Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the first week of the 2026 General Session! It's great to be back on the Hill working to help improve District 26 and the great state of Utah.

The first week of the session is about setting the tone for the months ahead, reviewing legislation, and focusing on the responsibilities we owe to the people who sent us here.

This year, I'm bringing back two bills I ran last session: Unlicensed Driver Amendments and Tax Return Donation Amendments. We ran out of time to pass these bills last year, but I strongly believe they are important for keeping our communities safe and supported in the future.

HB136 is a bill to increase the penalties for drivers who are operating vehicles without any form of learner's permit, driving privilege, or driver's license. Many Utahns have been affected, injured, and even killed by unlicensed drivers, and I am committed to reducing the number of unsafe drivers on Utah roads.

HB148 is a bill that creates a School Meals Debt Relief Fund, allowing individual taxpayers to designate contributions to the fund on tax returns, if they choose. 

Throughout the session, I'll update you on the progress of these, and other bills I am running this year.

My approach this session remains the same: pursue thoughtful, constitutional, and common-sense solutions that strengthen families, protect individual rights, and ensure government stays within its proper role.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments you have. Your input and involvement help shape the work we do here every day. 

Thank you,

Matt MacPherson
Representative, House District 26