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Senate committee unanimously backs feasibility study for UVU law school focused on evening and weekend students
Summary
The committee voted unanimously to send S.J.R. 8 to the full Senate requesting a feasibility study on creating a night-and-weekend law school at Utah Valley University to expand the supply of attorneys for public-sector and regional needs.
The committee considered S.J.R. 8, a joint resolution directing a feasibility study into creating a law school at Utah Valley University designed for part-time (night-and-weekend) and second-career students. The sponsor said public agencies regularly report shortages of attorneys—public defenders, prosecutors and agency counsel—and that a different model (evening/weekend instruction at a point-of-the-mountain location) could expand the supply of practice-ready lawyers who can serve local government roles.
Frank Pignanelli, representing the Utah Bar, testified in support and said the bar and many lawyers have embraced the idea as a way to increase the pool of qualified attorneys. Public commenters, including students and advocacy organizations, said improved geographic access and a mission of accessibility at UVU make it a compelling site for a feasibility study.
Senators asked questions about institutional fit and market demand; the sponsor emphasized that S.J.R. 8 only requests a study (not creation or funding) to examine accreditation, faculty needs, and financial sustainability. The committee voted unanimously to forward the resolution with a favorable recommendation.
