John L. Valentine is an American attorney and former Republican legislator from Utah. He served in the Utah State Senate representing the 14th district from January 1999 until his appointment to the Utah State Tax Commission in September 2014. Prior to his Senate tenure, Valentine was a member of the Utah House of Representatives, serving the 58th district (1988‑1992) and the 59th district (1992‑1998). He held the position of Senate President from 2005 to 2008.
Born in Fullerton, California, Valentine graduated from Savanna High School in Anaheim. He earned a B.S. in accounting and economics from Brigham Young University (1973) and a Juris Doctor from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School (1976). After law school he joined the Provo‑based firm Howard, Lewis & Petersen, where he became a managing partner. His legal practice focuses on federal and estate taxation, estate planning, contract, and business law. Valentine has been recognized with an “AV” rating from Martindale‑Hubbell and is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
In addition to his legal career, Valentine has served as an adjunct professor of law at Brigham Young University and holds certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). He has been an active volunteer with the Utah County Search and Rescue Team for over two decades. His public service includes roles on various legislative committees related to taxation, business, labor, education, and natural resources.
Valentine is married to Karen; they have six children. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints. In August 2014 he was appointed by Governor Gary R. Herbert as Chair of the Utah State Tax Commission, a position he continues to hold.
