SALT LAKE CITY – After 45 days of debates, committee hearings, and legislative action, the 2025 Utah Legislative General Session is coming to a close. Lawmakers have until the end of the day on Friday, March 7, to finalize and pass any remaining bills before they head to Governor Spencer Cox’s desk for approval.
Last-Minute Legislative Action
As the session winds down, legislators are making a final push to pass key bills before the deadline. The final hours are expected to be filled with fast-moving developments as lawmakers negotiate and vote on legislation that could impact Utah residents for years to come.
ABC4’s Chief Political Correspondent Lindsay Aerts is providing live coverage from the Capitol, tracking the latest updates on proposed laws, amendments, and any unexpected legislative moves.
Key Issues from the 2025 Session
This year’s session has sparked significant debate over a range of controversial topics, including:
- Restrictions on Pride Flags in Schools – A bill prohibiting pride flags and other non-official banners in public school classrooms generated heated discussions on both sides of the issue.
- Election Reform – Proposed changes to Utah’s mail-in voting process aimed at tightening election security have drawn mixed reactions from voters and advocacy groups.
- Alcohol Law Amendments – Lawmakers introduced modifications to Utah’s alcohol regulations, with some proposals focused on easing restrictions, while others sought to maintain the state’s historically strict policies.
- Public Union Bargaining Rights – One of the most contentious bills of the session involved removing collective bargaining power from public unions, a move that sparked immediate backlash from labor organizations. In response, a coalition of unions is exploring options to challenge or repeal the measure.
- Judicial System Reforms – Several proposals targeting the judiciary led to strong opposition from legal professionals, with some arguing the changes would undermine judicial independence.
A Nationally Scrutinized Proposal
One of the most widely discussed bills on a national level involved removing fluoride from Utah’s water supply. The proposal attracted widespread media attention, particularly after comedian Jimmy Kimmel aired a segment poking fun at the legislation. The bill’s proponents argue that residents should have more control over their water quality, while opponents warn of potential public health consequences.
What’s Next?
With just hours left in the legislative session, all eyes are on the Capitol as lawmakers make their final decisions. Once the session officially concludes, Governor Cox will have the opportunity to sign, veto, or allow bills to pass without his signature.
For real-time updates on the session’s final moments, ABC4 continues to provide live coverage and breaking news from the Capitol. Stay tuned for the latest developments .
