2026 Week Five Wrap Up

Week 5 of the legislative session has been another busy one at the Capitol. We have been focused on advancing practical policies that strengthen Utah’s long-term water strategy, support working families, and keep our communities safe.

With committee hearings and floor debates happening daily, this is the time in the session when bills are carefully vetted, amended, and debated in depth. As we head into the final stretch, the pace is picking up, and priorities are becoming clearer. I continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to refine legislation and ensure the policies moving forward are thoughtful, fiscally responsible, and effective for our district and the state. 

It’s a privilege to support this work and to help represent the priorities of the people in our community.

If you’d like to follow along, you can view daily schedules, watch committee meetings, and livestream floor proceedings anytime at le.utah.gov.

Happening on the Hill

Hearts on the Hill

Hearts on the Hill is a truly special event hosted by the Coalition of Autism Providers, bringing together families, providers, and lawmakers for a meaningful day of connection and advocacy. The event gives legislators the opportunity to step away from policy discussions and meet the incredible children and families whose lives are positively impacted by autism services. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every bill and every decision are real people with real stories.

Last Friday, I had the honor of meeting one of these amazing children, sharing a few smiles and a warm hello that brightened my entire day. To top it off, I even received a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift—a thoughtful gesture that perfectly captured the kindness and joy that Hearts on the Hill is all about.

Provost Elementary School & Timpview High School PTSA

This week, students from Provost Elementary School in Provo visited the Capitol for an exciting and educational field trip. During their time there, they toured the building, learned about the three branches of our state government, and gained a better understanding of the important responsibilities of each branch. They were also able to see firsthand where governance takes place, bringing their lessons to life in a meaningful way.

While at the Capitol, the students stopped by the House chamber, where I had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with them—answering their thoughtful questions and talking about what it’s like to serve. Afterward, I invited them onto the House floor so they could see the chamber up close and experience where debates and decisions happen. 

It was a pleasure to see their curiosity and enthusiasm as they explored the space. Additionally, members of the Timpview PTSA were also at the Capitol this week. They reached out for a quick visit, and I appreciated the chance to connect, answer a few questions, and welcome them onto the House floor as well. It’s always encouraging to see community members and students take an active interest in the legislative process and civic engagement.

Priority Bill this Week – H.B. 273 – Classroom Technology Amendments

As technology becomes more integrated into daily instruction, it’s important that we’re intentional about how we use it in the classroom. H.B. 273, Classroom Technology Amendments, recently passed the House with bipartisan support and takes a balanced, student-focused approach to digital learning.

The bill establishes clear, age-appropriate guardrails for the use of technology and AI in schools. It limits excessive screen time in early grades, improves transparency so parents know how technology is being used, and strengthens protections around student data and privacy. Just as importantly, it makes clear that artificial intelligence should enhance instruction—not replace the essential role of teachers.

H.B. 273 also invests in stronger computer science education and provides structured, supervised opportunities for students to engage with emerging technologies responsibly.

Innovation in education is important, but it must be implemented thoughtfully. This legislation ensures we modernize our classrooms while keeping student well-being, parental involvement, and high-quality teaching at the center.

Innovation in education is important, but it must be implemented thoughtfully. This legislation ensures we modernize our classrooms while keeping student well-being, parental involvement, and high-quality teaching at the center.

Progress on Sponsored Bills this Week

At the beginning of the week, I presented HB 129 to the House Education Committee. This bill aims to clarify and better structure the relationship between the local school boards and the superintendents that they employ. After my presentation had concluded, the bill received a unanimous favorable recommendation from the committee, and is now on the House 3rd Reading Calendar. 

Later that same day, HB 384 was read for the third time in the House, after its time on the consent calendar had come to an end. After a quick and objective presentation on the floor, the bill was voted on and sent to the Senate, where it has already been assigned to the Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee. 
While the meetings of the General Government Appropriations Subcommittee have ended, the job is not quite finished. Representative Loubet, Senator Vickers, and I presented the subcommittee’s budget to the Executive Appropriations Committee. 

We have worked diligently to craft a budget that maintains funding for essential services while eliminating unnecessary expenses to protect taxpayers. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the committee’s efforts over the past several weeks!

Norm in the News

• Utah House bill would repeal, replace Summit County restaurant tax – KPCW
• Utah House OKs bill expanding tax credit for businesses that provide child care – KSL
• Episode 126: Utah State Capitol with Student Gov and Local Legislators – Provo City School District

Current Bill Status