The Utah Government Operations Interim Committee convened on September 16, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding electronic signature gathering and the annual executive board report.

The meeting began with a presentation on the newly released executive board report, which outlines the seven executive boards and commissions established in the previous year. These include the Utah Behavioral Health Commission, the Utah Bridal Governing Board, the Fair Park District Board, the License Plate Design Review Board, the San Rafael Energy Lab Board, the Revitalization Zone Committee, and the Talent Initiatives and Talent Advisory Councils. This report, submitted in August, is now available for public viewing on the committee's website.

Following this, the committee shifted focus to electronic signature gathering, a topic of growing importance in Utah's electoral process. Kiersey, a representative from the lieutenant governor's office, provided an overview of the current laws governing electronic signatures, highlighting recent changes that now allow petition sponsors to gather signatures both manually and electronically. This flexibility, established by HB 300, is a significant development as it enables a more efficient signature collection process for initiatives, referendums, and candidate nominations.

Utah stands out as the only state permitting electronic signature gathering for all three types of petitions. The presentation included comparisons with other states, such as New Mexico and Denver, which have implemented their own electronic petition systems but with varying limitations. For instance, New Mexico's platform is restricted to candidate nominations, while Denver previously utilized an app that has since been discontinued.

The committee also discussed the technical aspects of the electronic signature process, emphasizing the requirement for signature gatherers to use approved devices that ensure voter information is securely handled. The process mandates that signature gatherers be physically present with voters, who must verify their identity using a driver's license or state ID.

As the meeting concluded, the committee prepared for a demonstration of Utah's current ePetition platform, showcasing its functionality and user experience. This initiative is expected to enhance voter engagement and streamline the petition process, reflecting Utah's commitment to modernizing its electoral framework.

The discussions from this meeting underscore the ongoing efforts to improve government operations and electoral processes in Utah, with the potential for significant impacts on civic participation and legislative initiatives in the state.