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2026
Legislative Priorities
The Utah House Democratic Caucus remains committed to addressing the challenges our state faces with compassion, courage, and equity for all Utahns. We are honored to represent communities across Utah at the State Capitol during the 2026 General Session, and we remain focused on ensuring every Utahn feels seen, heard, and represented as Utah continues to grow.
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Utahns are facing rising costs that are straining household budgets, particularly in housing, healthcare, and childcare. House Democrats are committed to advancing policies that improve affordability and promote long-term economic security for Utahns across the state.
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We will continue championing Utah's environment, public lands and natural resources. From improving air quality and safeguarding water supplies to investing in clean, affordable energy, we will fight to preserve the incredible landmarks that make Utah the place we all love and share.
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Public education continues to be a cornerstone of our work. We will continue listening to educators; teachers, counselors, and school staff know firsthand how legislation impacts their classrooms and their careers. We will advocate for responsible, sustained investment in public education, and support a welcoming inclusive learning environment where every student can succeed.
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Accountable government and the balance of power are key to Utah’s future. We will fight against expanding the State Supreme Court, and we will uphold the independence of our courts. The House Democrats will continue to defend our democracy by protecting voting rights, making sure elections stay fair and accessible.
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We remain committed to inclusion and equal opportunity. We will continue to advocate for equal rights and protections for all Utahns, supporting immigrant families, and upholding LGBTQ+ rights.
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Community Safety remains a priority following multiple high-profile shootings in Utah. House Democrats are committed to advancing solutions that center around common-sense gun safety laws that protect lives while allowing for and respecting responsible gun ownership. We will also work to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
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We will continue to listen, lead, and fight for policies that make Utah more affordable, more inclusive, and more secure now and in the future.
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Read more about our priorities below!
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Economy & Affordability
Utah families continue to face rising costs of living and feeling the pressures surrounding affordability. The House Democratic Caucus will fight to advance policies that ensure housing, healthcare, education, and everyday necessities are attainable for all Utahns.​
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Expand affordable, entry-level pathways to homeownership, protect renters, and limit the impact of institutional investors that drive up housing costs.
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Combat homelessness through housing stability initiatives and support services.
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Look at homelessness as a state-wide issue, and advocate for coordinated state–local solutions.
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Fight to increase access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, including mental and behavioral health services, with a focus on preventative care and rural access.
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Lessen the cost of access to safe, reliable childcare so parents and caregivers can fully participate in the workforce.
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Advance economic policies that strengthen economic security, support working families, and promote upward mobility.
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Support a fair, balanced, and progressive tax system that expands opportunity, invests in public goods, and promotes shared prosperity across Utah.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Utah
could be 153,000 housing units short of demand in the next
4 years.
Environmental Protection
We will work to protect Utah’s environment as it is essential to public health, economic vitality, and Utahn’s wellbeing. We are focused on equitable policy making that addresses Utah's most pressing environmental concerns.
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Advocate for improved air quality along the Wasatch Front and throughout the state.
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Create policy for better management, conservation, and prioritization of the Great Salt Lake.
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Resist the sell-off of Utah’s public lands and preserve public access for recreation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Changes in the Great Salt Lake Over Twelve Years.
Changes in the Great Salt Lake Over Twelve Years.
Education
A strong public education system is foundational to Utah’s future. We will advocate for responsible, sustained investment that ensures every student can succeed in Utah while fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where all students feel supported.
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Advocate to increase per-pupil funding so Utah is no longer lagging behind peer states.
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​​Prioritize equitable funding for public schools and oppose diverting public education dollars to private schools.
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Expand funding for after-school, summer, and enrichment programs that close opportunity gaps.
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Combat policies, which make students feel unwelcome in classrooms.
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Expand access to early childhood education and learning support.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Utah is second to last in the nation for per-pupil school funding.
Good Governance
We will uphold democratic institutions and the rule of law by strengthening transparency, accountability, and the appropriate constitutional balance of Utah’s three branches of government.
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Protect the constitutional checks and balances between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
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Fight to uphold judicial sanctity, independence, and ethical standards.
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Defend vote-by-mail as a vital tool for voter accessibility, especially in rural communities, while working to strengthen election security without undermining access.
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Stand against expanding Utah’s Supreme Court.
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Reinforce the ballot initiative process and Utahn’s rights to alter or reform their government.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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25% of Utah voters report "No Confidence" in Government.
Inclusion & Representation
The Utah House Democrats will continue to legislate with every Utahn in mind, building a state where every resident feels safe, respected, and valued.
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Vote to protect human rights and equal protections under the law.
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Support immigrant families and ensure fair, humane, and lawful treatment.
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Uphold the rights, dignity, and safety of LGBTQ+ Utahns.
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Address persistent inequities facing communities of color through inclusive and data-informed policy.
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Respect and uphold Tribal sovereignty and strengthen government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations.
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Utah is 1 of 2 states that has banned LGBTQ+ pride flags in government buildings and schools.
Community Safety
We will advance community safety solutions that prioritize dignity, prevention, accountability, and trust.
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Fight to expand access to mental health services, substance use treatment, and crisis response resources statewide.
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Promote safety and de-escalation during public demonstrations while protecting constitutional rights.
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Prevent domestic and interpersonal violence through survivor-centered policies, services, and accountability measures.
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Support responsible firearm policies that promote safe ownership, training, and use, including concealed carry standards.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
60% of known homicide cases in Utah are committed by a domestic partner or family member.
Read more by clicking through our 2026 Legislative Priorities Booklet!