The legislature kicked off their 45-day session Today.

2024 Utah Legislative Session

The legislature kicked off their 45-day session Today.

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The House of Representatives and the Senate – put in place their procedures, set the session's tone, and begin legislative business. 

Once the opening ceremonies and formalities have concluded, the appropriation subcommittees will convene on Wednesday. Their primary focus will be to discuss the base budget bills, which consist of the ongoing state funding that forms a significant portion of the state budget. Additionally, they will deliberate on any potential budget cuts or reallocations pertaining to these bills.

During the Taxpayers Association Legislative Preview, Speaker Schultz emphasized the importance of prudent fiscal management in light of the projected modest revenues for FY25. As a result, state agencies will be requested to make significant budget cuts to ensure responsible financial practices. He discussed priorities for the House of Representatives.

In the wake of the base budget deliberations, the appropriation subcommittees will lend an ear to the funding requests put forth by state agencies and community stakeholders. These requests may pertain to either one-time or ongoing appropriations. The subcommittees will meticulously assess and prioritize these requests before forwarding them to the esteemed Executive Appropriations Committee (EAC) for further consideration.

This occurs during the initial phase of the legislative session.In the latter half of the session, the Executive Appropriations Committee (EAC) finalized funding decisions. This entails carefully deliberating on the funding requests that have been vetted and recommended by the appropriation subcommittees. Additionally, the EAC will draft supplemental appropriation bills to address any new funding requirements that may arise during this phase of the legislative process.

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Legislative affairs are already in motion. As of this morning, over 350 legislative bills have been introduced and numbered. These bills will be vetted, voted on, and forwarded to legislative standing committees.

The 45-day session moves fast, as is prepared throughout the whole year. Following along with these government affairs articles will give you a good overview of whats taking place.

Additionally, you can watch key legislation in the BILL TRACKER. There, you’ll find a brief bill summary and any positions taken on bills by the ULCT.

Here is an  Appropriations Tracker; displaying proposed appropriations, subcommittee rankings, and what level of funding they do or do not receive.

Reach out will any questions you may have. Mayor@vineyardutah.org

A message from Keith Grover our Senator:

"During the first day of the 2024 General Session, we were honored to have our opening prayer given by Elder Kevin W. Pearson, General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We were also delighted to hear a musical number by musician Cole Hartley and our very own Sen. Kirk Cullimore. Watch our opening day proceedings here."