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House approves proposed constitutional amendment on school-fund earmark after heated exchange
Summary
House approved Senate Joint Resolution 17 to amend the constitution’s earmark for the Uniform School Fund; proponents said it prevents litigation and excessive caps on education funding, while opponents warned it reduces budget flexibility. The House vote was reported as 60–12 to place the question on the ballot.
The Utah House debated and approved Senate Joint Resolution 17 on Feb. 27, a proposed constitutional amendment to clarify that personal income and corporate franchise taxes are earmarked to the Uniform School Fund. Proponents argued the change avoids costly legal disputes over the constitutional meaning of ‘public education’ and preserves policy clarity; opponents said it would reduce the legislature’s flexibility to respond to shifting budget needs and could create a de facto cap on education spending.
Representative Garn (sponsor) and others said the amendment is necessary to prevent the courts from deciding allocation questions and to make state budget policy more predictable. Opponents such as Representative Hunter and Representative Wadup argued the measure risks siphoning off revenues that the legislature might otherwise use for broader services and warned that it could make future tax-policy choices—such as reducing the sales tax on food—far more difficult.
After extended debate the House adopted the measure to put the amendment before voters; the transcript reports a recorded result described as 60 yes votes and 12 no votes. Legislators noted the measure will appear on the November ballot for final voter approval.
