Utah House approves bill letting voters referendum some school board decisions

The Utah House passed second substitute HB170 on Feb. 12, allowing citizens to seek a referendum on certain school board legislative decisions when a board lacks a supermajority. Representative Kay Shipp, the bill sponsor, said the measure brings school boards in line with other legislative bodies and preserves an expedited referendum option.

Shipp told the chamber the bill applies only to legislative-type decisions — not personnel matters — and does not override bond elections. “If there has been a bond election, this does not supersede a bond election,” Shipp said, urging members to support a check and balance when a school board’s actions diverge from local voters.

Lawmakers asked for clarifications during debate. Representative Jason Tom Peterson raised concerns about the threshold for a supermajority and whether a widely supported board action could still be referred; Shipp replied that a supermajority would prevent a referendum (for example, five of seven members). Representative Sahara Hayes (Hansen) and Representative Trevor Perucci both expressed support but urged caution about unintended consequences that could slow governance.

Supporters said the bill responds to constituent concerns about property taxes and school-district decisions. Perucci said in his district “51% of the property taxes my constituents pay come from their school district,” arguing for an additional check on unpopular tax-related decisions.

The House adopted the second substitute by a recorded vote of 50 "yay" and 21 "nay." The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.