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House debate over rainy-day fund amendment ends in contested voice vote and procedural motions
Summary
Lawmakers debated HJR 31, a proposed constitutional amendment to require two-thirds approval to tap Utah's rainy-day fund. An amendment to narrow the threshold to a constitutional majority was hotly contested, led to a division call and procedural motions, and the House adjourned amid further motions and debate.
Representative Evan L. Olson introduced House Joint Resolution 31 on the House floor, proposing a constitutional amendment that would require two-thirds of members of both houses to approve any use of the state's rainy-day fund. "This is the purpose of HJR 31, to require that 2 thirds of both bodies have to agree on the use of the rainy day fund," Olson said, arguing the change would protect reserves for true emergencies.
Representative Atkinson moved to amend HJR 31 to replace the two-thirds requirement with a simple (constitutional) majority, arguing that two-thirds imposes minority control and that a constitutional…
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