UtahS.R. 12026 General SessionSenate

Senate Rules Resolution - Amendments to Senate Rules

Sponsored By: Lincoln Fillmore (Republican)

Became Law

ResolutionsResolutions, RulesLegislative Operations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 5 mixed.

Set daily times for special sessions

The Senate convenes on the date the president proclaims for an extraordinary session. The Senate meets at 10:00 a.m. each day, except Saturdays and Sundays, unless the presiding officer announces a different time.

Tighter rules for floor visitors and lobbyists

Only certain people can enter the Senate chamber during sessions, including senators, staff, former legislators not registered as lobbyists, legal spouses, interns, and invited guests. A senator or the senator’s intern must accompany each visitor and ensure the visitor leaves after the visit. The president may deny access to anyone who uses floor access to influence decisions. The law also defines who counts as a government official and a volunteer lobbyist, and says people lobbying only for themselves are not volunteer lobbyists.

Committees to vet governor's nominees

The Senate president appoints executive confirmation committees of up to seven senators, with no more than five from the same party, and names a chair. Before an extraordinary session that will consider gubernatorial nominees, the chair may call meetings to review resumes, interview nominees, and prepare a report listing votes for and against. A majority of members is a quorum and action needs a majority of a quorum. Meetings may be closed only as allowed under Utah’s Open and Public Meetings Act.

How bills move to final votes

A bill usually cannot be read the third time until at least the day after it is placed on the third reading calendar. This delay does not apply on the 1st, 43rd, 44th, or 45th day of the general session, or on any day in a special or extraordinary session. The secretary reads each standing committee report; if a favorable report is adopted, the bill goes to the second reading calendar or the consent calendar as recommended. Items on the consent calendar stay for two legislative days; three or more senators can move an item to the second reading calendar, and no amendments, substitutes, or debate are allowed while on consent. If two or fewer object during that time, the bill is read by title and placed for a roll call after third reading.

Rules for debate, motions, and rulings

In committee, a member may offer a substitute only if it is germane to the bill’s subject; others may challenge a non‑germane substitute. On the floor, a senator must stand and address the chair as “Mr. (Madam) President” or “Mr. (Madam) President pro tempore” to speak. Any senator may raise a point of order without recognition; the presiding officer rules, may consult, or may send it to the Senate, whose decision is final. In the committee of the whole, the presiding officer chairs, roll call votes are out of order, and senators cannot appeal the chair’s decision there.

Senate president approves spending requests

The Senate president signs requests to the Division of Finance to pay Senate expenses. The president gives final approval for spending that both the majority and minority leaders have authorized, including pay and in‑state or out‑of‑state travel reimbursements. The law defines the minority leader as the top elected leader of the minority party.

Two-thirds vote to adopt Senate rules

At the start of each new Legislature in an odd-numbered year, adopting Senate rules requires a two-thirds vote. If a majority approves rules but not two-thirds, last session’s rules stay in place. Most rules can still be changed by a majority, unless a rule itself requires more than a constitutional majority—those changes need two-thirds. This resolution takes effect upon final passage.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Lincoln Fillmore
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 27 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/20/2026

Senate/ substituted

Yes: 0 • No: 0