House rejects substitute that would have added union financial disclosures and monthly opt-out from dues

SALT LAKE CITY — Lawmakers on Feb. 28 debated and then rejected a floor substitution of Senate Bill 159, a measure that would have required public-employee labor organizations to disclose finances and allowed members a monthly opt-out from dues deductions.

Representative Hughes, who introduced the substitute, said the bill “adds . . . a disclosure of our public employee unions in their finances” and framed the measure as a sunshine law. He described the opt-out mechanism as a way for members to stop payroll deductions on a month-to-month basis rather than remaining enrolled for a full year.

Opponents questioned the timing and potential effects. Representative Legeen asked about fiscal impacts and whether the substitution reflected committee changes; Representative Holloway urged more time for study and objected to bringing major revisions on the last night of the session. Representative Becker said he suspected late-hour maneuvering and urged voting the bill down. Other members asked whether smaller organizations (for example, groups of 200 members or less) were properly exempted; the sponsor said the exemption was included to avoid unintended competitive harm to small associations such as the Fraternal Order of Police.

After debate, the clerk reported the vote on the second substitute: 26 yes, 45 no; the substitute failed.

Next steps: The failed substitute remains a floor action; any future versions would require reintroduction or committee work.