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Utah House approves measure to open Rules Committee after heated floor debate
Summary
The Utah House approved House Joint Resolution 10 to make the Rules Committee a public meeting, following an extended floor debate in which members cited transparency, public trust and procedural consequences. The measure passed 53–21 and was sent to the Senate.
The Utah House on the floor session approved House Joint Resolution 10, a measure to make the chamber's Rules Committee subject to public-meeting rules, after a prolonged debate over transparency and legislative process. The Clerk announced the final tally as 53 votes in favor and 21 opposed; the resolution was referred to the Senate for further consideration.
Proponents framed the change as a response to eroded public confidence. Rep. Atkinson argued the Rules Committee should be opened to "restore some of the confidence in the public," saying Utah was "the last state in the nation" with a closed rules process and urging colleagues to "do the bidding of the people today" by supporting the substitute motion. Rep. Jones said opening Rules would let constituents "know who's really with you and who's not with you," and called transparency "the democratic way."
Opponents cautioned that publicly opening Rules would not eliminate behind-the-scenes agenda-setting and could shift or concentrate power. Rep. Fox warned that open Rules could either strengthen the speaker or committee chairs and said the practice could change how bills receive thorough vetting. Rep. Harvard said he would vote for the motion largely on public-relations grounds but questioned how much it would change the actual business of the House.
Lawmakers also debated process alternatives. Rep. Stevens urged a deliberative study through the Legislative Process Committee before making sweeping procedural changes and proposed reinstating language to keep conference committees open. Rep. Evans clarified that opening the Rules Committee would make meetings public but would not convert those meetings into public hearings that require public testimony.
The House adopted amendment motions and completed the final vote after procedural corrections on the floor. With the 53'to'1 vote, HJR 10 will advance to the Senate for consideration. Members signaled the change was intended to address public perception; supporters said it would make decisions more visible, while critics warned of potential unintended consequences for bill flow and internal control.
The House adjourned and is scheduled to reconvene at 10 a.m. the next day.
