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Senate passes SB165 to clarify initiative timing and prohibit electronic signatures for certain election steps
Summary
First substitute SB165 clarifies initiative and referendum timing and prohibits electronic signatures for initiative petitions, referendum qualification, candidate qualification, and recognition of political parties; the Senate passed the measure 24–4.
The Utah Senate approved first substitute Senate Bill 165, which clarifies timing requirements for initiatives and referenda and prohibits the use of electronic signatures for several ballot-related processes.
Sponsor Senator Bramble said the bill addresses ambiguity about timeframes for initiative steps and would “specifically prohibit electronic signatures” in areas including initiative petitions, candidate qualification and party qualification. He told senators the prohibition is intended to preserve integrity in processes “tantamount to casting a vote.”
Senators debated whether banning electronic signatures is forward-looking or regressive; some members expressed concern that technology could expand public participation in the future. Bramble said the bill leaves open the possibility of revisiting the prohibition when verification technologies mature.
On a roll call, first substitute SB165 received 24 yea votes, 4 nay votes and 1 absent, and will be placed at the bottom of the third-reading calendar.
