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House advances joint rules resolution to create mini-appropriations process; SJR 1 passes 38-31
Summary
The Utah House approved SJR 1, a joint rules resolution creating a mini-appropriations request process that funnels small appropriations through fiscal analysts and appropriations committees. Supporters say it streamlines priority-setting; critics worry it limits full membership input.
The Utah House voted 38-31 to approve SJR 1, a joint rules resolution that creates a parallel process for considering mini-appropriations requests, sending them first to the fiscal analyst and appropriations committees rather than the traditional standing-committee path.
Representative Goodfellow, sponsor of the resolution, told members the process is intended to speed consideration of small appropriation requests and let appropriations committees prioritize projects for funding. "This year, it's my understanding that they've set aside $6,000,000. 3 million for the House, 3000000 for the Senate," he said, outlining how requests would be gathered and prioritized.
Supporters said directing appropriation requests to the fiscal analyst and appropriations committees will reduce duplication of effort in standing committees and concentrate scrutiny where budget expertise sits. Representative Goodfellow said the intent is to involve the whole body in final prioritization and that the process could be reversed if it proves ineffective.
Opponents, including several freshmen members, warned that the change could concentrate decisionmaking in a smaller group and limit floor debate on funding priorities. Representative Arendt said she was "concerned that...we're leaving a group of important policy matters just to be decided by a few people and that they won't be heard on the floor unless you're creative enough to come up with a slight statutory change." Representative Adair described it as "one of those little things that is a big thing" because of its effect on representation.
Members amended SJR 1 on the floor to delete the word "base," a change intended to allow committees to consider requests that would provide one-time or ongoing funding rather than limiting consideration to base budget items. That floor amendment was adopted before the final vote.
SJR 1 now moves to the Utah Senate for further consideration.
