Veteran observers claim this legislative session has unique characteristics. Since we live on Capitol Hill every day of the session, we offer our perspectives.
Forty-five days of policy debates regarding unions, election reform, tax cuts, the judiciary and more. How is this session different than others, and how was it similar?
Cowley: “It’s not a race. The world won’t end if we don’t pass every bill.” Frank is usually the king of quotes, but this statement by Sen. Daniel Thatcher seemed fitting for the final week. As the Legislature sprints toward the end of any session, there always seems to be an urgency to get through as many bills as possible. This session is no different. Prudence is urged to pass necessary bills, not all bills.
Though few thought it possible, the freshman class in the House is even farther right than their predecessors, fulfilling their mandate from delegates.
It wouldn’t be a Utah legislative session without passing several constitutionally shaky bills targeting big tech that will inevitably wind up in court.
In keeping with the trend of recent years, the Legislature gave teachers another raise. As a “thank you,” the UEA is exploring the viability of a referendum against what they describe as a union-busting bill.
The war between the judiciary and legislative branches was more acrimonious than years past. Just this week, they did what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should have done months ago — call for a ceasefire. Sometimes introducing bills and having the discussion is enough.
Pignanelli: “Change means movement. Movement means friction.” — Saul Alinsky
The 2025 legislative session is different. Energy production was never previously an issue, other than the occasional resolution decrying burdensome environmental regulations. This year witnessed intense deliberations about nuclear energy, solar panels, geothermal potential, battery storage, etc. These actions directly respond to the new dynamic of importing power.
Tensions between the three branches of government are a consistent feature of our national republic and, indeed, bred into the state constitution. With the recent Utah Supreme Court decisions reducing legislative powers regarding initiatives, a pushback from lawmakers occurred as expected. Unique was the letter Utah Supreme Court Justice Matthew Durrant sent to lawmakers articulating concerns with their legislation. This critical development initiated the ultimate and needed resolution.
I am old enough to remember budgets that were without surpluses. The belt-tightening in current appropriations was a new feature for many lawmakers.
Yet, as with all sessions, there was no bloodshed. We are all grateful.
How will other states be influenced by what Utah did not did not accomplish this session? Will there be any impact on federal policies?
Cowley: Many red states will “copy and paste” Utah bills. Blue states are more likely to take a “control+alt+delete” approach to policies pioneered in Utah. The reality is, Utah continues to rack up accolades, and our neighboring azure states would be wise to adopt our fiscally sound and business-friendly policies.
Congress’ refusal, inability or incompetence to address pressing issues (federal lands and health care costs, just to name a few) leaves Utahns in the lurch. The Legislature is then put in the precarious position to address these problems. The outcome is a nationwide patchwork of policies, but sometimes a clunky response is better than no response at all. In addition to bills addressing the Fed’s dereliction of duties, the Legislature passed a handful of resolutions urging Congress to take action on this or that. Surely our federal delegation will review each one fastidiously while their congressional colleagues ignore them entirely.
Pignanelli: For centuries, the great military powers fought each other indirectly through battles in far-off foreign lands through proxy nations. Because we start early and adjourn quickly, national organizations engage in Utah’s legislative process to leverage the results in other states.
Because Congress is dysfunctional, achieving policy results in state legislatures is increasingly critical to special interest groups. Thus, the focus is on Utah. Also, the Trump administration’s considerations of health, energy and economic policies could be affected by local actions. Indirectly, the country will experience the “Utah Way.”
What happens after adjourn sine die?
Cowley: The end of the session signals a reprieve for many politicos, but the executive branch is just getting warmed up. We now begin the “will he or won’t he” prognostications of which bills will receive the governor’s signature and which, if any, will get a veto.
Many legislators and lobbyists can be spotted at the Delta terminals for a well-deserved respite and fast from digital devices. I will be enjoying a similar convalescence while celebrating my husband’s birthday — Happy Birthday, Mark!
One of the many things that makes Utah great is our part-time Legislature. Lawmakers will soon return to their districts and experience the consequences of their votes right alongside their constituents.
Pignanelli: For four decades, I lived a block from the Capitol. The days after the legislative session are similar to those following a major sporting event or military battle — evidence of great energy, determination, defeat and victory. But ever-present is the understanding that this will resume again.
As an adrenaline junkie, I stopped visiting the Capitol soon after adjournment because the peace and tranquility was unsettling for me.