Amendments A and D have been voided, but will still show up on the Utah voter ballot after a judge ruled them as violating Utah’s state constitution. This leaves amendments B and C to be voted on within the ballot on Nov. 5.
The two removed amendments were deemed unconstitutional for two reasons. Utah’s Supreme Court ruled that the amendments were misleading and deceptive to voters, and that state officials did not give proper notice for the inclusion of the amendments on the ballot.
This ruling leaves amendments B and C, giving Utah voters a chance to influence state policy.
Amendment B asks to give more budget flexibility to schools by increasing the annual distribution cap out of the State School Fund from 4% to 5%.
“Increasing the cap to 5% provides appropriate balance and will provide more money for today’s students, while still allowing for growth and protecting this endowment for future generations,” said Kim Christy, director of Utah Land Trusts Protection & Advocacy Office.
The increase would mean Utah schools get about $13 million more than the approximate $106 million that was distributed in the 2024 school year. The school budget increase does not affect Utah taxpayers.
Amendment C asks that the election of county sheriffs by voters be put into the Utah Constitution.
Utah law already requires county sheriffs to be elected officials. This amendment is in place to enshrine it within the Utah Constitution. If this amendment passes, county sheriffs will remain elected officials as long as the amendment is in place.
These two amendments are likely to stay on the ballot, as there is no current motion to void them before the Nov. 5 election.
Author: Tallon Taylor
Photo courtesy of Olivia Bowdoin/NPR
Copy Editor: Tessa Cheshire
Editor: Anna Mower
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