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Senate Extends State of Emergency for Magna Earthquake, Approves HJR 302
Summary
The Utah Senate unanimously approved House Joint Resolution 302 to extend the governor’s emergency declaration for the March 18 Magna earthquake through May 18 to continue recovery work and secure FEMA reimbursements.
The Utah Senate on Friday unanimously passed House Joint Resolution 302 to extend the state of emergency declared after a March 18, 2020, magnitude‑5.7 earthquake in Magna. Senator Harper, who presented the resolution, said the quake caused roughly $50 million in damage, primarily to unreinforced masonry buildings, and that an extension through May 18 will let state agencies finish documentation needed for FEMA reimbursement.
Harper moved to suspend the rules and have HJR 302 read three times for final passage. The Senate approved the motion and took a recorded vote. Senator Luz Escamilla, representing areas that included displaced families, thanked the Senate for recognizing the emergency and said hundreds of households in mobile home parks in Magna and West Valley were left without water, power or shelter after the quake.
President announced HJR 302 had passed the Senate unanimously, 29–0. The resolution will be signed by the president and returned to the House for the speaker’s signature.
Senators said the extension is intended to secure federal reimbursement and allow continued state‑level coordination of recovery efforts.
