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Utah Senate rejects bill to make Indigenous Peoples Day a paid state holiday
Summary
A proposed bill to create a paid state holiday recognizing Indigenous peoples failed in the Utah Senate after extended debate about historical recognition and competing community interests; the motion to advance SB170 to third reading failed 10–15.
The Utah Senate rejected a bill Thursday that would have made Indigenous Peoples Day a paid state holiday, ending a floor debate that brought history, heritage and competing community concerns to the chamber.
Sponsor remarks emphasized that about 50,000 Native Americans live in Utah and said the proposal was intended to recognize living Indigenous communities and the harms they have endured. A sponsor noted that current state law recognizes an observance for Indigenous peoples on the Monday preceding Thanksgiving but that the statute does not create a paid holiday.
Supporters argued the change would be a symbolic act of recognition and a message to Utah tribes that the state values their presence and history. Opponents raised concerns about replacing or diminishing Columbus Day and about the effect on communities that celebrate Christopher Columbus and Italian-American heritage.
A floor amendment to restore the word "Columbus" in the bill language was proposed and put to a division; the presiding officer ruled the amendment failed after a five-member standing count. The sponsor then moved SB170 to the third-reading calendar; the roll-call showed 10 'yay' votes, 15 'nay' votes and 4 absences, and the motion failed. The measure was filed.
Next steps: The filing means SB170 will not advance in the current form from this floor session. Supporters said the discussion put the issue on the record and could inform future proposals or outreach to tribal leaders.
Source: On-the-record floor debate, statutory citation and roll-call announced by the clerk during the Utah Senate session.
