The race is over!

What a rush!

Minutes before midnight on March 8, Representative Edward Redd headed into the gallery and hung a T-shirt over the clock, a humorous attempt to buy time as Utah’s legislators raced to take action on a record 1,364 bills. For 45 days, the Senate and House has sorted through them all, preparing hundreds for the governor’s approval and tabling others for further discussion. Then, adding even more drama to the last day were the concurrence bills flying between the Senate and the House as they tried to beat the clock. It was a sight to see!

Back in the ‘70s, Redd’s gesture might have worked; we’ve heard of sessions that kept going until their business was done. But technology brought a close to that, the computer systems keeping all on track.

And the last-minute vote made it no longer a misdemeanor to hold a raccoon.

We see a special session in our future, judging from the frustration of a bill – HB 353 Fund of Funds Amendments sponsored by Representative Brad Wilson and Senator Curtis Bramble – delivered one minute after the session concluded. Look for a report of the final day of floor activity in the Senate and House on our UASD website, where we list bills of interest. And soon, we’ll add a final Weekly Legislative Update and a session-ending Priority Tracking List.

We’ll keep track, too, of any legislation that stipulates action on the part of our districts, such as training and business practices. But for now, we just want to send out a sincere thank you to all for your participation and feedback. Once we catch our breath, you’ll find us back on the job, supporting our local and special service districts as they continue to serve you!