Highlights of the 2022 Utah Legislative session

As it is every year, the Utah Legislature passes laws that affect all of our daily lives. As far as 2022 goes, several bills came to fruition and changed the landscape of the state.

We looked at some roundups from KUER-FM and Deseret News to get an idea of which legislative actions might be the most impactful to you, both in your home life as well as the work you do with special districts. Here’s a look at what we saw as the major events during the session.

Tax cuts

This year, Gov. Spencer Cox signed a huge tax cut to the tune of $193 million. This includes an overall cut to the rate for state income taxes. Increased social security income credits and earned income tax credits were also a part of the tax cut.

A new authority
As part of the legislature, lawmakers approved the Utah Lake Authority, a new board that will have bonding authority for projects that help maintain the substance and appearance of lake areas, including additional recreation efforts.

Enhancing watersheds

The legislature also passed a bill that created a water trust for protecting the Great Salt Lake and its tributaries. The $40 million as part of the action will go into leasing water rights for conservation as well as keeping water flowing into the lake itself.

Air quality concerns

This is one area where lawmakers did not take action. Although there was a proposed carbon tax and a plan to make bus rides free to promote less use of cars, both did not pass the full legislature.

Rural lands
Lawmakers passed a $3 million bill that helps bring greater infrastructure to rural areas in the state, that need help in the upkeep of roads and other important structures.

Rules concerning the pandemic
There was a lot of decisive action taken on laws that affect building use around the state with COVID-19 still a concern. Among the laws passed was one that allows employees to opt-out of the vaccine if they’ve already been infected with the coronavirus. Legislators also overturned mask mandates in Salt Lake and Summit counties.

We’re tracking progress on how these laws are going to be enforced, and if there are going to be special sessions in the coming months to address some aspects of life in Utah that weren’t tackled. Go to the UASD website to learn more about the legislature in general.