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House amends political-activity bill to keep lobbyist badges, passes measure
Summary
Lawmakers adopted amendments to SB207, a political-activity cleanup bill, including reinstating lobbyist badges and technical fixes; the sixth substitute passed the House 68-11 and will be returned to the Senate.
The Utah House on March 11 adopted multiple amendments to sixth substitute SB207, which the sponsor described as cleanup and clarification language for corporate giving, campaign reporting and related election law technicalities. After floor debate and a series of representative-sponsored amendments, the House approved the bill 68-11 as amended.
Representative Dan McKay, sponsor of SB207 in the House, summarized the bill as clarifying reporting requirements and making technical changes related to corporate contributions and election reporting. Representative Cunningham offered several amendments, including Amendment 3, which would retain lobbyist name badges in the Capitol. That amendment drew divided reaction: Representative Peterson opposed it on the ground that members should be able to speak to any constituent, while others, including Representative McHale and Representative McKay, called it a helpful tool, particularly for newer legislators.
Representative McKay characterized the badge provision as helpful for identifying paid lobbyists and said he considered the amendment friendly. Representative Cunningham explained the change was meant to aid new lawmakers who do not yet recognize many lobbyists by sight.
The House voted to adopt the amendments and passed the sixth substitute of SB207 by a vote of 68-11; the bill, as amended, will be returned to the Senate for further consideration.
What to watch: the bill contains technical reporting clarifications; the lobbyist-badge language may be a point of contention in the Senate or in future sessions.
