The 2026 Utah Legislative Session has come to a close, marking another pivotal chapter in shaping the future of our state. What began as a call to action at the start of the session has now translated into meaningful progress across the priorities that matter most to Utah’s economy, workforce and communities.
For those of us committed to Utah Rising, this session was about more than participation, it was about impact. It was about ensuring that the collective voice of Utah’s business community helped inform policies that will sustain our state’s growth, strengthen our workforce and prepare us for the opportunities ahead, including the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
When we launched Utah Rising, we emphasized that vision alone is not enough. It requires sustained engagement, collaboration and a willingness to show up when it matters most. This session proved exactly that. Through strong partnerships with legislative leaders and stakeholders across the state, we were able to advance key priorities that move Utah closer to a more prosperous and competitive future.
The Utah Chamber’s 2026 Public Policy Guide once again served as our roadmap. Throughout the session, we focused on policies aligned with Utah Rising’s six strategic pillars: workforce, transportation, business environment, housing, livability and natural resources. The results reflect deliberate progress in each of these areas.
Workforce & Education
A strong workforce remains the foundation of Utah’s economic success. This session, we saw meaningful movement in building and strengthening that pipeline.
Prioritize Early Literacy: Invest in early literacy programs and evidence-based classroom interventions to ensure every Utah student achieves grade-level reading proficiency, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and workforce readiness.
Legislative Wins:
- S.B. 241, Early Literacy, sponsored by Sen. Ann Millner – Passed
- This bill has received a $16 million ongoing appropriation.
Advance First Credential Opportunities: Fund programs that enable high school students to earn an industry-recognized credential before graduation, connecting education directly to Utah’s workforce needs and creating earlier pathways to employment.
Legislative Wins:
- S.B. 195, Workforce Development, sponsored by Sen. Ann Millner – Passed
Increase Post-Secondary Completion: Strengthen advising, financial aid and transfer supports to boost completion rates across Utah’s colleges and technical schools, while expanding partnerships with private-sector employers that provide tuition assistance, apprenticeships and on-the-job learning.
Legislative Wins:
- S.B. 195, Workforce Development, sponsored by Sen. Ann Millner – Passed
- H.B. 353, Higher Education Credit Transfer Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox – Passed
Advance Mental and Behavioral Health Priorities: Strengthen the state’s mental and behavioral health systems by expanding crisis response teams, improving patient transport between care settings and supporting public awareness and suicide prevention initiatives across Utah communities.
Legislative Wins:
- H.B. 572, Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Social Services Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Steve Eliason – Passed
Transportation & Infrastructure
Reliable infrastructure is critical to economic competitiveness and quality of life.
Strengthen Private Sector Partnership Opportunities: Encourage collaboration with private-sector partners to finance, design and deliver transportation and infrastructure projects efficiently and cost-effectively.
Legislative Wins:
- H.B. 507, State Coordination of Regional and Local Economic Development Projects Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Cal Roberts – Passed
Continue Infrastructure Investment: Support funding priorities for critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, freight corridors, multimodal transportation and digital networks, to support Utah’s expanding economy and population growth.
Legislative Wins:
- H.B. 492, Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Cal Roberts – Passed
- The Legislature appropriated $100 million for the State Housing Infrastructure Partnership Fund for low interest loans to political subdivisions for system improvements that will facilitate the construction of housing.
Business Environment
Maintaining a pro-growth business environment ensures Utah remains competitive and innovative.
Simplify Regulatory Processes: Streamline permitting and compliance requirements to reduce administrative burdens on employers, particularly small and mid-sized businesses, enabling them to operate efficiently and focus on innovation and expansion.
Legislative Wins:
- H.B. 437, Environmental Permitting Amendments, sponsored by Rep. David Shallenberger – Passed
- H.B. 294, Employer Verification Amendments – Did Not Pass
- H.B. 587, Income Tax Amendments – Did Not Pass
Housing & Homelessness
Housing continues to be one of Utah’s most pressing challenges and a top priority for Utah Rising.
Support Infrastructure for Housing Development: Continue investing in essential infrastructure, such as roads, water and utilities, to unlock entitled land and accelerate new housing construction.
Legislative Wins:
- H.B. 492, Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Cal Roberts – Passed
- The Legislature appropriated $100 million for the State Housing Infrastructure Partnership Fund for low interest loans to political subdivisions for system improvements that will facilitate the construction of housing.
Accelerate Land Use Processes: Streamline land use and permit approvals to lower costs, reduce delays and bring new housing to market more quickly.
Legislative Wins:
- S.B. 284, Local Land Use and Water Modifications, sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Filmore –Passed
Expand Starter Homeownership Opportunities: Encourage development of smaller, attainable homes by updating zoning, supporting innovative financing and promoting projects near employment centers.
Legislative Wins:
- The Legislature provided $10 million in funding for the First-time Homebuyer Assistance Program.
Invest in Workforce Reentry and Training Programs: Support job training, placement and transitional employment initiatives that help individuals experiencing homelessness rejoin the workforce and achieve financial independence.
Legislative Wins:
- S.B. 98, Substance Use Rehabilitation Amendments, sponsored by Sen. Jen Plumb – Passed
Enhance State Support for Homeless Services: Evaluate and consider state funding for evidence-based homeless services and partnerships that demonstrate measurable outcomes in housing stability and employment.
Legislative Wins:
- H.B. 308, Homeless Services Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Clinton Okerlund – Passed
- The Legislature appropriated $17.6 million in ongoing funding and $26.1 million in one-time funding for homelessness services, with a requirement for a 1:1 local government match to ensure shared investment and measurable outcomes. If fully matched, this would generate approximately $35.2 million in ongoing funding and $52.1 million in one-time resources, significantly expanding the state’s capacity to support evidence-based homeless services.
Natural Resources
Balanced, forward-looking energy policy is essential to sustaining growth and reliability.
Support a Diversified Energy Portfolio: Encourage continued investment across all energy sources to ensure reliable, affordable power for Utah’s homes, businesses and industries while prioritizing responsible resource management.
Legislative Wins:
- H.B. 78, Nuclear Regulatory Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Carl Albrecht –Passed
- H.B. 514, Utah Energy Council Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Neil Walter –Passed
- S.B. 21, Geothermal Amendments, sponsored by Sen. Mike McKell –Passed
Protect Regulatory Stability for Utilities: Preserve a predictable and transparent regulatory environment by maintaining mechanisms that ensure fair cost recovery and system reliability for utilities and consumers.
Legislative Wins:
- H.B. 530, State Permitting Council, sponsored by Rep. Jason Kyle – Passed
- S.C.R. 4, Concurrent Resolution Regarding Permitting of Oil, Gas and Mining, sponsored by Sen. Ron Winterton – Passed
- H.B. 224, Electricity Rate Amendments – Did Not Pass
While this session delivered meaningful progress, the work of Utah Rising is ongoing. The policies advanced this year represent important steps, but they are part of a broader, long-term vision for Utah’s future.
As we look toward the 2034 Winter Games and beyond, the importance of sustained investment in our people, infrastructure and communities will only grow. The foundation we continue to build today will determine how prepared we are to meet that moment.
We invite you to continue engaging with us, because showing up doesn’t end when the session does. This is what progress looks like. This is Utah Rising in action.