House passes SB 3,004 to place presidential candidates on Utah primary ballot; sponsor says no negative fiscal impact

The Utah House passed Senate Bill 3,004 on Oct. 3, 2011, a technical election bill intended to allow presidential candidates to appear on Utah's regular primary ballot in February 2012. Representative Powell, the House sponsor, said the bill provides a declaration-of-candidacy process similar to other statewide candidates, requires a filing fee from presidential candidates, and directs the lieutenant governor to develop the required forms and to certify the winner of the primary.

Powell described the bill as technical and necessary to accommodate the change in how some western states run presidential primaries. "A presidential candidate wanting placement on the regular primary election ballot, will file a declaration of candidacy similar to what our statewide candidates do," he said. He added that the lieutenant governor would provide the declaration form and that presidential candidates would pay a filing fee.

Representative Chavez-Houck asked whether the change would impose costs on counties. Powell replied that the fiscal note shows no material impact to state government and that the fiscal analysts' office believes there is essentially no negative fiscal note; filing fees would generate revenues for local governments. "If you look on a fiscal note for the bill, we have as to state government, no material impact," Powell said.

The House recorded a roll-call showing the bill received 75 yes votes and 0 no votes. The bill will be signed by the Speaker and returned to the Senate for enrollment and transmission to the Governor.