Bill > HB0498

This bill modifies several aspects of Utah's statewide referenda process, focusing on petition signature gathering, verification, and ballot argument preparation. The key changes include extending the time for statewide referendum petitions from 40 to 60 days after a legislative session ends, reducing the timeline for legislators to submit ballot arguments from 150 to 130 days before an election, and reducing the deadline for rebuttal arguments from 120 to 100 days before an election. The bill also introduces a new provision requiring the lieutenant governor to determine within 35 calendar days after a legislative session whether referendum sponsors have submitted at least 25% of required signatures, which could impact the effective date of a challenged law. Additionally, the bill establishes more detailed requirements for email notifications to petition signers and provides clearer processes for signature removal and petition verification. These modifications aim to streamline and clarify the referendum process while maintaining the integrity of citizen-driven ballot initiatives. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0498.html