Utah House approves $31.6 billion budget in final hours of session

The Utah House approved the session’s final appropriations package late March 6, passing House Bill 3 on final reading by a 71–1 margin.

Representative Peterson, sponsor of the budget bill, told colleagues the measure consolidates the session’s funding decisions and brings the total budget from all sources to about $31.6 billion. “This is our final budget bill,” Peterson said, adding the package boosts public education funding by nearly $300 million (about 5% over base), raises higher-education funding by about $76 million (4%), and increases criminal justice and social-services lines as well. The bill also includes tax reductions the House described as nearly $600 million over two years and one‑time investments including funds for a new prison pod in Gunnison.

Lawmakers said the bill reflects weeks of committee work and tradeoffs among competing priorities. Peterson asked for support of the bill, saying it represents “the fruits of our labor” and consolidates funding for measures the Legislature approved during the session.

With debate concluded and summation waived, the House voted to pass HB 3 on final passage. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration and signature steps required by statute.

The House then moved on to remaining concurrence and conference-report business before adjourning sine die later that evening.