The Legislature is poised to voluntarily freeze its pay at current levels, preempting an automatic raise that is set to take effect in July.

Lawmakers are currently paid $117 for each of the 45 days they spend on Capitol Hill during the session, as well as any all special sessions and monthly meetings that take place throughout the year.

Every other year, the Legislature automatically receives a raise, based on the recommendations of the Legislative Compensation Commission, a group made up of seven Utah residents appointed by the governor. Last year, the commission recommended that the Legislature receive a raise to $130 per day.

HB287 by House Minority Leader David Litvack, D-Salt Lake City, would keep daily salary at $117, and legislators would not be up for another automatic raise until the 2013 fiscal year.

Calling it "a matter of fairness," Litvack introduced the bill on the House floor Wednesday. Although the bill is supported by leaders of both parties, lawmakers likely not take any additional action on it until after Feb. 15, when they receive updated revenue estimates, and a clearer budget picture emerges.

Rep. Neil Hansen, D-Ogden, has gone further than Litvack, proposing cuts in the paychecks of top state leaders, including the governor and attorney general, and their staffs.

Last year, legislators gave themselves a 10% pay cut, while the House and Senate leadership slashed out-of-state travel budgets. Beyond their daily salary, legislators currently receive an additional $54 daily for meal expenses and $90 for daily hotel expenses.