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Senate advances resolution to raise ballot threshold for wildlife initiatives
Summary
Senate adopted a first-substitute of SJR 10 to put on the ballot a proposal raising the public-petition threshold for wildlife-related constitutional changes to a two-thirds requirement; sponsor said the change is intended to protect existing wildlife-management procedures; the substitute passed and was advanced to third reading.
The Utah Senate on Feb. 3 adopted a first-substitute of Senate Joint Resolution 10, moving the measure to the third-reading calendar and clearing the way for a ballot question that would raise the public-petition threshold for wildlife-related constitutional changes to two-thirds.
Sponsor Senator Blackcomb said the change reflects the state’s established wildlife-rulemaking process — regional committees, a wildlife board and technical staff review — and would make it “much more difficult in the state of Utah to do an anti-hunting, anti-fishing type initiative.” He told colleagues the substitute incorporated all cosponsors who had signed on to the resolution.
Supporters argued the higher threshold will respect existing technical review and public-comment procedures conducted by regional committees and the wildlife board; opponents did not offer substantial floor debate and the substitute was adopted. The chair recorded 24 ayes, 1 nay and 4 absent on the motion to advance the substitute to third reading.
If approved by voters, the measure would change constitutional language governing how wildlife-related initiatives may be placed before the public. The Senate’s action Tuesday was procedural: adoption of a substitute and advancement to the third-reading calendar; no final ballot placement occurred during the session.
The resolution’s sponsor said staff will be available to answer follow-up questions as the item moves through the legislative process.
