Utah funds state government and higher education operations

The Legislature provides funding for employee compensation adjustments, including a stated 2.5% labor market increase for state and higher education employees. The funding covers state employees, higher education employees, judicial branch employees, constitutional office employees, and employees of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. The text also provides funding for health and dental benefit costs, retirement rate changes, and step and lane increases. Qualifying state employees in a defined contribution plan may receive funding for a match of up to $26 per pay period. Other compensation adjustments are allowed only as authorized. The compensation funding applies to the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026, with the fiscal year 2027 match specifically applying from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The Legislature appropriates money and authorizes fund transfers for state government operations and programs. The fiscal 2026 appropriations cover state agencies, courts, public safety, education, health and human services, transportation, natural resources, and other listed programs. Some amounts come from restricted accounts, federal funds, dedicated revenues, or other named sources. Transfers may be spent only under the bill and applicable statutory rules. The listed amounts include operating and capital budgets, expendable funds, business-like activities, restricted transfers, and fiduciary funds. These appropriations add to amounts previously appropriated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026.

The Legislature appropriates money and authorizes fund transfers for the next fiscal year. The fiscal 2027 appropriations cover state agencies, courts, public education, higher education, health and human services, transportation, public safety, and other listed programs. Some amounts are one-time increases or reductions shown next to the regular funding. The bill states an intended district court judge salary of $224,750 for this fiscal year and sets the governor's intended salary at $197,950. The bill provides a $26 per pay period employer defined contribution match for the fiscal year. These appropriations apply to the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.