History and Purpose

The Women's State Legislative Council of Utah was organized in 1920 after the ratification of the 19"' Amendment to the United States Constitution, which gave every woman the right to vote. Its purpose then, as now, is to investigate and study state and national issues with a goal of bringing about legislation beneficial to the State of Utah.

Membership is open to organizations and individuals. Currently, there are 304 delegates, 111 organizations, representing 400,000 plus citizens. Three affiliate councils -Box Elder, Utah and Weber Counties -- are members of the state organization. Since delegates report the actions taken by the Legislative Council to their respective organizations, we have the ability to influence thousands of people throughout the state. A news Bulletin, printed after each meeting, and posted @ www.wslcofutah.org summarizes the information presented on issues and is an aid to delegate reporting, as well as to Legislators, Senators, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

Delegates represent a broad cross section of the population in terms of geography, economics, culture, politics and religion. Nonpartisanship is achieved by alternating the leadership of the Council between the two major political parties each biennium. The Executive Board and Committees are also balanced politically.

The Council meets in general session on the fourth Wednesday during September and October. Weekly meetings on Wednesday will also be held during the legislative session beginning in January. See also www.wslcofutah.org for the schedule. At our meetings, experts present material for and against issues and legislation. Delegates then divide into five legislative study committees for further pro and con consideration of issues.

The five study committees are:

• Business/Labor/Economic Development/Workforce Services/Public Utilities and Technology;
• Education;
• Energy/Natural Resources/Agriculture and Environment;
• Health and Human Services/Retirement & Independent Entities;
• Judiciary/Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice/Political Subdivisions/ Revenue and Taxation/Transportation/Government Operations.

Action on legislation originates from the Legislative Study Committees or from the Council floor in the form of resolutions supporting or opposing bills. The resolutions are submitted to the delegates at the general session for approval. If they are adopted, they are emailed to each Legislator, as well as the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Delegates may then lobby for the bill's passage or defeat.

Over the years, the Council has earned the reputation of being a nonpartisan organization, representing no special interest group. The Women's State Legislative Council's policy of hearing both sides of issues, weighing the factors involved in solving problems and taking a stand on legislation has made it a respected organization in Utah.