Senators debate SJR 18 plan to let lawmakers schedule session days nonconsecutively

Senate Joint Resolution 18, introduced in the Revenue and Taxation Committee on March 2, would add flexibility to Utah’s constitution by allowing the Legislature to hold its 45 required regular session days in nonconsecutive blocks rather than only as a continuous period.

Sponsor Senator McKay said the change aims to make the Legislature accessible for people who cannot leave jobs for an extended consecutive period and could reduce the compressed, end‑of‑session rush that sometimes produces poorly vetted policy. "The intent is to try and encourage a process that may lengthen out throughout the year, but be in smaller bite‑sized segments so that more regular Utahns can apply for the job," he said.

Committee members offered differing perspectives. Senator Harper cautioned that states with longer or more dispersed sessions sometimes find it harder to kill bad bills; others voiced sympathy for public participation concerns. Public commenter Seth Stewart urged that any flexibility include advance public notice so citizens can plan to attend hearings.

The committee did not take a final vote on SJR 18 and the sponsor said he would continue discussions and drafting changes before any further action.