What to know ahead of Utah's 2026 legislative session
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Utah lawmakers return to Capitol Hill on Tuesday under mounting pressure for the 45-day legislative session, one of the nation's shortest, which runs through March 6.
Why it matters: As the Republican-controlled state Legislature convenes, lawmakers will be forced to confront intraparty challenges and respond to legal setbacks from last year's legislative efforts.
Here's what we're watching:
🗳️ Competitive races: Several lawmakers are stepping aside in 2026, setting the stage for turnover.
- The intrigue: High-profile Republicans, including Senate President Stuart Adams, Sen. Dan McCay and Rep. Trevor Lee, face GOP challengers.
⚖️ Tension with the judiciary: After a string of courtroom defeats last year, Utah Republicans are eyeing the expansion of the state Supreme Court from five to seven judges.
- Why it matters: Critics, including members of Utah's legal community, accused lawmakers last year of retaliating against the judiciary after receiving unfavorable rulings on issues including congressional redistricting and citizen initiatives.
💧 Great Salt Lake: Water is expected to be top of mind for the Utah Legislature, with multiple bills focused on the Great Salt Lake and conservation issues, like removing invasive species from the Jordan River, per the Salt Lake Tribune.
📱 Cellphones in classrooms: State lawmakers are considering a ban on all devices throughout the school day, potentially creating one of the most restrictive school cell phone policies in the U.S. and building on a similar restrictions implemented last year.
🛣️ Charlie Kirk aftermath: Lee's proposal to rename Salt Lake City's Harvey Milk Boulevard after conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last year at a Utah Valley University rally, is shaping up to be one of the legislative session's most divisive measures, drawing local and national attention.
- What we're watching: Whether Utah Republicans will support that bill, which has already drawn significant opposition from LGBTQ+ civil rights leaders.