Committee advances SB 140 to align election deadlines after special session change

Senator Sandle presented Senate Bill 140 to the committee as a technical clean-up after a special session moved the congressional filing date into March. He said the bill adjusts the lieutenant governor’s deadline to create a master ballot and aligns signature-collection and turn-in dates so candidates and clerks can rely on consistent timelines.

Ricky Hatch, Weber County clerk and auditor, testified for the clerks and said they “don’t have any concerns with this bill,” but noted counties display candidate lists differently online: “Some counties will do them in the order in which the candidates have filed. Some will do alphabetical.” Hatch said clerks will wait for guidance on a standard ordering once the law is changed.

With no committee clarifying questions, Representative Peterson moved that the committee favorably recommend SB140 to the House. The committee approved the recommendation by voice vote and later voted unanimously to place SB140 on the consent calendar.

The bill sponsor and clerks said the measure provides immediate certainty to congressional candidates and local election officials about filing and signature deadlines. The chair said staff advised that the consent calendar is the fastest route to scheduled consideration.

The committee’s recommendation sends SB140 to the full House for further consideration.