The 2026 Utah State Legislative Session is Complete

The 2026 Utah legislative session has officially ended, and we are happy to share several victories that will strengthen the health and well‑being of our state.

Here’s a quick look at what we accomplished.

• SB244 – requires Utah schools to have a cardiac emergency response plan in place by fall 2026. This life‑saving policy ensures that schools have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that are well‑maintained, easy to access, and supported by staff who are prepared to use them when every second counts. We also secured $200,000 in funding to help schools purchase AEDs.
• HB329 – expands the state employee paid family leave program to nine weeks and adds paid leave for adoptive and foster parents. Paid family leave gives families time to bond with their new child and adjust to life changes. Research shows that access to paid family leave leads to healthier babies and mothers.
• We helped protect Medicaid coverage for new moms for 12 months postpartum from being cut. This coverage provides access to health care during an especially sensitive time.

While our work to raise the tobacco tax by at least a dollar wasn’t successful, we did raise awareness about the need to address tobacco and nicotine addiction. In the final days of the session the tax increase was lowered dramatically despite our best efforts.

Thank you to everyone who sent messages, made phone calls or met with your state lawmakers in support of these bills. Your efforts are truly appreciated.