General Session: Week 5 Recap
- Daniel McCay
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Friends and Neighbors,
As week five of the legislative session comes to a close, the momentum at the Capitol remains strong as the last two weeks approach. Our focus is on advancing policies that are fiscally responsible and aligned with Utah’s long-term priorities, including ensuring reliable, low-cost energy, strengthening education and keeping our state affordable for families and small businesses.
At the same time, our appropriations committees are continuing work on the state budget. We are making targeted, strategic investments while maintaining the conservative, balanced approach that has kept Utah on a solid financial footing year after year.
Outside the Capitol, I’m grateful to see the steady snowfall across our state. The moisture we’ve received this winter is a blessing to our water supply, farmers and ranchers, ski industry and long-term planning efforts. In a state where water shapes so much of our future, we never take a good snow year for granted.
I’m grateful for the chance to represent the people of Utah and to be part of the work being done to make our great state even stronger.
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
Cleaner Air, Even as Utah Grows
For years, many have assumed that population growth automatically leads to poorer air quality. Together, Utahns have proven that assumption wrong.
Over the past 25 years, our state has met the EPA standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a significant achievement made possible through thoughtful policy, strategic investment and strong partnerships. This progress reflects collaboration between the Utah Legislature, the Department of Environmental Quality, local industry and engaged citizens across our state.
Cleaner Tier 3 fuels, expanded transit options, and innovative emission-control technology have reduced pollution even as our population and vehicle miles traveled have increased.
Utah families also played an important role. Through state incentive programs, residents upgraded water heaters, installed cleaner appliances and replaced older wood-burning stoves. Individual choices, combined with industry innovation and responsible policy, have measurably reduced PM2.5 across our communities.
These efforts demonstrate that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
We are now applying the same proactive approach to address summer ground-level ozone. The EPA’s approval of Utah’s 179B demonstration recognizes that some ozone pollution originates outside our borders, allowing us to focus on emissions we can control while continuing to support economic opportunity.
We have proven that we can grow and still improve air quality.
While work remains, Utah’s air is cleaner today because of shared responsibility and smart policy decisions. I remain committed to solutions that protect public health, strengthen our economy and ensure a bright future for the next generation.
Read more here.
On the Hill
Citation Honoring Jon Absey
We were honored this week to present an official legislative citation in memory of Jon Absey, recognizing his remarkable legacy of service, joy, and generosity that touched communities across Utah. As the original Utah Jazz Bear, Jon spent decades lifting others through charitable work, youth outreach, and countless acts of quiet kindness.
His passing is felt deeply across our state, and we extend our heartfelt condolences, love, and support to his family during this difficult time. We thank his wife, Shana, as well as other friends and relatives who joined us in the Senate chamber in his honor. The Senate is grateful for Jon’s life and lasting impact, and we were proud to honor his legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.
Legislation Highlights
S.B. 97 Tax Revenue Amendments
What It Does
Creates a more balanced property tax system by limiting how much surplus revenue a city or county can keep in its general fund, capping it at no more than 25% of the fund’s total annual revenue.
Clarifies the homeowner property-tax exemption by limiting it to one primary residence per household and requiring owners to reapply when ownership changes or when the county believes the exemption may no longer apply.
This establishes that a property owned by a business entity does not qualify as a primary residence unless proven otherwise.
Adds guardrails against future tax increases by limiting the additional revenue taxing entities can collect through the Truth in Taxation process.
Why It Matters
Property taxes can be unpredictable for homeowners, often fluctuating year to year. This bill aims to bring more balance, transparency and fairness to taxpayers.
Preventing excessive fund balances protects taxpayers by ensuring that local governments don’t collect or stockpile more property tax revenue than is needed.
Strengthening the rules for the homeowner exemption ensures fairness, making sure that tax breaks truly go to primary residences, not investment, business or secondary properties.
Adding limits to future tax increases gives taxpayers more predictability and helps prevent unexpected spikes in their property tax bills.
H.B. 146 Mentoring and Supporting Teacher Excellence and Refinement Program Amendments
What It Does
Expands a successful pilot program that helps outstanding teachers stay in the classroom while taking on leadership roles.
Builds capacity through mentoring, coaching and professional learning, supporting up to 2,080 educators statewide.
Provides stipends for teacher-leaders and supports teacher coach positions to strengthen collaboration and instructional quality.
Elevates teacher voice in curriculum, instruction and professional learning decisions.
Strengthens mentoring and coaching for new and early-career teachers to improve retention and classroom success.
Why It Matters
Teachers make the biggest difference in student learning. Supporting experienced educators and helping new teachers succeed improves classroom instruction for students across the state.
By having career pathways that reward excellence without requiring teachers to leave the classroom, the bill helps schools retain talented educators.
Strengthening peer mentorship and instructional coaching helps new teachers thrive and builds a stronger, more connected teaching workforce across the state.
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!
In Case You Missed It
Until next time,
Senator Dan McCay
District 18
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