We stand as the voice of business, we support our members’ success and we champion community prosperity.
Dear Business Leader,
Utah’s 2025 Legislative Session made history, with a record-breaking 959 bills introduced, 584 passed and a $30.8 billion budget appropriated. Lawmakers took on pressing issues, zeroing in on energy, education and workforce development, homelessness and public safety, and immigration.
During the session, the Salt Lake Chamber diligently tracked and monitored 334 businessrelated bills. Utah’s pro-business environment thrives because of the unwavering commitment of bill sponsors, legislative leaders and engaged stakeholders, including leaders like you in the business community. Their advocacy and collaboration were instrumental in driving key legislation forward, proving once again that when we work together, we build a stronger future for businesses across the state.
Every year, the Chamber identifies bills that align with our Public Policy Guide as Priority Votes. This year, we are happy to report that 100% of these designated priority bills passed the Utah Legislature. Our priority bills this year presented innovative solutions and approaches to Utah’s housing shortage, endorsed all-of-the-above energy technologies and strengthened the workforce talent pipeline, among other business and economy bolstering initiatives.
While the 2025 Legislative Session has concluded, our commitment to advocating for business policies continues without pause. This legislative session marks a win for the Chamber’s priorities and the broader business community. We thank our legislators for their efforts and offer our heartfelt appreciation to this year’s Legislative Business Champions.
Sincerely,
Derek Miller President & CEO Salt Lake Chamber
Nathan Callister 2024-2025 Board Chair Salt Lake Chamber
2025 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 2025 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. 24 LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY AMENDMENTS
Sponsored by Rep. Nelson T. Abbott and Sen. Todd Weiler
Extends the sunset date for a statute that limits employer liability when hiring individuals with criminal records, specifically preventing negligence claims based solely on an employee’s criminal history.
By fostering employment opportunities for justice-involved individuals, this bill benefits both communities and businesses. It connects individuals seeking a second chance with employers in need of dedicated workers, contributing to lower recidivism rates, increased workforce participation and overall economic growth.
H.B. 37 UTAH HOUSING AMENDMENTS
Sponsored by Rep. James A. Dunnigan and Sen. Lincoln Fillmore
Directs the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget to develop a statewide housing plan and identify the most effective strategies for increasing moderateincome housing supply.
The Legislature has implemented various innovative measures to maintain affordable housing for Utahns. This bill enhances those efforts by prioritizing practical, data-informed solutions to Utah’s growing housing needs, helping communities maintain affordability and stability.
H.B. 106 INCOME TAX REVISIONS
Sponsored by Rep. Kay J. Christofferson and Sen. Dan McCay
Reduces individual and corporate income taxes, establishes a tax credit for employer-provided child care and expands the child tax credit for children under the age of six.
With child care challenges costing Utah an estimated $1.36 billion annually, this bill helps working families and incentivizes businesses to invest in child care solutions that support a more stable and productive workforce.
H.B. 167 OFFENDER REINTEGRATION AMENDMENTS
Sponsored by Rep. Tyler Clancy and Sen. Stephanie Pitcher
Expands support services for individuals on probation or parole by coordinating efforts between mental health authorities and county justice councils to connect them with housing, employment and other critical resources, while also creating a restricted fund to support reentry efforts and reduce recidivism.
A key driver of Utah’s top-ranked economy is its strong workforce. This bill underscores the importance of ensuring all Utahns have the opportunity to participate in the workforce and to build stable, self-sufficient lives.
H.B. 249 NUCLEAR POWER AMENDMENTS
Sponsored by Rep. Carl R. Albrecht and Sen. Ann Millner
Establishes a Nuclear Energy Consortium to advise the Office of Energy Development and the Legislature on nuclear technologies, safety and related policy development.
Laying the groundwork for nuclear energy supports Utah’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, and this bill helps ensure a diversified, secure and forwardlooking energy future.
H.B. 329 HOMELESS SERVICES AMENDMENTS
Sponsored by Rep. Tyler Clancy and Sen. Daniel McCay
Requires the Office of Homeless Services Board to regularly update their strategic plan to reflect homelessness data trends and performance and accountability metrics. It also creates the Homeless Services Provider Program to ensure providers implement measurable, evidence-based practices.
This bill strengthens Utah’s commitment to data-driven solutions that increase accountability and improve long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness.
H.B. 368 LOCAL LAND USE AMENDMENTS
Sponsored by Rep. Stephen L. Whyte and Sen. Lincoln Fillmore
Establishes timeframes for reviewing building permits and approving installed subdivisions, with requirements tailored to each county’s classification, and streamlines approvals for identical buildings.
By improving predictability and efficiency in the land use process, this bill accelerates housing development, which ultimately provides employees with greater access to affordable housing options near their place of employment, and reduces delays and costs for both businesses and Utahns, supporting economic growth and community development.
H.B. 447 STATEWIDE CATALYST CAMPUS MODEL
Sponsored by Speaker Mike Schultz and Sen. Ann Millner
Creates a statewide grant program to support Catalyst Campuses. It prioritizes grant applications based on innovative programming informed by labor market data, industry collaboration, alignment with postsecondary institutions and efforts to address gaps in high-demand career pathways.
This bill strengthens Utah’s talent pipeline by enhancing student career pathways through partnerships between businesses and higher education institutions. Aligning workforce development with industry needs ensures a more skilled and job-ready talent pool.
HEALTH MODIFICATIONS
Sponsored by Rep. Steve Eliason and Sen. Evan J. Vickers
Grants the Department of Health and Human Services rulemaking authority for licensing behavioral health receiving centers. It also includes provisions for voluntarily committed firearms, funding for the Live On suicide prevention campaign and Medicaid rate adjustments for peer support specialists.
This bill implemented several of the recommendations from the Utah Behavioral Health Commission. Supporting behavioral health infrastructure strengthens Utah’s workforce by ensuring employees have access to critical mental health resources, leading to greater productivity and stability. It also helps businesses reduce absenteeism, improve workplace well-being and foster a healthier economic environment.
H.B. 491 BEHAVIORAL
S.B. 38 MANUFACTURING MODERNIZATION GRANT SUNSET AMENDMENTS
Sponsored by Sen. Ann Millner and Rep. Colin W. Jack Extends the Manufacturing Modernization Grant program to allow for the use of remaining funds for qualified manufacturing projects across the state.
This successful program has delivered an impressive return on investment over the past two years. It boosts local economies by creating manufacturing jobs, particularly in rural areas, reduces reliance on foreign manufacturing and sustains Utah’s leadership in manufacturing job growth.
S.B. 162 TALENT CONNECT
Sponsored by Sen. Ann Millner and Rep. Jefferson Moss
Establishes a talent portal to connect students and recent graduates with high-wage job opportunities and launches a cooperative education pilot program that allows students to gain professional experience while maintaining full-time enrollment.
By aligning talent development with real-time workforce needs, this bill helps students start strong careers while giving employers access to skilled, job-ready candidates. This initiative strengthens Utah’s workforce pipeline, ensuring long-term economic growth and competitiveness.
S.B. 181 HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AMENDMENTS
Sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Fillmore and Rep. Stephen L. Whyte
Allows garage spaces to count toward parking minimums for single-family affordable housing and prohibits mandatory garage construction for deedrestricted homes.
By eliminating the garage requirement, this bill helps reduce construction costs, making housing more attainable for Utahns. It also allows homebuilders greater flexibility to meet Utah’s diverse and growing housing needs.
Sponsored by Sen. Ann Millner and Rep. Logan Monson
Affirms Utah’s support for a national strategy on critical minerals and calls on private industry to create a technical working group to advise state leaders.
With the capacity to produce 40 of the 50 critical minerals identified by the U.S. Department of Energy, Utah is well-positioned to play a key role in this space. This bill strengthens high-tech industries, enhances economic resilience and bolsters national security.
S.J.R.
2025 Legislative Business Champions
The designation of Legislative Business Champion honors legislators that support at least 85% of the Salt Lake Chamber’s priority bills during the session, as well as those for their partnership with the Chamber’s work of advancing pro-business policies.
House
51/75 (68%)
Speaker Mike Schultz
Rep. Nelson T. Abbott
Rep. Cheryl K. Acton
Rep. Carl R. Albrecht
Rep. Melissa Garff Ballard
Rep. Stewart E. Barlow
Rep. Gay Lynn Bennion
Rep. Bridger Bolinder
Rep. Walt Brooks
Rep. Jefferson S. Burton
Rep. Scott H. Chew
Rep. Kay J. Christofferson
Rep. Tyler Clancy
Rep. Paul A. Cutler
Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost
Rep. Ariel Defay
Rep. James A. Dunnigan
Rep. Joseph Elison
Rep. Steve Eliason
Rep. Jake Fitisemanu
Rep. Matthew H. Gwynn
Rep. Jon Hawkins
Rep. Sahara Hayes
Rep. Sandra Hollins
Rep. Ken Ivory
Rep. Colin W. Jack
Rep. Jill Koford
Rep. Karianne Lisonbee
Rep. A. Cory Maloy
Rep. Ashlee Matthews
Rep. Tracy Miller
Rep. Logan Monson
Rep. Jefferson Moss
Rep. Hoang Nguyen
Rep. Clint Okerlund
Rep. Doug Owens
Rep. Karen M. Peterson
Rep. Thomas W. Peterson
Rep. Calvin Roberts
Rep. Angela Romero
Rep. Jake Sawyer
Rep. David Shallenberger
Rep. Rex P. Shipp
Rep. Casey Snider
Rep. Andrew Stoddard
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 26/29 (90%)
President J. Stuart Adams
Sen. Heidi Balderree
Sen. Brady Brammer
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. John D. Johnson
Sen. Karen Kwan
Sen. Daniel McCay
Sen. Michael K. McKell
Sen. Ann Millner
Sen. Calvin R. Musselman
Sen. Derrin R. Owens
Sen. Jen Plumb
Sen. Scott D. Sandall
Sen. Jerry W. Stevenson
Sen. Keven J. Stratton
Sen. Daniel W. Thatcher
Sen. Evan J. Vickers
Sen. Todd Weiler
Sen. Chris H. Wilson
Sen. Ronald M. Winterton
2025 Legislator of the Year | Senate
Senator Ann Millner
Sen. F. Ann Millner represents Senate District 5, encompassing parts of Davis, Morgan and Weber counties. Elected to the Senate in 2015, she currently serves as chair of the Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee, Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, School Security Task Force and Senate Ethics Committee. Additionally, Sen. Millner contributes her leadership and expertise to several legislative collaborative organizations across the nation, including the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Foundation Board of Directors and Executive Committee. She is a distinguished member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Commission, Education Commission of the States (ECS) Commission, ExcelinEd Policy Leaders Network member and chair of the NCSL Higher Education task Force.
Born in Middlesboro, Kentucky, and raised in Clarksville, Tennessee, Sen. Millner’s academic journey includes a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, a master’s from Southwest Texas State University and a doctorate from Brigham Young University. She is distinguished as a regents professor of health administration and served as president of Weber State University from 2002 to 2012. Under President Millner’s leadership, Weber State University expanded into a multicampus institution, saw a nearly 40% rise in enrollment and strengthened its community partnerships.
Sen. Millner’s legislative efforts are driven by a deep commitment to enhancing Utah’s education system and fostering economic development. She has championed policy aimed at strengthening workforce preparation, improving public and higher education, bolstering our aerospace defense industries and expanding access to affordable health care.
The Salt Lake Chamber is delighted to present Sen. Millner with this award. She was also awarded this same honor in 2018. In addition to her countless contributions to the state, the Salt Lake Chamber has designated her as a Legislative Business Champion every year since being elected to the Senate. Sen. Millner sponsored three of the Chamber’s four priority bills in the Senate, including S.B. 38, Manufacturing Modernization Grant Sunset Amendments, S.B. 162, Talent Connect and S.J.R. 11, Joint Resolution Regarding Critical Minerals.
2025 Legislator of the Year | House
Representative Tyler Clancy
Rep. Tyler Clancy represents House District 60, which encompasses Brigham Young University (BYU), along with parts of Downtown and East Provo.
Elected at 25, he is the youngest person ever elected to the Utah State Legislature. Since his election, Rep. Clancy has worked hard to represent his neighbors in Provo by taking on tough issues that matter most. Earlier this year, he was appointed chair of the House Ethics Committee. Rep. Clancy also serves the community as a Provo Police Detective and is lucky to be married to the love of his life, Leah.
The Salt Lake Chamber is proud to honor Rep. Clancy for his leadership. As the sponsor of two of the Chamber’s priority bills this session, he has combined compassion with his law enforcement experience to advance policies that address homelessness, enhance public safety and support workforce reentry. His efforts contribute to a safer, more supportive and economically resilient Utah.
2025 Business Member Legislative Champion
Erin Barry, Merit Medical Systems
Erin Barry is vice president of government affairs for Merit Medical Systems, headquartered in South Jordan, Utah. As head of Government Affairs, Barry oversees all company local, state, federal and global government relations in jurisdictions in which Merit has manufacturing facilities or sales offices. These include the states of Utah, Texas, Virginia, California and Massachusetts and the countries of The UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Canada, France, Singapore, Australia, Brazil, China, The UAE and Mexico.
Barry directs all state and federal lobbying efforts on key issues including taxation, international trade and tariffs, FDA regulation and state and local economic incentives and compliance.
Prior to joining Merit in 2015, Barry was Deputy Director of Government Affairs for the National Air Traffic Controllers (NATCA), where she was responsible for Congressional outreach and lobbying efforts. Prior to NATCA, Barry was Vice President of Government Affairs for Unspam, a technology startup offering unique filtering software to state governments to protect minors from inappropriate internet content.
Barry has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Media and Politics from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Salt Lake Chamber, BioUtah (Vice Chair), Utah Taxpayers Association (Chairman), Utah Manufacturers Association (Vice Chair), and Mothers for Awareness and Prevention of Drug Abuse (MAPDA). Barry lives in Park City with her husband, Greg Fredde, and their two children.
The Salt Lake Chamber extends its sincere gratitude to Barry for her unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions over the years in helping maintain Utah’s reputation as a business-friendly state. Her leadership has been evident through her service as chair of several key policy committees, where she has helped shape meaningful dialogue and drive impactful outcomes. Currently serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Barry remains a vital voice in our policy work. Her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration on complex issues has been instrumental in advancing the Chamber’s mission. Barry’s dedication, insight and strategic approach make her an invaluable asset to the organization and the broader business community.
slchamber.com