2026 Utah Legislative Session Housing Recap

What Passed, What Didn’t, and What It Means for Housing

The 2026 Utah Legislative Session has wrapped up, and housing was front and center in conversations across the state.

The year brought a mix of meaningful progress, a few missed opportunities, and continued momentum toward addressing Utah’s housing challenges.

From major infrastructure investments and land-use reforms to a wide range of policies, lawmakers considered measures that will shape Utah’s housing landscape for years to come.

The Utah Governor has until March 26th to sign or veto these bills. Be sure to click on each bill to see its current status. We will send any needed updates on the 27th. 

Below is a breakdown of key housing-related bills. See what passed, what failed, and why it matters. Let’s start with the good news first! 

Key Housing Wins of the Session

HB 492 — Transportation, Infrastructure, and Housing Amendments

Primary Sponsor: Representative Calvin Roberts

Senate Sponsor: Senator Kirk A. Cullimore

HB 492 establishes the State Housing Infrastructure Partnership Fund, a $100 million loan program designed to help local governments finance infrastructure projects that enable new housing development. One of the biggest barriers to housing production isn’t just land; it’s the cost of infrastructure like roads, water, and sewer. By helping communities fund these upfront costs, HB 492 directly supports the creation of new housing supply across Utah.

HB 68 — Housing and Community Development Amendments

Primary Sponsor: Representative Calvin Roberts

Senate Sponsor: Senator Lincoln Fillmore

HB 68 reorganizes dozens of housing-related programs under the newly created Division of Housing and Community Development within the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). This bill aims to streamline oversight, improve coordination, and reduce fragmentation across housing initiatives. With housing programs previously spread across multiple agencies, this consolidation could lead to more efficient and strategic policymaking.

SB 284 — Local Land Use Modifications

Primary Sponsor: Senator Lincoln Fillmore

Joint Sponsor: Representative Jill Koford

SB 284 expands housing options by requiring many cities to allow detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—small, independent homes built on the same lot as a primary residence.

The bill applies to:

• Cities with 10,000+ residents, or

• Cities with 5,000+ residents in counties of at least 40,000 people

While the bill sets baseline standards, it still allows local flexibility in implementation. The bill is a meaningful step toward “missing middle” housing, gently increasing density while maintaining neighborhood character.

SB 270 — State Court Amendments

Primary Sponsor: Senator Kirk A. Cullimore

House Sponsor: Representative Jordan D. Teuscher

SB 270 creates a Collections and Housing Court and expands access to:

• Mediation

• Legal counsel for tenants facing eviction

This bill represents an important move toward housing stability and due process, helping tenants navigate eviction proceedings more fairly and efficiently.

Missed Opportunities AKA Good Bills That Died

HB 29 — Unfair and Deceptive Pricing Amendments

Primary Sponsor: Representative Tyler Clancy

Senate Sponsor: Senator Evan J. Vickers

This bill would have targeted hidden fees, like pest control or utility administration, that can add hundreds of dollars to renters’ monthly costs. Its failure means renters remain vulnerable to non-transparent pricing practices that worsen affordability challenges.

SB 76 & SB 187 — Rent Reporting for Credit Building

SB 76 — Residential Rental Payment Reporting Amendments

Primary  Sponsor: Senator Jen Plumb

SB 187 — Renter Credit Reporting Amendments

Primary Sponsor: Senator Stephanie Pitcher

These bills would have allowed tenants to report their rent payments to credit bureaus such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Both aimed to help renters build credit and transition to homeownership, but neither passed, leaving a significant gap in tools for upward mobility.

HB 184 — Small Lots and Starter Homes Amendments

Primary Sponsor: Representative Raymond P. Ward

Senate Sponsor: Lincoln Fillmore

HB 184 would have enabled more flexible development of smaller homes on smaller lots, unless local governments explicitly denied it within 45 days. While revised multiple times, the bill ultimately failed, delaying progress on incremental and attainable housing options.

SB 215 — Eviction Record Amendments

Primary Sponsor: Senator Stephanie Pitcher

House Sponsor: Representative Stephanie Gricius

This bill would have reduced the waiting period for expunging dismissed evictions from three years to one year. Although it passed the Senate, it stalled in the House, missing an opportunity to reduce long-term barriers for renters.

SB 309 — Single-family Home Rental Modifications

Sponsor: Senator John D. Johnson

SB 309 aimed to limit large investment firms from purchasing more than 25 single-family homes. In other words, the bill wanted to preserve starter homes for owner-occupants rather than institutional investors. The bill failed in committee.

HB 478 – Residential Rental Modifications

Sponsor: Representative John Arthur

Requires 60 days’ notice for rent increases or new fees. 

Other Notable Bills

HB 596 — Homelessness Amendments

Primary Sponsor: Representative Steve Eliason

Senate Sponsor: Senator Kirk A. Cullimore

Improves coordination, data tracking, and oversight in Utah’s homelessness response system. It also raises the “Code Blue” threshold from 18°F to 25°F, allowing shelters to open earlier in dangerous conditions.

SB 255 — Homelessness in Vulnerable Populations Amendments

Sponsor: Senator Nate Blouin

Creates a task force to assess housing and homelessness needs ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics, ensuring proactive planning for vulnerable populations.

SB 137 — Homeless Services Board Amendments

Sponsor: Senator Jen Plumb

Makes updates to the governance and structure of the state’s homelessness response system.

Bad Bill That Passed

HB 404 — Sex-Designated Housing Amendments

Primary Sponsor: Representative David Shallenberger

Senate Sponsor: Senator Brady Brammer

HB 404 raises concerns due to potential conflicts with the Fair Housing Act, creating legal and practical risks for both tenants and landlords. This bill may have unintended consequences for housing access and discrimination protections, and its implementation will be important to monitor.

Harmful Bills That Did Not Pass 

SB 97 — Tax Revenue Amendments

Sponsor: Senator Daniel McCay

Would have removed the primary residential property tax exemption from rental units, likely leading to significant rent increases across the state.

SB 78 — Property Tax Relief Amendments

Sponsor: Senator Daniel McCay

Would have eliminated a critical program supporting low-income seniors, veterans, and renters. Its failure preserves an essential affordability tool.

HB 516 — Landlord Communication Amendments

Primary Sponsor: Representative David Shallenberger

Joint Sponsor: Senator Scott Sandall

Would have weakened tenant protections. Ongoing work with stakeholders helped prevent its passage in its current form.

HB 386 (Incorporating HB 88 Provisions) — Immigration Amendments

Sponsor: Representative Lisa Shepherd

Includes provisions that could restrict access to education, licensing, and housing for immigrant communities, potentially increasing instability and limiting workforce participation.

Housing Related Request For Appropriations That Were Funded:

We’re thrilled to announce that the Utah Housing Coalition has received $100,000 in support from the Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee for our RFA, Housing Stability for Successful Reentry and Chronic Homelessness, sponsored by Representative Melissa Garff Ballard. We are excited to launch this pilot initiative with Utah State University and housing leaders across the state. This project takes an upstream, coordinated prevention approach to reducing recidivism by strengthening housing stability, financial capability, and partnerships across systems.

H.A.R. 61 - Statewide Mediation Program - Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee

H.A.R. 40 - Improving Home Purchasing Power for All Utahns - Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee

S.A.R. 85 - Afforda Acquisition Lending Fund - Economic and Community Development Appropriations Subcommittee

S.A.R. 55 - Utah's Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Funding - Economic and Community Development Appropriations Subcommittee

S.A.R. 35 - First-time Homebuyer Assistance Program - Economic and Community Development Appropriations Subcommittee

S.A.R. 46 - Housing Choice Voucher Incentive Program - Economic and Community Development Appropriations Subcommittee

H.A.R. 111 - Low Income Famlies Faces Hunger - Economic and Community Development Appropriations Subcommittee

We know there are many other RFA projects that were funded this session and deserve to be celebrated. If you would like to highlight your work from the 2026 legislative session in our newsletter, please feel free to reach out. Thank you all for your continued hard work and dedication!

Key Takeaways Moving Forward

• Expanding housing supply through infrastructure and land use reform

• Strengthening tenant protections and housing stability

• Improving coordination across housing programs

• Ensuring equitable access to housing opportunities

The Utah Housing Coalition will continue working with policymakers, partners, and communities to advance bipartisan solutions that ensure safe, stable, and affordable housing for all Utahns.