House passes package of bills ranging from judiciary expansion to campaign-reporting changes

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House cleared a broad set of measures Monday during floor consideration, approving bills affecting judgeships, public safety, taxation, campaign reporting and other housekeeping matters.

Key outcomes:

- HB 77 (Fifth District Court judge): Passed 72–0; sponsor said population growth in Washington County and caseload data justify an additional district-court judgeship.

- HB 138 (Public Safety Amendments): Passed 73–0; expands who may be charged as an actor in custodial-misconduct offenses to include certain "special function officers," such as hospital security staff housing Department of Corrections detainees.

- HB 52 (Political Contribution Reporting Amendments): Passed 72–1; sponsor said the language narrowly targets hiding donors behind nonprofit entities and was crafted to avoid constitutional issues.

- HB 49 (First Substitute — Social Security tax credit): Passed 51–21; creates a limited nonrefundable credit for taxpayers whose federal AGI includes at least 50% taxable Social Security benefits; sponsor noted a five-year review provision.

- HJR 6 (Joint Rules Resolution): Passed 74–0; allows returning to prior substitutes in the legislative process and authorizes up to 10 paid legislative training days per year as recommended by the Legislative Compensation Commission.

Several other bills and amendments were considered, and many passed unanimously or by wide margins. A number of items were circled (deferred) or had substitutes moved; the House adjourned and will reconvene Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 11 a.m.

Vote tallies recorded on the floor were used above; the House will transmit approved measures to the Senate for further consideration.