2024 Legislative Scorecard

We stand as the voice of business, we support our members’ success and we champion community prosperity.

Dear Business Leader,

Utah’s 2024 Legislative Session broke numerous records. Over 45 days, legislators introduced a record 940 bills, 591 of which passed, and enacted a $29.4 billion budget. These bills encompassed several significant areas of policy pertaining to homelessness and affordable housing, energy stability and innovation, technology and artificial intelligence, the Great Salt Lake and Utah’s water resources, and economic development in the form of professional sports and community revitalization.

During the session, the Salt Lake Chamber diligently tracked and monitored 236 business-related bills. Our appreciation extends to the collaborative efforts of bill sponsors, legislative leadership and especially our stakeholder partners who helped advocate for bills, keeping Utah as the business-friendly place that we know it to be. An achievement like this truly wouldn’t be possible without everyone coming together in a show of strength for Utah’s business community.

Every year, the Chamber designates certain bills that align with our Public Policy Guide as Priority Votes. This year, an impressive 90% of these specially marked bills passed the legislature. These priority votes are aimed at tackling critical issues such as Utah’s housing shortage, preparing for growth as we examine how to best utilize our water resources, creating business-friendly AI regulation that will protect consumers, and strengthening the talent pipeline between higher education and the workforce. We are also happy to report that 100% of the bills opposed by the Chamber did not pass. Again, we recognize and appreciate the cohesive efforts from the business community and the legislature, both focused on ensuring these new laws help foster innovation and businesses’ success.

The session may be over, but the policy work that champions business remains steadfast. We consider this legislative session successful for the Chamber’s policy priorities and business community. We appreciate the work of our legislators and extend our sincere gratitude to this year’s Legislative Business Champions.

Sincerely,

Derek Miller President & CEO

Salt Lake Chamber

Nathan Callister 2024-2025 Board Chair

Salt Lake Chamber

2024 Legislative Session by the Numbers

OBJECTIVES

The Salt Lake Chamber’s Legislative Scorecard is a report that evaluates how well Utah’s legislators voted on priority bills during the 2024 Legislative Session. The scorecard is based on a set of criteria established by the Salt Lake Chamber, which represents the interests of Utah’s business community.

Legislative Session Highlights

During the legislative session, the Salt Lake Chamber Board of Directors designates top priorities of the business community to be considered as “Priority Votes.” These bills are listed below.

SALT LAKE CHAMBER PRIORITY VOTES

H.B. 13 INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING DISTRICTS

Sponsored by Rep. James A. Dunnigan and Sen. Kirk A. Cullimore

This bill enables the creation of infrastructure financing districts to foster housing development. It allows for the issuance of bonds and assessments to fund infrastructure, ensuring completion before occupancy permits are issued.

Currently, there are tens of thousands of plots in various cities that have been zoned and entitled for residential use and construction. Many of these residential plots are not able to be developed because they lack critical infrastructure. This bill creates a financing tool for developers to construct the needed infrastructure to support the proposed residential units and increase Utah’s housing supply.

H.B. 298 HOMELESSNESS SERVICES AMENDMENTS

Sponsored by Rep. Tyler Clancy and Sen. Kirk A. Cullimore

This bill enhances the state’s approach to homelessness by updating strategic plans, establishing reporting requirements and creating a Shelter Cities Advisory Board.

The needs of communities across the state vary greatly, and this bill will allow local councils to use a more tailored approach to help individuals exit homelessness. It will also help businesses maintain safe environments to operate as well as help individuals access the resources they need to become a member of the workforce.

H.B. 410 UTAH SAN RAFAEL STATE ENERGY LAB

Sponsored by Rep. Christine F. Watkins and Sen. David Hinkins

This bill establishes the State Energy Lab. Its purpose is to support innovative approaches to energy research and development. It will consider energy research and development projects with commercialization potential as well as provide policy analysis and proposals to legislators.

This bill will help Utah strengthen its “all-of-the-above” approach to energy sources. By considering the viability of alternative energy resources while still providing for base load energy, we can continue to keep energy costs among the most affordable in the nation.

H.B. 465 HOUSING AFFORDABILITY REVISIONS

Sponsored by Rep. Stephen L. Whyte and Sen. Lincoln Fillmore

This bill introduces additional reporting requirements for municipalities and counties regarding residential dwelling units. It allows pass-through funding for housing organizations — funding that the organization has to match — to invest in rental units for individuals at or below 80% of the area median income.

Housing is a workforce issue. This bill will help increase the supply of affordable housing, which can help people live close to where they work and stabilize Utah’s workforce.

S.B. 149 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AMENDMENTS

Sponsored by Sen. Kirk A. Cullimore and Rep. Jefferson Moss

This bill defines artificial intelligence, assesses liability, and establishes an Artificial Intelligence Policy Act to inform regulation and encourage tech development.

The artificial intelligence landscape is changing at an incredibly rapid pace. This bill will allow AI businesses to work with the Department of Commerce to establish regulation that will help the AI industry flourish in a responsible and measured manner.

S.B. 168 AFFORDABLE BUILDING AMENDMENTS

Sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Fillmore and Rep. Stephen L. Whyte

This bill establishes standards for the construction of modular buildings and addresses regulation and inspection of the modular units to be used in residential construction.

This bill opens the door to innovative housing solutions. Allowing modular construction and establishing regulations pertaining to residential use will help increase the housing supply and stabilize prices in the long term.

Sponsored by Sen. Luz Escamilla and Rep. Robert M. Spendlove

This bill would have identified vacant, state-owned buildings to be retrofitted to house a child care program. Businesses would have been able to lease the space from the state to establish a certified child care program for the children of their employees.

Child care is an economic issue as well as a workforce issue. Annually, it is expected that Utah experiences an estimated loss of $1.36 billion due to child care shortages. It is also a workforce issue as most families need two incomes to survive, and affordable child care providers are limited.

S.B. 176 CHILD CARE SERVICES AMENDMENTS**

S.B. 192 HIGHER EDUCATION AMENDMENTS

Sponsored by Sen. Ann Millner and Rep. Karen M. Peterson

This bill directs the Talent Ready Utah board to create initiatives for expanded credential programs.

This bill will help maximize students’ educational and work experience by fostering relationships between business and higher education. This will help the workforce be more reflective of the business community’s needs.

S.B. 211 GENERATIONAL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE AMENDMENTS

Sponsored by President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Mike Schultz

This bill creates the Water District Water Development Council to advise on generational water infrastructure development and needs. The Council is to consider future population growth and economic development in order to adequately plan for the needed water in Utah.

All businesses need access to water to operate, and as our state continues to grow, it is imperative to make sure we are utilizing this finite resource efficiently. This bill will help preserve both our natural environment as well as our business environment while supporting our growth.

ACT

Sponsored by Sen. Wayne A. Harper and Rep. Calvin R. Musselman

This bill creates a new zoning designation that counties and municipalities may use to increase the supply of affordable housing. This zone will require mixed-use development, deed-restricted units with a higher density and will allow the capture of a tax increment.

This bill provides another tool that counties and municipalities may utilize to help increase the supply of housing for Utah’s workforce.

S.B. 268 FIRST HOME INVESTMENT ZONE

SALT LAKE CHAMBER OPPOSED BILLS

H.B. 111 EMPLOYMENT TRAINING REQUIREMENT LIMITATIONS**

Sponsored by Rep. Tim Jimenez and Sen. Daniel McCay

H.B. 304 ALCOHOL CONTROL AMENDMENTS**

Sponsored by Rep. Ken Ivory

H.B. 305 POST-EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS AMENDMENTS**

Sponsored by Rep. Brady Brammer

S.B. 30 PROPERTY TRANSACTION AMENDMENTS**

Sponsored by Sen. Daniel McCay and Rep. Steve Eliason

S.B. 152 COST SHARING AMENDMENTS**

Sponsored by Sen. Curtis S. Bramble and Rep. Kera Birkeland

S.B. 153 IDLING AMENDMENTS**

Sponsored by Sen. Nate Blouin **Did not pass

2024 Legislative Business Champions

The Legislature plays a key role in preserving Utah’s pro-business climate, and every year the Salt Lake Chamber honors legislators who support a pro-economy and pro-business agenda with the title of “Business Champion.” The designation of Business Champion is directly tied to a legislator’s voting record on Salt Lake Chamber “Priority Votes.” Legislators receive the award for supporting at least 90% of the Chamber’s priority bills.

House

50/75 (67%)

Speaker Mike Schultz

Rep. Cheryl K. Acton

Rep. Carl R. Albrecht

Rep. Melissa Garff Ballard

Rep. Stewart E. Barlow

Rep. Gay Lynn Bennion

Rep. Bridger Bolinder

Rep. Joel K. Briscoe

Rep. Scott H. Chew

Rep. Kay J. Christofferson

Rep. Tyler Clancy

Rep. James F. Cobb

Rep. Paul A. Cutler

Rep. Jennifer DaileyProvost

Rep. Ariel Defay

Rep. James A. Dunnigan

Rep. Steve Eliason

Rep. Brett Garner

Rep. Stephanie Gricius

Rep. Katy Hall

Rep. Sahara Hayes

Rep. Sandra Hollins

Rep. Colin W. Jack

Rep. Dan N. Johnson

Rep. Marsha Judkins

Rep. Brian S. King

Rep. Jason B. Kyle

Rep. Rosemary T. Lesser

Rep. Anthony Loubet

Rep. Matt MacPherson

Rep. A. Cory Maloy

Rep. Ashlee Matthews

Rep. Carol Spackman

Moss

Rep. Jefferson Moss

Rep. Calvin R. Musselman

Rep. Michael J. Petersen

Rep. Thomas W. Peterson

Rep. Val L. Peterson

Rep. Susan Pulsipher

Rep. Casey Snider

Rep. Robert M. Spendlove

Rep. Jeffrey D. Stenquist

Rep. Andrew Stoddard

Rep. Mark A. Strong

Rep. Jordan D. Teuscher

Rep. R. Neil Walter

Rep. Raymond P. Ward

Rep. Christine F. Watkins

Rep. Stephen L. Whyte

Rep. Ryan D. Wilcox

Senate

(76%)

President J. Stuart Adams

Sen. David G. Buxton

Sen. Kirk A. Cullimore

Sen. Luz Escamilla

Sen. Lincoln Fillmore

Sen. Keith Grover

Sen. Wayne A. Harper

Sen. David P. Hinkins

Sen. Don L. Ipson

Sen. Karen Kwan

Sen. Michael K. McKell

Sen. Ann Millner

Sen. Stephanie Pitcher

Sen. Jen Plumb

Sen. Kathleen A. Riebe

Sen. Scott D. Sandall

Sen. Jerry W. Stevenson

Sen. Daniel W. Thatcher

Sen. Evan J. Vickers

Sen. Todd D. Weiler

Sen. Chris H. Wilson

Sen. Ronald M. Winterton

2024 Legislator of the Year | Senate

Senator Kirk A. Cullimore

The Salt Lake Chamber is delighted to present Senator Kirk A. Cullimore with this award. He has proven to be a bona fide Legislative Business Champion by being consistently responsive to the Chamber’s concerns about bills, and working to bring various pieces of legislation to a business friendly place. His bill, S.B. 149, Artificial Intelligence Amendments, was a priority bill for the Chamber this year because it sets up an environment where businesses and government can work together to create a regulatory framework that will both foster innovation and protect consumers. This bill is an example of Sen. Cullimore’s ability to create innovative solutions in uncharted policy territory. This is the second year in a row that Sen. Cullimore has been recognized with this award.

ABOUT SENATOR KIRK A. CULLIMORE

Senator Kirk A. Cullimore currently represents Senate District 18. He has served in the Utah State Senate since his election in 2018. Sen. Cullimore received a Bachelor’s Degree in music from Brigham Young University. He later earned his law degree at the University of Oklahoma. He began his law career in Oklahoma primarily in Federal Indian Law including tribal business transactions, gaming law, organization and development of tribal policies and procedures, and administrative law. His practice in Oklahoma also included areas of general business and contract law, property management, fair housing, homeowner association and collections. He returned to Utah to work for the practice established by his father which focuses on property management, fair housing, collections and real property. Sen. Cullimore and his wife Heather live in Sandy, Utah with their six children.

2024 Legislator of the Year | House

Representative James A. Dunnigan

The Salt Lake Chamber is delighted to present Representative James A. Dunnigan with this award. Representative Dunnigan has been designated a Legislative Business Champion 10 times from the years 2011-2023. His bill, H.B. 13, Infrastructure Financing Districts, was a priority bill for the Chamber this year because it will help areas of land that have already been zoned and designated for residential use to finance the needed infrastructure to support these houses. Not only is this an innovative way to address the housing shortage, but it also demonstrates Rep. Dunnigan’s ability to convene stakeholders over a contentious issue and reach consensus to effectuate change that will positively impact all Utahns.

ABOUT REPRESENTATIVE JAMES A. DUNNIGAN

Representative James A. Dunnigan serves as the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Utah House. He is a dedicated public servant and advocate for the residents of District 36 in Taylorsville and West Jordan. He served on the Taylorsville/Bennion Community Council from 1991 to 1996, helped organize Taylorsville as a city, then served on its inaugural City Council, from 1996 to 2002. Rep. Dunnigan is a small business owner in Taylorsville. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Utah. When not working or doing legislative business, Rep. Dunnigan enjoys playing competitive volleyball and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

2024 Business Member Legislative Champion

Amanda Covington, The Larry H. Miller Company

ABOUT AMANDA COVINGTON

Amanda Covington is this year’s Business Member Legislative Champion. She wore many different hats during the legislative session, and was a key advocate for many business-related bills. Covington helped pass legislation that created a reinvestment district that is not only anticipated to house a future MLB team, but will allow the influx of billions of dollars of private investment into a blighted area that is overrun with drugs and crime. We are grateful for her partnership, and are delighted to honor her with this award.

Amanda Covington is chief corporate affairs officer for the Larry H. Miller Company. Covington has more than 20 years of experience leading corporate communications and government relations strategies impacting financial communications, crisis communications, domestic and international media/public relations, corporate branding and advertising, digital media, employee relations, public policy and legislation, industry associations, and community relations. She serves on the Utah Board of Higher Education, is an executive board member for the Utah Women’s Leadership Institute, is on the advisory boards for First Lady Abby Cox’s ShowUp Utah! initiative and The Policy Project, and serves on the board of directors for the Salt Lake Chamber. Covington also served as a trustee for Weber State University and Davis Technical College. She is a graduate of the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the Honors College and a Master of Public Administration. Covington enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.