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House approves constitutional amendment resolution to let legislature call itself into special session
Summary
The House passed first substitute HJR 13, a proposed constitutional amendment to let the legislature call itself into special session with a two-thirds concurrence of each house, after adding floor safeguards (48-hour notice, limits on days/frequency). It passed 67'5.
The Utah House passed the first substitute on HJR 13, a proposed constitutional amendment that would permit the legislature to convene itself into special session if two-thirds of the members in each house concur. Representative Chad Bennion introduced the measure noting that 31 other state legislatures already have similar authority.
Because the proposal would alter separation-of-powers arrangements, the floor adopted several amendments before final passage. Representative Curtis's amendment incorporated prior principles requiring 48 hours' public notice before conducting legislative business in a special session (except in emergencies) and initially proposed a 60-day buffer after adjournment of the general session. A substitute motion reduced the maximum days for a special session in some provisions and additional floor amendment language (Amendment No. 6) limited the legislature to a bounded number and length of special sessions to allay concerns about turning the body into a full-time legislature.
Members debated tradeoffs between responsiveness and public input. Supporters said the change provides a constitutional mechanism for the legislature to address urgent issues without relying solely on the governor; Representative Bennion said citizens expressed interest in easier access to their representatives. Critics warned that shortened special-session windows could limit public hearings and committee processes. Representative Tyler and others questioned potential erosion of deliberative processes but acknowledged safeguards such as polling by presiding officers and the 48-hour notice requirement.
Final vote: the first substitute HJR 13 as amended was adopted by a vote of 67 yes to 5 no; the resolution will go to the Senate and, if sent to voters, would appear on the ballot as a constitutional amendment proposal.
What's next: HJR 13 is a constitutional amendment proposal and requires further steps (Senate consideration and eventual ratification by voters if enacted). The House adopted guardrails intended to preserve public input and limit session frequency and length.
