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11 measures passed by the Utah Legislature in 2026

These are some of the most-watched bills during the 2026 session.

News

These are some of the most-watched bills that passed the Utah Legislature during the 2026 session.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s waiting on Gov. Cox&#x27;s desk, with a few already signed into law.</li></ul>

In deep-red Utah, Republicans resist hardline immigration bills

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has struck a more tempered tone in the immigration debate.

A handful of zero-tolerance immigration bills failed to gain traction in Utah&#x27;s Republican-dominated Legislature this session, a stark contrast with President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="push for mass deportations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/05/trump-migrants-alligator-alcatraz-denaturalize" data-vars-content-id="22a4f17a-9355-4495-bad9-370c98db47f5" data-vars-headline="In deep-red Utah, Republicans resist hardline immigration bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/05/trump-migrants-alligator-alcatraz-denaturalize" target="_self">push for mass deportations</a>.Why it matters: The lack of support signals the policies may be unpopular in Utah, where most of the state&#x27;s most powerful lawmakers are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/general-news-286983987f484cb182fba9334c52a617" data-vars-content-id="22a4f17a-9355-4495-bad9-370c98db47f5" data-vars-headline="In deep-red Utah, Republicans resist hardline immigration bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/general-news-286983987f484cb182fba9334c52a617" target="_blank">members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>.

Salt Lake metro gas prices surge after Iran strikes

Gas hikes have an immediate effect on consumers — and their mood about the economy.

Gas prices in the Salt Lake metro are inching closer to $3 per gallon again following the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/28/iran-attack-trump-us-israel-strikes" data-vars-content-id="0c74e748-9f81-4f2f-a467-c4f77251aebb" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake metro gas prices surge after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/28/iran-attack-trump-us-israel-strikes" target="_self">U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran</a>.Why it matters: Gas hikes have an immediate effect on consumers&#x27; pocketbooks and their mood about the economy.

Ballet West claps back at Timothée Chalamet's remarks

The Oscar-nominated actor is in hot water for saying "no one cares" about ballet or opera.

Ballet West is inviting Timothée Chalamet to take a seat.State of play: The Oscar-nominated actor is sparking backlash for his remarks at a town hall last month where he said <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;no one cares&quot; about ballet or opera" data-vars-click-url="https://www.today.com/popculture/timothee-chalamet-opera-ballet-controversy-rcna262422" data-vars-content-id="9b63aadb-c147-4329-bc39-6d013461a28b" data-vars-headline="Ballet West claps back at Timothée Chalamet&#x27;s remarks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.today.com/popculture/timothee-chalamet-opera-ballet-controversy-rcna262422" target="_blank">&quot;no one cares&quot; about ballet or opera</a>.

Churches, movies, restaurants: Tracking measles around Utah

The virus is increasingly being carried to places of leisure and worship.

Utah&#x27;s measles patients have taken the virus to churches, movies, schools, restaurants and shopping centers in recent weeks, according to health officials&#x27; latest reports.By the numbers: With 44 new cases, last week brought Utah&#x27;s biggest jump in diagnoses since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles began spreading last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/06/26/measles-symptoms-vaccines-utah" data-vars-content-id="7a371b02-3e4b-45f6-9fba-702a60c5f07d" data-vars-headline="Churches, movies, restaurants: Tracking measles around Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/06/26/measles-symptoms-vaccines-utah" target="_self">measles began spreading last year</a>.

Utah bill would boost reporting on violence against hospital workers

Violence against health care workers has soared since the COVID-19 pandemic.

As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hostility toward health care workers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/14/protections-workplace-violence-nurses-hospitals" data-vars-content-id="6de3ecae-f94d-42aa-b952-f2c2dc4829a8" data-vars-headline="Utah bill would boost reporting on violence against hospital workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/14/protections-workplace-violence-nurses-hospitals" target="_self">hostility toward health care workers</a> rises, Utah lawmakers are advancing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://le.utah.gov/Session/2026/bills/static/HB0380.html" data-vars-content-id="6de3ecae-f94d-42aa-b952-f2c2dc4829a8" data-vars-headline="Utah bill would boost reporting on violence against hospital workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://le.utah.gov/Session/2026/bills/static/HB0380.html" target="_blank">proposal</a> that would require all hospitals in the state to create formal workplace violence reporting systems.Why it matters: Violence against health care workers has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="soared" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11543170/#R2" data-vars-content-id="6de3ecae-f94d-42aa-b952-f2c2dc4829a8" data-vars-headline="Utah bill would boost reporting on violence against hospital workers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11543170/#R2" target="_blank">soared</a> since the COVID-19 pandemic, and supporters of the measure say more consistent reporting would clarify the scope of the problem and inform policy decisions in the state.

Utah measles cases rise as new exposures reported

Almost 60 new cases were reported in the past three weeks.

Health

As measles case counts increase, Utah health officials are warning of new possible exposure incidents across the state.By the numbers: The state health department has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confirmed" data-vars-click-url="https://files.epi.utah.gov/Utah%20measles%20dashboard.html" data-vars-content-id="df761057-f3e9-4acc-8bf5-d45c8afbd45b" data-vars-headline="Utah measles cases rise as new exposures reported" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://files.epi.utah.gov/Utah%20measles%20dashboard.html" target="_blank">confirmed</a> 300 measles cases in Utah during the outbreaks that began in 2025.

Utah lawmakers halt bill to sell ivermectin over the counter

The vote comes amid a red state push to increase access to what some conservatives tout as an alternative treatment for COVID-19.

A bill that would have allowed pharmacies to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dispense ivermectin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/02/utah-arizona-ivermectin-bill-over-the-counter-pharmacy" data-vars-content-id="f7537f96-5d53-4f67-a67b-8c10a3fad767" data-vars-headline="Utah lawmakers halt bill to sell ivermectin over the counter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/02/02/utah-arizona-ivermectin-bill-over-the-counter-pharmacy" target="_self">dispense ivermectin</a> without an individual prescription failed to advance in a House committee on Monday after receiving objections from medical associations.The big picture: The vote comes amid a red state push to increase access to what some conservatives tout as an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alternative treatment for COVID-19" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/news/health-58170809" data-vars-content-id="f7537f96-5d53-4f67-a67b-8c10a3fad767" data-vars-headline="Utah lawmakers halt bill to sell ivermectin over the counter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/health-58170809" target="_blank">alternative treatment for COVID-19</a> and is more commonly used to treat parasites in livestock in the U.S.

Amid Ballerina Farm's raw milk scrutiny, Utah lawmakers could roll back regulations

Raw milk has gained popularity among wellness influencers and the political right.

Utah lawmakers are considering rolling back regulations on raw <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="milk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/dairy-milk-makes-a-comeback-finish-line" data-vars-content-id="4d513569-bd53-4950-a05d-1e5e0b9a7d3d" data-vars-headline="Amid Ballerina Farm&#x27;s raw milk scrutiny, Utah lawmakers could roll back regulations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/dairy-milk-makes-a-comeback-finish-line" target="_self">milk</a> sales.The intrigue: The measures are being debated as the nation&#x27;s eye turns to the online sensation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ballerina Farm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/01/29/ballerina-farm-utah-influencer-tradwife-controversy" data-vars-content-id="4d513569-bd53-4950-a05d-1e5e0b9a7d3d" data-vars-headline="Amid Ballerina Farm&#x27;s raw milk scrutiny, Utah lawmakers could roll back regulations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/01/29/ballerina-farm-utah-influencer-tradwife-controversy" target="_self">Ballerina Farm</a>, which discontinued raw milk sales after inspectors found elevated bacteria levels in its products.

Utah bill would allow pharmacies to dispense ivermectin

Making ivermectin easier to access could have serious public health consequences, according to medical experts.

A Utah GOP lawmaker is sponsoring a bill that would make ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug widely used to treat livestock in the U.S., available at pharmacies over the counter without an individual prescription.Why it matters: Ivermectin was promoted largely by conservatives as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;miracle&quot; drug" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/news/health-58170809" data-vars-content-id="1c98e332-6fc6-486e-a049-83c42b443954" data-vars-headline="Utah bill would allow pharmacies to dispense ivermectin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/health-58170809" target="_blank">&quot;miracle&quot; drug</a> for COVID-19, and despite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multiple medical studies" data-vars-click-url="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2801828" data-vars-content-id="1c98e332-6fc6-486e-a049-83c42b443954" data-vars-headline="Utah bill would allow pharmacies to dispense ivermectin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2801828" target="_blank">multiple medical studies</a> that found it isn&#x27;t effective at treating coronavirus, along with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="repeated warnings from leading medical institutions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/ama-press-releases/ama-apha-ashp-statement-ending-use-ivermectin-treat-covid-19" data-vars-content-id="1c98e332-6fc6-486e-a049-83c42b443954" data-vars-headline="Utah bill would allow pharmacies to dispense ivermectin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/ama-press-releases/ama-apha-ashp-statement-ending-use-ivermectin-treat-covid-19" target="_blank">repeated warnings from leading medical institutions</a> against its use outside FDA approval, it has persisted as an alternative treatment.

Salt Lake City senior center reopening after budget fight

The 10th East Senior Center was already $3 million into an expensive remodel when Republicans on the council voted to close it.

A Salt Lake City senior center recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="threatened by budget cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/11/06/salt-lake-county-gop-senior-center-remodel-canceled-vote" data-vars-content-id="2e51bc72-76e4-4c55-9535-db172baf4166" data-vars-headline="Salt Lake City senior center reopening after budget fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/11/06/salt-lake-county-gop-senior-center-remodel-canceled-vote" target="_self">threatened by budget cuts</a> is set to continue its remodel and reopen in early 2027, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson announced this week.Catch up quick: Democrats on the Salt Lake County Council accused their Republican colleagues last November of wasting millions in public dollars by voting to permanently close the 10th East Senior Center, which was already $3 million into an expensive remodel.

Hundreds hospitalized as "super flu" hits Utah

More than 700 Utahns have been hospitalized as an aggressive flu strain sweeps the nation.

<figure><img alt="A graph shows flu hospitalizations for each week since October 2020. The last week of December 2025 and first week of January 2026 have the highest rates of flu hospitalizations." height="434" id="738f344c-a139-43c4-bb3c-f775ff03767a" src="https://images.axios.com/iWwn-bhZqENRVlHSeMW9TBiKWFg=/2026/01/13/1768337227735.png" width="1297"/><figcaption>Utah flu hospitalizations per 100,000 residents each week since October 2020. The yellow line shows the 2025-2026 flu season. Image via Utah Department of Health and Human Services</figcaption></figure>More than 300 Utahns were hospitalized with the flu during each of the last two weeks as the virus swept the nation. Why it matters: That volume of flu hospitalizations far exceeded any period in Utah in the past six years, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state data" data-vars-click-url="https://files.epi.utah.gov/Utah-respiratory-dashboard.html#influenza-1" data-vars-content-id="21c8ddc4-5b7f-46bc-a281-8abd877c1dff" data-vars-headline="Hundreds hospitalized as &quot;super flu&quot; hits Utah" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://files.epi.utah.gov/Utah-respiratory-dashboard.html#influenza-1" target="_blank">state data</a> since 2020.

Mapped: Utah ranks 5th in U.S. for overall health

Utah scored well for low drinking, chronic conditions and homicide rates.

Utah ranks fifth nationwide for overall health and well-being in a state-by-state health report card released last week by the United Health Foundation.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Health Rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.americashealthrankings.org/" data-vars-content-id="098bd018-df56-4f3a-9ac9-88f2d4b7c824" data-vars-headline="Mapped: Utah ranks 5th in U.S. for overall health" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.americashealthrankings.org/" target="_blank">America&#x27;s Health Rankings</a> — from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United Health Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/uhg/people-and-culture/our-foundations.html" data-vars-content-id="098bd018-df56-4f3a-9ac9-88f2d4b7c824" data-vars-headline="Mapped: Utah ranks 5th in U.S. for overall health" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/uhg/people-and-culture/our-foundations.html" target="_blank">United Health Foundation</a>, established by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UnitedHealth Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/uhg/mission-values.html" data-vars-content-id="098bd018-df56-4f3a-9ac9-88f2d4b7c824" data-vars-headline="Mapped: Utah ranks 5th in U.S. for overall health" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/uhg/mission-values.html" target="_blank">UnitedHealth Group</a> — synthesize 99 measures of health and well-being, drawn from 31 data sources, to produce a &quot;comprehensive portrait of health at both the national and state levels.&quot;

Utah permits nation's first AI drug prescriptions

The move could shape AI regulation nationwide, but critics say bots could make bad decisions.

Utah regulators are allowing artificial intelligence to prescribe some drugs — the first prescriptions in the nation to be filled by a bot rather than a doctor.Why it matters: Proponents say AI will save patients money and time, especially in rural areas, where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="physicians are few and far between" data-vars-click-url="https://ruralhealth.utah.gov/shortage-designations-hpsa/" data-vars-content-id="cb35f1dc-ac2c-4cd1-a5f5-77345815b1f8" data-vars-headline="Utah permits nation&#x27;s first AI drug prescriptions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ruralhealth.utah.gov/shortage-designations-hpsa/" target="_blank">physicians are few and far between</a>.

Health 🩺

Churches, movies, restaurants: Tracking measles around Utah

Utah bill would boost reporting on violence against hospital workers

Utah measles cases rise as new exposures reported

Utah lawmakers halt bill to sell ivermectin over the counter

Amid Ballerina Farm's raw milk scrutiny, Utah lawmakers could roll back regulations