Topline News Briefs for January, 2026

What Utah Lawmakers are Eyeing Ahead of the Legislative Session

Some of Utah's top lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle discussed their priorities for the upcoming legislative session in front of hundreds of people during the Utah Economic Outlook and Public Policy Summit on Friday. The group — consisting of Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, House Speaker Mike Schultz, Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla and House Minority Leader Angela Romero — touched on some of the most prevalent topics facing the state, including energy, housing and artificial intelligence.

Prop 4 Repeal Push Scrambling for Signatures 

30 days remain for the group pushing to put a repeal of Utah’s anti-gerrymandering law (Prop. 4) on the 2026 ballot. As of Thursday morning, Jan. 15, organizers had submitted just under one-third of the 140,748 signatures due by Feb. 14.

Group Packs SLC Meeting, Calls on Leaders to Resist ICE

One by one, people stepped up to the podium or called in to outline their concerns with the federal agency. Enough people showed up that they filled out an overflow room set up across the hall from the main chamber. The meeting even briefly stopped so city staff could roll out a computer screen in the hallway. The crowd remained civil throughout.

Sen. Nate Blouin Introduces Bill to Keep ICE out of Churches, Hospitals

Utah Sen. Nate Blouin introduced a bill to prevent ICE from entering churches and hospitals and wearing facial coverings. According to a press release, S.B.136, nicknamed the "ICE Out" bill, would specifically: Prohibit state and local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE in operations around a sensitive area, including churches, hospitals, libraries, or courthouses. Prohibit federal law enforcement from entering non-public government-operated sensitive spaces like health care service centers or shelter centers. Prohibit federal law enforcement from using facial coverings.

Utah’s Housing Market Expected to Be “Running in Place” in 2026

Economists predict Utah’s housing market will see little meaningful movement in 2026. High interest rates are expected to continue limiting both buyers and sellers, keeping inventory tight and prices elevated. While demand remains strong due to population growth and job stability, affordability pressures mean fewer Utahns can enter the market. Builders are also constrained by labor costs, financing challenges, and zoning hurdles, further slowing new supply.