Senate adopts joint rule to number bills in approval order

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate adopted a joint rule change on Day 9 of the 2006 session that would assign bill numbers based on the order in which measures are approved, a change proponents said will encourage more timely sponsor work and make bill numbering more meaningful.

Senator Valentine, who presented SJR 11 on the floor, told colleagues the proposed rule would number bills in the order they are approved and reserve low numbers each year for appropriations, interim approved bills and other priority items. "Under the new proposal, the bills would be numbered in the order that they are approved," Valentine said, arguing the system will give sponsors an incentive to finalize drafts earlier.

The Senate moved SJR 11 to third reading and recorded a roll call showing 28 yay, 0 nay, 1 absent. The measure passed the chamber and will be transmitted for whatever coordination is required with the House; sponsors indicated the rule would take effect in a subsequent session so current processes are not immediately disrupted.

Why it matters

Bill numbering is largely procedural, but it affects how the Legislature and external audiences perceive the priority of measures. Sponsors said the change will make low numbers reflect the bills that were prioritized by fiscal analysts and leadership.

Next steps

Senators moved SJR 11 forward for final action and the resolution passed; implementation details and coordination with the House will follow as leaders determine how to reserve blocks of numbers for appropriations and interim‑approved bills.

Ending

The rule change was adopted on the floor and transmitted appropriately; it will affect future legislative numbering practices once implemented by leadership.