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House amends and approves bill to designate holiday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Summary
The House adopted an amendment to retain references to Washington and Lincoln while designating a holiday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; the amendment passed and the bill was approved in the House and sent to the Senate.
The Utah House approved Senate Bill 121, a bill to recognize the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., after adopting a floor amendment that adjusted the day's naming language to acknowledge Washington and Lincoln. Representative Bordeaux delivered an extended floor statement on King's legacy and urged the chamber to adopt the change. Representative Dayton moved an amendment to change the bill text to insert the words "Washington and Lincoln" into the holiday language; he argued the change would restore recognition of the nation's early presidents while honoring King.
The amendment was debated. Representative Bordeaux opposed merging the subjects but said he appreciated the history of other Americans; other members spoke passionately on both sides—some urging that the state keep King’s name prominent, others arguing for preserving traditional presidential recognition. The House recorded the amendment passage (reported 244-23 in the amended count) and then passed the bill on final vote (reported 54 yes, 17 no), after which it was referred to the Senate.
Supporters said the bill would be a statement of values and a catalyst for service on the holiday, while opponents said maintaining a broader "Human Rights Day" framing preserved inclusion of other historical figures. The amendment's passage reflected a compromise to acknowledge both King and the country's presidents in state statute.
