A new year means a new slate of laws officially on the books. As 2026 kicked off, 25 new Utah laws went into effect, some small, some pretty noticeable. Here are a few you should know about.
No Soda With SNAP Benefits
Utahns who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, can no longer use those funds to purchase soft drinks.
Everyone Gets Carded
Under HB437, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores must now check the ID of every customer, not just those who appear under 35. The law also cracks down on drunk driving by barring people convicted of “extreme DUI” from purchasing alcohol for a set period of time.
Wildfire Insurance
With wildfires becoming more common, Utah is updating how fire risk is handled by insurers. HB48 requires insurance companies to use the state’s official wildfire risk map when setting rates. If your insurer raises rates by 20% or drops coverage due to wildfire risk, they must provide justification.
Changes for Cosmetology Licensing
SB330 significantly lowers the number of training hours required to become a licensed cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, nail technician, or eyelash technician.
New Motorcycle Rules
HB190 clarifies the difference between lane filtering (allowed when traffic is stopped) and lane splitting (now an infraction when traffic is moving) for motorcyclists. The law also bans motorcycle wheelies on highways and requires license plates to be attached to the vehicle.
