Legislation

HB88 attempted to require verification of valid immigration status to access certain major state- or grant-funded healthcare and social services programs or grants. These programs are currently exempt from checking immigration status in alignment with federal law. These services included food assistance (including for children), vaccinations, services for domestic violence victims, housing assistance, testing and treatment of communicable diseases, and more.  

This bill would have eliminated Utah’s driving privilege card program, which allows Utah residents who are not eligible for a REAL ID document or are unable to establish lawful presence to obtain a driver’s license. This program promotes public safety by allowing all drivers to be screened for driving ability and to obtain auto insurance, protecting everyone on Utah roads. The bill would have also required local law enforcement to notify ICE of car accidents involving a driver without lawful immigration status, further intertwining local law enforcement duties with federal immigration enforcement.  

SB136 attempted to ban federal law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other immigration enforcement officers, from wearing masks while performing their duties. The bill also included a provision prohibiting facilities operated by state or local governments from allowing federal immigration enforcement into non-public areas of sensitive locations, including libraries, healthcare facilities, courthouses, and more.  

HB294 would have changed the law regarding which private employers are required to use the federal E-Verify system to verify employees’ immigration status. Current law requires this of all private employers with over 150 employees, but HB294 would have lowered that threshold to 50 employees. The bill also created criminal penalties for using fraudulent identification to obtain employment.  

HB571 was a sweeping anti-immigrant bill. It would have imposed broad restrictions on non-citizens, limiting their ability to bank, work, and live freely in Utah. The bill would have prohibited banks from opening accounts or issuing loans to anyone using a foreign ID.