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House repeals nonbinding tax-opinion ballot question in SJR 4‑01
Summary
The House approved a joint resolution, SJR 4‑01, to repeal a previously approved nonbinding ballot opinion question regarding a statewide tax; sponsor Representative Hughes said stakeholders had lost enthusiasm and the House passed the repeal 60–6.
The Utah House of Representatives voted on June 20 to repeal a statute-authorized nonbinding ballot opinion question that would have asked voters about a statewide 'zap' tax.
Representative Hughes, the House sponsor, said the ballot question had drawn contested debate during the general session but that stakeholder sentiment had shifted. "This bill was one that had lengthy debate... It had mixed reviews...and we sit here today with stakeholders from all sides not so excited about placing this issue on the ballot," Hughes said, explaining his decision to support repeal.
Members raised procedural and philosophical questions about ballot wording and the value of nonbinding opinion questions. Representative Dunnegan thanked the sponsor for bringing it back and noted the utility of allowing voters' voices to be heard, while others said ballot timing and crowded November ballots counseled repeal. The House approved SJR 4‑01 on a recorded vote of 60 yes to 6 no; the resolution will be returned to the Senate for the president’s signature and transmission to the governor.
