Bill > HB0170

This bill modifies Utah's laws regarding statewide initiatives and referenda, introducing several key changes to the process of gathering signatures and preparing petition materials. The bill establishes a new requirement for the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel to prepare a petition summary for both initiatives and referenda, which must be an impartial, concise description of the proposed law. Sponsors will now have the opportunity to challenge the wording of this summary in court, with a presumption that the summary is accurate unless proven otherwise. The bill also removes language requiring signers to "understand" the proposed law, instead merely requiring them to read the petition summary or the law itself. Additionally, the bill updates various procedural requirements for signature gathering, including modifications to signature collection forms, badge requirements for paid signature gatherers, and the process for removing signatures from petitions. The changes aim to provide more transparency and clarity in the initiative and referendum processes while maintaining the integrity of citizen-led legislative proposals. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, allowing ample time for election officials and potential sponsors to prepare for the new requirements.

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0170.html