Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group • Rob Axson, Utah GOP Chair

Utah Legislative Session

Sen. Adams kills bill passed seconds after midnight

Last-minute signature removal law passed

Utahns for Representative Government gets signatures to put repeal of Prop 4 on the ballot

The petition to repeal Utah Proposition 4 ended up with nearly 166,000 verified signatures.

Signature removal deadline: April 23

Utah Congressional Races Shaping up

Utah CD1

Race shifting to the left.

A public town hall was held for the eight Democratic candidates running for Congress in Utah’s 1st District. Ben McAdams did not participate.

Utah CD2

Blake Moore, the 5th-ranked House Republican, is facing a primary challenge.

Karianne Lisonbee is serving her fourth term representing District 14. Before her election to the legislature, she served on the Syracuse City Council.

Utah CD3

Celeste Maloy, who won a hard-fought battle in the caucus convention, will face a challenger in Phil Lyman, who previously announced he would run for governor.

Utah CD4

Mike Kennedy has filed to run for re-election and already has two Republican primary challengers in the race.

Key Political Dates

• Caucus Night: Tuesday, March 17
• Utah Conventions: April 25

National Issues

What Americans think about the war in Iran, and whether it could affect the midterms.

Partial government shutdown continues nearly a month in, with Utah TSA workers going without pay.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Take 2 Podcast – Friday 2/27

• Host Heidi Hatch
• Guests: Maura Carabello, John Dougall

State of the Union Hit or miss

• Senator Mike Lee’s SAVE America Act received a standing ovation.
• Congressman Blake Moore recognized in the third row (no name) for naming Trump accounts.
• Some Democrats held an alternate event outside in animal costumes.
• Democratic leadership had Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger deliver the rebuttal, focusing on affordability.

Proposition 4 Signature Verification

• Utah GOP has surpassed the statewide number needed to repeal Prop 4: 157,898 verified signatures.
• Congressman Blake Moore urges voters to let the process play out and stop attempting to remove signatures:

“As a former co-chair of Better Boundaries, I encourage them and all parties to stop trying to undo the petition to reconsider Proposition 4 by attempting to remove signatures.”

• Federal District Court and Utah Supreme Court dismiss redistricting lawsuits; GOP options limited unless they appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Utah Legislature Updates

• Bills Introduced: 1,019
• S.B. 308 – Judicial District Amendments: Will not move forward this session. Sen. Todd Weiler cited feedback from the Utah State Bar and legal community.
• HB88 – Immigrant Services Funding: Debate halted by Rep. Karen Peterson; bill sponsor Rep. Trevor Lee framed as protecting taxpayer money.
• Prediction Markets: Legislature advances ban on proposition betting; Attorney General warns online betting blurs legal lines.
• HB 423 – DUI and Hit-and-Run Amendments: Passed House committee and floor unanimously; Senate committee passed unanimously; now headed to full Senate vote. Closes gap where fleeing after seriously injuring/killing someone is only a third-degree felony.
• Secretary of State Proposal: House committee advances plan to amend Utah Constitution so Utahns elect a secretary of state in 2028 instead of the Lt. Governor overseeing elections.

Federal Election News

• U.S. Department of Justice sued Utah, Oklahoma, Kentucky, West Virginia, and New Jersey for failing to provide full voter rolls. Nationwide total now 29 states + D.C.
• AG Pam Bondi: “Accurate, well-maintained voter rolls are a requisite for the election integrity that the American people deserve.”
• Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson:

“Neither state nor federal law entitles the Department of Justice to collect private information on law-abiding American citizens… we will always follow the Constitution and the law.”

• Utah Democratic Party Chair Brian King:

“This lawsuit is a blatant overreach and a threat to both Utah voters and our election process… it’s about control and interfering with the midterm election.”

Congressional Votes & SAVE Act

• Four Republican senators, including Sen. John Curtis, opposed ending the filibuster to pass the SAVE Act. Curtis warned he wouldn’t support tabling Democratic amendments if it meant “changing the Senate’s rules.”

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

• Sen. Mike Lee seeks to roll back Biden-era regulations, potentially expanding land use for grazing, mining, and other development.
• GAO opinion supports congressional review of the BLM plan; Rep. Celeste Maloy requested the review last year.
• Congress would have 60 legislative days to reject the rule; a simple majority vote would revert management to 2020 Trump-era rules.
• Supporters frame it as Congress reclaiming lawmaking authority from agencies rather than a state land control issue.

No podcast next Friday, but join us March 12th with Utah GOP Chair Rob Axson after the state verification process ends for the Prop 4 repeal effort

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group & John Dougall, Former State Auditor

Judge’s Ruling in Redistricting cases

Federal District Court

Utah Supreme Court

UFRG and Utah GOP surpass expectations, turn in 200K + signatures

Current verified signatures 117,114

HB 575, Fuel Tax and Supply Amendments, Rep. Cal Roberts, R-Salt Lake

New Gas Tax bill reduces rate by 6 cents a gallon, a 15.8% savings – well below below original 20 Cents a gallon

Presser expected Monday: State Leaders to Announce Major Oil and Gas Supply, Water, and Refining Agreements

HB 587, Income Tax Amendments, Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Salt Lake

The bill reduces both the corporate and individual income tax rates from 4.5% to 4.45%.

Immigration HB 88, Public Assistance Amendments, Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Davis

Would prohibit undocumented immigrants from accessing state- and local-funded programs: nonemergency medical health care, local- or state-administered health care or health insurance, housing assistance, food assistance, cash benefits, tuition assistance.

The bill also allows the public to sue state employees who intentionally ignore the law's requirement to present proof of lawful status to access certain services.

HB 294, Employer Verification Amendments, Rep Tiara Auxier, R-Morgan

Would require companies with 100 or more workers to use E-Verify (or similar programs) when hiring employees.

Current law applies to companies with 150 or more workers.

US conducts first air transport of nuclear microreactor in bid to show technology's viability

Arrived at Hill Air Force Base via three Air Force C-17s, then transported to Utah San Rafael Energy Lab in Emery County.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group; Curt Bramble, former Utah state senator

Happy Valentine’s Day. We’re halfway through the session, it’s Presidents' Day weekend, and it’s the anniversary of Utah women’s right to vote.

U.S. House approves the SAVE America Act as GOP makes election bill push

Utah Reps. Kennedy, Moore, Maloy, and Owens all voted in favor.

Sen. Mike Lee has 49 votes so far in the Senate.

UTAH LEGISLATURE

Utah lawmaker proposes HB 392, Unlicensed Driver Amendments, heads to the Senate.

As described by HB 136 sponsor Rep. Matt MacPherson, R-West Valley City, the bill is aimed at addressing the rising number of crashes caused by unlicensed drivers.

Utah wants to remove marriage tax penalties.

New bill would limit tax credits for unmarried individuals in an attempt to incentivize marriage.

Tax penalties present an obstacle to married households, which threatens the best foundation for kids to have good life outcomes, according to Rep. Melissa Ballard, R-North Salt Lake.

Should Utah third graders struggling with reading be held back a year?

‘Constitutional court’ three-judge panel bill takes on new amendments.

Utah’s digital ID program, “digital bill of rights,” could lead the nation in privacy framework.

Utah forces Chinese company to sell motorsports park in Tooele County.

SIGNATURE GATHERING WINS AND LOSSES

• Ben McAdams says he is the first to get the needed 7,000 signatures to make it on the ballot.

• Prop 4 repeal signature gathering in 11th hour. Signatures must be turned in by Sunday, Feb. 15.

• Salt Lake County tax referendum fails.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests:

• Maura Carabello, Exoro Group
• Rob Axson, Utah GOP Chair

NEW FEDERAL REDISTRICTING LAWSUIT

A new federal lawsuit has been filed by Congressmen Burgess Owens and Celeste Maloy, along with other elected officials, challenging Utah’s redistricting process.

“Today we took action. I, along with elected officials throughout our state, filed a federal lawsuit to defend the constitutional process by which Utah chooses its representatives. We can’t just sit idly by as our representative government is weakened. This lawsuit exists to restore proper constitutional balance.”

— Rep. Celeste Maloy

More information on the case: Powers-Gardner v. Henderson

Related developments with the lawsuit filed with the Utah Supreme Court:

• Utah Legislature asks the Utah Supreme Court to stay the redistricting ruling
• Utah County Clerk requests to join the case

PROP 4 REPEAL: FINAL DAYS

9 days remain in the Proposition 4 repeal signature-gathering effort, which officially ends Sunday, February 15.

• Signatures currently verified and submitted to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office: 52%
• Is a large final submission still coming? Utah GOP Chair Rob Axson offers insight
• Growing controversy surrounding the effort, including accusations of assaults on signature gatherers and complaints from voters who say they did not understand what they were signing

SIGNATURE GATHERING CONTROVERSY

Better Boundaries announces a targeted signature removal campaign following reports of deceptive signature-gathering practices related to the repeal of Utah’s anti-gerrymandering law.

• Better Boundaries says voters were misled by signature gatherers- our Take 2 guests argue this isn’t really an argument
• Utah County Attorney confirms a criminal investigation into potential signature-gathering fraud
• Utah County Clerk Aaron Davidson flagged approximately 300 signatures

SAVE AMERICA ACT

The U.S. House is expected to vote next week on Sen. Mike Lee’s SAVE America Act, introduced with Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas).

• The bill would require proof of citizenship to vote
• Measures include photo ID requirements and documentation compliant with REAL ID standards

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz; Maura Carabello, Exoro Group

Tax Cuts & Budget Cuts

Utah lawmakers advanced SB60, the proposed cut would reduce tax rates from 4.5% to 4.45%

Opponents argue that the reduction could be better allocated amid a projected $300 million revenue loss

Utah Majority

Family-focused legislation

The House Majority Caucus has made cost-of-living and strong families a priority for this session

Utah Gas Prices

Currently, Utah has a $0.385 tax rate per gallon for motor fuel sold at gas pumps in the state, but has an exemption for fuel exported out of state.

A draft bill is still in the works that would reassess the state’s gas tax structure

Refineries produce up to 220,000 barrels a day, but about 75,000 of those are shipped out of state to meet demand elsewhere in the West, pushing our prices higher here at home.

As of late January 2026, Utah's average gas prices for regular unleaded are around $2.68 per gallon 

Idaho Legislature is fighting Mad over Utah Legislations

Idaho House speaker calls Utah House Speaker's plan “Bull manure”, and Speaker Schultz had some choice words in return https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/HJM012.pdf

Sentencing Commission

The Speaker is sponsoring HB 274 to reconfigure the sentencing commission.

HB274, sponsored by House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, would change the makeup of the Utah Sentencing Commission by removing all defense lawyers from the commission and replacing them with more members from law enforcement. The Bar said it “strongly” opposes the bill because it “politicizes” the commission by restructuring it in a way that “favors law enforcement and partisan viewpoints.” https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0274.html

Utah won a $30 million bid for US Magnesium’s land, water rights, and mining agreements on Tuesday as part of a wider strategy to refill the shrinking Great Salt Lake

Utah purchased US Magnesium’s land, water rights, and mining agreements for $30 million to help

US Magnesium filed for bankruptcy in 2025, halting magnesium production.

Gov. Spencer Cox and Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Ferry say the move is critical for long-term lake health and air quality

Where is Utah’s Appeal to the Supreme Court on Redistricting?

Signature-gathering status: Will they need a miracle to get to the magic number by Feb. 14?

When it comes to redistricting, most Utah voters do not believe the state legislature should be solely responsible for the district boundaries because it favors the party in power

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group; Nic Dunn, Sutherland Institute

Governor Spencer Cox — State of the State

Polling: Deseret News / Hinckley Institute

• One-third of Utah voters say affordable housing should be the Legislature’s top priority.
• Housing ranked twice as high as any other issue across all partisan and age groups.
• Utah Legislature's approval rating sits at 47% overall

Possible ICE Detention Center in Salt Lake County

• West-side Salt Lake City warehouse rumored as potential site
• Local city and county leaders appeared caught off guard, despite ICE’s two-year search for detention space statewide

Legislative Session Updates

• Utah Senate votes to expand the Utah Supreme Court from five to seven justices
• Sen. Nate Blouin’s ICE opt-out bill declared dead on arrival, killed in committee
• Bills to watch heading into Friday’s legislative deadline

BLM Approves Updated Northern Corridor Highway Plan

• Federal approval clears the way after years of debate and environmental review

Senator Mike Lee's Social Media Post Makes Headlines

• Reaction and political fallout discussed

Prop. 4 Repeal Effort

• Scott Presler returns to Utah for a second weekend of signature gathering to repeal Proposition 4

Coming Up Next Week

• Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz joins Take 2 Podcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Take 2 Podcast 1/19/26

Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: State Sen. Jen Plumb, MD, State Rep. Ryan Wilcox

• MLK Day of Service highlights as the Utah legislative session begins
• Lawmakers kick off the session with a blood drive
• Minnesota facing growing tension amid an ICE surge
• Sen. Nate Blouin introduces a bill to block ICE from entering churches and hospitals and to ban agents from wearing masks
• Utah ICE detention center has been in planning for nearly two years, dating back to the Biden administration
• Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill” and tightening budgets loom over legislative sessions across the West, reporting from Brigham Tomco
• Utah State School Board asked to cut $300 million, about 5% of its budget
• Bill filed to expand Utah Supreme Court justices from five to seven
• U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on state bans of transgender athletes in girls’ sports
• Conservative organizer Scott Presler in Utah gathering signatures to repeal Proposition 4

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Take 2 Podcast — Friday, Jan. 9, 2026

Host: Heidi Hatch

Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group; John Dougall, Former State Auditor

Happy New Year and America’s 250th anniversary year.

8 people shot, 2 killed outside LDS church in Salt Lake City neighborhood

Nationwide protests after fatal ICE agent shooting in Minneapolis

Newly elected municipal leaders sworn in

Utah Political Updates

Filing deadlines and races

• The filing deadline has come and gone.
• Rob Bishop is running for a seat after Utah Rep. Matthew Gwynn announced he will not seek re-election.
• Former Provo Mayor Kaufusi is running for county commission.
• GOP Rep. Trevor Lee faces a challenge from Davis County Commissioner Bob Stevenson in House District 16.
• Three Republican candidates have filed to challenge Utah Senate President Stuart Adams in Senate District 7.
• Sen. Dan McCay announced his re-election bid while Rep. Doug Fiefia filed to challenge him.
• Sen. Nate Blouin is running for Congress. Four Democrats have filed: Richard T. Whitney, Silvia Caten, Evan Done and Taylor J. Paden, with Colin Smith also in the mix.
• County clerk challenge in Utah County: incumbent Aaron Davidson vs. newcomer Corey Astille.

Legal & Legislative

• The Utah Legislature filed a notice to appeal Utah’s redistricting case with the Utah Supreme Court, seeking to keep the old maps in place.
• Congressional filing deadline is March. Another Democrat joined the congressional race, bringing the total to 10 listed on Ballotpedia, with Liban Mohamed as number 10.
• A state school board member announced she won’t seek re-election, citing what she called a “corrupt” system.
• GOP priorities for the legislative session include a bill to ban cell phone use in schools from bell to bell.

National & International

• ICE fatal shooting in Minnesota has led to nationwide protests, including in Salt Lake City.
• Nicolas Maduro captured (mention/source not verified in these notes — check if needed).
• Iran protests and internet shutdown.
• Trump administration weighing payments to Greenlanders to encourage closer ties with the U.S.
• Trump said his global power was limited only by his ‘own morality.’

New York Times interview: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/briefing/trump-interview-oval-office-apple-ceo.html?smid=url-share

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

HOST: Heidi Hatch

GUESTS: Maura Carabello Exoro Group, Rep Ryan Wilcox

Prop 4 is moving closer to the ballot as organizers report tens of thousands of signatures submitted to county clerks, even as another major policy fight begins to take shape. A newly filed effort to challenge Salt Lake County’s tax increase is now racing against a tight signature-gathering deadline, adding urgency to an already crowded political landscape. At the same time, unresolved court questions surrounding Prop 4 are keeping key decisions in limbo.

Did you catch the Variety White House Expose?

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-1?srsltid=AfmBOopKq4pM-ka2qo47Cc-_KgQd8ZemDcDLj8JIfkSPGgD6Yg2yglP7

Salt Lake County Tax Referendum

Goud Maragani and others applied for the referendum on Monday, which if approved by clerk's office, gives them a chance to put the increase on next year's ballot.

They would need to get about 45,000 handwritten signatures in 45 days. They are using volunteers.

Prop 4 Signature Gathering

Rob Axson Utah GOP Chair reports an estimated 75k valid signatures gathered – first signatures turned in a week ago to county clerks.

Few Hundred paid gatherers- majority local Utah hires

Latest on Prop 4 Case appeal

In new court filings, the legislature is asking Third District Judge Dianna Gibson to issue a final judgment in the case so they can appeal it to the Utah Supreme Court, which the plaintiffs and Gibson say she can’t do yet because of unresolved claims.

3 Governors Take the Stage together

3 Utah governors say the country ‘desperately needs more of Utah’ ... in the White House?

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/3-utah-governors-country-desperately-030000599.html

Bridger Bolinder

A leader in Utah’s House Republican caucus says he will not seek reelection next year, citing other commitments and responsibilities that require his attention.

House Majority Assistant Whip Bridger Bolinder, R-Grantsville, announced the decision this week. Bolinder was elected by his House colleagues to a leadership role over the summer, becoming one of the newest GOP leaders on Capitol Hill.

“Serving in the Utah House of Representatives has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” Bolinder said in a post on Instagram. “Representing the people of Tooele, Juab and Millard counties has meant more to me than I can put into words.”

Political and Religious Violence

Brown University Shooting/MIT Professor Shooting – person of interest found dead Salem New Hampshire

2 Students killed, 9 critically injured

MIT professor shot and killed at home

Bondi Beach Shooting

On Dec. 14, a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach killed 15 people, including a child, and injured dozens. Australian authorities said two gunmen linked to the Islamic State opened fire on a crowd of about 1,000 people, with police killing one suspect and arresting the other, who was critically injured. Police later removed two homemade bombs from a car connected to the attackers.

Trump Gave himself a year in review in primetime address.

Border closed

Peaced Deal Gaza/Israel

Economy is awesome (Many would debate this)

Utah Year in Review Charlie Kirk shooting and Utah Congressional Maps biggest stories of the year

New Year New Documentary: Melania 

Exclusively in theaters Jan 30

https://x.com/MELANIATRUMP/status/2001266577077837917?s=20

“Hi, Mr. President, congratulations,” Melania Trump says on the phone, speaking from a golden bathroom in the first trailer for “Melania,” Amazon MGM Studio‘s upcoming documentary about the First Lady.

“Did you watch it?” Donald Trump asks on the other end of the call.

“I did not, I will see it on the news,” she replies.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.