Utah Legislature to Convene Special Session on Thursday April 16
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The Utah Legislature will call itself into special session on Thursday, April 16
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to address several critical items relating to the state budget and COVID-19. By law a special session, initiated by the legislature, can be no more than 10 days in length. While the legislature will not meet each of these 10 days it is likely that they will stay in session for the full 10 days in case there is a need to address other urgent matters. We expect that the legislature will consider 18 bill that will be posted in advance of the session on
www.le.utah.gov
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The House will convene at 9:00 am Thursday, the Senate will follow later in the day and both will be using WebEx to hold the virtual session. There will be no committee hearings at this point, and online comments on the legislature’s website are encouraged. The session will be broadcast on the Utah Education Network (UEN) and via the legislative website. No attendance at the Capitol complex will be permitted.
The legislature will address many issues during the session some of the key issues are as follows:
1. Amendments to adjust state bonding cap upwards. No bonding expected in this special session. This would be done in order to be ready if needed in future special sessions.
2. Budget Amendments for 2020 budget shifts. No 2021 budget cuts are expected in this session, but possible in future special sessions.
3. State tax filing deadline changes to match federal deadline changes. Corporate quarterly filing deadlines may be adjusted as well with flexibility given to the Tax Commission.
4. Legislature will address Medicaid budget appropriations from CARES Act funding and unemployment insurance benefits, waiving the one-week waiting period requirement.
5. Election Amendments to enhance vote by mail options. The legislature is anticipating the June primary election will still take place.
6. Healthcare Amendments: immunity waivers for healthcare providers, drug access, antibody testing.
7. Resolution urging fiscal responsibility by state departments that have been appropriated funds in case future belt tightening needed.
8. A bill to address local government emergency response legislation needs.
9. Economic Response Amendments for stabilization phase of recovery. This will address outstanding budget issues that may not be addressed in other bills.
10. The legislature will address making changes to vetoed bills to get the buy in of all parties (special needs voucher, removal of the locomotive fuel tax exemption).
Just like a General Session the association staff will closely monitor the special session for all issues that my touch upon the retail industry. If members have questions about the upcoming special session feel free to reach out to the association president and chief lobbyist, Dave Davis.
To see the full detail of all issues included in the legislative call click on the button below.
