Utah News Dispatch
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Utah News Dispatch is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news source covering government, policy and the issues most impacting the lives of Utahns.
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Utah News Dispatch
@utahnewsdispatch.com
· Jan 22
We keep you informed about Utah government and policy news.
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Want to see how issues you care about are playing out in other states too? Follow our @statesnewsroom.com accounts and journalists from across the country. Our Starter Pack makes it easy:
A bipartisan bill to reduce school lunch debt in the state is back, and it would allow Utahns to donate to the program through their state tax form. #utpol
Utah lawmakers revive bipartisan effort to tackle school lunch debt • Utah News Dispatch
Lawmakers brought back a bipartisan bill aimed at tackling school lunch debt for Utah students after running out of time last year.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:47 PM
A bipartisan bill to reduce school lunch debt in the state is back, and it would allow Utahns to donate to the program through their state tax form. #utpol
Utah lawmakers voted to advance a bill that would turn the state’s 2023 moratorium on newly prescribed hormonal transgender treatments for Utahns under the age of 18 into a full ban, despite objections from parents saying the gender-affirming care has saved their kids’ lives. #utpol
Utah lawmakers endorse bill to turn moratorium on transgender care for minors into a full ban • Utah News Dispatch
Utah lawmakers advanced a bill restricting hormonal treatment for transgender kids, changing the state's moratorium into a full ban.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Utah lawmakers voted to advance a bill that would turn the state’s 2023 moratorium on newly prescribed hormonal transgender treatments for Utahns under the age of 18 into a full ban, despite objections from parents saying the gender-affirming care has saved their kids’ lives. #utpol
A Utah proposal to require AI developers to write and post public safety and child protection plans advanced to the state House floor while tech executives say it goes too far. #utpol
Utah bill requires AI companies to share safety plans for children and the public • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah proposal to require AI companies to write and post public safety and child protection plans advanced to the state House.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:06 PM
A Utah proposal to require AI developers to write and post public safety and child protection plans advanced to the state House floor while tech executives say it goes too far. #utpol
A Utah lawmaker wants the state to chip in to help police departments improve their clearance rates, or the share of cases they determine are closed.
Police in Utah could get a funding boost to solve violent crimes under a new bill • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah bill would create a new grant program to help police solve violent crimes, which would help them improve clearance rates.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:54 AM
A Utah lawmaker wants the state to chip in to help police departments improve their clearance rates, or the share of cases they determine are closed.
Hundreds of Utahns gathered at the state Capitol — holding signs, maneuvering wheelchairs, or pushing strollers — as Utah’s Legislature looks to make budget cuts amid federal funding uncertainty and Medicaid reductions from President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
Facing potential cuts to vital programs, Utahns rally for ‘Disability Advocacy Day’ at the Capitol • Utah News Dispatch
As Utah looks to reduce it's budget, advocates argue that cutting program funding would disrupt care for thousands of disabled Utahns
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Hundreds of Utahns gathered at the state Capitol — holding signs, maneuvering wheelchairs, or pushing strollers — as Utah’s Legislature looks to make budget cuts amid federal funding uncertainty and Medicaid reductions from President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
Utah lawmakers have advanced a proposal that would require voters to prove they are U.S. citizens if election officers find they lack confirmation and get in touch seeking documentation. #utpol
Utah bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote advances • Utah News Dispatch
The Utah House gave its approval to a proposal requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in the state.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 27, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Utah lawmakers have advanced a proposal that would require voters to prove they are U.S. citizens if election officers find they lack confirmation and get in touch seeking documentation. #utpol
With 3 weeks to go until their deadline, the effort to repeal Utah’s independent redistricting law known as Proposition 4 still has a long way to go in order to make it to the 2026 ballot.
Still, Republican lawmakers say they're confident it will qualify. #utpol
Still, Republican lawmakers say they're confident it will qualify. #utpol
As deadline looms, Trump looks to boost effort to repeal Utah independent redistricting law • Utah News Dispatch
In Utah's redistricting fight, an effort to repeal the voter-approved independent redistricting law Proposition 4 has a long way to go.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:09 PM
With 3 weeks to go until their deadline, the effort to repeal Utah’s independent redistricting law known as Proposition 4 still has a long way to go in order to make it to the 2026 ballot.
Still, Republican lawmakers say they're confident it will qualify. #utpol
Still, Republican lawmakers say they're confident it will qualify. #utpol
Utah Sen. John Curtis calls for a transparent, independent investigation after federal immigration agents shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
State leaders in Utah say de-escalation is needed but made no comments on how the Trump administration characterized the killing.
State leaders in Utah say de-escalation is needed but made no comments on how the Trump administration characterized the killing.
Utah leaders ask for Minnesota shooting investigation — and de-escalation • Utah News Dispatch
Utah Republican Sen. John Curtis called for an investigation after the Minnesota shooting and state lawmakers ask for Congressional action.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:17 AM
Utah Sen. John Curtis calls for a transparent, independent investigation after federal immigration agents shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
State leaders in Utah say de-escalation is needed but made no comments on how the Trump administration characterized the killing.
State leaders in Utah say de-escalation is needed but made no comments on how the Trump administration characterized the killing.
For the fourth consecutive year, Utah lawmakers rejected a proposal aimed at holding gun owners accountable when an improperly stored firearm ends up being used by a minor to commit a crime. #utpol
Utah lawmakers reject secure firearm storage bill for fourth year in a row • Utah News Dispatch
Utah Lawmakers shot down a proposal to adopt penalties for gun owners if an improperly stored firearm is used by a minor to commit a crime.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:55 PM
For the fourth consecutive year, Utah lawmakers rejected a proposal aimed at holding gun owners accountable when an improperly stored firearm ends up being used by a minor to commit a crime. #utpol
After years of waiting, several immigrants in Utah were getting ready to make their case for asylum in the United States. But just days — or moments — before their court hearings, they were dealt a major legal blow.
Asylum seekers in Utah try to fight deportation to countries where they have no ties • Utah News Dispatch
Immigration attorneys say they are fighting an uphill battle to keep some clients from being deported to countries where they have no ties.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:57 PM
After years of waiting, several immigrants in Utah were getting ready to make their case for asylum in the United States. But just days — or moments — before their court hearings, they were dealt a major legal blow.
The Great Salt Lake will be “full” again by the time the Winter Olympics and Paralympics return to Utah in 2034, Gov. Spencer Cox said at the Sundance premier of “The Lake.” But getting there requires more long-term commitment.
Read more from @ksl.com and @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social
Read more from @ksl.com and @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social
Can this Sundance film help save the Great Salt Lake? Cox, lake experts hope so • Utah News Dispatch
"The Lake," a documentary by Abby Ellis about efforts to save the Great Salt Lake, premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:09 PM
The Great Salt Lake will be “full” again by the time the Winter Olympics and Paralympics return to Utah in 2034, Gov. Spencer Cox said at the Sundance premier of “The Lake.” But getting there requires more long-term commitment.
Read more from @ksl.com and @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social
Read more from @ksl.com and @greatsaltlakenews.bsky.social
A possible hate crime enhancement is being screened for a man who police say sneaked into a party at Sundance, made racially charged remarks, and punched a Florida congressman in the face.
Police: Man accused of assaulting Fla. congressman at Sundance told him ‘we are going to deport you’ • Utah News Dispatch
Police say a man sneaked in to a party at Sundance, made racially charged remarks, and punched Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost in the face.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 25, 2026 at 10:39 PM
A possible hate crime enhancement is being screened for a man who police say sneaked into a party at Sundance, made racially charged remarks, and punched a Florida congressman in the face.
State leaders and presidents of Utah colleges and universities signed a resolution committing to keeping higher education affordable and accessible, with more potential budget cuts coming. #utpol
Utah leaders make commitment to higher education, with more potential cuts coming • Utah News Dispatch
Utah elected officials and university presidents signed a resolution committing to keeping higher education affordable and accessible.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 24, 2026 at 3:06 PM
State leaders and presidents of Utah colleges and universities signed a resolution committing to keeping higher education affordable and accessible, with more potential budget cuts coming. #utpol
A long-shot Utah bill looking to discourage immigration authorities from pursuing immigrants in “sensitive areas” like churches and certain health care facilities, and prohibiting them from wearing masks during their operations, hit an unsurprising dead end. #utpol
Bid to unmask, discourage access for immigration authorities in Utah gets put on ice • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah bill discouraging immigration authorities from pursuing immigrants in churches and prohibiting them from wearing masks was put on hold
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:06 PM
A long-shot Utah bill looking to discourage immigration authorities from pursuing immigrants in “sensitive areas” like churches and certain health care facilities, and prohibiting them from wearing masks during their operations, hit an unsurprising dead end. #utpol
Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Utah’s top elections official, says her office has confirmed that more than 99.9% of Utah voters are U.S. citizens and has removed an additional noncitizen from voter rolls after finding four earlier last year.
‘Not a widespread problem’: Lt. gov. releases early findings from voter citizenship review • Utah News Dispatch
Utah’s top elections official says her office has confirmed that more than 99.9% of Utah voters are U.S. citizens.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 23, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Utah’s top elections official, says her office has confirmed that more than 99.9% of Utah voters are U.S. citizens and has removed an additional noncitizen from voter rolls after finding four earlier last year.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s State of the State speech this year had hints of policy, while again focusing on building. But what needs built most now, Cox emphasized, is “moral infrastructure.” #utpol
Cox calls on Utah to build ‘moral infrastructure’ during State of the State address • Utah News Dispatch
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox delivered his State of the State address, calling on lawmakers and Utahns to "return to virtue."
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s State of the State speech this year had hints of policy, while again focusing on building. But what needs built most now, Cox emphasized, is “moral infrastructure.” #utpol
While the judiciary has been telling Utah lawmakers the district courts have the greatest need for more money, legislators advanced a bill that would give roughly $1.5 million to those lower courts — but would also use more than $3 million to expand the Utah Supreme Court. #utpol
Lawmakers advance bill to expand Utah Supreme Court — and add 3 district court judges • Utah News Dispatch
Lawmakers advanced a bill to expand the Utah Supreme Court from five justices to seven — while also adding three new district court judges.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:25 AM
While the judiciary has been telling Utah lawmakers the district courts have the greatest need for more money, legislators advanced a bill that would give roughly $1.5 million to those lower courts — but would also use more than $3 million to expand the Utah Supreme Court. #utpol
A bill seeking to further restrict non-U.S. citizens from voting in state and local elections advanced on Utah’s Capitol Hill despite concerns it could disenfranchise voters. #utpol
Utah proposal requiring proof of citizenship to vote moves forward • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah bill seeking to further restrict non-U.S. citizens from voting in state and local elections is advancing at the state Legislature.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:53 PM
A bill seeking to further restrict non-U.S. citizens from voting in state and local elections advanced on Utah’s Capitol Hill despite concerns it could disenfranchise voters. #utpol
Amid ongoing tensions between the Utah Legislature and the state’s judiciary, a lawmaker wants to ask voters to give the Legislature the power to call a “special retention election” if legislators decide that a judge is “unfit or incompetent.” #utpol
Utah lawmaker proposes allowing Legislature to call ‘special retention elections’ for ‘unfit’ judges • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah lawmaker is seeking authority for legislators to call a “special retention election” if they decide a judge is “unfit or incompetent.”
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Amid ongoing tensions between the Utah Legislature and the state’s judiciary, a lawmaker wants to ask voters to give the Legislature the power to call a “special retention election” if legislators decide that a judge is “unfit or incompetent.” #utpol
Transgender Utahns and their allies marched through the Capitol in an effort to be seen and heard by lawmakers, even as bills targeting transgender people are considered in the Legislature for the fifth year in a row. #utpol
Transgender Utahns and supporters march through Capitol to show lawmakers ‘we’re not going anywhere’ • Utah News Dispatch
Protesters rallied at the Capitol to show support for transgender Utahns as lawmakers consider anti-trans legislation for a fifth year.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Transgender Utahns and their allies marched through the Capitol in an effort to be seen and heard by lawmakers, even as bills targeting transgender people are considered in the Legislature for the fifth year in a row. #utpol
The first day of the Utah Legislature’s 2026 general session drew multiple demonstrations to Capitol Hill, with activists rallying around issues ranging from immigration enforcement and the war in Gaza to the Great Salt Lake. #utpol
Utahns rallied at the Capitol on the Legislature's first day. Here's what they said • Utah News Dispatch
Activists led various demonstrations on Utah Legislature's opening day, including ICE-out and anti-Israel rallies.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:21 AM
The first day of the Utah Legislature’s 2026 general session drew multiple demonstrations to Capitol Hill, with activists rallying around issues ranging from immigration enforcement and the war in Gaza to the Great Salt Lake. #utpol
Utah and six other states aren't on the same page, but their time to reach a deal on the Colorado River is running out. To get to a consensus, they're shortening the shelf life of the new plan they're working on.
Colorado River talks: States are still at odds but working toward a 5-year plan • Utah News Dispatch
In Colorado River negotiations, states are still at odds but working toward a 5-year plan, Utah's top negotiator said.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Utah and six other states aren't on the same page, but their time to reach a deal on the Colorado River is running out. To get to a consensus, they're shortening the shelf life of the new plan they're working on.
The Republican-controlled Utah Legislature launched its 2026 general session with top House and Senate GOP leaders celebrating the state’s strengths while calling for lawmakers to focus on ways to help people in their day-to-day lives — specifically by reducing cost of living and taxes. #utpol
Utah Legislature kicks off 1st day of 2026 session with calls to focus on people, cost of living • Utah News Dispatch
The Utah Legislature launched its 2026 general session with top Republican leaders calling for lawmakers to reduce cost of living and taxes.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:58 AM
The Republican-controlled Utah Legislature launched its 2026 general session with top House and Senate GOP leaders celebrating the state’s strengths while calling for lawmakers to focus on ways to help people in their day-to-day lives — specifically by reducing cost of living and taxes. #utpol
After three lawmakers left their legislative roles in pursuit of other ambitions, Emily Buss, John Arthur and Leah Hansen, three newcomers will be casting their first votes in a general legislative session today. #utpol
utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/01/20/m...
utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/01/20/m...
A third-party senator, a ‘teacher of the year’ and an ‘ordinary citizen.’ Meet Utah’s new lawmakers • Utah News Dispatch
Three new lawmakers are starting their first general session in the Utah Legislature. Meet Emily Buss, John Arthur and Leah Hansen.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM
After three lawmakers left their legislative roles in pursuit of other ambitions, Emily Buss, John Arthur and Leah Hansen, three newcomers will be casting their first votes in a general legislative session today. #utpol
utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/01/20/m...
utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/01/20/m...
The 2026 Utah Legislature convenes today. Lawmakers have their eyes on another round of tax cuts, changes to the judiciary, immigration issues, anti-transgender legislation, and more. #utpol
Lawmakers flock back to Capitol Hill: What to expect from the 2026 Utah Legislature • Utah News Dispatch
The 2026 Utah Legislature convenes Jan. 20. Lawmakers are eying changes to the judiciary, immigration issues, anti-transgender legislation, tax cuts and more.
utahnewsdispatch.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:06 PM
The 2026 Utah Legislature convenes today. Lawmakers have their eyes on another round of tax cuts, changes to the judiciary, immigration issues, anti-transgender legislation, and more. #utpol