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House passes bill protecting county employees who run for local office
Summary
HB297 allows county employees running for county office unpaid leave options and clarifies notice policies; supporters said it protects deputies from coercion, while opponents warned of state overreach into county authority. The House passed the bill 47–19.
The Utah House passed House Bill 297 on Feb. 12, 1998, which provides statutory guidelines allowing county employees who run for county office to take unpaid leave of absence for part or all of a campaign period without fear of negative employment action.
Representative Gary F. Cox said counties requested the standardized language to protect employees such as sheriff’s deputies who might otherwise face pressure from incumbents. "The guidelines that this bill gives are to protect county employees who wish to run for a county office," Cox told the House. The bill includes administrative clarifications recommended by Legislative Council about giving notice before taking leave.
Members debated the bill’s scope. Some asked why the measure didn’t include city or state employees; sponsors said counties had requested the change first. Questions about continuation of insurance and benefits were answered by pointing to county policies: benefits during unpaid leave would be governed by local county policy. Opponents warned that the state may be usurping county authority and that counties already have mechanisms to handle such issues.
Supporters said the change could equalize the playing field and prevent intimidation of potential candidates who are county employees. After floor amendments were adopted and debate concluded, the House recorded a roll-call vote of 47 yes and 19 no; the bill will be forwarded to the Senate.
