SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Legislature is meeting in a special session to put forward a constitutional amendment on citizen ballot initiatives. It's in response to the Utah Supreme Court's ruling last month that the legislature overstepped its bounds when it overrode a citizen initiative on independent redistricting.
Now, lawmakers are proposing to reverse that decision by taking it directly to voters in November. You can read more about the special session and why Utah lawmakers are pushing for one here.
Here's a live blog of events in the special session:
8:39 a.m.
Heritage Action for America, related to the Heritage Foundation, applauded the legislature's passage of the constitutional amendment. Specifically, the provision banning foreign contributions to initiatives. Their statement:
“When foreign billionaires are allowed to bankroll ballot initiative campaigns, major policy decisions that impact Americans’ daily lives are dictated by activists on the other side of the world. Heritage Action is very glad to see Utah join the growing list of states fighting this unacceptable foreign influence in our elections. We look forward to Utahns approving S.J.R. 401 in November to keep foreign dollars out of elections in the Beehive State.”
9:56 p.m.
In an interview with FOX 13 News, one of the plaintiffs in the original lawsuit that led to the Utah Supreme Court ruling said she believes the public will vote down the constitutional amendment.
"The people of Utah are smart enough to see through some of the arguments that were made today," said Emma Petty Addams, the co-chair of Mormon Women for Ethical Government.
Katharine Biele, the president of the League of Women Voters of Utah, another plaintiff in the lawsuit, left the House chamber disappointed.
"It wasn’t surprising," she told me of the vote. "It was sad. They say this will allow the people of Utah to vote? We’ve already voted. We are a representative government. We’re simply asking our representatives to represent us."
9:02 p.m.
Michelle Quist, the United Utah Party candidate for Utah Attorney General, issued a statement criticizing the legislature for the amendment. Here is her statement in full:
“Today, the Utah Legislature passed a resolution that will put a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot this November. Not only was the process unnecessarily secretive, rushed, and sloppy, but there was no legitimate basis for the Legislature to use its "emergency" powers to call itself into a special session in the first place. Even worse, legislators are trying to hide the effect of the proposed amendment as well as their reasons for pushing it.
Currently, the Utah Constitution protects Utahns' right to reform government through the initiative process. The Utah Supreme Court recently made clear that the Legislature has the power -- CURRENTLY, without any amendment to the state's constitution -- to amend and/or repeal voter initiatives that do not relate to reforming government. Additionally, the Legislature can amend voter initiatives that reform government if those amendments "facilitate or support" the reform. Even more, the Legislature can make more extreme changes to such an initiative if they can show a compelling government interest. These standards are required to protect Utahns' constitutional right to reform government through the initiative process.
Displeased with the court's opinion, the Legislature now wants Utahns to change their own constitution to take away these rights and allow the Legislature to freely amend - even repeal - an initiative for any reason. Why would Utahns willingly limit their own rights?
My opponent Derek Brown supported calling this special session to limit Utahns' constitutional rights. I support Utahns' constitutional rights as they are now. My opponent would represent a party. I would represent the people of Utah, and I stand with you now as we fight to retain our constitutional rights.”
8:06 p.m.
The Utah Democratic Party issued this statement on the amendment via Chair Diane Lewis:
“The Republican Supermajority claims they want to preserve representative government, but today, they showed that their real priority is holding onto power - no matter how many Utahns they have to steamroll to do so. To stop this power-grab, Utahns of every party must turn out and vote ‘No’ on the proposed amendment this November.”
8:00 p.m.
The Salt Lake Chamber, the state's largest business organization, issued this statement supporting the amendment going on the ballot:
"The Salt Lake Chamber supports the foundational principle of respecting the will of the people in lawmaking processes, whether through their duly elected representatives or constitutional ballot initiatives.
To that end, we support the Utah Legislature placing a constitutional amendment before the voters that:
- Restores certainty, predictability and balance between legislative and initiative lawmaking processes;
- Upholds the integrity of democratic rights by prohibiting foreign influence, support and funds for initiatives and referendums; and
- Protects Utah’s best-in-class economy and avoids Utah becoming a state that is governed by unfettered, unlimited and unchangeable ballot initiatives.”
7:55 p.m.
The other bills have passed the chambers. The special session is over. Because it is a proposed constitutional amendment? Governor Spencer Cox is not involved. He has no signature or veto power over it. He votes like everyone else.
7:37 p.m.
SJR 401 passes 54-21 with a number of Republicans crossing party lines to vote with the Democrats against it. It still meets the two-thirds requirement to get on the ballot.
7:36 p.m.
Rep. Teuscher notes all the changes to marijuana in Utah, and says the legislature needs to be able to respond to what the people want.
"I think it's funny how the media, how interest groups always want to pit the legislature against the people. The legislature represents the people," he says. "We listen to them. We understand their needs. We come here to do their work."
He says if people don't feel the legislature is listening to them? It's coming from the media and interest groups that are trying to fundraise off of policies they pass.
7:32 p.m.
Rep. Brady Brammer, R-Highland, says at the core, it was a partisan action initiative (he's referring to Prop. 4) but the constitutional analysis is "entirely unique." He says the Court got it wrong.
Rep. Ashlee Matthews, D-Kearns, calls the question and ends debate.
Rep. Teuscher says the amendment "has nothing to do with redistricting."
"We're not bringing forth a constitutional amendment because the legislature is butthurt," he says to laughter and shock from some in the House chamber.
He insists this allows them to "make it better" when it comes to an initiative. Adding "repeal" of an initiative, he says, is interchangeable as an amendment is in essence a repeal of a law. This avoids more loopholes.
Rep. Teuscher says his intent is foreign means "outside the United States," addressing Democrats' concerns.
7:23 p.m.
"The process, the form of government we have, is a republic," Rep. Ivory says, adding people can hold them accountable in a couple of months (during the election).
He insists the legislative process is the way to go and this "respects the process" by going back to the people and "not unelected judges."
Rep. Andrew Stoddard, D-Sandy, says he's seen "undermining of the judiciary based on recent Supreme Court decisions." He reminds the House they "are an equal branch of government and we need to treat them as such."
Rep. Stoddard says he actually doesn't have a problem with letting the people decide this, but likens the legislature to a toddler throwing a tantrum because they don't like what's happening. He believes the public will vote against the constitutional amendment.
House Minority Whip Jennifer Dailey-Provost, D-Salt Lake City, asks what the definition of foreign entities is? Rep. Teuscher says it's not defined in statute, but the legislature will define it in the general session. Rep. Dailey-Provost says while many define it as those outside the country, she worries some may define it as "outside of Utah."
"I have concern about the tone and tenor about the use of the word 'foreign,'" she says.
The House Minority Whip says it's "offensive" how the legislature portrays this as a "gift to our residents because we know better."
These are a lot of the similar arguments made in the Senate, and you can expect this bill to pass with the two-thirds majority needed to get on the ballot.
7:16 p.m.
"I think we should approach passing legislation with some humility," Rep. Briscoe says. He says the legislature is not showing respect for the people of Utah.
Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy, asks the House floor sponsor if the legislature could modify future initiatives if there's problems? House floor sponsor Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-West Jordan, says they don't know what they could do and it makes citizen ballot initiatives subject to litigation, which has them deciding policy.
Rep. Ken Ivory, R-West Jordan, speaks in favorable terms of the legislative process refining bills.
Meanwhile, SB 4002, which is the process to get the amendment before voters passes the Senate 21-6 with Democrats voting no. That now heads to the House of Representatives.
7:09 p.m.
The House of Representatives has gaveled in and is now considering SJR 401.
Rep. Norm Thurston, R-Provo, speaks in favor of it as it is "allowing the people to have a voice." Rep. Judy Weeks Rohner, R-West Valley City, who was a big activist for the tax referendum a few years back, says at that time the overwhelming thought was "the legislature is not listening to us."
But now, as a state representative, she says the legislature "has heard the people." She will support a public vote on it.
"Let the people decide," she says. "It's up to the citizens to decide if it's best for them, their families and the state."
Rep. Joel Briscoe, D-Salt Lake City, says "when I read 'We the People' I don't read an asterisk." He invokes medical cannabis and reminds the House that people were frustrated with the legislature. He says Utahns are benefitting from Medicaid expansion thanks to a citizen ballot initiative that "we were not willing to give them" as a legislature.
6:41 p.m.
SJR 401, the proposed constitutional amendment overriding the Utah Supreme Court's ruling on citizen ballot initiatives, passes the Senate 20-8 with Sens. Thatcher and Harper joining the Senate Democrats in voting against it. The resolution now heads to the House for a vote.
6:27 p.m.
Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley City, says he doesn't think Utah should be like California. But he says Utah isn't like that with only five as long as he's been alive.
"The language from the Supreme Court ruling verbatim says this does not mean the legislature cannot amend," Sen. Thatcher says.
Sen. Thatcher starts reading from the Court's ruling. He says he doesn't believe it actually limits the legislature.
"I don't believe failure to pass this makes it so we can't do our jobs. I don't believe we'll become California because it's already hard," he says.
Sen. Thatcher warns this will backfire with voters and give the legislature "the biggest black eye."
Sen. Hinkins says he thinks churches could get together and run whatever they wanted on abortion or alcohol or whatever.
"Careful," President Adams warns.
Sen. Hinkins says the legislature is elected by the people to represent them and "there's groups out there that control things," referring to special interests.
No more debate.
6:18 p.m.
Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, asks if there's anything in the resolution that makes it more difficult for citizens to run an initiative? No, Sen. Cullimore replies. Sen. Fillmore speaks in support of the resolution for separation of powers reasons.
"Because the citizens have the power to hold over the legislature. It influences us in a positive way. It makes us more responsive to our citizens," he says.
He supports putting the question before voters to decide.
"The unelected judges cannot be the final arbiter of what goes on in Utah," Sen. Fillmore says.
Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, says he will support the resolution, noting the vast majority of initiatives are on the city and county level. The Court's decision could apply to them, too.
He says some cities are upset and don't want to extend the days to gather signatures for initiatives. Sen. Weiler says there's a "false narrative" that they are making it harder to run an initiative.
"We are making it easier," he says.
6:03 p.m.
Sen. Karen Kwan, D-Taylorsville, raises issues with the definition of "foreign individuals" in the bill and who falls under it. Why can they not change "individal" to "national"? Sen. Cullimore said he anticipates a bill in the general session to refine it (but that's not until January). Sen. Kwan says she gets the intent, but doesn't like the rushed nature of this.
Senate Majority Leader Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, asks if medical cannabis were to pass today, would they be able to amend it? Sen. Cullimore said it's an "unanswered question."
Sen. Vickers notes that every session, they've refined medical cannabis in a bipartisan way with input. Without that? He worries about the problems it could create.
Sen. Kathleen Riebe, D-Cottonwood Heights, asks if this will hinder initiatives at a city, county or school board level? Sen. Cullimore says there's question that the Court's decision could impact that, too. He is proposing to go back to what was before the Court's decision.
Sen. Riebe says she believes this infringes on people's ability to locally control their cities, counties or school boards.
"It's a lot of overreach we are inflicting upon our communities," she says.
Sen. Jen Plumb, D-Salt Lake City, notes the Court's decision was the "form and function of government" but Sen. Cullimore counters they didn't really define it.
"The problem is, that's going to be arguable on every foreseeable initiative," he says.
5:52 p.m.
Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, says if you look at the construction of the Utah constitution, the legislature "is the people's voice." What stops an initiative from ignoring any other article in the constitution that the legislature would be prohibited from changing? he asks.
Sen. Cullimore says this clarifies the separation of powers. Sen. Bramble said this takes it back to the people to decide.
Sen. Nate Blouin, D-Salt Lake City, has amendments (he's going to essentially try to hijack the bill through a series of floor motions). One takes away a retrospective clause that he suspects could undercut the initiatives passed in 2018 on medical cannabis, Medicaid expansion and independent redistricting.
"It's unprecedented," he tells the Senate.
Sen. Cullimore said he would resist the motion, insisting that they have initiatives that both sides have cooperated to modify (which has happened with medical cannabis). Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, asks Sen. Blouin's amendment passes, does that make Medicaid expansion untouchable by the legislature? Sen. Blouin said "it probably would make it difficult to challenge."
Sen. Sandall warns that Medicaid expansion as originally passed had the potential to overwhelm the state budget and that creates more problems.
Sen. Bramble asks Sen. Blouin how far back he wants to go? Would any past initiative be under consideration? Sen. Blouin said the Utah Supreme Court's decision didn't preclude the legislature from amending, so his colleagues' concerns are unfounded.
Sen. David Hinkins, R-Orangeville, recalls the "English only" law that the state had. COVID changed that and they repealed it. Without that ability to do away with that resolution? English only would have hurt a lot of constituents. He urges the Senate to be fair to other people.
Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, says the Court's ruling makes it clear that the legislature must meet strict scrutiny before it can change an initiative. She objects to the retroactive provision.
Sen. Cullimore says the retroactivity goes to the heart of the bill. They're not changing the citizen initiative process and the legislature is asking the people to go back to what it was in light of the Court's ruling.
That's a lot of debate over Sen. Blouin's amendment to remove the "retroactive" clause. His amendment fails.
5:33 p.m.
Sen. Cullimore wraps by saying this is allowing the people to decide their government.
He goes over the companion bills, including the one that extends signature-gathering for referendums and initiatives from 40 to 60 days. He also says there's language giving deference to citizen initiative intent when the legislature amends one in the future.
Sen. Kathleen Riebe, D-Cottonwood Heights, said her constituents are not happy they've been called into special session. She asks if there's a fiscal crisis? Sen. Cullimore defends it with potential initiatives coming. She asks if this is war or a natural disaster and suggests they've been called under "false pretense."
Someone applauds in the gallery and President Adams once again warns against outbursts. He warns he will clear the gallery if people don't knock it off.
5:25 p.m.
Sen. Cullimore warns that there's a case to be made that any initiative could "alter or reform government" and litigation ensues. He reminds the Senate that voters still get to decide this and they are "letting the people decide what the constitution says."
A person applauds, and President Adams reminds the gallery no outbursts.
"This is not a partisan issue," he insists, adding he's been contacted by lobbyists and PR firms representing some out of state groups interested in running initiatives in Utah.
"We have big money special interests that can seize on opportunities to go around the legislative process," he tells the Senate. "We do not want to turn Utah into California."
He insists it won't do away with the citizen initiative process, but preserves the balance between direct democracy and representative government.
5:19 p.m.
SJR 401 is called up. It's the proposed constitutional amendment. Sen. Cullimore announces an amendment. Sounds like minor changes. The amendment has no opposition.
Sen. Cullimore begins his floor speech, noting this is related to the Utah Supreme Court opinion.
"This essentially creates a new class of laws. Superlaws, if you will," he tells the Senate.
Sen. Cullimore's presentation largely mirrors what he told the Business & Labor Interim Committee.
5:14 p.m.
Senate Bill 4001 is called up. Sen. Jen Plumb, D-Salt Lake City, said it's a small fix to a bill passed in the last legislative session on justice courts. She says a one word issue added to the burden of juvenile courts. No one opposes it. SB4001 passes unanimously and heads to the House.
4:57 p.m.
Senate President J. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, is calling the special session into order.
4:52 p.m.
We're now in the Senate chamber for the debate and vote in the special session. Many of the original plaintiffs in League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women For Ethical Government, et al vs. Utah State Legislature are here in the gallery with me.
4:02 p.m.
Senate Bill 4003 is now up. Sen. Cullimore said even those who oppose the amendment should support this. When it comes to referendums and initiatives? They get 20 more days to gather signatures. It also requires the legislature to give "deference" to a citizen initiative if they look to change it.
Sen. Kwan says "it is a good bill" but notes it's contingent on the passage of the constitutional amendment. Sen. Cullimore said it could run in the general session if it doesn't pass.
Summit County Clerk Eve Furse speaks against the bill. She said initiatives are helpful and argues the courts are the proper arbiter of disputes.
Chair Bramble makes a motion to pass the bill out of committee. Rep. King again objects to it.
Bill passes out of committee 12-2 in the House side and 5-1 on the Senate side. Ajourned!
3:54 p.m.
Sen. Cullimore makes a motion to pass SB 4002 out of committee. Rep. King seeks clarification if the bill was posted publicly 24 hours before it's voted on and if that violated the law?
Chair Maloy says he'll get an answer, but will proceed. Sen. Vickers reminds the room what his bill does (temporary amendment process just to get it on the ballot).
SB 4002 passes out of committee with 13-1 in the House and 5-1 on the Senate side.
3:49 p.m.
Senate Bill 4002 is now up. Senate Majority Leader Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, is presented. This would set some ground rules for the constitutional amendment. A temporary process (word limits, etc.) to get an amendment on the ballot.
Pretty short.
Sen. Karen Kwan asks if this doesn't pass, does the constitutional amendment not get on the ballot this year? Yes, Sen. Vickers replies.
Public comment now. It's being limited for time, leading to some in the audience to grumble.
A man (whose name I didn't catch) supports this and the underlying resolution, warning that "money can influence bad policy."
Ryan Bell with Better Boundaries says he doesn't like how "casual this all looks" meeting in special session, cutting public comment time, and says "it is not conservative at all to go and undo this."
"I am in favor of representative government," Kristen Chevrieux said, speaking for the bill. "I am not in favor of straight democracy."
A member of the Forward Party (whose name I didn't catch) speaks against the bill. Nat Williams, a Utah County Republican Party member, speaks against the bill citing the unanimous ruling by the Utah Supreme Court.
3:38 p.m.
Rep. Keven Stratton says what he's hearing from people for and against is they want their voices heard. So he's in favor of putting it before the people to vote on in November.
"As the people decide at the ballot? We will act and respect that," he says.
SJR 4001 passes out of committee 13-2 in the House membership and Senate membership in a 4-1 vote and goes to the full Senate.
3:32 p.m.
Rep. Keven Stratton, R-Orem, makes a motion to pass SJR 401 out of committee. That sends it to the full Senate for a vote in the special session.
Chair Bramble brings up the fact that Prop. 4 passed with 53% of the vote. He supports it. Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, asks if they can do a raise of hands of how many in the room are for and against the bill? Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, asks if they need a vote to move this to the floor?
"You want even less democracy?" someone in the crowd shouts.
That person is removed from the audience. House Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, says a raise of hands isn't representative given that there's two overflow rooms.
Chair Maloy opts to move on. Rep. King thanks everyone who came and says "people feel strongly for this."
"This strikes me as a degree of legislative malpractice," Rep. King says, declaring it "unwise" and "rushed through."
3:25 p.m.
"I do believe it attempts to alter the intent of the people's voice," Sen. Kwan tells the committee of the special session bills.
Chair Maloy says he'll hear five people in response to SJR 401. Lots of grumbles from the crowd.
Chad Saunders is speaking for the amendment. He says he's worked on initiatives and says the proposed changes are necessary.
"It does not take away our liberties," he tells the committee.
Jeff Baker, a former member of the independent redistricting commission, speaks against the amendment.
"The Court's ruling was absolutely correct and I believe the legislature should honor their ruling," he said, urging them to vote it down. There's applause from the room and Chair Maloy calls for order.
"Mr. Chair! This is unacceptable, point of order," Sen. Sandall says. Chair Maloy declines to clear the room like some request.
Utah GOP Chair Rob Axson speaks in favor of the amendment.
"We appreciate you have listened to the people of Utah and those who have raised their voices in asking you consider this issue," he tells the committee.
Jackson Lewis, a school board candidate, accuses the legislature of "an attempt to consolidate power." He rips into the legislature calling itself into special session for an "emergency." He says lawmakers are "afraid they don't get to rule with impunity anymore."
Senate Chair Curt Bramble accuses Lewis of impuning the committee.
"Deal with it!" Lewis says as he leaves the room. "You did it to yourself!"
3:15 p.m.
Sen. Cullimore invokes California and their many, many citizen ballot initiatives. He warns they're not "grassroots initiatives" contemplated when they were first introduced in state constitutions, but rather "big money" groups that enact binding law "through soundbites and strategic PR campaigns."
"We do not want to turn Utah into California," he declares.
SJR 4001 won't change the citizen initiative process, but "preserves the balance between direct democracy and representative government." It also guards against "undue outside influence" by enacting a prohibition on foreign spending on citizen initiatives.
The legislature will also extend the time frame for signature gathering for referendums from 40 to 60 days, Sen. Cullimore tells the committee.
"Let's ensure the people of Utah have the final say as to how their constitution is interpreted," he said.
Now committee questions.
Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake City (who is also the Democratic candidate for governor), says he wants to "cut to the chase" and reads emails from voters he's received accusing the legislature of "rigging the game" and "changing the rules" and "this is about power, plain and simple."
He asks if Sen. Cullimore really believes this amendment moves in the right direction and increases public confidence?
"I do think it is and I think it represents both the people's voice and the representative form of government we have," Sen. Cullimore replies.
As far as the speed of this bill? They do have election deadlines (ballots are printed at the end of this month).
Sen. Karen Kwan, D-Taylorsville, says she has "total disdain" for the bill. She asks about "foreign individuals" and is there a definition about "a foreign individual?" Sen. Cullimore can't name specific, but believes there's a definition in law. He refers to "foreign nationals" which would mean outside the U.S., not outside Utah.
3:07 p.m.
SJR 401, which puts the constitutional amendment on the ballot, is heard first. Sen. Cullimore says this will not "specifically target" the League of Women Voters of Utah case because it's still being litigated. However, it is in response to the Utah Supreme Court ruling on citizen ballot initiatives.
"The Utah Supreme Court determined citizen initiatives were a path by the people to alter and reform their government," Sen. Cullimore says, adding he appreciates the Court's conclusion. But the ruling "created a new class of laws" which have never been contemplated before, he tells the committee.
The practical reasons of this is the law is a "living and breathing thing," he says, there could also be fiscal impacts on the state budget. But he says there's no definition of what it means to "alter or reform government." Anyone could make a case that their initiative alters or reforms, thus leaving it to the Courts to legislate what that standard is.
The resolution attempts to provide answers, Sen. Cullimore says. The public will have a chance to decide it.
"Let the people decide and the people interpret what their constitution says," he tells the committee, insisting they are not "fearmongering." Groups are now motivated to run and fund initiatives in Utah, he warns.
3:00 p.m.
"I completely spaced it," Chair Maloy says, apologizing to the room for not moving up the special session bills. He is planning for 20 minutes per bill. They have a hard stop at 4 p.m. when the Senate goes into "advice and consent."
2:50 p.m.
The committee chair did not, in fact, move up the discussion on special session bills. The committee finished the discussion on licensure and then moved on to ambulance supply reimbursements. It's possible new language is coming for the bills as sponsor Sen. Kirk Cullimore, R-Sandy, isn't in the room.
2:07 p.m.
Utah Tech Leads, the political action committee for the state's tech industry, says its members overwhelmingly oppose the proposed constitutional amendment. That could become a thing if this goes before voters in November. Here's their post on Threads:
1:44 p.m.
Sen. Karen Kwan, D-Taylorsville, notes there's three bills that make up the proposed constitutional amendment. Will the public get to speak to each bill or all of them together? Chair Maloy says it's his preference that they consider them as one block. She asks if there's going to be time limits? Maybe. Chair Maloy says he wants to get to as many people as possible. They have a hard stop at 4 p.m. (The Senate will meet to confirm appointees).
"We're going to expect you all to be on your best behavior, we wouldn't expect anything less," he tells the crowd.
Before the special session bills, Utah Dept. of Commerce Executive Director Margaret Woolley Busse will talk about the cosmetology licensure issue (not a bill).
1:40 p.m.
The gavel bangs and Chair Maloy welcomes everyone to the committee. He warns against outbursts and says because of time restraints, he will only take public comment on the special session bills (because they're actually going to be voted on). That means cosmetologists who packed the room won't get to speak, as there is no actual bill on that matter to be voted on.
Chair Maloy warns that he's going in order, so the special session bills are still a ways away.
1:38 p.m.
Committee chair Cory Maloy, R-Lehi, announced that he will not allow people to stand in the room. There's now two overflow rooms for the items on the Biz/Labor committee agenda. UHP troopers ushering people to those overflows. Hearing should start shortly.
1:18 p.m.
The committee room is so full, Utah Highway Patrol (which runs Capitol security) isn't letting any more in. They've opened an overflow where the legislature will stream the hearing. Interestingly enough, the majority of the crowd so far doesn't appear to be for the special session bills. Instead, it's for a discussion on cosmetology licensure. There's a lot of cosmetologists here.
We've had a few people pull a "don't you know who I am?" when trying to get a seat in the crowded committee room (including from a member of the press). It isn't working.
1:07 p.m.
Greetings from the Utah State Legislature's Business & Labor Interim Committee! It's a packed room as lawmakers will hold their only public hearing on the proposed bills that will make up the constitutional amendment.
Here's the proposed resolution putting the issue on the ballot.
Here's the proposed legislation overriding the Court's decision.
Here's the proposed bill that would expand the time period people can gather signatures in a citizen ballot initiative.
