Utah County GOP adopts new debate format for Central Committee meetings

The Utah County Republican Party Central Committee on Jan. 17 debated and adopted changes to its Special Rules of Order governing debate on main motions. Members considered three options (A, B and C). Mac Sims moved to adopt Option C; Mike Carpenter moved to substitute Option B. After multiple amendments and a failed postponement motion, the committee adopted the substitute (Option B as amended) by the required 2/3 margin.

Under the adopted wording, debate on main motions will begin with a 4-minute speech by the mover followed by four speakers opposed and four speakers in favor, with individual speeches limited to 90 seconds (extensions to the total debate time remain possible by majority vote). One amendment adopted removed changes in paragraph 3; an earlier amendment shortening speeches to 60 seconds failed. The change is procedural and affects how future Central Committee debate will be structured for main motions.