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Utah State Senate

From Ballotpedia
Utah State Senate
SLP-Infobox Image-Color.png
General Information
Party control:  Republican
Session start:  January 20, 2026
Session end:  March 6, 2026
Term length:  4 years
Term limits:  None
Redistricting:  Legislature-dominant
Salary:  $301/legislative day + per diem
Members
Total:  29
Democrats:  6
Republicans:  22
Other:  1
Vacancies:  0
Leadership
President:  Stuart Adams (R)
Maj. Leader:  Kirk Cullimore (R)
Min. Leader:  Luz Escamilla (D)
Elections
Last election:  November 5, 2024
Next election:  November 3, 2026


TheUtah State Senate is theupper chamber of theUtah State Legislature. Alongside theUtah House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Utah state government and works alongside thegovernor of Utah to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Utah State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Utah State Senate meets in the state capitol building inSalt Lake City, Utah.

  • Fifteen seats out of the state Senate's 29 seats are up for election in2026.
  • Fourteen seats out of the state Senate's 29 seats were up for election in2024. The chamber's Republicansupermajority remained 23-6.
  • Utah has a Republicantrifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.
  • This page contains the following information on the Utah State Senate.

    Contents

    Party control

    Current partisan control

    The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Utah State Senate as of February 2026:

    Partisan composition, Utah State Senate
    As of February 2026
    PartyMembers
    Democratic6
    Republican22
    Other1
    Vacancies0
    Total29

    Members

    Leadership

    The presiding officer of the Senate is the president of the Senate and is selected by the majority party caucus. The majority and minority leaders are selected by their respective party caucuses.[1][2]

    Leadership and members


    OfficeNamePartyDate assumed office
    Utah State Senate District 1Scott SandallRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 2Chris WilsonRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 3John JohnsonRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 4Calvin MusselmanRepublicanJanuary 1, 2025
    Utah State Senate District 5Ann MillnerRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 6Jerry StevensonRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 7Stuart AdamsRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 8Todd WeilerRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 9Jennifer PlumbDemocraticJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 10Luz EscamillaDemocraticJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 11Emily BussForwardDecember 17, 2025
    Utah State Senate District 12Karen KwanDemocraticJanuary 17, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 13Nate BlouinDemocraticJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 14Stephanie PitcherDemocraticJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 15Kathleen RiebeDemocraticJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 16Wayne HarperRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 17Lincoln FillmoreRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 18Dan McCayRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 19Kirk CullimoreRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 20Ronald WintertonRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 21Brady BrammerRepublicanJanuary 1, 2025
    Utah State Senate District 22Heidi BalderreeRepublicanOctober 24, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 23Keith GroverRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 24Keven StrattonRepublicanJanuary 1, 2025
    Utah State Senate District 25Mike McKellRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 26David HinkinsRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 27Derrin OwensRepublicanJanuary 1, 2023
    Utah State Senate District 28Evan VickersRepublicanJanuary 1, 2013
    Utah State Senate District 29Don IpsonRepublicanSeptember 21, 2016


    Salaries

    See also:Comparison of state legislative salaries
    State legislative salaries, 2025[3]
    SalaryPer diem
    $301/legislative dayPer diem is reimbursed to state legislators when they submit receipts or turn in expense reports.

    Swearing in dates

    See also:When state legislators assume office after a general election

    Utah legislators assume office the first day in January.[4][5]

    Membership qualifications

    See also:State legislature candidate requirements by state

    To be eligible to serve in theUtah State Senate, a candidate must be:[6]

    • A U.S. citizen,
    • At least 25 years old,
    • A three-year resident of Utah,
    • A resident for 6 months of the relevant senate district, and
    • A qualified voter.

    In addition, eligible candidates cannot:[6]

    • Have been convicted of certain crimes, or
    • Hold a public office of profit or trust.


    Historical party control

    Republicans won control of the Utah State Senate in 1978. In2024, they won a 23-6 majority.

    The table below shows the partisan history of the Utah Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin'sParty Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

    Utah State Senate election results: 1992-2024

    Year'92'94'96'98'00'02'04'06'08'10'12'14'16'18'20'22'24
    Democrats11109119788875456686
    Republicans1819201820222121212224232423232123

    Trifecta history

    Astate government trifecta is a term that describes single-party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Utah was under the following types of trifecta control:

    • Democratic trifecta: None
    • Republican trifecta: 1992-2023
    • Divided government: None

    Utah Party Control: 1992-2026
    No Democratic trifectas  •  Thirty-five years of Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year9293949596979899000102030405060708091011121314151617181920212223242526
    GovernorRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
    SenateRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
    HouseRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR


    Elections

    Elections by year

    Utah state senators serve staggered,four-year terms and half of the Senate is up for election every two years. Utah holds elections for its legislature in even years.

    Convention system

    Utah has a unique election system that combines local conventions and party primaries. A precinct caucus is held to vote for delegates to county conventions. Precinct delegates vote at the county conventions to nominate candidates for state office. In order to forgo a primary election, a candidate must receive more than 60 percent of the votes at the county convention. If multiple candidates run and none receive 60 percent of the vote, the candidate with the lowest total is eliminated and another vote is taken. Once only two candidates remain, if neither receives more than 60 percent of the vote, both will advance to the party's primary. Each party holds its own caucuses and conventions.[7][8][9]

    2026

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2026

    Elections for theUtah State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is onNovember 3, 2026. The primary isJune 23, 2026. The filing deadline wasJanuary 8, 2026.

    2024

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2024

    Elections for theUtah State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was onNovember 5, 2024. The primary wasJune 25, 2024. The filing deadline wasJanuary 8, 2024.

    Republicans maintained a 23-6 majority in the Utah State Senate in the 2024 elections.

    Utah State Senate
    PartyAs of November 5, 2024After November 6, 2024
        Democratic Party66
        Republican Party2323
    Total2929


    2022

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2022

    Elections for theUtah State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for June 28, 2022. The filing deadline was March 4, 2022.

    2020

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2020

    Elections for the office ofUtah State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for June 30, 2020. The filing deadline was March 19, 2020.

    In the 2020 elections, the Republican majority saw no change in the Utah State Senate, remaining 23-6.

    Utah State Senate
    PartyAs of November 3, 2020After November 4, 2020
        Democratic Party66
        Republican Party2323
    Total2929

    2018

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2018

    Elections for theUtah State Senate took place in 2018. The primary election took place on June 26, 2018.[10] Democrats held ahybrid primary election and Republicans held aclosed primary election. The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline wasMarch 15, 2018.[11]

    In the 2018 elections, the Republicans majority in the Utah State Senate was reduced from 24-5 to 23-6.

    Utah State Senate
    PartyAs of November 6, 2018After November 7, 2018
        Democratic Party56
        Republican Party2423
    Total2929

    2016

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2016

    Elections for theUtah State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on June 28, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 17, 2016. A total of15 seats out of the 29 seats in theUtah State Senate were up for election in 2016.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 23-5 majority with one Libertarian member. Republicans gained one seat in the election, giving them a 24-5 majority.

    Utah State Senate
    PartyAs of November 7, 2016After November 8, 2016
        Democratic Party55
        Republican Party2324
        Libertarian Party10
    Total2929
    Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

    2014

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2014

    Elections for theUtah State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on June 24, 2014. The general election was held onNovember 4, 2014. Thesignature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 20, 2014.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 23-5 majority with one vacancy. After the election, Republicans held a 23-4 majority with two vacancies.

    Utah State Senate
    PartyAs of November 3, 2014After November 4, 2014
        Democratic Party54
        Republican Party2323
        Vacancy12
    Total2929

    2012

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2012

    Elections for the office of Utah State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on June 26, 2012, and the general election was held onNovember 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was March 16, 2012. Atotal of 14 seats were up for election.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 22-7 majority. Republicans gained two seats in the election, giving them a 24-5 majority.

    Utah State Senate
    PartyAs of November 5, 2012After the 2012 Election
        Democratic Party75
        Republican Party2224
    Total2929

    The following table details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election.

    2012 Margin of Victory, Utah State Senate
    DistrictWinnerMargin of VictoryTotal VotesTop Opponent
    District 1Democratic PartyLuz Escamilla10.6%18,969Chelsea Woodruff
    District 8Republican PartyBrian Shiozawa13.6%39,020Josie Valdez
    District 6Republican PartyWayne Harper20.9%33,010John Rendell
    District 19Republican PartyAllen Christensen26.9%32,835Peter Conover Clemens
    District 23Republican PartyTodd Weiler28.9%39,460Breck England
    District 27Republican PartyDavid Hinkins44.4%34,784Michael Binyon
    District 29Republican PartyStephen Urquhart54.1%36,572Terence Moore
    District 16Republican PartyCurtis Bramble57.7%24,534Gregory Duerden
    District 28Republican PartyEvan Vickers65.3%33,967Geoffrey Chesnut
    District 24Republican PartyRalph Okerlund72.9%34,235Trestin Meacham

    2010

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2010

    Elections for the office of Utah State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on June 22, 2010, and the general election was held onNovember 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was March 19, 2010. Fifteen seats were up for election.

    Heading into the election, Republicans held a 21-8 majority. Republicans gained one seat in the election, giving them a 22-7 majority.

    Utah State Senate
    PartyAs of November 1, 2010After the 2010 Election
        Democratic Party87
        Republican Party2122
    Total2929

    In 2010, the candidates for state Senate raised a total of $1,612,394 in campaign contributions. The top 10 donors were:[12]

    2010 Donors, Utah State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Utah Association of Realtors$84,000
    Senate Republican Campaign Cmte of Utah$83,315
    2006 Mayne Candidate Account$60,248
    Utah State Senate Democrats$46,000
    Sorensen, Beverly T$39,500
    Utah Republican Party$37,453
    Comcast$32,050
    Reagan Outdoor Advertising$31,487
    Workers Compensation Fund of Utah$30,950
    Consumer Lending Alliance$25,500

    2008

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2008

    Elections for the office of Utah State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 24, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008.

    During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,432,680. The top 10 contributors were:[13]

    2008 Donors, Utah State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Hinkins, David$90,000
    Mayne, Ed$61,126
    Utah Republican Senate Campaign Cmte$59,549
    Utah County Legislative PAC$49,296
    Reagan Outdoor Advertising$41,418
    Killpack, Sheldon L$41,000
    Senate Democrats Of Utah$41,000
    Gold Cross Services$31,000
    Christensen, Clayton M$31,000
    Utah Home Builders Association$30,050

    2006

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2006

    Elections for the office of Utah State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 27, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006.

    During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,241,882. The top 10 contributors were:[14]

    2006 Donors, Utah State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Niederhauser, Wayne L$139,000
    Garbett, Bryson David$86,969
    Utah Republican Party$69,122
    Republican Senate Campaign Cmte Of Utah$65,235
    Utah Association Of Realtors$52,500
    Utah Education Association$32,594
    Parents For Choice In Education$31,090
    Greiner, Jon J$30,376
    Senate Democrats Of Utah$29,588
    Utah County Legislative PAC$27,000

    2004

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2004

    Elections for the office of Utah State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 22, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004.

    During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $1,336,110. The top 10 contributors were:[15]

    2004 Donors, Utah State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Republican Senate Campaign Cmte Of Utah$73,000
    Utah Association Of Realtors$64,600
    Utah Democratic party$57,734
    Utah County Republican Party$30,677
    Utah Education Association$28,635
    Zions Bancorporation$26,500
    Utah Bankers Association$22,100
    Peay, Phillip O$21,000
    Utah League Of Credit Unions$18,911
    Consumer Lending Alliance$18,550

    2002

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2002

    Elections for the office of Utah State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 25, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002.

    During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $930,831. The top 10 contributors were:[16]

    2002 Donors, Utah State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Republican Senate Campaign Cmte Of Utah$43,238
    Utah Association Of Realtors$33,600
    Senate Democrats Of Utah$28,450
    Utah Education Association$23,107
    Utah Democratic Party$17,292
    Probst, Bradley B$16,909
    Utah Republican Party$14,462
    Utah Medical Association$13,600
    Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Utah$13,450
    Utah League Of Credit Unions$12,937

    2000

    See also:Utah State Senate elections, 2000

    Elections for the office of Utah State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 27, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000.

    During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $785,535. The top 10 contributors were:[17]

    2000 Donors, Utah State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Republican Senate Campaign Cmte Of Utah$36,200
    Senate Democrats Y2K$31,750
    Utah Education Association$22,130
    Utah Association Of Realtors$21,850
    Eli Jimenz & Associates$20,000
    Utah Medical Association$15,000
    Utah League Of Credit Unions$11,961
    Utah Democratic Party$10,991
    Eastman, Dan$10,000
    Thompson, Bryan$9,675

    Vacancies

    See also:How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

    If there is a vacancy in theUtah State Legislature, thegovernor is responsible for selecting a replacement. A liaison for the political party that last held the seat must recommend a successor to the governor. A person who is selected to fill a vacant state House seat serves for the remainder of the unfilled term. Interim appointees to state Senate seats serve until the next regular general election.[18]

    If the vacancy happens after the nominating deadline in an election year, but before August 31, a new candidate must file a declaration of candidacy and certificate of nomination in order to be on the ballot. Nominating papers must be filed within 21 days after the vacancy occurs.[19]

    DocumentIcon.jpgSee sources:Utah Const. Art. 6, Sec. 13 andUtah Code §20A-1-503

    District map

    See also:Utah state legislative districts

    The state of Utah has 29 state Senate districts. Each district elects one senator.

    Use the interactive map below to find your district.



    Redistricting

    See also:Redistricting in Utah

    In Utah, both congressional and state legislative district boundaries are ultimately enacted by thestate legislature. An advisory commission submits proposed maps to the legislature for its approval. This commission comprises the following seven members:[20]

    • One appointed by the governor, to serve as the chair of the commission;
    • One appointed by the president of theUtah Senate;
    • One appointed by the speaker of theUtah House of Representatives;
    • One appointed by the leader of the largest minority political party in the Utah Senate;
    • One appointed by the leader of the largest minority political party in the Utah House of Representatives;
    • One appointed jointly by the leadership of the majority political party in the Utah Senate, president of the Utah Senate, and the leadership of the same political party in the Utah House of Representatives; and
    • One appointed jointly by the leadership of the largest minority political party in the Utah Senate, and the leadership of the same political party in the Utah House of Representatives, including the speaker of the House, if the speaker is a member of the same political party.

    The commission is required to select between one and three plans, with the affirmative votes of at least five members, to submit to the chief justice of the Utah Supreme Court. The chief justice is responsible for determining if the commission's plans meet redistricting standards. The commission then forwards the plans to the state legislature, which may decide whether to accept, amend, or reject the plans.

    2020

    See also:Redistricting in Utah after the 2020 census

    Gov.Spencer Cox (R) signed new state legislative districts for both chambers into law on November 16, 2021. After Cox called a special session to begin on November 9, 2021, the Utah legislature voted to approve the House and Senate district maps on November 10, 2021. The House districts proposal passed the House in a 60-12 vote and cleared the Senate in a 25-3 vote. The House voted 58-13 to approve the Senate map and the Senate approved the proposal in a 26-2 vote.[21][22] These maps took effect for Utah's 2022 legislative elections.

    Both proposals differed from those presented to the legislative committee by Utah's Independent Redistricting Commission on November 1, 2021.[23] The commission presented 12 maps (three each for House, Senate, congressional, and school board districts) to the Legislative Redistricting Committee, one of which was submitted by a citizen.[24]

    District map before and after 2020 redistricting

    Below is the state Senate map in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle.

    Utah State Senate Districts
    until December 31, 2022

    Click a district to compare boundaries.

    Utah State Senate Districts
    starting January 1, 2023

    Click a district to compare boundaries.


    2010

    See also:Redistricting in Utah after the 2010 census

    Utah received its local census data on February 24, 2011. The state showed a 23.8 percent growth rate, with no county losing population. The largest cities showed mixed growth: Salt Lake City grew by 2.6 percent, West Valley City grew by 18.9 percent, Provo grew by 7.0 percent, West Jordan grew by 51.8 percent, and Orem grew by 4.7 percent. County growth was as follows: Salt Lake grew by 14.6 percent, Utah grew 40.2 percent, Davis grew by 28.2 percent, Weber grew by 17.7 percent, and Washington grew by 52.9 percent.[25]

    The Republican-controlled Legislature passed new maps on October 4, 2011, and Gov.Gary Herbert (R) signed the maps on October 19, 2011.[26] Later, errors in the maps were discovered and revisions were passed by the legislature on January 26, 2012, and signed by the governor.[27]

    Sessions

    Legislation

    The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Utah State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated byBillTrack50.

    Dates of legislative sessions in Utah by year

    2025

    See also:2025 Utah legislative session andDates of 2025 state legislative sessions

    In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 21, 2025, and adjourn on March 7, 2025.


    Click [show] for past years' session dates.

    2024

    See also:2024 Utah legislative session andDates of 2024 state legislative sessions

    In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 16, 2024, and adjourn on March 1, 2024.

    2023

    See also:2023 Utah legislative session andDates of 2023 state legislative sessions

    In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 17, 2023, and adjourn on March 3, 2023.

    2022

    See also:2022 Utah legislative session andDates of 2022 state legislative sessions

    In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 18, 2022, and adjourn on March 4, 2022.

    2021

    See also:2021 Utah legislative session andDates of 2021 state legislative sessions

    In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 19, 2021, and adjourn on March 5, 2021.

    2020

    See also:2020 Utah legislative session andDates of 2020 state legislative sessions

    In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 27, 2020, and adjourn on March 12, 2020.

    Effect of coronavirus pandemic
    See also:Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
    Covid vnt.png
    Coronavirus pandemic
    Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.


    Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The Utah State Legislature adjourned on March 12, 2020. Special sessions were convened on April 16, 2020, April 23, 2020, and June 18, 2020. The legislature adjourned on June 20, 2020. A special session convened on August 20, 2020, and adjourned later that same day.[28][29]

    2019

    See also:2019 Utah legislative session andDates of 2019 state legislative sessions

    In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 28, 2019, through March 14, 2019.

    2018

    See also:2018 Utah legislative session andDates of 2018 state legislative sessions

    In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 22, 2018, through March 8, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, clickhere.

    2017

    See also:Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

    In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 23, 2017, through March 9, 2017. The legislature held a special session on September 20.

    2016

    See also:Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

    In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 25 through March 10. The legislature held a special session on May 18, 2016, over education funding and anti-monument legislation.

    2015

    See also:Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

    In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 26 through March 12. The legislature held a special session on August 19, 2015, on prison relocation.

    Major issues in 2015

    The major issue facing the Utah State Legislature was the quality of Utah's air. State RepresentativePatrice Arent (D) told reporters that clean-air bills were expected to receive support from both sides of the aisle because of an understanding that poor air quality can negatively impact the state's economy. According to Arent, bills the legislature considered in 2015 included funding for mass-transit, money for clean-air programs, and potential tax credits for energy-efficient vehicles.[30]

    2014

    See also:Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

    In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 27 through March 14.

    Major issues in 2014

    Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included LGBT antidiscrimination, giving protection to clergy who refuse to perform same-sex marriages, the state budget, education funding, and changing the position ofAttorney General of Utah from an elected position to an appointed one.

    2013

    See also:Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

    In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 28 to March 14.

    Major issues in 2013

    Major issues in the 2013 legislative session included ethics legislation, adoption rights, alcohol laws, and education funding.[31][32]

    2012

    See also:Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

    In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 23 through March 8.

    Major issues in 2012

    Major topics included a projected $13 billion budget, technology for students, unauthorized immigration, and infrastructure.[33]

    2011

    See also:Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

    In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 24 through March 10.[34] A single day special session was called by GovernorGary Herbert (R) for July 27, to consider several issues, including adjustments to health insurance rates, liquor commission guidelines, judicial evaluations, and adopting another resolution supporting a federal balanced budget amendment.[35] Gov. Herbert called for a second special session for October 3, 2011, over redistricting issues.

    2010

    See also:Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

    In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 25 to March 11.[36]


    About legislative sessions in Utah

    TheTenth Amendment of theU.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[37] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions,legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

    Section 2 of Article VI of the Utah Constitution establishes that theUtah State Legislature, which the Senate is a part of, is to convene a new session every two years on the second Monday in January. This means that the 2010 session was actually a continuation of a regular session that convened in 2009. Section 16 of Article VI limits these regular sessions to sixty legislative days, except in cases of impeachment.[38]

    Legislative roles and procedures

    Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includesveto overrides,the role of the legislature in the state budget, andprocedures for filling membership vacancies.

    Veto overrides

    Veto Override Graphic-Republican Party.png

    See also:Veto overrides in state legislatures

    State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Utah are listed below.

    How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members in both chambers.

    Two-thirds of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 50 of the 75 members in theUtah House of Representatives and 20 of the 29 members in theUtah State Senate. Utah is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

    How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

    According toArticle VII, Section 8 of theUtah Constitution, the legislature can call a special veto session to consider overrides of any bills the governor vetoed after adjournment. Two-thirds of members in both chambers must agree to do so. The session lasts for five days.

    Authority:Article VII, Section 8 of theUtah Constitution.

    "(1) Each bill passed by the Legislature, before it becomes a law, shall be presented to the governor. If the bill is approved, the governor shall sign it, and thereupon it shall become a law. If the bill is disapproved, it shall be returned with the governor's objections to the house in which it originated. That house shall then enter the objections upon its journal and proceed to reconsider the bill. If upon reconsideration the bill again passes both houses by a yea and nay vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house, it shall become a law."

    Role in state budget

    See also:Utah state budget and finances
    UtahonPublic Policy Logo-one line-on Ballotpedia.png
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    The state operates on an annual budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[39]

    1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies inAugust of the year preceding the start of the new fiscal year.
    2. Agencies submit their budget requests to thegovernor inOctober.
    3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to thestate legislature inDecember.
    4. The legislature typically passes a budget inMarch. A simple majority is required to pass a budget. The fiscal year beginsJuly 1.

    Utah is one of 44 states in which the governor hasline item veto authority.[39][40]

    The governor is statutorily required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature. The legislature is constitutionally required to adopt a balanced budget.[39]

    Committees

    See also:List of committees in Utah state government

    Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

    • Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
    • Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
    • Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

    Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Utah State Senate has 12 standing committees:


    Constitutional amendments

    In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process forreferring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states,initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are alsomany other types of statewide measures.

    The methods in which the Utah Constitution can be amended:

    See also:Article XXIII of the Utah Constitution andLaws governing ballot measures in Utah

    TheUtah Constitution provides two mechanisms for amending the state's constitution— a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. Utah requires a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for voters to approve constitutional amendments.

    Legislature

    See also:Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

    According toArticle XXIII, the state Legislature can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot for voters to decide.Atwo-thirds vote in both the legislative chambers is required during one legislative session for theUtah State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 50 votes in theUtah House of Representatives and 20 votes in theUtah State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

    Convention

    See also:Convention-referred constitutional amendment

    According toSection 2 of Article XXIII, a ballot question about whether to hold a convention can go on the ballot if two-thirds of the members of theUtah State Legislature vote to put it on the ballot.


    See also

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    External links

    Footnotes

    1. Utah State Legislature, "Organization of the Utah Legislature," accessed February 17, 2021
    2. Utah Senate, "Senate Leadership," accessed February 17, 2021
    3. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2025 Legislator Compensation," December 2, 2025
    4. Utah Constitution, "Article VI, Section 3," accessed February 17, 2021
    5. Utah Constitution, "Article VI, Section 4," accessed February 17, 2021
    6. 6.06.1Vote.Utah.gov, "State of Utah 2024 Candidate Manual," accessed May 23, 2025 (page 4)
    7. Utah.gov, "Utah Precinct Caucus Information," accessed February 17, 2021
    8. Utah Republican Party, "Governing Documents," accessed February 17, 2021
    9. Utah Democratic Party, "Governing Documents," accessed February 17, 2021
    10. National Conference of State Legislatures, "State Primary Election Systems," accessed March 23, 2017
    11. Utah Lieutenant Governor Elections, "State of Utah 2018 Candidate Manual," accessed September 13, 2017
    12. Follow the Money, "Utah Senate 2010 Campaign Contributions," accessed August 2, 2013
    13. Follow the Money, "Utah 2008 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    14. Follow the Money, "Utah 2006 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    15. Follow the Money, "Utah 2004 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    16. Follow the Money, "Utah 2002 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    17. Follow the Money, "Utah 2000 Candidates," accessed August 2, 2013
    18. Utah Legislature, "Utah Code - Statutes 20A-1-503 (3) (a)-(b)," accessed February 17, 2021
    19. Utah Legislature, "Utah Code - Statutes 20A-1-503 (3) (a)-(b)," accessed February 17, 2021
    20. All About Redistricting, "Utah," accessed May 4, 2015
    21. Utah State Legislature, "S.B. 2006 Utah State Senate Boundaries and Election Designation," accessed November 17, 2021
    22. Utah State Legislature, "H.B. 2005 Utah State House Boundaries Designation," accessed November 17, 2021
    23. KSL, "Utah redistricting map battles underscore independent-panel hurdles across the US," November 13, 2021
    24. Utah Public Radio, "Utah Independent Redistricting Commission proposes 12 maps to Utah lawmakers," November 2, 2021
    25. U.S. Census Bureau, "U.S. Census Bureau Delivers Utah's 2010 Census Population Totals, Including First Look at Race and Hispanic Origin Data for Legislative Redistricting," February 24, 2011
    26. Fox 13, "Governor signs redistricting maps," October 20, 2011
    27. Deseret News, "Redistricting bills move unanimously through Legislature," January 26, 2012
    28. Multistate, "2020 Legislative Session Dates," last updated April 16, 2020
    29. The Salt Lake Tribune, "Utah Legislature calls historic special session to address coronavirus impacts," April 13, 2020
    30. Public News Service, "Air Quality, Again a Major Issue for Utah Lawmakers," January 27, 2015
    31. FOX 13, "Adoption and alcohol likely topics for Utah legislative session," January 21, 2013
    32. Salt Lake Tribune, "Call them the Swallow Reforms," January 24, 2013
    33. Salt Lake Tribune, "Top issues to watch in the upcoming Utah Legislature," January 21, 2012
    34. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed February 17, 2021(Archived)
    35. StateScape, "Session Updates," July 22, 2011
    36. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2010 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed February 17, 2021
    37. Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed February 17, 2021
    38. Utah State Legislature, "Utah Constitution," accessed February 17, 2021
    39. 39.039.139.2National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
    40. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
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