House narrowly approves resolution urging Congress to take on major regulations

The Utah House of Representatives approved SJR 8 on March 3, a joint resolution urging Congress to adopt what supporters called a “regulation freedom” amendment that would require legislative approval for major federal regulations. The resolution passed 56–13 and will be returned to the Senate for further action.

Sponsor Representative Val Peterson said the resolution aims to ensure that Congress — not administrative agencies acting through rulemaking — makes major policy choices. “This just urges [Congress] to pass an amendment that if they're gonna pass...large regulatory acts that Congress actually would take action on them instead of just letting the agencies do it through rule making authority,” Peterson said on the floor.

Opponents argued the resolution could empower small minorities to block federal regulatory steps and intensify partisan gridlock. Representative Brian King warned the measure would be “a recipe for disaster, a recipe for continued gridlock,” saying the resolution’s language did not limit itself to only the largest or most consequential rules.

Supporters responded that the resolution targets “major regulatory issues” and is intended to preserve legislative prerogative. Representative Nelson described the measure as creating “a check that Congress would have over administrative agencies.”

The House moved the resolution from a circled procedural status to the floor for debate before the vote. The measure will be sent back to the Senate for its consideration.

Votes at a glance: SJR 8 — Passed 56 yes, 13 no.

What’s next: The resolution will be returned to the Utah Senate for the president’s signature and any further action the Senate chooses.