Utah House votes 40-33 to rescind state's call for a constitutional convention

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House of Representatives voted 40–33 on Feb. 18, 1992, to pass House Joint Resolution 12, a measure that would rescind the Legislature’s prior call for a constitutional convention. The resolution, introduced by Rep. J. Reese Hunter, will be forwarded to the state Senate for consideration.

Supporters said the change is a precaution against an uncontrolled convention. "It is because of that lack of limitation on what a convention can consider that I want to rescind our call for a constitutional convention," Rep. Reese Hunter said, invoking legal warnings he had circulated to colleagues.

Opponents argued that a convention remains the most direct route to a balanced-budget amendment. "The only alternative is left to the people to try and bring Congress back into reason," Rep. Nelson said, urging lawmakers to preserve the option in pursuit of federal fiscal reform.

The House entered the resolution for debate after a sequence of procedural motions about whether to 'uncircle' H.J.R. 12 and whether to set it for a time certain. After extended discussion about precedent and process — including whether the bill had been printed and whether suspending rules was appropriate — members moved to the final question and recorded the roll-call tally: 40 affirmative, 33 negative. The clerk announced the result and that the measure would be forwarded to the Senate.

The vote followed repeated floor exchanges about the risk that a convention could address issues beyond a balanced-budget amendment and about safeguards in past state calls. Supporters cited academic and legal warnings; opponents pointed to procedural protections and the need for a direct route to amend the federal constitution.

With the House vote complete, the next step is Senate consideration. The resolution’s future will depend on the Senate’s action and any companion or responsive measures there.