Senate committee backs funding to add troopers for growing state road network
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Summary
The Senate Transportation committee recommended favorably the first substitute to SB 151, which directs about $3 million from insurance premium tax revenue and a total of $5 million in available funds toward adding roughly 19–20 troopers to patrol expanded state highways; supporters said more troopers are needed while UDOT remained neutral.
Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee — Jan. 22, 2026
Senator Thomas Harper, sponsor of the first substitute to SB 151, told the committee the measure is intended to address a shortage of troopers to patrol newly expanded state roads and highways and would fund roughly 19 to 20 additional troopers. "We actually need 35 troopers to go through and patrol roads that we've either expanded," Harper said, citing a report he requested from the Utah Highway Patrol.
The bill directs a transfer of $3,000,000 from insurance premium tax collections to the Department of Public Safety and increases other available appropriations so the total appropriation in the bill is $5,000,000, Harper said. He described some funds already dedicated within the transportation fund for troopers and related agency costs and said the measure is intended to begin closing the staffing gap on expanded corridors such as the West Davis Corridor and other recent projects.
Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, testified in support: "We do appreciate his work on this," Mason said, noting that many roads were built without operational planning for patrol coverage and that additional troopers would help relieve cities that have borne those burdens.
Leif Elder, UDOT's legislative affairs director, said UDOT is neutral because the item was not in the governor’s budget but expressed appreciation for the highway patrol’s safety role. "This is something that wasn't in the governor's budget, so we're neutral on the bill," Elder said.
Senator Ibsen asked whether the revenue sources are sufficient; Harper replied the funding is ongoing and intended to cover the stated need for this step. After public testimony and discussion, Senator Reby moved to recommend the first substitute to the full Senate with a positive recommendation; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.
What happens next
The first substitute to SB 151 was reported favorably to the full Senate; the department and sponsor said the bill is a first step to staff additional patrols on expanded state roadways.