2026 Legislative Session Begins

Episode 19 January 23, 2026 00:26:31
2026 Legislative Session Begins
The Hinckley Report
2026 Legislative Session Begins

Jan 23 2026 | 00:26:31

/

Show Notes

With the 2026 Utah Legislative Session officially under way, host Jason Perry leads a discussion on how lawmakers are pushing for their priorities. It's expected to be a tight budget year, so how will that affect things on Capitol Hill? Plus, Gov. Cox delivers his annual State of the State address.

THE DEEPER DIVE:
• From big-picture priorities like AI, critical minerals, and long-term infrastructure to a potentially record number of bill filings, we break down the session's opening week.
• In his State of the State address, Governor Spencer Cox focused on efforts to improve childhood literacy, housing affordability, and homelessness. We also explore his call for greater unity and less political divisiveness.
• ⚖️ Tensions between the judicial branch and legislature may be at a tipping point. Chief Justice Matthew Durrant addressed the issues in rare public comments. We discuss the changes lawmakers are considering for Utah's judiciary.
• What bills are our political experts watching? From water-use reporting and Great Salt Lake protections to alcohol policy changes and some quirky proposals, our panel brings you into the conversation.

️ FEATURING:
• Kate Bradshaw – Mayor, Bountiful City
• Dennis Romboy – Deseret News
• Ben Winslow – Fox 13 News

Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

Other Episodes

Episode 24

February 19, 2021 00:25:53
Episode Cover

Trump’s Acquittal, Legislative Session Week 5

State lawmakers consider major policy changes as the end of the legislative session looms. Utahns and political parties react to our senators casting opposing...

Listen

Episode 9

November 05, 2021 00:26:19
Episode Cover

Election Day Analysis

Voters in even more Utah cities used ranked choice ballots for the first time. Utah leaders react to the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate....

Listen

Episode 4

October 01, 2021 00:26:22
Episode Cover

Vaccines, National Debt, and Utah's Natural Resources

As Utah leaders push against a federal mandate, some local businesses are celebrating vaccine milestones. Meanwhile, Congress is once again careening toward a government...

Listen