2024 legislative session kicks off in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — The state’s 2024 Legislative Session kicks off on Tuesday. Lawmakers are expected to make opening day remarks Tuesday morning around 10 a.m. ahead of the 45-day session.

Tune in for our all-day coverage!

 

State lawmakers will begin reviewing and voting on roughly 400 numbered bills, tackling issues like affordable housing, water, education, homelessness, vote-by-mail and taxes. All issues that could have direct impacts on the lives of everyday Utahns.

Lawmakers will again focus on Great Salt Lake. At least two bills centered on the lake have been numbered for this session.

Some bills could take more of the spotlight than others. One focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion statements and Utah’s public colleges.

DEI statements have been a hot button issue in Utah, especially over the last month after Gov. Spencer Cox recently took aim at the practice.

House Bill 261 seeks to end the practice in Utah for public colleges, schools and government entities. That’s according to the bill’s floor sponsor, Sen. Keith Grover who spoke with KSL at Night on Monday.

Grover clarified the bill would not limit free speech on campus and would require every school to have a student learning center.

“It allows professors to continue to teach courses that… everyone may or may not like,” Grover said. “When students speak on campus, regardless of their politics…their position, all those voices need to be heard.”

KSL NewsRadio will broadcast live from the capitol all day Tuesday. Tune for the latest legislative coverage and interviews with lawmakers.

The 2024 general legislative session goes until March 1.

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