2026 Legislative Session Week 3

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2026 General Session with Rep. Thompson

Hello District 3!

It was another busy week at the Capitol! On the Hill, we're crafting policy to address the childcare crisis, support educators, and strengthen public safety. I am still full of energy and committed to serving the needs of Utahns and my constituents in District 3.

Week 3 Update

Childcare Legislation

Childcare is one of the biggest pressures facing Utah families. With affordability top of mind for families, we are advancing a full suite of legislation to address childcare alongside challenges such as housing, wages, and healthcare. Click here to read my Deseret News Op Ed on how we are taking a practical, bipartisan approach to addressing this issue. This approach brings communities and the private sector together to find real, long-term solutions.

This week in Cache Valley, I had the opportunity to spend an evening with the Policy Project and a large group of engaged community members to discuss issues that directly impact Utah families. We highlighted key childcare legislation currently moving through the Legislature, including my bill, HB 190, which is focused on expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare for working families.

I am grateful to Emily Bell McCormick and her team at the Policy Project for their leadership and dedication to this issue, as well as to everyone who joined us for a meaningful discussion. We concluded the evening with a service project assembling hygiene kits for the Little Lambs Foundation, whose work provides critical support to families in Cache Valley and across Utah.

Friends on the Hill

This week at the Capitol, we celebrated the Utah Main Street Awards, and Logan had plenty to be proud of. Kristan Fjelsted of The Sportsman was named Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. As a third-generation downtown retailer, Kristan’s commitment to our community runs deep. She was joined by Eric Jones, Gary Saxton, Julie Needham, and her daughter, Jenilyn Needham, all of whom are leaders who help make our downtown vibrant and strong. I may be biased, but I think that Logan has the best Main Street in Utah!

I had a great conversation with Victor Karkar, Cofounder and CEO of Scrible. Scrible is a modern education research and writing platform designed for school and work. It helps prevent AI plagiarism which helps prevent AI plagiarism by making student writing visible to teachers and includes Rese, a responsible genAI chatbot. It’s encouraging to see thoughtfully designed technology supporting learning and college and career readiness.

My son humored me this week and wore a matching suit with me during our meeting with Congresswoman Celeste Maloy. It’s always a blessing to have my family at the Capitol with me. I also thoroughly enjoy having meaningful conversations with our federal delegation about the state and federal issues affecting Utahns. I appreciate the opportunity to work together to advocate for our communities.

I always enjoy having visitors sit with me on the House Floor!

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 - Remains 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 58 Public School Attendance Amendments - Most recently 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.