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Utah House adjourns 2002 session; governor praises lawmakers and staff receive two extra days
Summary
The Utah House closed its 2002 general session after brief final business: a voice motion to authorize two additional days for House staff, floor announcements about post-session bill lists, remarks from the governor thanking legislators and volunteers, a ceremonial poem by Representative Sidaway and a final motion to adjourn.
The Utah House of Representatives adjourned its 2002 general session after brief closing business Friday, including a voice motion to authorize two additional days off for full‑time House staff, floor instructions about post‑session bill mailings and ceremonial remarks from the governor.
Representative Derry moved that "the staff be authorized 2 additional days" in appreciation for their work assisting members and supporting Olympic‑related duties. The presiding officer put the motion to a voice vote, asking "All in favor say aye," and the transcript records the motion moving forward without a recorded roll‑call tally.
The presiding officer announced that the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel would email two items and mail each member an individual bill list with final actions; members were told the materials should be available online the next morning and that mailed lists would follow.
The governor addressed the House before adjournment, congratulating the speaker and both party leadership on completing what the governor called "one of the more unusual sessions that we will remember in Utah history" and praising the state's volunteer spirit. "May I begin by congratulating the speaker and the leadership of both parties for the session having been completed," the governor said, adding thanks to both outgoing members and those returning to service.
As part of closing traditions, Representative Sidaway delivered a long, humorous poem reflecting on the session's debates, budget fights and the Olympic period, and members invited the House Choir forward to sing "Happy birthday" to a member identified as Crane.
A committee that included Representative Swallow reported it had "waited upon the Senate and informed that body that the House of Representatives has completed its work." The final formal action on the floor was a motion to adjourn; a member moved, "I move that we adjourn," concluding the session's business.
No formal roll‑call vote totals or ordinance/resolution numbers are recorded in the transcript for the items discussed during this closing sequence. The House's administrative office indicated members would receive final bill lists and supporting materials by mail and email after adjournment.
