Utah House organizes for special session, adopts expedited rules to start redistricting work

The Utah House convened for its second special session and moved quickly to organize and clear procedural hurdles so members can begin deliberations on redistricting maps.

The Speaker announced that, pursuant to Joint Rule 2-1-101, the rules adopted during the 2021 general session will govern this special session. Representative Karen Kwan moved that a committee be authorized to meet with a Senate committee and then notify the governor that the legislature is organized; members approved the motion by voice vote. The Speaker named Representatives Jim Dunnigan, Casey Snyder, Galen Benyon and others to the delegation.

Representative Hawkes, the rules chair, successfully moved that the House read only the short title of bills and resolutions as they are introduced or considered unless two-thirds of the House directs otherwise. Representative Brian King moved to suspend the rule that ordinarily requires bills and resolutions remain on a calendar for one legislative day between second and third readings; the House approved that suspension by voice vote. Representative Mike Schultz moved to suspend the rule requiring a favorable recommendation from a standing committee prior to passage for the special session; members also approved that motion.

"This is something that we only do every decade," the Speaker said, describing the redistricting responsibility and thanking the independent redistricting commission and citizen map‑makers for their work. The Speaker outlined the scope of the effort the legislature will complete in the coming days, saying lawmakers will consider recommendations and decide boundaries for 4 congressional districts, 29 senate districts, 75 house districts and 15 state school districts.

The House also welcomed two newly sworn members, Representative Roner and Representative Steven White, and the Speaker announced changes in majority leadership: Representative Mike Schultz will serve as the House majority leader. Members of both parties announced caucus times for the day. Representative Schultz moved that the House recess until about 4 p.m.; the motion passed and the chamber recessed.

The House indicated it will return later to begin consideration of redistricting recommendations and other agenda items, including discussion of the state flag and the naming of a university.