House approves change to let lawmakers decline automatic $10 pay increase

The Utah House on special session approved HB 2,002, a bill amending the statute that governs automatic legislative pay adjustments, voting 69-0 to send the measure to the Senate.

Representative David Clark, identified in the reading as the bill sponsor, told members the Legislative Compensation Commission has set a $10 increase effective this January and that HB 2,002 would allow the Legislature in a special session to elect not to accept that automatic raise. "We would like to not accept that," Clark said, adding that members "would take our share of what's involved rather than the automatic increase." He framed the change as a way for the Legislature to share in budget constraints affecting other agencies.

Members asked questions during floor discussion. Representative Hansen asked whether executive-branch pay has been decreased in prior budget crunches and whether acting so close to an election would inappropriately bind incoming members; Clark said he did not track executive compensation closely and noted statutory limits govern when pay adjustments can occur. Representative Noel raised concerns about inequality between members who live far from the Capitol and receive per diem for travel and those who live nearby, urging the body to examine that differential in a future session.

After discussion, the House opened voting and the clerk announced HB 2,002 had received 69 yes votes and 0 no votes. The bill will be referred to the Senate for consideration.

Sponsor comments indicated the Legislature may later bring a companion resolution to formally decline the increase after the statute is enrolled.