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House approves rule requiring county line‑management plans to limit polling wait times
Summary
Rep. Noel's SB 116 requires county clerks to submit line‑management plans intended to keep in‑line wait times at polling locations under 30 minutes, with the Lieutenant Governor to review plans and consult with counties; the House approved the bill unanimously.
The House passed first substitute SB 116 on March 1, adopting a requirement that each county clerk produce a line‑management plan aimed at keeping wait times at polling locations to 30 minutes or less. Rep. Noel, the House sponsor, said the Lieutenant Governor will review plans and consult with county clerks to improve effectiveness.
Floor discussion focused on the causes of long lines experienced in some municipalities, that county clerks should consider adding polling locations where needed and that voters who prefer in‑person voting be accommodated. Rep. Hall recounted past instances in West Valley City where voters waited three to four hours, and Rep. Christiansen urged a broader review with the lieutenant governor.
Rep. Noel noted a complementary bill that can allow county clerks to add polling locations at the last minute if necessary. The measure passed the House 67‑0 and will be transmitted back to the Senate for its president's signature.
Next steps: county clerks are expected to develop line‑management plans and consult with the Lieutenant Governor's office as provided in the bill.
