Editors Note: This article was originally published in the Feb. 28, 2024 issue of the Chronicle Progress. Some information may be outdated.
We have one week remaining for the 2024 General Session.
Over the last six weeks, we have passed more than 200 bills on various topics spanning from homelessness and affordable housing to water and social media regulation. The last week of the legislative session is the busiest of the year with many early mornings and late nights on the Senate floor. Utah has the shortest legislative session in the country—only 45 days. The Legislature is constitutionally required to adjourn on March 1 before midnight. After we adjourn, lawmakers return to their communities to resume their everyday lives.
Part of the beauty of the Utah Legislature, and why our state is the best-managed state in the nation, is due to our part-time, citizen legislature. Lawmakers live and work among their constituents with the laws they have passed. It also promotes innovative solutions to issues facing the state because of the various expertise each member brings. We have teachers, doctors, attorneys, police officers, ranchers and other professions that bring varying perspectives to the legislature. Diverse experiences provide insight when crafting policy and creating laws.
My work as a business owner and pharmacist help inform my perspective as a legislator, just as it does for my legislative colleagues. For example, I often work on legislation to improve the efficiency of government oversight within my profession. This session, I’m running S.B. 207 Pharmacy Practice Act Amendments, which allows pharmacists to include a QR code on medicine bottles with links to medication guides that outline information such as recommended dosages and side effects. While this may seem like a simple change, the bill will benefit Utahns by increasing accessibility to their prescription information.
Each year, the legislature balances the state budget. Deciding where to allocate funds is a significant aspect of the process. Throughout the session, we have many discussions to determine the best balance between meeting the demands of the state, supporting Utahns and remaining fiscally responsible. The Executive Appropriations Committee (EAC) recommended the 2024-25 budget on Friday evening. This year’s recommendations include significant education, water and workforce development funding while reducing taxes for the fourth consecutive year. The EAC budget recommendation is now advanced to the entire Legislature for consideration and will continue to be refined during the final week of the session. We recognize wise financial decisions now will help the state be fiscally secure for generations to come. I will keep you updated on the state’s final budget and the funding that will impact our community.
I appreciate those of you who have reached out to share your perspective on legislation throughout the session. I always appreciate receiving your input on bills. As we finish the 2024 session, please continue to share your perspective with me. You can contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your state senator. I look forward to returning home to all of you in Cedar City soon.
