Governor Cox calls Utah legislature into special session for American Rescue Plan funding

The 2021 1st Special Session of the Utah Legislature convened on May 19, 2021, at 9:30 AM at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City. The session was called by Governor Spencer J. Cox to address several urgent matters requiring legislative attention since the adjournment of the 2021 General Session.

The agenda included a total of 22 items, primarily focused on appropriating and managing federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Key discussions began with the authorization for the state to accept these federal funds, followed by appropriations to support various state needs.

Significant topics included adjustments to the fiscal budgets for 2021 and 2022, amendments to local government building regulations, and updates to industrial hemp regulations. The session also revisited House Bill 410, which dealt with juvenile justice amendments that had been previously rejected due to procedural issues.

Further discussions addressed amendments to the Health Spa Services Protection Act, adjustments to effective dates for law enforcement training bills, and modifications to public notice requirements stemming from earlier legislation. The session also included a resolution celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures while condemning anti-Asian hate.

Other notable agenda items involved extending the state of emergency for drought conditions, modifying eligibility criteria for peace officers, and prohibiting certain face mask requirements in K-12 schools. The session concluded with discussions on mechanisms for delivering federal funds and consent for gubernatorial appointments.

The meeting underscored the legislature's commitment to addressing immediate needs and adapting to ongoing challenges, particularly those arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic impacts. The session's outcomes will shape state policies and funding allocations in the coming months.