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Panel adopts first substitute recognizing Good Friday policy options; recommends bill

Utah State Senate — First Subcommittee · February 25, 2026

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Summary

The committee adopted the first substitute for S.B.193 (state legal holiday amendments) by a 3–1 vote. One substitute would declare Good Friday a state holiday; a second would require schools to prioritize aligning days off. Sponsor said the measure recognizes faith practices and gives families options.

Senator Stratton presented S.B.193 and described two substitutes: Sub 1 would establish Good Friday (including Good Friday/Good Saturday/Easter Sunday observances) as a state legal holiday and encourage educational institutions to align non‑school days with state holy days; Sub 2 would remove the state-holiday status and instead ask schools to prioritize aligning days off when practicable. "I think sub 1 is the best," Stratton said, while acknowledging both substitutes drew stakeholder engagement.

Public commenters including Gail Rizika (Utah Eagle Forum), Lanny/Lonnie Hilton (parents' representative), and Mike Bell (South Mountain Community Church) urged adoption in various forms to allow families and worshippers to observe Good Friday. Hilton noted that 17 U.S. states recognize Good Friday as a legal holiday in some form and said parents and worshippers would welcome state recognition.

Senator Brammer moved to adopt the first substitute, and after discussion the committee voted to recommend the first substitute favorably, 3–1. The committee’s paper recommendation advances S.B.193 with the first substitute.