House adopts uniform pre-merger notice bill over chamber objections; HB 466 passes 60-10

The Utah House on Feb. 27 passed first substitute House Bill 466, which adopts the Uniform Antitrust Premerger Notification Act framework for state-level premerger notice to the attorney general. The measure passed 60-10 after debate about whether Utah should be an early adopter of the uniform approach.

Sponsor Representative Tusher described the bill as a way to standardize state premerger submissions so companies need not juggle multiple state-specific filing formats; the bill requires companies that either are headquartered in Utah or have at least $23 million in Utah sales to provide the same form submitted to federal antitrust authorities to the state attorney general’s office.

Representative Ballard moved to “circle” the bill (delay and send back to Rules) citing concerns from the Salt Lake Chamber about adding state-level regulatory burdens and privacy questions; Ballard argued other states—primarily blue states—are taking different approaches. The motion to circle failed following back-and-forths. Sponsor Tusher said he is continuing to work with the Salt Lake Chamber and that the bill’s implementation date was moved to July 2026 to give time for process setup.

Supporters argued the uniform form reduces burdens on businesses relative to multiple, nonuniform state forms; opponents said Utah should avoid becoming an early adopter that could create additional compliance obligations. The House recorded 60 yes votes and 10 no votes. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate.