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Senate amends proposal to let Legislature call itself into special session, requiring two-thirds initiation
Summary
After extended floor debate, senators amended a joint resolution to require two-thirds of members to initiate a legislatively-called special session and to place items on the call; the measure was circled for further work.
Senators spent a prolonged portion of the floor session discussing a first-substitute joint resolution (SJR/JR 5) that would allow the Legislature to convene itself in special session without the governor’s initiation. Sponsor Senator Hickman framed the measure as a way to give the Legislature capacity to address extraordinary issues (for example, urgent budget shortfalls) without waiting for executive action.
Opponents and cautious senators raised multiple procedural and philosophical concerns: special sessions reduce committee deliberation and public input, could make the Legislature more like a full-time body, create opportunities for intensified outside lobbying, and disadvantage the minority party. Senators Stevenson, Knudson, Dimitrich, Hilliard and others recounted past special-session experience and urged protective limits (notice periods, higher initiation thresholds, and limits on frequency/duration).
Floor amendment and result Senator Valentine moved an amendment to change the initiation threshold from a simple majority to two-thirds of all members elected to each house and to require that placing items on a legislatively-initiated call also be by two-thirds. Sponsor Hickman yielded to the motion; after discussion the Senate adopted the amendment and then circled the bill for further work. The floor action therefore: (1) changes initiation language to require two-thirds of members to call a special session when initiated by the Legislature, and (2) requires two-thirds to determine what business may be placed on that call. Senators also discussed a companion House bill that would require 48-hour notice and a 10-day-per-year limit (two 5-day blocks).
Why it matters Allowing the Legislature to call itself into session is a structural change in separation-of-powers practice with potential fiscal and civic consequences. Supporters said it would let legislators respond rapidly to genuine emergencies (sponsors cited the budget pressures experienced in the year), while opponents said it risks rushed policymaking and eroding citizen access to the deliberative committee process.
Next steps The revised resolution was circled for additional drafting and coordination with House sponsors; any final constitutional amendment would require subsequent committee work, final votes and placement on the ballot for voters if it alters the Utah Constitution.
