Bill > HB0369

This bill establishes two key mechanisms to enhance election oversight and address potential conflicts of interest in Utah's election system. First, the bill creates a Conflict of Interest Election Officer position, who will be appointed by the state board of canvassers before even-numbered election years and will have the authority to handle election complaints or controversies involving races where the governor or lieutenant governor is a candidate. The officer must be familiar with election laws, cannot be a current elected official or state employee, and will serve until after the statewide election canvass. Second, the bill establishes an Elections Oversight Task Force composed of representatives from the Senate, House, governor's office, attorney general's office, state auditor's office, and two county clerks. This task force is charged with reviewing and recommending improvements to the state's election oversight system, including analyzing potential conflicts of interest, election laws, and alternative oversight structures. The task force is required to submit a comprehensive report to the Government Operations Interim Committee by September 1, 2026, which must include recommendations for potential changes to the current election oversight system. The bill will take effect on May 7, 2025, and the Elections Oversight Task Force will be automatically repealed on July 1, 2027.