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House rejects HB 11 substitute that would clarify referendum filing timelines
Summary
Lawmakers declined to adopt a first-substitute version of HB 11 that would have clarified the 'action date' for referendum filing and better aligned referendum windows with the governor's signature period; the substitute failed on a 29–42 vote.
The Utah House on Jan. 29 rejected First Substitute House Bill 11, a measure that sponsors said would clarify the procedural 'action date' for filing referendum petitions so timelines align with constitutional referendum windows and the governor's available signature/veto period.
Representative Fred Cox, speaking for the sponsor, described the substitute as a technical clarification to ensure referendum windows and the constitution's 60‑day effective-date rule do not conflict. "It allows an individual or individuals that want to run a referendum to see if the governor's going to sign or veto the bill," Cox said, adding the substitute preserves the 60‑day period while ensuring staff and enrolled bills timing are respected.
Members questioned how the substitute would operate when a bill passes early in the session and whether the filing deadline could effectively occur while the governor still has signature authority; sponsor representatives and questioners walked through constitutional timing and the enrolled bill process. Representative Arendt and others sought clarification; Representative Cox and Representative Christiansen explained the practical steps of enrollment and governor action.
After questions and waived summation, the House voted 29 yes to 42 no on First Substitute HB 11, and the substitute failed on the House floor.
Because the transcript records a failed vote on the substitute, no amendment or transmission to the Senate followed from that substitute.
The legislature's procedures allow further consideration of related language in subsequent committee or floor action, but the House record shows this substitute did not pass.
