Utah House adopts Centennial Values resolution after amendment; urges local committees, public sign-ups

The Utah House on Jan. 17 adopted a concurrent resolution asking Utahns to reaffirm traditional values and encouraging the formation of local "Centennial Values Committees." The resolution, sponsored by Representative Evan Olsen, passed the House by voice vote and was recorded as 70 yes and 0 no.

Representative Olsen told the chamber he introduced HCR 5 out of concern that societal violence and civic decline cannot be solved by punishment alone. "If more police and prisons and stiffer penalties will not make my community safer, then what will?" Olsen said in describing the resolution's rationale. He framed the proposal as a volunteer, community-based effort that would use language already found in state law as a guide.

The resolution cites Utah Code provisions that, as the sponsor noted, have directed schools for decades to teach honesty, temperance, courtesy, obedience to law and respect for the constitution and free enterprise. Olsen said the resolution encourages groups "in every city, town, club, church, school and group where citizens meet and associate" to adapt those legal guidelines to local culture and practice and to report successes to a statewide committee.

Before the final vote the House adopted an amendment inserting "business and community organizations" into the list of entities urged to reaffirm values. The amendment was adopted by voice vote and the sponsor said it was intended to broaden participation beyond individuals and families.

Several members raised questions about scope and neutrality during floor debate. Representative Davis asked whether the resolution would require citizens to adopt a particular set of beliefs, saying, "Does this mean that I must adopt your conservative values?" Olsen responded that the resolution directs communities to "use state law as a guide" and to select values appropriate to their own culture rather than imposing a uniform curriculum: "It's for each community, each school, each area to choose the values they want to work on." Representative Atkinson and others urged emphasis on community partnership rather than government coercion.

Olsen said he planned to solicit public signatures and coordinate with the governor's Centennial Committee: "During the coming year, we invite every citizen who may choose to write as an individual, or family, or school, or group to the governor ... expressing your commitment to those values." He described the effort as voluntary and not intended to direct local curricula from the legislature.

The House recorded HCR 5 as receiving 70 affirmative votes and 0 negatives; the resolution will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration. The sponsor invited colleagues to cosign the resolution and said he will seek a public signing event with the governor when schedules permit.

The House proceeded to other business after the vote; no further action on HCR 5 occurred before adjournment.