General Session: Week 4 Recap
- Daniel McCay
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Friends and Neighbors,
Week four of the 2026 General Session is complete, and the Capitol is moving at full speed as we pass the halfway point. Committees are meeting daily, floor debates are in full swing and we are working diligently on policies that strengthen our great state.
This week, we welcomed students and healthcare professionals to the Capitol and made meaningful progress on priorities that matter most to Utahns. As we consider policy, I am guided by a simple principle: strengthening Utah families and communities.
As always, feel free to reach out to me by contacting my intern, Lou, at ldayton@le.utah.gov or 801-903-7622.
Below are a few highlights from the week!
Best,
Senator Dan McCay
Priority Highlight
Securing America’s Critical Minerals—With Utah Leading the Way
From smartphones and cars to clean energy and national defense, modern life depends on critical minerals. Today, America faces a serious vulnerability: one foreign nation controls roughly 60% of global mineral extraction and nearly 90% of critical mineral refining. That dependence threatens our economy, our industries and our national security.
But here’s the good news. Utah is uniquely positioned to lead the solution.
Utah contains 50 of the 60 critical minerals identified as essential to the United States. With the right strategy, our state can help supply up to one-quarter of the nation’s critical mineral needs right here at home.
S.B. 254 Critical Minerals Amendments provides the coordinated strategy needed to strengthen America’s supply chain and advance Utah’s economic future.
What It Does
Reduces U.S. dependence on foreign-controlled mineral supply chains that are vital for strong national security
Expands in-state processing to keep good-paying jobs and economic value in Utah while streamlining permitting timelines to under 18 months through coordinated agency reviews–all without weakening environmental protections.
Creates a Critical Minerals Council and a statewide Minerals Atlas to guide responsible development.
Establishes Critical Minerals Zones to focus infrastructure workforce training and investment.
Launches the MINES Center to train workers, attract federal grants, pilot new technologies and compete for a national critical minerals laboratory in Utah.
Why It Matters
Positions Utah as a national leader in research and next‑generation mineral technology to keep the high-paying jobs and economic benefits in-state that come with increased rare earth mineral development.
By providing clearer timelines, supporting workforce training and maintaining strong environmental standards, this bill positions Utah to lead in next-generation mineral development while strengthening both our state economy and national security.
Legislation Highlights
S.B. 77 Dual Language Immersion Amendments
Utah’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program has more than 58,000 students enrolled and helps them access advanced, college-level language courses after passing the AP exam, usually in 9th grade. Over the past two years, the Legislature, State Board of Education, and education stakeholders have collaborated on this bill to expand these opportunities for more students.
What It Does
Requires state universities to offer advanced concurrent-enrollment language courses so that DLI students who pass the AP exam can continue into upper-level college courses.
Ensures these courses are taught by highly qualified instructors from either universities or school district partners.
Extends the state’s language-proficiency assessments from grades 3-8 to grades 3-12, giving families and teachers a clear picture of student progress all the way through high school.
Allows school districts to partner with another university if their assigned institution cannot provide a qualified instructor in time, preventing disruptions to student learning.
Why It Matters
Strengthens Utah’s nationally recognized immersion program and helps students achieve true bilingual proficiency and college readiness.
Creates consistent, statewide access to advanced language courses for students in every community.
Supports Utah’s growing bilingual workforce, preparing graduates for careers in education, business, diplomacy, public service and other global fields.
S.B. 85 Excellence in Education and Leadership Supplement Modifications
Our incredible teachers make a lasting difference in students' lives. In 2024, the Legislature created the EXCELS program to reward Utah’s highest-performing teachers who go above and beyond in the classroom. That law emphasized excellence, leadership and measurable classroom impact. S.B. 85 builds on that framework so that more outstanding teachers have access to participate.
What It Does
Allows eligible teachers to self-nominate for bonuses of up to $20,000 even if their local education agency does not participate in the program.
Keeps the program optional and performance-based, without requiring district participation.
Why It Matters
Supports and retains excellent teachers who make a difference in the classroom every day.
Ensures that high-performing teachers are not excluded from recognition because of district-level participation decisions.
Allows self-nomination, expanding access while maintaining high performance standards.
Gives more outstanding educators a fair opportunity to be recognized for their results and leadership, no matter where they teach in our state.
Reinforces Utah’s commitment to rewarding excellence and supporting educators who drive student success.
Your Guide to Getting Involved in the Legislative Process
Public participation plays an important role in shaping strong policies for all Utahns. That’s why we’ve created a webpage designed to help you easily follow the issues that matter most to you and take part in the legislative process. These video tutorials will walk you through how to navigate the legislative website, le.utah.gov, and make the most of its many resources.
Learn more about how you can stay connected, view committee agendas and bills, participate and more at: senate.utah.gov/getting-involved
Watch my Video Update!
Until next time,
Senator Dan McCay
District 18
Comments