Good Friday holiday proposal fails in tie vote as Senate splits 12-12

The Utah Senate on Tuesday failed to advance Senate Bill 193, a measure to designate Good Friday as a state legal holiday, after a tied roll call vote of 12-12 with five senators absent.

Sponsor Senator Stratton argued the bill would recognize faith traditions and allow state employees and others to observe the day. "To honor the most solemn day on the Christian calendar ... would practically allow people to either take the day off or reflect and participate," Stratton said during floor remarks, urging colleagues to support the measure.

Opponents said the bill was effectively a new paid day off for state employees and risked upsetting calendar planning for school districts. Senator Fillmore said the proposal "has turned into ... a way to give state employees another paid day off," and warned it would undermine a compromise adopted last year that provided a floating holiday option. Senator Reby said school districts could face stress trying to accommodate an additional mandated day off.

The roll call ended in a tie, leaving the bill without the votes necessary to pass on the floor. The Chair announced the first substitute of SB 193 had received 12 yes votes, 12 no votes and five absences, and the measure failed and was returned to staff for filing.

What happens next: With a failed vote on the Senate floor, SB 193 will not advance during this legislative day and is returned to staff. Supporters could attempt to rework the proposal or pursue related policy in future sessions.

Source: Floor debate and roll-call results recorded on the Senate floor.