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House passes bill to allow automatic voter address updates in statewide database
Summary
The House approved HB161 to let the Lieutenant Governor develop systems to automatically update voters' addresses in the statewide VISTA database by cross-referencing other state agency data, with supporters saying it reduces barriers and saves administrative work; the bill passed 71-0.
The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 25 passed House Bill 161, a measure to let the Lieutenant Governor’s Office develop a system to automatically update voter addresses in the Statewide Voter Registration Database (VISTA) by cross-referencing other state agency databases.
Representative Rebecca Chavez Houck, the bill sponsor, told the chamber the change aims to reduce barriers for Utahns who move within the state by updating registrations without requiring a new registration form. "HB 161 simply allows the Lieutenant Governor's Office to develop a system for automatically updating voter addresses in VISTA without the need for a new registration form to be completed every time a voter moves within our state," Chavez Houck said.
Supporters said the proposal had bipartisan backing from a governor-appointed commission on strengthening democracy and that county clerks had been involved in design and supported the concept. Representative Frank, who also served on the commission, said he "fully supported" the bill and praised the sponsor’s work. The sponsor noted the proposal would be pursued with attention to confidentiality restrictions of agencies such as the State Tax Commission and the Department of Workforce Services.
The House opened, closed and recorded a vote on the bill the same day; Speaker announced HB161 passed the House by a 71-0 tally and the measure was transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
The bill’s chief purpose, supporters said, is administrative efficiency and voter convenience: by allowing cross-referencing with existing state data, officials expect to reduce paperwork and keep registration information current. The bill’s fact sheet (distributed to members) included projected savings and details on the commission that recommended the change. The measure was also reported out of the Government Operations Committee with unanimous support.
Next steps: HB161 was transmitted to the Senate for its consideration; the House record shows no amendments adopted on the floor and no recorded dissenting floor statements prior to the final vote.
