2025 Legislative Session | January - March
2025 Quarter One
2025 Legislative Recap
Brick by Brick, Bill by Bill
The 2025 Utah Legislative Session wrapped up with strong momentum and meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to our industry. From major infrastructure investments to evolving environmental and workforce discussions, state lawmakers tackled key challenges head- on—and AGC of Utah was there every step of the way.
This year, we also marked a new chapter in our advocacy efforts with the addition of Gavin Gilbert as our full-time Government Affairs Direc- tor. With his experience and the ongoing support of our members, AGC was at the Capitol every day of the 45-day session. Our Legislative Committee, led by Chair Scott De- graffenried (VP and General Counsel at Jacobsen Construction), met weekly to review bills, engage with legislators, and amplify the voice of Utah’s construction industry. To all who participated—thank you. Your involvement is making a difference. Gavin Gilbert Director of Government Affairs
As Governor Cox reminded us in his State of the State address: “We must build.” That simple yet powerful state-
lined to facilitate faster infrastructure delivery, and strategic planning efforts were bolstered with an eye toward the future—including
ment set the tone for the 2025 legislative session, where the spirit of growth was front and center.
preparations for the 2034 Winter Olym- pics, which prom- ise to bring global
We must build.
- Governor Spencer Cox
Lawmakers responded with renewed urgency, doubling down on key devel- opment priorities that support Utah’s rapidly expanding population and economic base. Policies were stream-
attention and lasting investment to the state. From roads and housing to workforce and venue development, the message was clear: building isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity.
Several other major themes emerged from the 2025 legislative session:
Development and Infrastructure The Legislature expanded investments in roads, bridges, utilities, and transit through measures like H.B. 6, securing funding through mid-2026. New housing incentives were also introduced to balance affordability with growth. Education Reform and Workforce Alignment Lawmakers focused on aligning education systems with real-world workforce demands—especially in high-need industries like construction. AGC strongly supports efforts to strengthen career pathways and expand technical training.
582 BILLS PASSED IN 2025
Key Bills AGC Tracked:
HB 355 – Critical Infrastructure Materials Amendments Passed | Strengthens land use pro- tections for essential materials like sand and gravel. SB 58 – Mobile Crane Amendments Held for 2026 | Addresses tilt-up construction liability; AGC will work on summer refinements. SB 220 – Construction Modifica- tions (SWPPP) Passed | Aligns local stormwater enforcement with federal standards and introduces fairer penalties.
Environmental Compliance Clean air remains a hot topic. While H.B. 525 and S.B. 184 didn’t pass, they sparked valuable discussion around balancing environmental goals with operational realities. AGC will stay engaged as new solutions are explored.
Immigration and Workforce Several bills proposed expanded E-Verify requirements and job site inspec- tions, raising concerns about their potential impact on contractors. AGC continues to advocate for smart, practical workforce policies. Specifically, H.B. 214 failed - but it would have lowered the requirement for E-Verify from companies with 150 or more employees to 5 or more employees.
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