WHEREAS, access to legal education is essential for developing a robust legal profession to serve Utah's growing population;WHEREAS, Utah's population is projected to reach 4.2 million by 2030, increasing demand for legal services across the state;WHEREAS, Utah currently has two law schools, both located in the northern Wasatch Front, limiting geographic and programmatic diversity;WHEREAS, Utah Valley University serves as the state's largest public university and maintains a mission of providing accessible, career-focused education;WHEREAS, Utah Valley University operates facilities at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, providing modern educational space in a central location along the Wasatch Front;WHEREAS, many working professionals seek legal education but cannot accommodate traditional daytime law school schedules;WHEREAS, part-time, evening, and weekend law programs successfully serve working professionals at accredited institutions nationwide;WHEREAS, the American Bar Association accredits law schools that meet rigorous standards for faculty, curriculum, facilities, and student services;WHEREAS, establishing a law school requires careful evaluation of accreditation requirements, faculty recruitment, facility adequacy, and financial sustainability;WHEREAS, a law school at Utah Valley University could expand access to legal education for non-traditional students, working professionals, and underserved communities;WHEREAS, Utah's technology sector, growing business community, and expanding state and local government operations create sustained demand for legal professionals;WHEREAS, a feasibility study should examine initial enrollment projections, tuition models, faculty hiring needs, library and technology requirements, and pathways to American Bar Association accreditation;WHEREAS, collaboration with the Utah Board of Higher Education and the Utah System of Higher Education would ensure alignment with statewide higher education priorities; andWHEREAS, a comprehensive feasibility study would provide the Legislature with information necessary to evaluate this proposal:NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah directs Utah Valley University, in consultation with the Utah Board of Higher Education, to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for establishing a law school.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the feasibility study shall address:(1)facility requirements, including adequacy of existing Thanksgiving Point campus facilities, library resources, classroom technology, and necessary modifications or expansions;(2)faculty requirements, including the number of full-time and adjunct faculty needed for American Bar Association accreditation, anticipated faculty salaries, and faculty recruitment strategies;(3)student needs, including projected enrollment for initial and subsequent classes, student support services, bar examination preparation resources, and career services;(4)staffing requirements, including administrative personnel, library staff, academic support staff, and operational personnel;(5)accreditation pathways, including American Bar Association provisional and full accreditation requirements, a timeline for achieving accreditation, and compliance strategies;(6)market viability, including demand analysis for legal education in Utah, employment outcomes for graduates, potential impacts on existing Utah law schools, and regional workforce needs;(7)initial class size recommendations based on faculty capacity, facility limitations, and market demand;(8)tuition cost projections, including estimated tuition for the initial years, comparison with other law schools in the region, and financial aid considerations;(9)program design focused on evening and weekend instruction to serve working professionals and non-traditional students;(10)operating budget projections for the first five years, including revenue assumptions and expense categories;(11)capital investment requirements and potential funding sources;(12)timelines for program development, accreditation process, and student enrollment; and(13)any other considerations necessary for legislative evaluation of this proposal.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Utah Valley University shall submit a written report of findings and recommendations to the Education Interim Committee and the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee no later than November 30, 2026.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the feasibility study shall consider how a law school at Utah Valley University would complement existing legal education in Utah and serve populations not currently reached by traditional law school programs.