Todd Weiler

Todd Weiler is a Republican member of the Utah State Senate, representing District 8. He has been serving in this capacity since his appointment in January 2012. Weiler is an attorney by profession and has been actively involved in local government and political organizations throughout his career. He resides in Woods Cross, Utah, with his wife and four children.

Early life and career

Todd Weiler was born on May 4, 1967. He pursued higher education at Brigham Young University, where he earned a business degree followed by a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the J. Reuben Clark Law School. His academic background laid the foundation for his career as an attorney, and he is a member of the Utah State Bar. Weiler has worked in-house for Logistics Specialties, Inc., where he served as vice president of legal and general counsel. In this role, he managed a small business unit and oversaw the company's legal requirements.

Weiler's professional experience extends beyond his legal practice; he has been involved in various community and political organizations. His commitment to public service began at the local level, where he served on the Woods Cross City Council. This experience provided him with insights into municipal governance and community needs, which he would carry into his legislative career.

In addition to his professional and political engagements, Weiler has been married to his wife, Elizabeth, since 1991. Together, they have four children, and their family life has been an integral part of Weiler's identity as a public servant.

Legislative service

Todd Weiler was appointed to the Utah State Senate on January 13, 2012, by the Governor. His entry into the Senate marked a significant step in his political career, allowing him to influence legislation at the state level. Prior to his Senate appointment, Weiler was active in various political roles, including serving as a delegate on the Rob Bishop for Congress Finance Committee and participating in the Utah GOP State Central Committee from 1999 to 2011. He also held leadership positions within the Davis County Republican Party, including serving as its chair, and was the Utah GOP Vice Chair.

Throughout his legislative tenure, Weiler has been involved in various committees that shape state policy. In 2016, he served on several important committees, including the Senate Business and Labor Committee, the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee, and the Senate Rules Committee. He also chaired the Retirement and Independent Entities Appropriations Subcommittee and the Senate Retirement and Independent Entities Committee. His committee work has allowed him to engage with a wide range of issues affecting Utah residents.

Weiler's voting record reflects his political beliefs and priorities. He has expressed a dismissive view of socialism and communism, which aligns with his Republican affiliation. Notably, in 2015, he voted in favor of the "Antidiscrimination and Religious Freedom Amendments," a landmark bill aimed at prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in employment and housing. This vote demonstrated his willingness to support civil rights legislation, which has been a significant aspect of his legislative career.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Utah State Senate, Todd Weiler has focused on various policy areas that reflect the interests and needs of his constituents in District 8. One of his notable legislative achievements includes sponsoring the Fourth Substitute Adoption Act Amendments in 2014, which aimed to enhance the rights of fathers in adoption scenarios. This legislation was passed and signed into law, indicating Weiler's commitment to family rights and child welfare.

In addition to adoption rights, Weiler has addressed issues related to child safety and public health. He sponsored a bill in 2016 that called for the recognition of pornography as a public health crisis in Utah. This resolution highlighted the growing concern over the impact of pornography on society and aimed to raise awareness about its potential harms. Furthermore, he introduced legislation that allowed parents to opt their children into gun safety education courses in schools, emphasizing the importance of responsible gun ownership and safety awareness among youth.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Weiler supported legislation to stockpile hydroxychloroquine, an experimental medication at the time. His advocacy for this drug was part of a broader effort to explore potential treatments for the virus. However, this decision was met with scrutiny, particularly when it was revealed that the state had already purchased a significant quantity of the drug at inflated prices from a local pharmacy.

Weiler's legislative focus reflects a blend of social issues, public health, and family rights, demonstrating his engagement with a variety of topics that resonate with his constituents. His ongoing service in the Utah State Senate continues to shape the legislative landscape of the state, as he navigates the complexities of governance and public policy. As he prepares for future elections, Weiler remains a prominent figure in Utah politics, representing the interests of District 8 and contributing to the state's legislative process.