That’s a wrap, folks! The 2021 General Session has come to a close, which means this season of 45 Days ends here as well. We introduced you to a lot of bills and issues over the past several weeks, so this week we’re rounding up which of those headed to the governor’s desk and which ones are dust in the wind. Plus, we’ll break down what all those new laws will mean for Utahns.

This week, we’re zooming out a bit to look at what it’s been like to legislate during a session shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. We talked with lawmakers, lobbyists and journalists about what they miss the most (and why it’s the cafeteria’s tater tots) and what changes they hope might stick around.

Education is always touted as a top priority, if not THE top priority, during Utah’s legislative session. This year is no exception, so we brought in KUER’s education reporter Jon Reed to give us a quick lesson on how lawmakers are funding and regulating schools, teachers and students.

Every year, hundreds of bills are filed for Utah lawmakers to consider during the legislative session. But, not all those bills were written by Utah lawmakers or their staff. Some of them weren’t even written in Utah. This week, hosts Sonja Hutson and Emily Means walk us through how a model bill becomes a Utah bill.

Finding an affordable rental unit in Utah isn’t easy, and lawmakers know it. So, in an attempt to create more affordable housing, some want to make it easier to build accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. But city officials like Park City Mayor Andy Bearman say the one-size-fits-all approach will do more harm than good.

How do you reduce suicide deaths in a pro-gun state where half of those deaths are by firearm? Hosts Sonja Hutson and Emily Means look at Utah’s approach over the years. Plus, a conversation with Rep. Steve Eliason, who’s spearheaded several suicide prevention bills.If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Utah Crisis Line at 801-587-3000 or the Crisis Text Line by texting 741741.

After a summer of protests and counter-protests about police reform, Utah lawmakers have already introduced a number of bills on the issue. Hosts Emily Means and Sonja Hutson look at how Utah found itself ready to talk about police brutality and what reforms are on the table this year.

Did you know Utah lawmakers technically have only ONE thing to do during the legislative session? And do you know what that thing is? Make the state’s budget! It takes the Legislature 45 days to hash it out (and that’s not counting all the staff time to prepare for the session!). But Sonja and Emily can explain how Utah’s budget works in just 15 minutes. Impressive, we know.

45 Days is back with a preview of the 2021 Utah Legislative Session. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be a little bit different this time around. But one of the things that hasn’t changed this year is the Republican supermajority in both chambers. Hosts Emily Means and Sonja Hutson talked with Senate President Stuart Adams and House Minority Leader Brian King about what they hope to get done during this session.

Just in time for Utah's 2021 legislative session, 45 Days is back. We have two new hosts to guide you through the twists and turns of this unprecedented moment: KUER political reporters Sonja Hutson and Emily Means. They'll dive deep into the biggest bills and issues each week. New episodes drop Friday mornings.You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter.