Bill > HB0275

This bill establishes a new process for submitting nonbinding opinion questions, which are questions that do not have legal force but allow voters to express their opinions, to the voters of Utah. It amends existing law to ensure these nonbinding opinion questions are clearly identified on ballots with a specific heading and number, similar to how other ballot propositions are handled. The bill also creates a new chapter in Utah law dedicated to these nonbinding questions, defining key terms like "opinion question" and outlining the roles of the Legislature, the Lieutenant Governor, and county clerks in the process. The Legislature can submit these questions through a joint resolution, which must include the exact wording of the question and the election date. The Lieutenant Governor is responsible for assigning numbers to these questions, certifying them to county clerks, and ensuring they are published and appear on ballots. County clerks will then conduct the election and canvass the results, with the Lieutenant Governor overseeing the state-level canvass. Importantly, this new process for nonbinding opinion questions is exempt from certain provisions of existing election law that apply to binding ballot measures. The bill also includes repeal dates for certain sections related to this new chapter, indicating a sunset provision for the entire framework of nonbinding statewide public opinion questions on January 1, 2017.