Stay ConnectedCome along as state leaders and lawmakers discuss the issues shaping the Beehive State. Each episode, we ask experts on Utah politics and policy to cover one topic that impacts everyday Utahns. From housing affordability and water policy to education reform, criminal justice, and taxes – we’ll help you get smart about everything going on in the Utah Legislature and state government.
Brought to you by the Utah House of Representatives – this is House Rules.
Copyright: © Utah House of Representatives
Utah helped secure a landmark $12.2 billion settlement with Meta after years of pushing for stronger protections for kids online. Rep. Jordan Teuscher sits down with Utah Attorney General Derek Brown to discuss how Utah helped lead the fight, what the settlement changes for young social media users, and why the state’s work to protect kids from addictive technology is far from over.
Utah faced a historically challenging fire seasons in years, with nearly 1,000 fires and more than half a million acres burned. House Majority Leader Casey Snider sits down with newly appointed Utah Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Jamie Barnes to discuss how years of preparation helped Utah respond, why wildfire prevention and mitigation matter, and what the state is doing now to recover and prepare for the next fire season.
With updated boundaries for Bears Ears & Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments, the lands outside those boundaries remain public and protected.
Rep. Logan Monson, former mayor of Blanding whose district includes both monuments, sits down with Utah Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office Director Redge Johnson to discuss what the new boundaries actually change, what protections remain in place – and how access, wildfire prevention and active management fit into the future of Utah’s public lands.
Utah’s annual homelessness count declined this year, including fewer people living unsheltered. Rep. Candice Pierucci sits down with Utah Homeless Coordinator Tyler Clancy to discuss what’s driving the progress, why the state is moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach – and how treatment, accountability and housing fit together in Utah’s long-term strategy.
Rep. Matt MacPherson sits down with Rep. Anthony Loubet to discuss Utah’s judicial reforms, constitutional amendments on the ballot this fall, and the work lawmakers are doing during interim.
They discuss recent investments in Utah’s courts, including additional judges, clerks, judicial assistants and expanded public access to court records. The conversation also explores how lawmakers are working to support judicial independence while improving transparency, accountability and public trust in the court system.
The episode also breaks down proposed constitutional amendments related to tax increases through ballot initiatives and public notice requirements, as well as why interim meetings give lawmakers and the public more time to study, debate and refine major policy issues before the next legislative session.
Rep. Cal Roberts sits down with Rep. Jill Koford to talk through key housing policies from the 2026 General Session focused on affordability, homeownership, and increasing housing supply in Utah.
They discuss new efforts to expand accessory dwelling units (ADUs), invest in roads and water infrastructure needed for housing development, encourage smaller starter homes, streamline state housing programs, and reduce barriers for modular and offsite construction.
The episode also explores why home prices have outpaced wages, the challenges facing first-time homebuyers, and how lawmakers are working to keep the American dream of homeownership within reach for the next generation of Utahns.
Rep. Ariel Defay sits down with Emily Bell McCormick, president and founder of The Policy Project, to talk through key policies from the 2026 General Session focused on strong families and student success.
They discuss expanded maternity leave for public employees, Utah’s new bell-to-bell phone policy in schools, and new guardrails to rebalance technology use in the classroom. Together, the conversation reflects Utah’s broader approach: supporting families at home, giving parents more tools, and helping students succeed in the classroom.
Rep. Steve Eliason sits down with Utah State Tax Commissioner John Valentine to discuss the biggest tax changes from the 2026 General Session.
They cover income tax cuts, tax policy for families, gas and tobacco tax changes, property tax, and how Utah’s tax system works.
Rep. Candice Pierucci sits down with Rep. Karen Peterson to look back at the biggest wins of the 2026 General Session – and the work that often gets overlooked. They discuss the House Majority’s focus on affordability, from tax relief and childcare support to housing and infrastructure, along with major work on education, transparency, public safety, water, and energy.
In this episode of House Rules, Rep. Cal Roberts breaks down why Utah drivers continue to pay more for gas than neighboring states and what lawmakers are doing about it. Utah refines more fuel than it consumes; yet, prices remain higher due to regional market dynamics and refinery incentives that pull fuel to higher-priced West Coast states.
The Legislature plans to lower the gas tax and negotiate a better deal for Utahns by reexamining existing tax breaks and exemptions for refineries. The goal is to keep more of the economic benefit in Utah, reduce costs for families, and support long-term affordability.
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