MINUTES OF THE
FEDERALISM COMMISSION
Monday, August 18, 2025 • 10:00 a.m. • 445 State Capitol


Members Present:
Sen. Keven J. Stratton, Senate Chair
Rep. Ken Ivory, House Chair
Sen. David P. Hinkins
Sen. Derrin R. Owens
Sen. Ronald M. Winterton
Rep. Carl R. Albrecht
Rep. Jefferson S. Burton
Rep. Kay J. Christofferson
Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost
Rep. Rosalba Dominguez
Rep. Calvin Roberts
Rep. Jason E. Thompson
Rob Bishop
Jennifer Brown
Jim Moss
Lisa Roskelley
Kael Weston
Kyle Wilson

Members Absent:
Sen. Karen Kwan
Rep. Michael J. Petersen
Justin Anthony
Jason Chaffetz
Lorie Fowlke
Ben McAdams
Casey Saxton
Mike Smith
Chris Stewart
Jerry Taylor

Staff Present:
Nathan W. Brady, Policy Analyst
Gus Harb, Senior Associate General Counsel
Samantha Merrell, Administrative Assistant

Note: A copy of related materials and an audio recording of the meeting can be found at www.le.utah.gov.

Chair Ivory called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m.
1.Commission Business
MOTION:Sen. Hinkins moved to approve the minutes of the June 19, 2025, meeting. 9-0-5The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-5.
Yeas - 9Nays- 0Abs- 5
Rep. C. Albrecht
Rep. J. Burton
Rep. K. Christofferson
Rep. J. Dailey-Provost
Sen. D. Hinkins
Rep. K. Ivory
Sen. D. Owens
Rep. J. Thompson
Sen. R. Winterton
Rep. R. Dominguez
Sen. K. Kwan
Rep. M. Petersen
Rep. C. Roberts
Sen. K. Stratton
Chair Ivory excused Sen. Stratton from the meeting and recognized Congressman Blake Moore.
Congressman Blake Moore introduced himself and gave a statement on what his office is focusing on relating to federalism, including federal budget cuts and education spending.
Congressman Moore responded to questions and comments from the commission.
2.Education Issues
Chair Ivory introduced and gave some background on this agenda item to the commission.
Commissioner Jim Moss introduced Dr. Joshua Dunn, Executive Director of the Institute of American Civics at the Howard H. Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs.
Dr. Joshua Dunn presented an overview of and taught on the background of federal involvement and funding in education.
Commissioner Moss thanked Dr. Dunn and offered concluding comments on the landscape of federalism as it relates to education.
Dr. Dunn responded to questions from the commission.
Commissioner Moss introduced Commissioner and previous Congressman Rob Bishop.
Commissioner Rob Bishop presented on federal legislative and judicial involvement in education.
Commissioner Bishop responded to questions from the commission.
Commissioner Moss introduced Scott Jones, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Utah State Board of Education.
2 - National Federalism Initiative, USBE Exploratory Presentation (Utah State Board of Education (USBE))
2 - Federal Funding Summary (USBE)
2 - Executive Order 14218 (USBE)
2 - United States Department of Education Guidance Letter (USBE)
Deputy Superintendent Scott Jones gave an exploratory presentation on the State Board of Education's mission and how the board intersects with the federal government in the context of federalism.
Deputy Superintendent Scott Jones responded to questions from the committee.
Commissioner Moss offered concluding comments on this agenda item.
3.Implementation of H.B. 488, 2025 General Session
Rep. Thompson gave an update on National Federalism Initiative efforts during the recent National Conference of State Legislatures.
Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost gave an update on the National Conference of State Legislature's discussion about federalism.
Chair Ivory offered comments on the National Conference of State Legislature's discussion on federalism and introduced Dr. Troy Smith, Center for Constitutional Studies, Utah Valley University.
Dr. Troy Smith gave an update on the National Federalism Initiative Summit.
The commission discussed outreach to other states.
Chair Ivory stated that interest of time, the discussion on the Federalism Education and Training Programs will be pushed to the September meeting.
Rep. Carl Albrecht gave an update on the Monroe Canyon fire in Sevier County and wildfire mitigation efforts.
Rep. Albrecht responded to comments and questions from the commission.
Chair Ivory spoke on plans for upcoming meetings and gave concluding comments on the wildfire issue.
MOTION:Rep. Christofferson moved to adjourn.The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-7.
Yeas - 7Nays- 0Abs- 7
Rep. C. Albrecht
Rep. K. Christofferson
Rep. R. Dominguez
Rep. K. Ivory
Rep. C. Roberts
Rep. J. Thompson
Sen. R. Winterton
Rep. J. Burton
Rep. J. Dailey-Provost
Sen. D. Hinkins
Sen. K. Kwan
Sen. D. Owens
Rep. M. Petersen
Sen. K. Stratton
Chair Ivory adjourned the meeting at 1:04 p.m.