredible winners of the Senate Art Contest—a program that gives high school artists a chance to shine.
These young artists, selected by a panel of judges, earned well-deserved scholarships and
recognition on the Senate floor. This year, thirteen students were honored for their original art pieces, proving that Utah’s creative spirit is alive and thriving in our youth.
Congratulations to our winners and to everyone who submitted their work! Your talent inspires us, and we can’t wait to see what you create next.
Legislation highlights
S.B. 178 Devices in Public Schools
What it does
Up until now, there has been no statewide policy on cellphone use in schools.
S.B. 178 establishes a new standard by creating a state default policy to restrict cellphone use during classroom hours, replacing the previous approach of unlimited use.
Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) will still have the autonomy and flexibility to create policies tailored to fit their schools' needs.
This could include anything from allowing more access in classrooms to, on the other hand, further limiting use during lunch, recess or in hallways.
School districts are also directed to create a policy that allows exceptions for device use during emergencies, medical needs, safety threats or for individual education plans.
Additionally, the State Board of Education can create model policies that will help guide LEAs in implementing these changes.
Why it matters
Currently, 97% of students use their phones during school hours, and 72% of high school teachers report cell phone distraction as a major issue.
Research shows that limiting smartphone use leads to improved test scores, a decline in bullying and fewer psychological-related healthcare visits among students.
The negative impact of smartphone use on student focus and academic success is clear, making it crucial for us to take action.
This bill empowers school districts, teachers and students to create a more focused and productive learning environment.
Instead of schools having to minimize the damage of cellphones, this approach will help schools tailor policies to use technology in smart and productive ways for student success.
S.B. 198 Federal Guidance Letter Amendments
What it does
Increases transparency by requiring state agencies to publicly disclose federal guidance letters they receive.
Federal guidance letters are nonbinding statements from federal agencies that clarify interpretations of federal law or outline policies for administering federal programs.
State agencies must publish these letters on their websites and the Utah Open Data Portal, as well as report them to the Legislative Management Committee and the Federalism Commission.
If a federal guidance letter is later rescinded, state agencies must update their records accordingly and notify the appropriate legislative bodies.
Why it matters
Federal guidance letters influence how state agencies interpret and implement federal laws, yet they are often issued without oversight by the Legislature.
By ensuring that these letters are accessible to the public and lawmakers, this bill creates greater accountability and transparency and helps Utahns stay informed about federal policies that impact our state.
S.B. 64 Medical Cannabis Amendments
What it does
Improves surveillance guidelines to ensure medical cannabis is stored and distributed safely.
Updates licensing processes for medical cannabis pharmacies to improve efficiency and ensure compliance with safety and distribution standards.
Allows patients to use telehealth services to get certified for medical cannabis to better accommodate individuals who cannot attend their appointments in person.
Why it matters
Every year, we reevaluate and make adjustments to Utah’s medical cannabis program to ensure it remains safe, efficient and accessible for those suffering from chronic pain or serious ailments while preventing its misuse.
By improving surveillance, streamlining licensing procedures and expanding telehealth services, this bill helps to ensure the safe use of medical cannabis for those who truly may benefit from it.
S.J.R. 6 Joint Resolution Supporting State Jurisdiction Under the Principle of Federalism
What it does
Reaffirms Utah’s sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, asserting the state's authority to enact laws that address local needs.
Calls on the federal government to respect the balance of power between states and the federal government.
Underscores the principle of federalism by discouraging excessive federal intervention in state affairs.
Addresses the impact of the “Loper Bright” decision in advocating for limited federal government impositions on state authority and supporting the overturning of the Chevron Doctrine, which has allowed federal agencies broad discretion in interpreting laws.
Encourages Utah state agencies to evaluate federal regulations to ensure they are legally justified and do not infringe upon state powers.
Advocates for a clear division of power between state and federal governments, preserving the rights of Utah and its citizens.
Directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the U.S. Senate and House leaders, as well as Utah’s congressional delegation to advocate for state jurisdiction.
Why it matters
Utah has a long history of effectively managing its own affairs, from balancing budgets to addressing local challenges.
Federal overreach has imposed unnecessary burdens and caused harm to our state’s economy and communities.
This resolution affirms that Utah should retain control over laws and policies affecting its residents without undue federal government interference.
By preserving the balance of power between state and federal government, this resolution stands for the rights and autonomy of Utah and its citizens.
H.B. 249 Nuclear Power Amendments
What It Does
H.B. 249 lays the foundation for Utah to become the next energy innovation hub by leveraging new and emerging energy technologies to drive economic growth, create jobs and continue providing Utahns with safe, reliable and affordable power.
The bill’s three main components—the Utah Energy Council, Energy Development Zones and the Nuclear Energy Consortium—will work in tandem to ensure Utah leads in energy innovation and development.
They will facilitate project financing, develop policy recommendations, foster nuclear energy partnerships, support workforce development programs and create necessary regulatory frameworks.
Why It Matters
Energy costs affect more than just utility bills—they impact the price of everything from groceries and transportation to everyday goods.
Utah currently has the cheapest electricity in the nation, and we are committed to keeping it that way.
As Utah’s energy needs grow—especially in emerging sectors like AI—we must at least triple our current energy production by 2050.
By paving the way for next-generation technology, such as small modular nuclear reactors, we are setting our state on a strong trajectory to meet this goal.
By positioning Utah as a leader in energy innovation, we are securing a bright future for our state and helping ensure that the cost of living remains sustainable for all.
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
As always, feel free to reach out to me by contacting my intern, Meredith, at 385-441-0602 or at mmurdock@le.utah.gov.
Best,
Senator Ron Winterton
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