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House amends judicial nominating commission rules, approving changes to lists and quorum
Summary
Lawmakers amended House Bill 157 on Feb. 23 to change the judicial nominating commission quorum rules and the number of names sent to the governor; amendments were debated and the bill passed after votes on pink-sheet changes.
The Utah House adopted amendments to House Bill 157 on Feb. 23 that alter procedures for the judicial nominating commission, including clarifications about who counts toward a quorum and changes to the number of names provided for trial and appellate vacancies.
Representative Dunlop explained pink-sheet amendments clarifying that the chief justice may not be counted for quorum purposes and increasing the number of members required for a quorum from four to five. Another floor amendment, proposed by Representative Bryson, altered a candidate elimination threshold: it would remove a candidate from consideration only if they received no votes in a round, rather than if they received two or fewer votes. Supporters said these changes were intended to broaden governor options and protect minority voting blocks; opponents warned some language could effectively extend the governor’s list beyond constitutional timings.
After debate, the House adopted the amendments and subsequently passed HB157. The clerk recorded the final vote at 48 yes and 24 no; the bill will be forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.
What happens next: HB157 proceeds to the Senate. Floor debate focused on balancing governor flexibility with constitutional timing and the potential for nominating-commission control over lists.
