Governor Spencer Cox signed SB 73 — which adds new requirements for those seeking ballot initiatives. The main bill provision took effect on March 24, 2025 with a second provision to be implemented in January 2027.
Ballot initiatives provide citizens the opportunity to propose statutes and amendments, collect signatures and have their proposals placed on the ballot. Voters then decide whether they are for or against the proposal.
SB 73, commonly referred to as Statewide Initiatives Amendments, require ballot initiative proposers to submit a detailed description along with their proposal application. This description should include where the law’s funding will come from and if it calls for a new tax.
Although Gov. Cox did not issue a statement to support his signature, many representatives shared their opinion on the matter. Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, the bill’s sponsor, shared that Utah voters need to know the financial impact of proposed initiatives.
Critics opposing the bill stated it makes it hard for residents to exercise their power in a state that already made it difficult.
Better Boundaries, a group dedicated to supporting Utah voters has spoken against the legislation.
“It’s disappointing to see legislative leaders take on a problem that doesn’t exist,” Better Boundaries executive director Elizabeth Rasmussen said in a statement. “Regardless of political affiliation, citizens should have a fair and accessible path to bring forward initiatives. SB 73 adds costly, complicated barriers that make it harder for regular people to participate.”
Though the provision requiring detailed descriptions took effect immediately following the governor’s signature, the other provision will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2027. The provision requires proposers to follow the publication requirements that lawmakers do. This means that ballot initiatives in Utah must follow the same layout as proposed constitutional amendments. Though the provision may change, this would increase the cost of initiatives by a proposed $1.4 million.
Author: Anna Mower
Photographer: Anna Mower
Editor: Tessa Cheshire
news@suunews.net
