The Utah State Capitol building in Salt Lake City. Photo: TownLift // Bailey Edelstein

UTAH — Hundreds of new laws passed during Utah’s 2026 legislative session took effect on May 6, including updated rules for e-bike riders, new restrictions on kratom products, and added oversight for large-scale data centers.

In total, lawmakers approved more than 500 bills this year, with roughly 370 now in effect. Laws tied to new state spending typically kick in later, at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.

A full list of new laws is available through the Utah Legislature.

E-bike rules tighten for younger riders

Under HB381, Utah is adding new safety requirements and penalties for e-bike users, particularly among younger riders.

The law requires anyone under 21 to wear a helmet while riding an e-bike. It also gives law enforcement authority to confiscate e-bikes operated by minors who violate the rules.

Additionally, the law clarifies that riding an e-bike while impaired can lead to a DUI charge, aligning e-bikes more closely with other vehicles under state law.

The law also states that, beginning May 5, 2027, riders ages 8–15 must either be supervised by a parent/adult or complete an online electric vehicle safety course and obtain a personal electric vehicle safety certificate to ride unsupervised. Riders 16–17 without a driver’s license also need the certificate.

Kratom sales restricted

SB45 places new limits on how and where kratom can be sold in Utah.

The law allows only pure leaf kratom products and prohibits sales in convenience stores and gas stations, significantly narrowing retail access. Supporters say the change is aimed at consumer safety, while opponents argue it limits availability of a substance some use for pain or withdrawal management.

A legal challenge from an out-of-state manufacturer failed to block the law from taking effect.

Data centers face water reporting requirements

HB76 targets large data centers, requiring operators to regularly report water usage and document conservation efforts.

The move comes as Utah leaders weigh the impact of water-intensive development, particularly near the Great Salt Lake, where proposed the recently green-lit Stratos project has raised concerns about long-term water supply and environmental health.

Other notable laws now in effect

Transportation

HB128 states drivers are no longer required to signal when entering or exiting a roundabout.

Public lands and recreation

HB12 allows state parks to use certain grant funding to improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities.

Health and family

SB174 permits health care providers to decline certain services based on religious or moral objections, with advance notice requirements.
SB201 limits when animal shelters can euthanize dogs and cats, requiring them to exhaust other options first.

Government and elections

HB33 increases penalties for tampering with political signs in ways that alter or obscure their message.
SB153 restricts who can keep voter registration information private, limiting it primarily to certain “at-risk” individuals.
SB194 adds new procedures aimed at preventing conflicts of interest in elections and strengthens ballot verification requirements.

Criminal justice and public safety

HB84 bans open carry of loaded firearms on K-12 and college campuses, with some exceptions, while expanding concealed carry rights on campuses for those 21 and older.
HB136 allows police to impound vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers.
HB158 makes it a misdemeanor to use electronic tracking devices to monitor someone without consent, with specific exemptions.

Business and taxes

HB190 expands tax credits for employers that help cover child care costs.
HB243 reinforces Utah’s ban on certain types of sports betting, including proposition bets.
HB290 broadens eligibility for the state’s child tax credit and raises income limits.