State legislators Ariel Defay and Kathleen Rieble continue to hold influential positions on Utah's transportation-focused committees, according to legislative records from July 10, 2026. The oversight roles place both representatives in key positions to influence the state's infrastructure, public utilities, and energy policy during ongoing interim sessions.
Defay's Committee Assignments
Representative Ariel Defay, a Republican representing District 15 in Davis County, maintains active roles within the House's transportation and education frameworks. As of July 2026, Defay serves on both the House Transportation Committee and the Transportation Interim Committee.
Defay, who began her legislative service on November 15, 2023, also holds seats on the House Education Committee and the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee. Her committee assignments align with a legislative focus that includes education interim oversight and fiscal responsibility.
Riebe's Oversight Roles
Senator Kathleen A. Riebe, a Democrat representing District 15 in Salt Lake County, holds several high-level committee assignments that overlap with transportation and infrastructure management. According to Senate records from July 10, 2026, Riebe serves on the Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee.
In addition to her work on primary transportation oversight, Riebe sits on the confirmation committee for the Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology body. Her legislative reach also extends to the Transportation Interim Committee, mirroring the subcommittee structure found in the House.
Infrastructure and Appropriations
The legislative responsibilities of both members involve complex budgetary and administrative oversight. Senator Riebe's duties include participation in the Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee, as well as the Executive Appropriations Committee and the Legislative Management Committee.
Her role also encompasses significant educational oversight, serving on the Senate Education Committee, the Senate Education Confirmation Committee, and the Education Interim Committee. This dual focus places her at the intersection of state infrastructure planning and educational administration.
Legislative Background
Representative Defay's background as a small business owner in Davis County informs her legislative work, which focuses on retirement policy and fiscal responsibility. Her professional history includes serving as a senior legislative aide to the Republican majority in the Ohio House of Representatives.
Defay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Utah State University and a Master of Public Administration from Ohio University. Her legislative presence in District 15 is supported by deep local ties, with three generations of her family having resided in the Davis County area.
Professional Recognition
Senator Riebe, an educational technology teacher by profession, brings a diverse array of honors to her legislative duties. Her recognized contributions include being named a 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 Legislative Business Champion by the Utah Business Leaders Salt Lake Chamber.
Her work in the Senate is further marked by awards such as the 2023 Legislative Advocate for Children Award and recognition from the Friends of Education Granite School District. She also serves on the Utah State School Board Finance Committee as Vice Chair.
