California Journal of Politics and Policy

Utah political observers thought in the 2015 legislative session legislators addressed somemajor issues, while leaving some, including Medicaid expansion and the relocation of the stateprison, to be handled later. The 2015 legislature did address several significant public policy issuesthat will have long-term impacts. Two tax increases passed, an increase in the fuel tax andan increase in property taxes with the goal of reducing disparities in education funding across thestate.Lawmakers focused heavily on criminal justice reform, passing legislation that significantlyimpacts policy. Relocation of the state prison was also discussed at length, though ultimately legislatorsopted to hold off on a final decision. The Prison Relocation Commission tackled the issueduring the year. A final policy issue that will catch the attention of those living outside thestate is the passage of the LGBT nondiscrimination law.