Hello, District 26!

This is Representative Matt MacPherson, checking in again. I hope your week has been going well! Over the past few days, we’ve had several committee meetings at the Capitol, where we examined various bills and funding requests. Some key discussions focused on school safety measures related to firearms, tackling AI-driven plagiarism in classrooms, and financial support for charter schools.

This week was also significant for several of my own bills. HB195, Firearm Retention Amendments, successfully passed the Judiciary Committee with a favorable recommendation and is expected to be on the agenda for me to present before the House next week. Additionally, HB271, which addresses disruptions to public meetings and processions, and HB294, which focuses on accommodations for individuals with disabilities regarding face coverings, both received unanimous support. I look forward to keeping you updated as these bills continue through the legislative process.

One bill I especially want to highlight is HB143, Firearm Safety Incentives. I first introduced this legislation last year after learning of multiple heartbreaking incidents where children accessed unsecured firearms. Although the bill passed in the House, it did not make it through the Senate before the Session ended.

My goal with HB143 is to encourage the use of firearm safety devices while fully respecting Second Amendment rights. I firmly believe that firearm owners should have the freedom to choose the best safety measures to protect their families. 

This bill will soon be assigned to a standing committee, and I believe it will play a key role in reducing accidental firearm-related tragedies.

I truly appreciate your ongoing support and input as I work alongside my colleagues to strengthen our great state of Utah. If you have any questions about the legislation we’re working on this Session, please feel free to reach out. Wishing you a great week, and I look forward to connecting again soon!

Matt MacPherson
Representative, House District 26