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House passes resolution to allow self-convening for impeachment; measure heads back to Senate
Summary
The House passed Senate Joint Resolution 6 to amend the state constitution so the House can convene itself for impeachment purposes; members discussed two-thirds thresholds and coordination with other amendment proposals.
The Utah House passed Senate Joint Resolution 6, a proposed constitutional amendment intended to remove a perceived procedural gap: while the Constitution grants the House sole power of impeachment, sponsors said it does not explicitly authorize the House to call itself into session for impeachment purposes.
Presenter Representative Farren said the resolution "would amend the Constitution in a way that allows us to, at least call ourselves into session for purposes of impeachment, if in fact that necessity should ever arise." Members asked whether the two-thirds threshold to impeach would affect the ability to convene; the sponsor acknowledged scenarios where politics could complicate a convening vote but noted coordination language in the resolution that addresses overlap with other pending amendment proposals.
SJR 6 was reported from committee and carried on the floor; the House approved the resolution as amended in committee by a voice/roll call tally recorded at 66 yes, 0 no, 5 absent. The resolution will be returned to the Senate for further action.
Supporters described the measure as a technical fix to ensure the House can assemble for impeachment if necessary. Questions from members centered on logistical and political implications of a two-thirds threshold and how SJR 6 would interact with other pending constitutional amendments.
