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Senate approves constitutional measure to remove income tax earmark for schools; heads to House
Summary
The Utah Senate approved SJR 5, a proposed constitutional amendment to remove the earmark that consigns state income tax revenues to the Uniform School Fund, after floor debate about budget flexibility; the measure was referred to the House with a recorded supermajority.
The Utah Senate approved a proposed constitutional amendment to eliminate a longstanding requirement that state income tax be earmarked for the Uniform School Fund, moving SJR 5 to the House for consideration. Senator Swan, sponsor of the resolution, urged colleagues to vote for the change to provide the Legislature and the state more budgetary flexibility, saying the amendment would prevent the state from being "strapped in by the lack of flexibility" if future general fund revenues declined.
Supporters stressed the need to modernize the constitution’s language on earmarking. Senator McAllister said the measure would "provide the flexibility in establishing taxes" and aid appropriations. Swan cited endorsements from education leaders and said the change was discussed for years; he also emphasized his background in education while arguing the amendment would not undermine commitment to schools.
Opponents raised timing concerns and cautioned that removing earmarks would require trust from future legislatures on funding priorities. After debate, the Senate completed its procedural steps and recorded a sufficient supermajority vote to advance the joint resolution to the House.
The next steps: the House will consider SJR 5 according to legislative procedure. If the House approves a matching constitutional amendment and voters ultimately ratify it in a general election, the constitutional language would be changed.
No claim of enforcement detail or final implementation date was made on the floor; fiscal effects would depend on future budget choices and statutory implementation if the amendment ultimately becomes effective.
