Utah House advances wide package of bills, from criminal justice to education scholarships

The Utah House passed a broad package of bills on March 5, advancing measures ranging from criminal and juvenile justice to education scholarship changes and state park studies.

House members moved through the concurrence calendar and multiple Senate third‑reading items. Notable outcomes included: 4th substitute House Bill 48 (criminal and juvenile justice changes) passed final passage 52–15 after sponsors said it adds factors judges or the Board of Pardons must consider in changing housing arrangements for incarcerated 18‑year‑olds. The House also concurred with Senate amendments to 6th substitute House Bill 68 (housing and community development amendments), which the sponsor said moved the bill’s effective date to May 6; that motion passed 54–10. House Bill 71 (health provider directory and access amendments) cleared the House 63–3 after the sponsor said staff would continue to work on reporting provisions and the fiscal note.

Other concurrence votes included third substitute House Bill 76 (data center water transparency) at 62–2, fifth substitute House Bill 423 (hit‑and‑run and DUI amendments) at 64–1, and second…