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Utah Senate passes ‘Utah Constitutional Sovereignty Act,’ creating process to pause federal rules pending court review
Summary
The Utah Senate passed First Substitute SB57, a process measure allowing the Legislature to open resolutions that can direct state agencies to defer implementing specified federal regulations or statutes while courts decide challenges; the bill passed 19–6 after extended floor debate about the supremacy clause, funding risks and legal limits.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate on the floor passed First Substitute Senate Bill 57, the “Utah Constitutional Sovereignty Act,” a process-oriented measure that lets lawmakers open and vet resolutions directing state agencies to pause compliance with certain federal statutes or regulations while courts resolve legal challenges. The bill passed on third reading by a roll-call vote of 19 yes, 6 no, 4 absent.
Sponsor and floor managers described the bill as procedural, not a direct policy change. Senator Bridal, identified on the reading as the sponsor, told colleagues the measure establishes two pathways for initiating a resolution: agreement between the Senate president and the House speaker, or a two-thirds vote in both chambers to open an identical resolution. The sponsor said the intent is to create…
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