Cox signs measure, voters to decide on ballot initiative changes in November
Aug 21, 2024, 4:06 PM | Updated: Aug 22, 2024, 2:58 pm
The Utah House of Representatives convenes in special session to consider an initiative constitutional amendment, at the capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. (Scott Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — A proposal to change the Utah constitution to give lawmakers more say over ballot initiatives will be on the ballot in November after Gov. Spencer Cox signed the measure on Thursday. The news comes less than a day after a vote during the Utah Legislature’s special session.
In November, voters will decide whether to make the change part of the state constitution. The measure would allow the legislature to reject or amend what’s in ballot initiatives.
The Utah Legislature voted to place an amendment on Wednesday, giving lawmakers the ability to change citizen ballot initiatives after they are passed, on the upcoming November general election ballot.
According to KSL TV’s Lindsay Aerts, the Senate voted 20-8, with two Republicans, Sen. Wayne Harper and Sen. Daniel Thatcher opposing. Senate Democrats opposed the move. The House passed the amendment 54 to 20. Seven Republicans voted against it.
At 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, the Salt Lake Chamber announced their support for the amendment.
“The Salt Lake Chamber supports the foundational principle of respecting the will of the people in lawmaking processes,” the statement read. “Whether through their duly elected representatives or constitutional ballot initiatives.”
Utah House Democrats disapproved, publishing a statement shortly after its legislative approval that condemned the bill as a means of taking power away from voters.
The Utah House Democratic Caucus released the following statement at the conclusion of the 2024 4th Special Session. pic.twitter.com/D9R4G7Txok
— Utah House Democrats (@utahhousedems) August 22, 2024
