Utah sets supplemental funding for state services and agencies

The Legislature provides additional fiscal year 2026 funding and reduces some existing funding amounts for state agencies, higher education, and other programs. The funding covers state government programs and higher education institutions listed in the bill, including criminal justice, health, housing, transportation, public safety, and environmental programs. Some amounts are one-time funding, transfers, or authority to keep earlier funds available after the fiscal year ends. Several funds may be used only for the purposes listed in the bill. Some provisions state legislative intent rather than a direct spending requirement. The appropriations apply to the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. The bill generally takes effect May 6, 2026, unless the accelerated effective-date rule applies.

The bill directs specified Rural Health Transformation Program funds to state agencies and the Utah Education and Telehealth Network. The directions cover public health, public safety, higher education, transportation, agriculture, environmental treatment, and telehealth programs named in the bill. CMS must allow the spending under its guidelines. The federal government must give final approval before the funds may be spent. The amounts are stated as maximums, so the full amounts may not be used. The directions apply to fiscal year 2026 funding.

The Department of Transportation is directed to use Cottonwood Canyon transportation fund balances and future deposits for enhanced bus service and related facilities. The direction covers enhanced bus service, tolling, a mobility hub, and resort bus stops for Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. The funding source is the Cottonwood Canyon Transportation Investment Fund. The bill refers to fund balances and future fund accruals, so the available amount may depend on deposits into the fund. The bill states that the services begin in fiscal year 2026.