Utah Legislature kills 3 judicial bills

SALT LAKE CITY — State legislative leaders said they’ve killed three bills after discussing them with the Judicial Branch. 

One of the bills, HB512, would have created a legislative commission to recommend judicial retention.

The second bill, HB451, would have required two-thirds of votes to retain a judge. Currently, the law requires a simple majority. 

The third bill, which was un-numbered, would have increased the number of Utah Supreme Court justices. 

According to a statement shared on X by the Utah Senate, the bills were intended to improve the Utah Judicial Branch’s functions. 

The statement explained that Utah’s government was designed to allow independent operation of each of its branches, while fostering healthy debate and reform. 

“Our aim is to preserve this legacy of excellence while improving transparency, efficiency, and integrity within our courts,” read the statement, co-signed by Senate President Stuart Adams and Speaker Mike Schultz. 

Utah Legislature to consider other bills 

Per the statement, four other Judicial Branch bills will continue to be considered by the Utah Legislature. 

“The Legislature and the Judiciary have found a path forward that will make our government stronger and our state better,” read the statement. 

These are the bills that will continue through the session: 

• SB203, a bill to address civil action 
• SB204, a bill addressing repeals of injunctive orders
• SB296,  a bill to modify actions related to Utah’s Supreme Court
• SJR9, a joint resolution to change rules of civil procedure relating to injunctions

The statement said the Utah legislature and the Judiciary will continue to collaborate. 

“We look forward to finding a path that produces the best outcomes for our government and most importantly, for the people of Utah.” 

This story is breaking and will be updated. 

Related: Utah Senate committee approves bill to end state taxation on Social Security benefits