Bill > HB0158

This bill addresses state sovereignty by making several key amendments to existing Utah law regarding emergency declarations and international organizations. It restricts the ability of local and state government officials to declare states of emergency exclusively in response to proclamations from international organizations like the United Nations, World Economic Forum, or World Health Organization. The bill specifically prohibits these international organizations from having any legal authority within the state and prevents state agencies or local governments from implementing or enforcing international directives. The amendments also clarify definitions related to emergency declarations, including adding new terms like "international organization" and "international directive" to state law. For local and state chief executive officers, the bill limits their ability to declare emergencies based solely on international proclamations and maintains existing restrictions on emergency declarations during epidemics or pandemics. Additionally, the bill provides more specific guidelines for how and when emergency declarations can be made, extended, or terminated, with an emphasis on legislative oversight and limiting prolonged emergency powers. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, and represents an effort to assert state autonomy in emergency management and decision-making.

Government Affairs

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0158.html