2026 Legislative Session Week 6

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2026 General Session with Rep. Thompson

Hello District 3,

Welcome to the last week of the 2026 Legislative Session! The final stretch is always intense, but it’s also when we make sure the details are right, and the outcomes truly serve our communities. I’m committed to seeing this work through responsibly.

Week 6 Update

Personal Privilege

Last week, I had the privilege of welcoming guests to do the Prayer & Pledge on the House Floor. My stake president, Seth Tait, offered the prayer, and Hyde Park Mayor Bryan Cox led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I'm sincerely grateful to both of them and their families for joining me at the Capitol, and for serving our communities so diligently.

Research Day on the Hill

Last week was one of my favorites on the Hill—Research Day! Master’s students from across Utah gathered in the rotunda to present their research directly to legislators. It’s always encouraging to see the depth of talent and innovation coming out of our universities. These students are tackling real-world challenges with thoughtful, data-driven work, and it’s a great reminder that the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers is already hard at work right here in our state.

Students on the Hill

I also had the chance to visit with students from the BYU Master of Public Administration program while they were at the Capitol. As an MPA grad myself, it’s always refreshing to spend time with students who are preparing for careers in public service and policy as well. Their questions were thoughtful, their perspective was sharp, and it’s clear they care deeply about making government work better for the people it serves. Utah’s future is in good hands with leaders like these stepping up.

We got a visit from Professor Damon Cann's political science class as well from Utah State University. Rep. Karen Peterson and Rep. Mike Peterson joined us, and the students asked great questions about the structure of government and the legislative process. I visited this same class back in January, so it was nice to be able to show them the Capitol in person. I would encourage them all to get involved and apply for the Legislative internships!

Supporting Utah Families

Supporting Utah families has been a key priority during my service in the Legislature. I’m proud to be part of the work this session to make child care easier to find and more affordable for Utah parents.

The legislature has been working to expand the child tax credit so more working families can qualify and keep more of what they earn. We’re also strengthening paid leave by extending postpartum recovery leave, adoption leave, and foster leave, giving families the time they need during life’s biggest transitions. And my bill, HB190, encourages employers, especially small businesses, to expand child care options through stronger incentives for on-site and off-site support. These are practical steps that ease financial pressure, expand access to care, and help parents build strong, stable families right here in Utah.

We're in the home stretch of the Session, and it's an honor to serve you in the Utah House. Keep following me on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates throughout the week.

As always, feel free to reach out on my legislative page with any questions, concerns, or ideas you may have. I want to hear from you!

Thank you,

Jason Thompson
Representative, House District 3

Update on Pending Legislation

HB 190 Child Care Business Tax Credit - Passed the House, assigned to Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee

Increases the size of available tax credits for small businesses that spend money on providing child care for employees.
Eliminates the requirement to claim a construction tax credit before qualifying for a child care credit.

HB 265 Non-nicotine Inhalation Product Amendments - Passed unanimously in the House; introduced in the Senate

Mandates registration for non-nicotine inhalation products and cannabinoid electronic cigarettes.
Creates civil penalties for selling products that are not registered.
Defines illegal distribution of these products as a criminal offense.

HB 520 Higher Education Student Housing Study - Passed the House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee, now on the House 3rd Reading Calendar

Requires the governor's office, in consultation with the commissioner of higher education, to complete a feasibility study regarding the impact of higher education student housing on surrounding communities.

HB 553 - Dog Attack Amendments - Received favorable recommendation from the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee

Establishes that an individual injured in a dog attack may bring a claim for damages within four years of the injury.
Raises the maximum award for a bodily injury claim.

SB 58 Public School Attendance Amendments - Passed the House Education Committee, received a substitution

Establishes stronger attendance tracking, accountability, and reporting requirements for schools.
Requires school districts to implement attendance interventions and measure their effectiveness.
Expands allowable use of School LAND Trust funds to include chronic absenteeism efforts.

HJR 29 Resolution in Support of the Upward Mobility Act - Received fiscal note

Proclaims that the Legislature supports the enactment of the Upward Mobility Act by the United States Congress.
Highlights Utah's achievements as the state with the most upward mobility.

My Legislative Page

During the 2025 General Legislative Session, I successfully sponsored and passed numerous bills that have benefitted our Cache Valley community.

To view my legislative page and information about my role in the Utah State House of Representatives, click here.