Today marks the first day of Utah’s 45-day 2026 legislative session. Here are five things to know as lawmakers convene at the Capitol in Salt Lake City.
Tax Cuts Amid a Budget Squeeze
Lawmakers face a major budget crunch, partly due to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which slashed expected state revenues by hundreds of millions of dollars.
GOP leaders are proposing a sixth consecutive income tax cut, lowering the rate from 4.5% to 4.45%. According to Voices for Utah Children, the move would cost the state $83.6 million annually, with only about half of Utah households seeing modest savings, while the wealthiest earners benefit the most.
Housing Affordability
This session’s buzzword is ~ affordability ~
Utah is far from meeting Gov. Spencer Cox’s goal to build 35,000 starter homes in five years, with just over 6,000 built so far. Lawmakers are considering bills to speed construction by funding infrastructure, using surplus state land, and streamlining city approval processes.
Opposing Immigration Bills
Sen. Nate Blouin, D-Salt Lake City, introduced the “ICE Out” bill to keep ICE out of churches, hospitals, and libraries, and bar agents from wearing facial coverings. Meanwhile, Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Layton, is pushing HB88, which would restrict undocumented residents from accessing public assistance like SNAP, housing, and driving privileges.
A Street Name Fight
Lee is also sponsoring HB196 to rename Salt Lake City’s Harvey Milk Boulevard to Charlie Kirk Boulevard. The proposal has sparked significant pushback, with over 140 local business and property owners, plus roughly 3,000 supporters statewide, signing a petition against the change.
How To Track Bills
Utahns can follow legislation in real time through the Utah State Legislature’s website. The site allows you to search by bill number, sponsor, or topic, track amendments, and see votes.
🧖♀️ Pro tip: As we gird our loins for the next 45 days, may I suggest some great saunas to help unwind.
