2026 Legislative Session Week 5

What this episode covers

With just two weeks left in the 2026 Utah Legislative Session, lawmakers are in a race against the clock to pass bills. Host Jason Perry leads a discussion about what will likely get approved, and what might be left behind. Plus, the Utah GOP submits signature packets with the hope of impacting the 2026 ballot. THE DEEPER DIVE: • This is officially a record-breaking year on Utah's Capitol Hill. Lawmakers have introduced 969 bills having been introduced so far, but have only passed 96. Does that mean we can expect the pace to pick up in the final two weeks? Representatives from both sides of the political aisle weigh in.• ⛽ Several bills dealing with taxes are working through the legislature, one of which would reduce the tax drivers pay at the gas pump. The original proposal would have replaced that lost revenue with a new tax on gasoline exports to surrounding states. A compromise bill could be coming, and we examine what that would mean for the state's balance sheet.• ⬇️ The legislature is poised to reduce the income tax in Utah for the 6th year. The average Utah family will see a savings of about $45 each year. • ⚖️ A federal court in Salt Lake City heard arguments this week regarding the state's Congressional boundaries. The panel of three judges appeared hesitant to wade into the dispute. We discuss when a ruling could be issued, and how it could impact the 2026 election. • This week the Utah GOP submitted final signature packets for an initiative that would ask Utah voters to repeal Prop 4, the state's independent redistricting law. Organizers say they have gathered more than 200,000 signatures. County clerks have a few weeks to verify those and determine if the number of signatures met required thresholds in 26 of Utah's 29 senate districts.• ⚛️ A small-scale nuclear reactor arrived in Utah at Hill Air Force Base this week, which could mark the beginning of a new era for energy development in the state. • ‍⚖️ New polling shows a majority of Utahns support a new law expanding the size of the Utah Supreme Court. We examine why public sentiment is in favor of the expansion.• ️ Several other bills are being considere including those dealing with taxing social media companies, state funding for services for undocumented immigrants, municipal election modifications, homelessness, criminal justice reform, and mental health resources. ️ FEATURING:• Heidi Hatch – Anchor, KUTV 2News• Rep. Steve Eliason – (R) Sandy, House Parliamentarian• Rep. Andrew Stoddard – (D) Midvale Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

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