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What to Expect From the 2026 Utah Legislative Session

The interior of the dome at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City.
Briana Scroggins / Special to KUER
The interior of the dome at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City, Jan. 21, 2025.

“Affordability” is a buzzword of the current political moment, and it’s top of mind for Utah lawmakers as they gear up for the general legislative session.

According to KUER politics reporter Sean Higgins, state legislators plan to pull as many levers as they can this year to address mounting concerns about the cost of living in the Beehive state. They’ll also debate bills aimed at reforming Utah’s courts, building out data centers and limiting services to undocumented immigrants. That’s just a few of the nearly 1,200 bills expected this year. There’s even talk of one to limit the number of bills lawmakers propose. Higgins, Salt Lake Tribune reporter Robert Gehrke and former legislator Holly Richardson join us to preview what’s on tap for 45 days of legislative action.

GUESTS –

Sean Higgins | KUER politics reporter and co-host of “State Street”

Robert Gehrke | Salt Lake Tribune politics reporter

Holly Richardson | Editor of Utah Policy, columnist for the Deseret News and a former Utah legislator  

Airdate: Wed., Jan. 15, 2026 at 9 a.m. and Sat., Jan. 17, 2026 at 11 a.m. 

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