Bill > HB0420

This bill modifies the process for filling vacancies in municipal offices, clarifying what constitutes a "letter of resignation" and when a "vacancy" officially occurs, particularly for municipal executives and legislative body members, by specifying that a vacancy occurs on the date a resignation is submitted or on a future specified date if the resignation is irrevocable. It outlines the steps a municipal legislative body must take, including notifying the municipal recorder, providing public notice of the vacancy at least 14 days before a meeting, interviewing candidates, and conducting votes, with provisions for tie-breaking through lot or coin toss if necessary, and requires that all votes be publicly disclosed showing how each member voted. The bill also details procedures for when a municipal legislative body fails to fill a vacancy within 30 days, involving notification of the lieutenant governor and potentially the governor to appoint someone, and establishes rules for interim appointments and elections, as well as specific procedures for municipalities operating under a council-mayor form of government, including how a mayor may or may not participate in filling vacancies and tie-breaking votes, and mandates that individuals seeking appointment must file conflict of interest disclosure statements, with exceptions for those already holding office and having filed updated disclosures, and requires these statements to be made publicly available online.

Government Affairs

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0420.html