Special Legislative Sessions

Utah holds two main types of legislative sessions: general and special. The state’s annual general session runs for 45 days beginning in January. Special sessions, however, are called as needed to address pressing issues that arise during the interim. These special sessions can be called by either the Legislature or the Governor.

In April 2020, Utah lawmakers convened in two special sessions, one called by the Legislature and the other by the Governor. These special sessions addressed the impacts of COVID-19 on public health, the economy, the state budget, employment, businesses and families, in addition to accepting federal funds. Both sessions adjourned on April 23, 2020.

These special sessions signified many firsts for the state, including the first time a special session was held virtually, the first time the Legislature called itself into a special session and the first time Utah held two special sessions in one day.

Because of forward-thinking, the state has been able to continue to work throughout the current health crisis. During the 2020 General Session, lawmakers anticipated the possibility of COVID-19 creating a need to convene virtually and passed S.J.R. 16 Joint Rules Resolution Regarding Electronic Meetings, permitting the Legislature to conduct remote electronic meetings as needed under extraordinary conditions.

While many other state legislatures are developing the capacity to meet virtually, Utah was one of the first state legislatures in the country to convene in a virtual special session. Additionally, in 2018, Utah voters approved an amendment to the state’s constitution allowing the Legislature to call itself into a special session under certain circumstances.

The Senate expresses appreciation to all the engaged citizens who contacted legislators to share feedback, concerns and suggestions about proposed legislation. Between now and next January’s general session, it may be necessary for the Utah Legislature to convene multiple times. The Senate will continue to work to pass targeted, data-driven legislation to help protect public health and the economy — safeguarding both lives and livelihoods.

View a list of bills passed during the special sessions at le.utah.gov.

See photos here.