2026 Legislative Session Week 2

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2026 General Session with Rep. Thompson

Hello District 3!

The 2026 session has been off to a great start. I am humbled to work alongside my talented colleagues who are committed to improving Utah and our communities.

Week 2 Update

HB 190 Child Care Business Tax Credit

In partnership with The Policy Project, I had the opportunity to discuss the rising costs impacting Utah families from multiple directions. I am working to address these challenges through HB 190, Child Care Business Tax Credit.

This bill has received much support from community members and entrepreneurs alike. Learn more about this bill from me, Senator Heidi Balderree, and Kristin Andrus, local philanthropist, mom, and business owner.

Friends on the Hill

This week, we recognized Spencer Eccles and his family on the House floor. For over 100 years, the Eccles family's generosity has played a significant role in shaping Utah, and we are grateful for their lasting impact.

I had the privilege of meeting with the Youth Council from the Bear River Department of Health this week. I always value the opportunity to engage with the next generation of leaders, and I appreciated the chance to discuss my current bill, HB 265, Non-Nicotine Inhalation Product Amendments, which was inspired by members of this council.

I was lucky enough to have a group of bright students from Cache High School spend time with me at the Capitol. They asked me great questions about my job as a legislator and the legislative process, thanks in large part to the support and guidance of their teachers.

It was my pleasure to welcome, Rep. Kam Buckner, the Speaker Pro-Tempore of the Illinois General Assembly, to the Utah State Capitol. Kam and I met at NCSL in Boston this last year where we discussed federalism and the need to bring the temperature down in our country. Although he is from a different party and sees things differently than I, we have become friends and have had productive conversations.

Each session I look forward to meeting with teachers, school administrators, and school board members at the Capitol. These and other meetings throughout the year are invaluable to me as I work to influence education policy on the Hill. Last Friday I was lucky enough to have both the Logan City and Cache County School Districts Superintendents. Thank you to Superintendent Todd McKee and BA Jeff Barben for meeting with me and some fantastic Cache County teacher fellows. Thank you to Superintendent Frank Schofield and Logan School Board for the visit and their thoughtful insights. I am constantly reminded our kids are in great hands in Cache Valley.

RFAs

POPs Fine Arts Program

Last week I presented an RFA to protect funding for the POPs Fine Arts Program, which supports arts education for students across Utah. In this tight budget year, I stepped back from an 8% increase request to focus on preventing cuts. POPs helps students — especially in rural and underserved communities — access opportunities that build creativity, confidence, and academic success. I will continue advocating for programs with proven, statewide impact for Utah students.

iSEE Program

I also presented an RFA to protect funding for the Informal Science Education Enhancement (iSEE) program. iSEE provides free, hands-on science learning, teacher training, and classroom resources to students across Utah, including communities without easy access to science institutions. I will continue working to keep this important statewide program strong.

MTSS Extreme Behaviors Pilot

Finally, I also presented an RFA request for a one-year, data-driven MTSS pilot to address extreme behaviors in our classrooms. These behaviors are increasing and have serious impacts on students, teachers, and school communities, and it is time to take a new, evidence-based approach. This pilot will help us test solutions and identify what works. I am grateful to Professor Tami Curtis and Utah State University’s School of Social Work for helping lead this effort.

Make sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates during the week.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me through 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 - Under review by the House 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 - Received a favorable recommendation by the House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee

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.

SB 53 P ublic Land Management Advisory Board Amendments - Under review by the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee.

Adds new members to the Public Land Management Advisory Board.
Includes representatives from historic preservation and trust lands management.

SB 58 Public School Attendance Amendments - Introduced on the House Floor.

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.

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.