What is an interim committee?

Interim committees study key issues facing the state to help prepare for the 45-day general session. The committee chairs prioritize what should be studied over the interim period based on items that did not make it through the session and input gathered from committee members. Identified items are put on a master study list.

The Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and committee chairs meet to collectively determine the final list. Then the Legislative Management Committee votes to adopt interim study items and the schedule for the upcoming year. The purpose of the committees is to focus on issues that are a top priority to help ensure a proper vetting occurs. Members on the committees listen to expert and public testimony to determine whether or not to recommend legislation and vote to prioritize particular bills for the upcoming general session and occasionally for a future special session(s). Interim committees are made up of both senators and representatives. This is different from the general session when the Senate and House each have standing committees comprised of only their own members. Interim meetings are held throughout the year, typically the third Wednesday of the month, and are open to the public, can be streamed live or listened to at a later date at le.utah.gov. See the list of proposed 2019 interim study items here. Tags: Interim committees