House approves measure to send special-session question to Senate after floor debate

The Utah House voted on first substitute House Joint Resolution 7, a proposal to change statutory language governing special sessions and how legislative days are counted. Representative Benioff moved to uncircle and bring the resolution forward; proponents said the change would give the legislature discretion to better schedule and manage session workload, while opponents warned it could lengthen sessions and make the legislature less accessible to citizen-legislators.

Supporters, including the sponsor, argued the change was a policy decision intended to preserve the legislature's discretion and to allow clearer timing for important topics. Representative Benioff said the body "needs to have" the policy discussion and noted the provision would still require a two-thirds vote for certain actions. Opponents warned that redefining the 45-day limit to exclude Saturdays and Sundays could effectively lengthen the session by roughly two weeks and create extra costs for staff and business owners who serve in the legislature.

Members questioned specifics of implementation. One member asked whether, if the measure were approved and later passed by voters, it would take effect in an even-numbered year; the sponsor said the effective timing would be the following cycle (an odd/even-year question discussed on the floor). Another questioner pressed whether pay would be affected; the sponsor replied pay would continue to be calculated for 45 days but would be based on floor days rather than calendar days.

Voting was opened and, after a call of the house, the clerk announced 51 yes votes and 24 no votes. The clerk stated the resolution passes the House and will be referred to the Senate for further consideration.