SALT LAKE CITY — The 2026 Utah State Legislature featured some drama not necessarily IN Capitol Hill, but definitely ABOUT Capitol Hill. There were independent redistricting court battles, a feud with Idaho over the gas tax, a lawsuit from over predictive markets and whether it’s gambling, fights over the Colorado River and some pretty big developments on the Great Salt Lake.
Still, there was a lot that was considered inside the Capitol. More than 1,000 bills were introduced (a new record!). While hundreds of bills were passed, it was fewer than previous years. A $31 billion budget passed.
Here’s a look at some of the bigger things your elected lawmakers passed, defeated or never even got the time of day:
The Great Salt Lake, Colorado River and environmental issues
Cannabis, psychedelics and kratom
WATCH: Interview with Governor Cox
