HB 32

Enrolled Copy  H.B. 32
1Signature Gathering and Verification Amendments
  2026 GENERAL SESSION
  STATE OF UTAH
  Chief Sponsor: Paul A. Cutler
  Senate Sponsor: Ronald M. Winterton
2
3  LONG TITLE
4  General Description:
5      This bill modifies requirements for petitions.
6  Highlighted Provisions:
7      This bill:
8      ▸ amends, standardizes, and makes technical revisions to the signature collector verification
9  form included in petition packets;
10      ▸ specifies how an individual may be paid for collecting petition signatures;
11      ▸ beginning on July 1, 2027, requires a clerk who verifies signatures for a petition to send
12  an email and text message notice to the signer of the petition notifying the signer of the
13  status of the signer's signature;
14      ▸ requires the lieutenant governor to develop and maintain an online training course to
15  educate individuals who collect signatures for a petition;
16      ▸ requires an individual who collects signatures for a petition to complete the training
17  course described above before collecting any signatures for the petition;
18      ▸ requires an election official to reject a signature packet if the individual who collects
19  signatures for the petition did not complete the online training course described above;
20      ▸ modifies requirements related to statewide initiative and referendum packets by:
21●   removing the requirement that the county clerk deliver each packet to the lieutenant
22  governor;
23●   requiring the county clerk who verifies packets to certify certain statistical information
24  to the lieutenant governor; and
25●   directing the county clerk to retain and preserve each packet for at least 22 months;
26      ▸ designates the existing initiative and referendum packet format as one packet type and
27  creates an alternative packet type with different content and assembly requirements;
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28▸ requires an alternative packet type to provide access to the text of a proposed or referable
29   law through a QR code rather than a printed copy;
30▸ for an alternative packet type, requires the initiative petition and each signature sheet to
31   contain a brief, plain-language description of the principal provisions of the law
32   proposed by the initiative;
33▸ allows the sponsors of an initiative or referendum petition to circulate packets using a
34   traditional packet type, an alternative packet type, or both;
35▸ repeals provisions permitting an individual to optionally provide the individual's email
36   address when signing an initiative or referendum signature sheet;
37▸ updates the formatting and spacing requirements for initiative and referendum signature
38   sheets;
39▸ prohibits the sponsors of an initiative or referendum petition from marking or redacting a
40   signature sheet in a manner that obscures, conceals, or renders illegible a signer's date of
41   signature or other voter information used for verification;
42▸ provides that a county clerk may not certify a signature if the date of signature is later
43   than the applicable deadline for submitting an initiative or referendum packet;
44▸ on January 1, 2027, repeals provisions requiring the sponsors of an initiative petition to:
45●   send an informational email to each initiative petition signer who provides a legible
46   email address on a signature sheet; and
47●   send a list to the lieutenant governor identifying the recipients of the email described
48   above;
49▸ beginning on January 1, 2027, requires an election officer to send the email described
50   above to each eligible voter who signs an initiative petition within two business days of
51   verifying the voter's signature;
52▸ makes technical revisions to the required statements that appear on initiative and
53   referendum signature sheets;
54▸ modifies certain statements appearing on initiative and referendum packets to provide that:
55●   the signer of the packet had an opportunity to read and understand the proposed or
56   referable law; and
57●   for the signature gatherer, the signature gatherer believes that the signer had an
58   opportunity to read and understand the proposed or referable law; and
59▸ makes technical and conforming changes.
60   Money Appropriated in this Bill:
61None
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62  Other Special Clauses:
63      This bill provides a special effective date.
64  Utah Code Sections Affected:
65  AMENDS:
66      20A-1-102 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special
67      Session, Chapter 6
68      20A-1-609 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2022, Chapter 325
69      20A-1-1001 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special
70      Session, Chapter 16
71      20A-1-1002 (Effective 07/01/27), as enacted by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 116
72      20A-7-101 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, First Special
73      Session, Chapter 16
74      20A-7-104 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 442
75      20A-7-105 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 448
76      20A-7-201 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 448
77      20A-7-202 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 117
78      20A-7-202.5 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 448
79      20A-7-202.7 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 107
80      20A-7-203 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 442
81      20A-7-204 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 448
82      20A-7-213 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 442
83      20A-7-215 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 442
84      20A-7-302 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 448
85      20A-7-303 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 442
86      20A-7-304 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 448
87      20A-7-502 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 107
88      20A-7-503 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 442
89      20A-7-504 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 448
90      20A-7-514 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 442
91      20A-7-602 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 107
92      20A-7-603 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 442
93      20A-7-604 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 448
94      20A-8-103 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 38, 448
95      20A-9-405 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 38
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9620A-9-502 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Second Special
97Session, Chapter 2
9820A-21-201 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 381,
99448
10063I-2-220 (Effective 05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Forth Special
101Session, Chapter 2
102   ENACTS:
10320A-1-1004 (Effective 05/06/26), Utah Code Annotated 1953
10420A-1-1005 (Effective 05/06/26), Utah Code Annotated 1953
105
106   Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
107Section 1. Section 20A-1-102 is amended to read:
10820A-1-102 (Effective 05/06/26). Definitions.
109      As used in this title:
110   (1) "Active voter" means a registered voter who has not been classified as an inactive voter
111by the county clerk.
112   (2) "Automatic tabulating equipment" means apparatus that automatically examines and
113counts votes recorded on ballots and tabulates the results.
114   (3)(a) "Ballot" means the storage medium, including a paper, mechanical, or electronic
115storage medium, that records an individual voter's vote.
116(b) "Ballot" does not include a record to tally multiple votes.
117   (4) "Ballot proposition" means a question, issue, or proposal that is submitted to voters on
118the ballot for their approval or rejection including:
119(a) an opinion question specifically authorized by the Legislature;
120(b) a constitutional amendment;
121(c) an initiative;
122(d) a referendum;
123(e) a bond proposition;
124(f) a judicial retention question;
125(g) an incorporation of a city or town; or
126(h) any other ballot question specifically authorized by the Legislature.
127   (5) "Bind," "binding," or "bound" means securing more than one piece of paper together
128using staples, a spiral binder, or another means in at least three places across the top of
129the paper in the blank space reserved for securing the paper.
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130  (6) "Board of canvassers" means the entities established by Sections 20A-4-301 and
131      20A-4-306 to canvass election returns.
132  (7) "Bond election" means an election held for the purpose of approving or rejecting the
133      proposed issuance of bonds by a government entity.
134  (8) "Business day" means a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday that is not
135      a holiday.
136  (9) "Business reply mail envelope" means an envelope that may be mailed free of charge by
137      the sender.
138  (10) "Calendar day" means any day, regardless of whether the day is a weekend, a holiday,
139      a business day, or any other type of day.
140  (11) "Canvass" means the review of election returns and the official declaration of election
141      results by the board of canvassers.
142  (12) "Canvassing judge" means a poll worker designated to assist in counting ballots at the
143      canvass.
144  (13) "Contracting election officer" means an election officer who enters into a contract or
145      interlocal agreement with a provider election officer.
146  (14) "Convention" means the political party convention at which party officers and
147      delegates are selected.
148  (15) "Counting center" means one or more locations selected by the election officer in
149      charge of the election for the automatic counting of ballots.
150  (16) "Counting judge" means a poll worker designated to count the ballots during election
151      day.
152  (17) "Counting room" means a suitable and convenient private place or room for use by the
153      poll workers and counting judges to count ballots.
154  (18) "County officers" means those county officers that are required by law to be elected.
155  (19) "Date of the election" or "election day" or "day of the election":
156      (a) means the day that is specified in the calendar year as the day on which the election
157occurs; and
158      (b) does not include:
159(i) deadlines established for voting by mail, military-overseas voting, or emergency
160voting; or
161(ii) any early voting or early voting period as provided under Chapter 3a, Part 6,
162Early Voting.
163  (20) "Elected official" means:
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164(a) a person elected to an office under Section 20A-1-303 or Chapter 4, Part 6,
165Municipal Alternate Voting Methods Pilot Project;
166(b) a person who is considered to be elected to a municipal office in accordance with
167Subsection 20A-1-206(1)(c)(ii); or
168(c) a person who is considered to be elected to a special district office in accordance
169with Subsection 20A-1-206(3)(b)(ii).
170   (21) "Election" means a regular general election, a municipal general election, a statewide
171special election, a local special election, a regular primary election, a municipal primary
172election, and a special district election.
173   (22) "Election Assistance Commission" means the commission established by the Help
174America Vote Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-252.
175   (23) "Election cycle" means the period beginning on the first day on which individuals are
176eligible to file declarations of candidacy and ending when the canvass is completed.
177   (24) "Election judge" means a poll worker that is assigned to:
178(a) preside over other poll workers at a polling place;
179(b) act as the presiding election judge; or
180(c) serve as a canvassing judge, counting judge, or receiving judge.
181   (25) "Election material" includes:
182(a) the verification documentation described in Subsection 20A-3a-401(9)(b)(iv);
183(b) the list of voters contacted to cure a ballot described in Subsection 20A-3a-401(10)(b);
184(c) the record of rejected and resolved ballots described in Subsection 20A-3a-401(11)(a);
185(d) any chain of custody documentation described in Section 20A-3a-401.1, including:
186(i) the count of ballots described in Subsection 20A-3a-401.1(3); and
187(ii) the batch log described in Subsection 20A-3a-401.1(5);
188(e) the record of signature verification audits described in Subsection 20A-3a-402.5(4);
189(f) the affidavit of compliance described in Subsection 20A-3a-404(2);
190(g) the physical and electronic log of replicated ballots described in Subsection
19120A-4-104(3);
192(h) the physical or electronic log of adjudicated ballots described in Section 20A-5-802.5;
193(i) the record of voter database access described in Subsection 20A-5-905(2);
194(j) the reports on military and overseas voters described in Section 20A-16-202;
195(k) scanned copies of return envelopes;
196(l) a copy of the final election results database described in Section 20A-5-802.5; and
197(m) the materials used in the programming of the automatic tabulating equipment.
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198  (26) "Election officer" means:
199      (a) the lieutenant governor, for all statewide ballots and elections;
200      (b) the county clerk for:
201(i) a county ballot and election; and
202(ii) a ballot and election as a provider election officer as provided in Section
20320A-5-400.1 or 20A-5-400.5;
204      (c) the municipal clerk for:
205(i) a municipal ballot and election; and
206(ii) a ballot and election as a provider election officer as provided in Section
20720A-5-400.1 or 20A-5-400.5;
208      (d) the special district clerk or chief executive officer for:
209(i) a special district ballot and election; and
210(ii) a ballot and election as a provider election officer as provided in Section
21120A-5-400.1 or 20A-5-400.5; or
212      (e) the business administrator or superintendent of a school district for:
213(i) a school district ballot and election; and
214(ii) a ballot and election as a provider election officer as provided in Section
21520A-5-400.1 or 20A-5-400.5.
216  (27) "Election official" means any election officer, election judge, or poll worker.
217  (28) "Election results" means:
218      (a) for an election other than a bond election, the count of votes cast in the election and
219the election returns requested by the board of canvassers; or
220      (b) for bond elections, the count of those votes cast for and against the bond proposition
221plus any or all of the election returns that the board of canvassers may request.
222  (29) "Election results database" means the following information generated by voting
223      equipment:
224      (a) one or more electronic files that contains a digital interpretation of each ballot that is
225counted in an election;
226      (b) a ballot image; and
227      (c) other information related to a ballot that is adjudicated under Section 20A-4-105.
228  (30) "Election returns" means:
229      (a) the pollbook;
230      (b) the military and overseas absentee voter registration and voting certificates;
231      (c) one of the tally sheets;
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232(d) any unprocessed ballots;
233(e) all counted ballots;
234(f) all excess ballots;
235(g) all unused ballots;
236(h) all spoiled ballots;
237(i) all ballot disposition forms, including any provisional ballot disposition forms;
238(j) the final election results database described in Section 20A-5-802.5;
239(k) all return envelopes;
240(l) any provisional ballot envelopes; and
241(m) the total votes cast form.
242   (31) "Electronic signature" means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or
243logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to
244sign the record.
245   (32) "Holiday" means a legal holiday described in Subsections 63G-1-301(1) and (2).
246   (33) "Inactive voter" means a registered voter who is listed as inactive by a county clerk
247under Subsection 20A-2-505(4)(c)(i) or (ii).
248   (34) "Judicial office" means the office filled by any judicial officer.
249   (35) "Judicial officer" means any justice or judge of a court of record or any county court
250judge.
251   (36) "Local election" means a regular county election, a regular municipal election, a
252municipal primary election, a local special election, a special district election, and a
253bond election.
254   (37) "Local political subdivision" means a county, a municipality, a special district, or a
255local school district.
256   (38) "Local special election" means a special election called by the governing body of a
257local political subdivision in which all registered voters of the local political subdivision
258may vote.
259   (39) "Manual ballot" means a paper document produced by an election officer on which an
260individual records an individual's vote by directly placing a mark on the paper document
261using a pen or other marking instrument.
262   (40) "Mechanical ballot" means a record, including a paper record, electronic record, or
263mechanical record, that:
264(a) is created via electronic or mechanical means; and
265(b) records an individual voter's vote cast via a method other than an individual directly
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266placing a mark, using a pen or other marking instrument, to record an individual
267voter's vote.
268  (41) "Municipal executive" means:
269      (a) the mayor in the council-mayor form of government defined in Section 10-3b-102; or
270      (b) the mayor in the council-manager form of government defined in Subsection
27110-3b-103(6).
272  (42) "Municipal general election" means the election held in municipalities and, as
273      applicable, special districts on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of
274      each odd-numbered year for the purposes established in Section 20A-1-202.
275  (43) "Municipal legislative body" means the council of the city or town in any form of
276      municipal government.
277  (44) "Municipal office" means an elective office in a municipality.
278  (45) "Municipal officers" means those municipal officers that are required by law to be
279      elected.
280  (46) "Municipal primary election" means an election held to nominate candidates for
281      municipal office.
282  (47) "Municipality" means a city or town.
283  (48) "Official ballot" means the ballots distributed by the election officer for voters to
284      record their votes.
285  (49) "Official endorsement" means the information on the ballot that identifies:
286      (a) the ballot as an official ballot;
287      (b) the date of the election; and
288      (c)(i) for a ballot prepared by an election officer other than a county clerk, the
289facsimile signature required by Subsection 20A-6-401(1)(a)(iii); or
290(ii) for a ballot prepared by a county clerk, the words required by Subsection
29120A-6-301(1)(b)(iii).
292  (50) "Official register" means the official record furnished to election officials by the
293      election officer that contains the information required by Section 20A-5-401.
294  (51) "Political party" means an organization of registered voters that has qualified to
295      participate in an election by meeting the requirements of Chapter 8, Political Party
296      Formation and Procedures.
297  (52)(a) "Poll worker" means a person assigned by an election official to assist with an
298      election, voting, or counting votes.
299      (b) "Poll worker" includes election judges.
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300(c) "Poll worker" does not include a watcher.
301   (53) "Pollbook" means a record of the names of voters in the order that the voters appear to
302cast votes.
303   (54) "Polling place" means a building where voting is conducted.
304   (55) "Position" means a square, circle, rectangle, or other geometric shape on a ballot in
305which the voter marks the voter's choice.
306   (56) "Presidential Primary Election" means the election established in Chapter 9, Part 8,
307Presidential Primary Election.
308   (57) "Primary convention" means the political party conventions held during the year of the
309regular general election.
310   (58) "Protective counter" means a separate counter, which cannot be reset, that:
311(a) is built into a voting machine; and
312(b) records the total number of movements of the operating lever.
313   (59) "Provider election officer" means an election officer who enters into a contract or
314interlocal agreement with a contracting election officer to conduct an election for the
315contracting election officer's local political subdivision in accordance with Section
31620A-5-400.1.
317   (60) "Provisional ballot" means a ballot voted provisionally by a person:
318(a) whose name is not listed on the official register at the polling place;
319(b) whose legal right to vote is challenged as provided in this title; or
320(c) whose identity was not sufficiently established by a poll worker.
321   (61) "Provisional ballot envelope" means an envelope printed in the form required by
322Section 20A-6-105 that is used to identify provisional ballots and to provide information
323to verify a person's legal right to vote.
324   (62)(a) "Public figure" means an individual who, due to the individual being considered
325for, holding, or having held a position of prominence in a public or private capacity,
326or due to the individual's celebrity status, has an increased risk to the individual's
327safety.
328(b) "Public figure" does not include an individual:
329(i) elected to public office; or
330(ii) appointed to fill a vacancy in an elected public office.
331   (63) "Qualify" or "qualified" means to take the oath of office and begin performing the
332duties of the position for which the individual was elected.
333   (64) "Receiving judge" means the poll worker that checks the voter's name in the official
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334      register at a polling place and provides the voter with a ballot.
335  (65) "Registration form" means a form by which an individual may register to vote under
336      this title.
337  (66) "Regular ballot" means a ballot that is not a provisional ballot.
338  (67) "Regular general election" means the election held throughout the state on the first
339      Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year for the
340      purposes established in Section 20A-1-201.
341  (68) "Regular primary election" means the election, held on the date specified in Section
342      20A-1-201.5, to nominate candidates of political parties and candidates for nonpartisan
343      local school board positions to advance to the regular general election.
344  (69) "Resident" means a person who resides within a specific voting precinct in Utah.
345  (70) "Return envelope" means the envelope, described in Subsection 20A-3a-202(4),
346      provided to a voter with a manual ballot:
347      (a) into which the voter places the manual ballot after the voter has voted the manual
348ballot in order to preserve the secrecy of the voter's vote; and
349      (b) that includes the voter affidavit and a place for the voter's signature.
350  (71) "Sample ballot" means a mock ballot similar in form to the official ballot, published as
351      provided in Section 20A-5-405.
352  (72) "Special district" means a local government entity under Title 17B, Limited Purpose
353      Local Government Entities - Special Districts, and includes a special service district
354      under Title 17D, Chapter 1, Special Service District Act.
355  (73) "Special district officers" means those special district board members who are required
356      by law to be elected.
357  (74) "Special election" means an election held as authorized by Section 20A-1-203.
358  (75) "Spoiled ballot" means each ballot that:
359      (a) is spoiled by the voter;
360      (b) is unable to be voted because it was spoiled by the printer or a poll worker; or
361      (c) lacks the official endorsement.
362  (76) "Statewide special election" means a special election called by the governor or the
363      Legislature in which all registered voters in Utah may vote.
364  (77) "Tabulation system" means a device or system designed for the sole purpose of
365      tabulating votes cast by voters at an election.
366  (78) "Ticket" means a list of:
367      (a) political parties;
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368(b) candidates for an office; or
369(c) ballot propositions.
370   (79) "Transfer case" means the sealed box used to transport voted ballots to the counting
371center.
372   (80) "Vacancy" means:
373(a) except as provided in Subsection (80)(b), the absence of an individual to serve in a
374position created by state constitution or state statute, whether that absence occurs
375because of death, disability, disqualification, resignation, or other cause; or
376(b) in relation to a candidate for a position created by state constitution or state statute,
377the removal of a candidate due to the candidate's death, resignation, or
378disqualification.
379   (81) "Valid voter identification" means:
380(a) a form of identification that bears the name and photograph of the voter which may
381include:
382(i) a currently valid Utah driver license;
383(ii) a currently valid identification card issued under Title 53, Chapter 3, Part 8,
384Identification Card Act;
385(iii) a currently valid identification card that is issued by:
386(A) the state; or
387(B) a branch, department, or agency of the United States;
388(iv) a currently valid Utah permit to carry a concealed weapon;
389(v) a currently valid United States passport; or
390(vi) a currently valid United States military identification card;
391(b) one of the following identification cards, regardless of whether the card includes a
392photograph of the voter:
393(i) a valid tribal identification card;
394(ii) a Bureau of Indian Affairs card; or
395(iii) a tribal treaty card; or
396(c) two forms of identification not listed under Subsection (81)(a) or (b) but that bear the
397name of the voter and provide evidence that the voter resides in the voting precinct,
398which may include:
399(i) before January 1, 2029, an original or copy of a current utility bill, dated no more
400than 90 calendar days before the date of the election;
401(ii) before January 1, 2029, an original or copy of a bank or other financial account
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402statement, dated no more than 90 calendar days before the date of the election;
403(iii) a certified birth certificate;
404(iv) a valid social security card;
405(v) an original or copy of a check issued by the state or the federal government, dated
406no more than 90 calendar days before the date of the election;
407(vi) an original or copy of a paycheck from the voter's employer, dated no more than
40890 calendar days before the date of the election;
409(vii) a currently valid Utah hunting or fishing license;
410(viii) certified naturalization documentation;
411(ix) a currently valid license issued by an authorized agency of the United States;
412(x) a certified copy of court records showing the voter's adoption or name change;
413(xi) a valid Medicaid card, Medicare card, or Electronic Benefits Transfer [Card] card;
414(xii) a currently valid identification card issued by:
415(A) a local government within the state;
416(B) an employer for an employee; or
417(C) a college, university, technical school, or professional school located within
418the state; or
419(xiii) a current Utah vehicle registration.
420  (82) "Valid write-in candidate" means a candidate who has qualified as a write-in candidate
421      by following the procedures and requirements of this title.
422  (83) "Vote by mail" means to vote, using a manual ballot that is mailed to the voter, by:
423      (a) mailing the ballot to the location designated in the mailing; or
424      (b) depositing the ballot in a ballot drop box designated by the election officer.
425  (84) "Voter" means an individual who:
426      (a) meets the requirements for voting in an election;
427      (b) meets the requirements of election registration;
428      (c) is registered to vote; and
429      (d) is listed in the official register.
430  (85) "Voter registration deadline" means the registration deadline provided in Section
431      20A-2-102.5.
432  (86) "Voting area" means the area within six feet of the voting booths, voting machines,
433      and ballot box.
434  (87) "Voting booth" means:
435      (a) the space or compartment within a polling place that is provided for the preparation
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436of ballots, including the voting enclosure or curtain; or
437(b) a voting device that is free standing.
438   (88) "Voting device" means any device provided by an election officer for a voter to vote a
439mechanical ballot.
440   (89) "Voting precinct" means the smallest geographical voting unit, established under
441Chapter 5, Part 3, Duties of the County and Municipal Legislative Bodies.
442   (90) "Watcher" means an individual who complies with the requirements described in
443Section 20A-3a-801 to become a watcher for an election.
444   (91) "Write-in ballot" means a ballot containing any write-in votes.
445   (92) "Write-in vote" means a vote cast for an individual, whose name is not printed on the
446ballot, in accordance with the procedures established in this title.
447Section 2. Section 20A-1-609 is amended to read:
44820A-1-609 (Effective 05/06/26). Omnibus penalties.
449   (1)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), a person who violates any provision of
450this title is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
451(b) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to a provision of this title for which another penalty
452is expressly stated.
453(c) An individual is not guilty of a crime for, by signing a petition for an initiative or
454referendum, falsely making the statement described in Subsection [
45520A-7-203(3)(d)(xx), 20A-7-303(3)(d)(xx), 20A-7-503(3)(d)(xx), or
45620A-7-603(3)(d)(xx)] 20A-7-203(3)(f)(ii), 20A-7-303(3)(f)(ii), 20A-7-503(3)(f)(ii),
457or 20A-7-603(3)(f)(ii).
458   (2) Except as provided by Section 20A-2-101.3 or 20A-2-101.5, an individual convicted of
459any offense under this title may not:
460(a) file a declaration of candidacy for any office or appear on the ballot as a candidate
461for any office during the election cycle in which the violation occurred;
462(b) take or hold the office to which the individual was elected; and
463(c) receive the emoluments of the office to which the individual was elected.
464   (3)(a) Any individual convicted of any offense under this title forfeits the right to vote at
465any election unless the right to vote is restored as provided in Section 20A-2-101.3 or
46620A-2-101.5.
467(b) Any person may challenge the right to vote of a person described in Subsection (3)(a)
468by following the procedures and requirements of Section 20A-3a-803.
469Section 3. Section 20A-1-1001 is amended to read:
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47020A-1-1001 (Effective 05/06/26). Definitions.
471     As used in this part:
472  (1)(a) "Clerk" means the lieutenant governor, a county clerk, municipal clerk, town
473      clerk, city recorder, or municipal recorder.
474      (b) "Clerk" includes a board of trustees under Title 17B, Chapter 1, Provisions
475Applicable to All Special Districts.
476  (2) "Local petition" means:
477      (a) a manual or electronic local initiative petition described in Chapter 7, Part 5, Local
478Initiatives - Procedures; or
479      (b) a manual or electronic local referendum petition described in Chapter 7, Part 6, Local
480Referenda - Procedures.
481  (3) "Petition" means one of the following written requests, signed by registered voters,
482      appealing to an authority with respect to a particular cause:
483      (a) a local petition;
484      (b) a petition to consolidate two or more municipalities under Section 10-2-601;
485      (c) a petition for disincorporation of a municipality under Section 10-2-701;
486      (d) a petition to incorporate a proposed municipality under Section 10-2a-208;
487      (e) a petition to consolidate adjoining counties under Section 17-61-201;
488      (f) a petition to annex a portion of a county to an adjoining county under Section
48917-61-301;
490      (g) a petition for the creation of a new county under Section 17-61-401;
491      (h) a petition for the removal of a county seat under Section 17-60-302;
492      (i) a petition for the adoption of an optional plan under Section 17-62-303;
493      (j) a petition for the repeal of an optional plan under Section 17-62-505;
494      (k) a petition to create a special district under Section 17B-1-203;
495      (l) a petition to withdraw an area from a special district under Section 17B-1-504;
496      (m) a petition to dissolve a special district under Section 17B-1-1303;
497      (n) a petition for issuance of local building authority bonds under Section 17D-2-502;
498      (o) a petition to become a registered political party under Section 20A-8-103;
499      (p) a nomination petition for municipal office under Section 20A-9-203;
500      (q) a nomination petition for a regular primary election under Subsection
50120A-9-403(3)(a) and Section 20A-9-405;
502      (r) a petition for a political party to qualify as a municipal political party under Section
50320A-9-404;
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504(s) a petition for the nomination of a qualified political party under Section 20A-9-408;
505(t) a nomination petition for a candidate not affiliated with a political party under
506Section 20A-9-502;
507(u) a nomination petition to become a delegate to a ratification convention under Section
50820A-15-103;
509(v) a petition to create a new school district under Section 53G-3-301;
510(w) a petition to consolidate school districts under Section 53G-3-401;
511(x) a petition to transfer a portion of a school district to another district under Section
51253G-3-501;
513(y) a petition to determine whether a privatization project agreement should be approved
514under Section 73-10d-4; or
515(z) a statewide petition.
516   (4) "Petition packet" means:
517(a) a candidate signature packet, as defined in Section 20A-9-401.1;
518(b) an initiative packet, as defined in Section 20A-7-101;
519(c) a referendum packet, as defined in Section 20A-7-101; or
520(d) any other packet of signature sheets that:
521(i) is bound together and circulated to gather signatures for a petition; and
522(ii) includes a cover sheet at the front of the packet and a circulator verification sheet
523at the end of the packet.
524   [(4)] (5) "Statewide petition" means:
525(a) a manual or electronic statewide initiative petition described in Chapter 7, Part 2,
526Statewide Initiatives; or
527(b) a manual or electronic statewide referendum petition described in Chapter 7, Part 3,
528Statewide Referenda.
529   [(5)] (6)(a) "Substantially similar name" means:
530(i) the given name, the surname, or both, provided by the individual with the
531individual's petition signature, contain only minor spelling differences when
532compared to the given name and surname shown on the official register;
533(ii) the surname provided by the individual with the individual's petition signature
534exactly matches the surname shown on the official register, and the given names
535differ only because one of the given names shown is a commonly used
536abbreviation or variation of the other;
537(iii) the surname provided by the individual with the individual's petition signature
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538exactly matches the surname shown on the official register, and the given names
539differ only because one of the given names shown is accompanied by a first or
540middle initial or a middle name which is not shown on the other record; or
541(iv) the surname provided by the individual with the individual's petition signature
542exactly matches the surname shown on the official register, and the given names
543differ only because one of the given names shown is an alphabetically
544corresponding initial that has been provided in the place of a given name shown
545on the other record.
546      (b) "Substantially similar name" does not include a name having an initial or a middle
547name provided by the individual with the individual's petition signature that does not
548match a different initial or middle name shown on the official register.
549Section 4. Section 20A-1-1002 is amended to read:
55020A-1-1002 (Effective 07/01/27). Verification of voter registration -- Electronic
551  notice to petition signer.
552  (1) A clerk shall use the following procedures to determine whether a signer of a petition is
553      a registered voter and to determine the address where the voter is registered to vote:
554      (a) if a signer's name and address provided by the individual with the individual's
555petition signature exactly match a name and address shown on the official register
556and the signer's signature appears substantially similar to the signature on the
557statewide voter registration database, the clerk shall declare the signature valid for the
558district or jurisdiction in which the signer is registered to vote;
559      (b) if there is no exact match of an address and a name, the clerk shall declare the
560signature valid for the district or jurisdiction in which the signer is registered to vote,
561if:
562(i) the address provided by the individual with the individual's petition signature
563matches the address of an individual on the official register with a substantially
564similar name; and
565(ii) the signer's signature appears substantially similar to the signature on the
566statewide voter registration database of the individual described in Subsection
567(1)(b)(i);
568      (c) if there is no match of an address and a substantially similar name, the clerk shall
569declare the signature valid for the district or jurisdiction in which the signer is
570registered to vote if:
571(i) the birth date or age provided by the individual with the individual's petition
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572signature matches the birth date or age of an individual on the official register
573with a substantially similar name; and
574(ii) the signer's signature appears substantially similar to the signature on the
575statewide voter registration database of the individual described in Subsection
576(1)(c)(i).
577   (2) If a signature is not declared valid under Subsection (1)(a), (b), or (c), the clerk shall
578declare the signature to be invalid.
579   (3) A clerk shall, within two business days after the day on which the clerk declares a
580signer's signature valid or invalid under this section, notify the signer of the status of the
581signer's signature by:
582(a) sending an email notice to the signer if the signer's information in the voter
583registration database includes an email address; and
584(b) sending a text message notice to the signer if:
585(i) the signer's information in the voter registration database includes a mobile
586telephone number; and
587(ii) the signer consented, on the signer's voter registration form, to receive official
588communications by text at the mobile phone number.
589   (4) The notice described in Subsection (3)(a) shall:
590(a) include the title "Notice of Signature Verification";
591(b) identify the name or type of petition the signer signed; and
592(c) inform the signer that the signer's signature was declared valid or invalid by the clerk.
593Section 5. Section 20A-1-1004 is enacted to read:
59420A-1-1004 (Effective 05/06/26). Circulator verification sheet -- Rejection of
595   petition packet.
596   (1) The final page of each petition packet shall contain a circulator verification sheet
597featuring the following printed or typed statement to be completed by the individual who
598gathers signatures for the petition:
599VERIFICATION OF SIGNATURE-GATHERER
600I, _____________________, hereby state, under penalty of perjury, that:
601I am at least 18 years old;
602All the names that appear in this petition packet were signed by individuals who
603professed to be the individuals whose names appear in it, and each of the individuals
604signed the individual's name on it in my presence or, in the case of an individual with a
605qualifying disability, I have signed this petition packet on the individual's behalf, at the
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606      direction of the individual and in the individual's presence, by entering the initials "AV"
607      as the individual's signature;
608      I certify that, for each individual whose signature is represented in this petition
609      packet by the initials "AV":
610I obtained the individual's voluntary direction or consent to sign the petition
611      packet on the individual's behalf;
612I do not believe and do not have reason to believe that the individual lacked the
613      mental capacity to give direction or consent;
614I do not believe and do not have reason to believe that the individual did not
615      understand the purpose or nature of my signing the petition packet on the individual's
616      behalf;
617I did not intentionally or knowingly deceive the individual into directing me to, or
618      consenting for me to, sign the petition packet on the individual's behalf; and
619I did not intentionally or knowingly enter false information on the signature sheet;
620      I did not knowingly make a misrepresentation of fact related to this petition;
621      I believe that each individual's name and address is written correctly, that each signer
622      has had an opportunity to read all the information contained in the petition, and that each
623      signer is or will be registered to vote in Utah at the time the petition packet is submitted
624      for verification;
625      The correct date of signature appears next to each individual's name;
626      I have not paid or given anything of value to any individual who signed this petition
627      packet to encourage that individual to sign it;
628      I understand that if I have been or will be paid to gather signatures for this petition,
629      my compensation must be based on an hourly rate if the petition is an initiative or
630      referendum petition, or on an hourly rate or rate per valid signature if the petition is
631      another type of petition.
632      I completed the signature gatherer training available on the lieutenant governor's
633      website at www.vote.utah.gov before gathering signatures for this petition. Yes ____ No
634      ____ (Check one)
635      _______________________________________________________________________________________
636      (Printed Name) (Signature) (Residence Address)
637      (Date)
638  (2) A clerk shall reject a petition packet if:
639      (a) all or any portion of the circulator verification sheet described in this section is not
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640completed by the individual who gathered signatures for the petition; or
641(b) the individual who gathered signatures for the petition checked "No" in response to
642the signature gatherer training statement.
643Section 6. Section 20A-1-1005 is enacted to read:
64420A-1-1005 (Effective 05/06/26). Online training for signature gatherers.
645   (1) The lieutenant governor shall develop and maintain an online training course to educate
646individuals who collect signatures for a petition.
647   (2) The training course shall:
648(a) inform signature gatherers of the requirements, restrictions, and procedures that
649apply to the circulation of petitions and collection of signatures, including
650information about:
651(i) collecting a signature from an individual with a disability; and
652(ii) electronic signature gathering;
653(b) emphasize compliance with the requirements, restrictions, and procedures described
654in Subsection (2)(a);
655(c) highlight the potential for criminal penalties for knowingly or intentionally
656falsifying, misrepresenting, or otherwise violating applicable law in the circulation of
657a petition and collection of signatures; and
658(d) recommend best practices for individuals who gather signatures for a petition.
659   (3) The lieutenant governor shall make the training course described in Subsection (2)
660available on the lieutenant governor's website.
661   (4) An individual may not gather signatures for a petition unless the individual has, before
662collecting any signatures, completed the online training course described in this section.
663Section 7. Section 20A-7-101 is amended to read:
66420A-7-101 (Effective 05/06/26). Definitions.
665      As used in this chapter:
666   (1) "Approved device" means a device described in Subsection 20A-21-201(4) used to
667gather signatures for the electronic initiative process, the electronic referendum process,
668or the electronic candidate qualification process.
669   (2) "Budget officer" means:
670(a) for a county, the person designated as finance officer as defined in Section 17-63-101;
671(b) for a city, the person designated as budget officer in Subsection 10-6-106(4); or
672(c) for a town, the town council.
673   (3) "Certified" means that the county clerk has acknowledged a signature as being the
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674      signature of a registered voter.
675  (4) "Circulation" means the process of submitting an initiative petition or a referendum
676      petition to legal voters for their signature.
677  (5) "Condensed initiative packet" means the following components, all of which are bound
678      together as a unit in accordance with Subsection 20A-7-204(5)(b), for a statewide
679      initiative, or Subsection 20A-7-504(5)(b), for a local initiative:
680      (a) a copy of the initiative petition;
681      (b) the signature sheets; and
682      (c) the circulator verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1).
683  (6) "Condensed referendum packet" means the following components, all of which are
684      bound together as a unit in accordance with Subsection 20A-7-304(5)(b), for a statewide
685      referendum, or Subsection 20A-7-604(5)(b), for a local referendum:
686      (a) a copy of the referendum petition;
687      (b) the signature sheets; and
688      (c) the circulator verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1).
689  [(5)] (7) "Electronic initiative process" means:
690      (a) as it relates to a statewide initiative, the process, described in Sections 20A-7-215
691and 20A-21-201, for gathering signatures; or
692      (b) as it relates to a local initiative, the process, described in Sections 20A-7-514 and
69320A-21-201, for gathering signatures.
694  [(6)] (8) "Electronic referendum process" means:
695      (a) as it relates to a statewide referendum, the process, described in Sections 20A-7-313
696and 20A-21-201, for gathering signatures; or
697      (b) as it relates to a local referendum, the process, described in Sections 20A-7-614 and
69820A-21-201, for gathering signatures.
699  [(7)] (9) "Eligible voter" means a legal voter who resides in the jurisdiction of the county,
700      city, or town that is holding an election on a ballot proposition.
701  [(8)] (10) "Final fiscal impact statement" means a financial statement prepared after voters
702      approve an initiative that contains the information required by Subsection
703      20A-7-202.5(2) or 20A-7-502.5(2).
704  [(9)] (11) "Initial fiscal impact statement" means a financial statement prepared under
705      Section 20A-7-202.5 after the filing of a statewide initiative application.
706  [(10)] (12) "Initial fiscal impact and legal statement" means a financial and legal statement
707      prepared under Section 20A-7-502.5 or 20A-7-602.5 for a local initiative or a local
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708referendum.
709   [(11)] (13) "Initiative" means a new law proposed for adoption by the public as provided in
710this chapter.
711   [(12)] (14) "Initiative application" means:
712(a) for a statewide initiative, an application described in Subsection 20A-7-202(2) that
713includes all the information, statements, documents, and notarized signatures
714required under Subsection 20A-7-202(2); or
715(b) for a local initiative, an application described in Subsection 20A-7-502(2) that
716includes all the information, statements, documents, and notarized signatures
717required under Subsection 20A-7-502(2).
718   [(13)] (15) "Initiative packet" means[ a copy of the initiative petition, a copy of the proposed
719law, and the signature sheets, all of which have been bound together as a unit.] :
720(a) a traditional initiative packet; or
721(b) a condensed initiative packet.
722   [(14)] (16) "Initiative petition":
723(a) as it relates to a statewide initiative, using the manual initiative process:
724(i) means the form described in Subsection 20A-7-203(2)(a), petitioning for
725submission of the initiative to the Legislature or the legal voters;[ and]
726(ii) [if the initiative proposes a tax increase, ]includes the statement described in
727Subsection 20A-7-203(2)(b)[;] , if the initiative proposes a tax increase; and
728(iii) includes the statement described in Subsection 20A-7-203(2)(c), if:
729(A) the initiative proposes a law other than a tax increase; and
730(B) the form described in Subsection 20A-7-203(2)(a) is part of a condensed
731initiative packet;
732(b) as it relates to a statewide initiative, using the electronic initiative process:
733(i) means the form described in Subsections 20A-7-215(2) and (3), petitioning for
734submission of the initiative to the Legislature or the legal voters; and
735(ii) if the initiative proposes a tax increase, includes the statement described in
736Subsection 20A-7-215(5)(b);
737(c) as it relates to a local initiative, using the manual initiative process:
738(i) means the form described in Subsection 20A-7-503(2)(a), petitioning for
739submission of the initiative to the legislative body or the legal voters;[ and]
740(ii) [if the initiative proposes a tax increase, ]includes the statement described in
741Subsection 20A-7-503(2)(b)[;] , if the initiative proposes a tax increase; and
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742(iii) includes the statement described in Subsection 20A-7-503(2)(c), if:
743(A) the initiative proposes a law other than a tax increase; and
744(B) the form described in Subsection 20A-7-503(2)(a) is part of a condensed
745initiative packet; or
746      (d) as it relates to a local initiative, using the electronic initiative process:
747(i) means the form described in Subsection 20A-7-514(2)(a), petitioning for
748submission of the initiative to the legislative body or the legal voters; and
749(ii) if the initiative proposes a tax increase, includes the statement described in
750Subsection 20A-7-514(4)(a).
751  [(15)] (17)(a) "Land use law" means a law of general applicability, enacted based on the
752      weighing of broad, competing policy considerations, that relates to the use of land,
753      including a land use regulation, a general plan, a land use development code, an
754      annexation ordinance, the rezoning of a single property or multiple properties, or a
755      comprehensive zoning ordinance or resolution.
756      (b) "Land use law" does not include a land use decision, as defined in Section 10-20-102
757or 17-79-102.
758  [(16)] (18) "Legal signatures" means the number of signatures of legal voters that:
759      (a) meet the numerical requirements of this chapter; and
760      (b) have been obtained, certified, and verified as provided in this chapter.
761  [(17)] (19) "Legal voter" means an individual who is registered to vote in Utah.
762  [(18)] (20) "Legally referable to voters" means:
763      (a) for a proposed local initiative, that the proposed local initiative is legally referable to
764voters under Section 20A-7-502.7; or
765      (b) for a proposed local referendum, that the proposed local referendum is legally
766referable to voters under Section 20A-7-602.7.
767  [(19)] (21) "Local attorney" means the county attorney, city attorney, or town attorney in
768      whose jurisdiction a local initiative or referendum petition is circulated.
769  [(20)] (22) "Local clerk" means the county clerk, city recorder, or town clerk in whose
770      jurisdiction a local initiative or referendum petition is circulated.
771  [(21)] (23)(a) "Local law" includes:
772(i) an ordinance;
773(ii) a resolution;
774(iii) a land use law;
775(iv) a land use regulation, as defined in Section 10-20-102; or
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776(v) other legislative action of a local legislative body.
777(b) "Local law" does not include a land use decision, as defined in Section 10-20-102.
778   [(22)] (24) "Local legislative body" means the legislative body of a county, city, or town.
779   [(23)] (25) "Local obligation law" means a local law passed by the local legislative body
780regarding a bond that was approved by a majority of qualified voters in an election.
781   [(24)] (26) "Local tax law" means a law, passed by a political subdivision with an annual or
782biannual calendar fiscal year, that increases a tax or imposes a new tax.
783   [(25)] (27) "Manual initiative process" means the process for gathering signatures for an
784initiative using paper signature packets that a signer physically signs.
785   [(26)] (28) "Manual referendum process" means the process for gathering signatures for a
786referendum using paper signature packets that a signer physically signs.
787   [(27)] (29)(a) "Measure" means a proposed constitutional amendment, an initiative, or
788referendum.
789(b) "Measure" does not include a ballot proposition for the creation of a new school
790district under Section 53G-3-301.1, 53G-3-301.3, or 53G-3-301.4.
791   [(28)] (30) "Presiding officers" means the president of the Senate and the speaker of the
792House of Representatives.
793   [(29)] (31) "Referendum" means a process by which a law passed by the Legislature or by a
794local legislative body is submitted or referred to the voters for their approval or rejection.
795   [(30)] (32) "Referendum application" means:
796(a) for a statewide referendum, an application described in Subsection 20A-7-302(2) that
797includes all the information, statements, documents, and notarized signatures
798required under Subsection 20A-7-302(2); or
799(b) for a local referendum, an application described in Subsection 20A-7-602(2) that
800includes all the information, statements, documents, and notarized signatures
801required under Subsection 20A-7-602(2).
802   [(31)] (33) "Referendum packet" means[ a copy of the referendum petition, a copy of the
803law being submitted or referred to the voters for their approval or rejection, and the
804signature sheets, all of which have been bound together as a unit.] :
805(a) a traditional referendum packet; or
806(b) a condensed referendum packet.
807   [(32)] (34) "Referendum petition" means:
808(a) as it relates to a statewide referendum, using the manual referendum process, the
809form described in Subsection [20A-7-303(2)(a)] 20A-7-303(2), petitioning for
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810submission of a law passed by the Legislature to legal voters for their approval or
811rejection;
812      (b) as it relates to a statewide referendum, using the electronic referendum process, the
813form described in Subsection 20A-7-313(2), petitioning for submission of a law
814passed by the Legislature to legal voters for their approval or rejection;
815      (c) as it relates to a local referendum, using the manual referendum process, the form
816described in Subsection [20A-7-603(2)(a)] 20A-7-603(2), petitioning for submission
817of a local law to legal voters for their approval or rejection; or
818      (d) as it relates to a local referendum, using the electronic referendum process, the form
819described in Subsection 20A-7-614(2), petitioning for submission of a local law to
820legal voters for their approval or rejection.
821  [(33)] (35) "Signature":
822      (a) for a statewide initiative:
823(i) as it relates to the electronic initiative process, means an electronic signature
824collected under Section 20A-7-215 and Subsection 20A-21-201(6)(c); or
825(ii) as it relates to the manual initiative process:
826(A) means a holographic signature collected physically on a signature sheet
827described in Section 20A-7-203;
828(B) as it relates to an individual who, due to a qualifying disability under the
829Americans with Disabilities Act, is unable to fill out the signature sheet or to
830sign the voter's name consistently, the initials "AV," indicating that the voter's
831identity will be verified by an alternate verification process described in
832Section 20A-7-106; and
833(C) does not include an electronic signature;
834      (b) for a statewide referendum:
835(i) as it relates to the electronic referendum process, means an electronic signature
836collected under Section 20A-7-313 and Subsection 20A-21-201(6)(c); or
837(ii) as it relates to the manual referendum process:
838(A) means a holographic signature collected physically on a signature sheet
839described in Section 20A-7-303;
840(B) as it relates to an individual who, due to a qualifying disability under the
841Americans with Disabilities Act, is unable to fill out the signature sheet or to
842sign the voter's name consistently, the initials "AV," indicating that the voter's
843identity will be verified by an alternate verification process described in
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844Section 20A-7-106; and
845(C) does not include an electronic signature;
846(c) for a local initiative:
847(i) as it relates to the electronic initiative process, means an electronic signature
848collected under Section 20A-7-514 and Subsection 20A-21-201(6)(c); or
849(ii) as it relates to the manual initiative process:
850(A) means a holographic signature collected physically on a signature sheet
851described in Section 20A-7-503;
852(B) as it relates to an individual who, due to a qualifying disability under the
853Americans with Disabilities Act, is unable to fill out the signature sheet or to
854sign the voter's name consistently, the initials "AV," indicating that the voter's
855identity will be verified by an alternate verification process described in
856Section 20A-7-106; and
857(C) does not include an electronic signature; or
858(d) for a local referendum:
859(i) as it relates to the electronic referendum process, means an electronic signature
860collected under Section 20A-7-614 and Subsection 20A-21-201(6)(c); or
861(ii) as it relates to the manual referendum process:
862(A) means a holographic signature collected physically on a signature sheet
863described in Section 20A-7-603;
864(B) as it relates to an individual who, due to a qualifying disability under the
865Americans with Disabilities Act, is unable to fill out the signature sheet or to
866sign the voter's name consistently, the initials "AV," indicating that the voter's
867identity will be verified by an alternate verification process described in
868Section 20A-7-106; and
869(C) does not include an electronic signature.
870   [(34)] (36) "Signature sheets" means sheets in the form required by this chapter that are used
871under the manual initiative process or the manual referendum process to collect
872signatures in support of an initiative or referendum.
873   [(35)] (37) "Special local ballot proposition" means a local ballot proposition that is not a
874standard local ballot proposition.
875   (38)(a) "Sponsor liaison" means an individual designated by the sponsors of an initiative
876or referendum to:
877(i) receive communications from Office of the Lieutenant Governor; and
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878(ii) communicate with and act on behalf of the sponsors regarding the initiative or
879referendum.
880      (b) "Sponsor liaison" includes a sponsor or another individual designated by the
881sponsors.
882  [(36)] (39) "Sponsors" means the legal voters who support the initiative or referendum and
883      who sign the initiative application or referendum application.
884  [(37)] (40)(a) "Standard local ballot proposition" means a local ballot proposition for an
885      initiative or a referendum.
886      (b) "Standard local ballot proposition" does not include a property tax referendum
887described in Section 20A-7-613.
888  (41) "Traditional initiative packet" means the following components, all of which are bound
889      together as a unit in accordance with Subsection 20A-7-204(5)(b), for a statewide
890      initiative, or Subsection 20A-7-504(5)(b), for a local initiative:
891      (a) a copy of:
892(i) the initiative petition; and
893(ii) the law proposed by the initiative petition;
894      (b) the signature sheets; and
895      (c) the circulator verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1).
896  (42) "Traditional referendum packet" means the following components, all of which are
897      bound together as a unit in accordance with Subsection 20A-7-304(5)(b), for a statewide
898      referendum, or Subsection 20A-7-604(5)(b), for a local referendum:
899      (a) a copy of:
900(i) the referendum petition; and
901(ii) the law being submitted or referred to the voters for approval or rejection;
902      (b) the signature sheets; and
903      (c) the circulator verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1).
904  [(38)] (43) "Tax percentage difference" means the difference between the tax rate proposed
905      by an initiative or an initiative petition and the current tax rate.
906  [(39)] (44) "Tax percentage increase" means a number calculated by dividing the tax
907      percentage difference by the current tax rate and rounding the result to the nearest
908      thousandth.
909  [(40)] (45) "Verified" means acknowledged by the person circulating the petition as required
910      in Section 20A-7-105.
911Section 8. Section 20A-7-104 is amended to read:
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91220A-7-104 (Effective 05/06/26). Signature gatherers -- Payments -- Badges --
913   Information -- Requirement to provide initiative or referendum for reading.
914   (1) A person may not pay a person to gather signatures under this chapter [based on a rate
915per signature, on a rate per verified signature, or on the initiative or referendum
916qualifying for the ballot.] unless the payment is based on an hourly rate.
917   [(2) A person that pays a person to gather signatures under this section shall base the
918payment solely on an hourly rate.]
919   [(3)] (2) A person may not accept payment made in violation of this section.
920   [(4)] (3) An individual who is paid to gather signatures for a petition described in this
921chapter shall, while gathering signatures, wear a badge on the front of the individual's
922torso that complies with the following, ensuring that the information on the badge is
923clearly visible to the individual from whom a signature is sought:
924(a) the badge shall be printed in black ink on white cardstock and laminated; and
925(b) the information on the badge shall be in at least 24-point type and include the
926following information:
927(i) an identification number that is unique to the individual gathering signatures,
928assigned by:
929(A) for a statewide initiative or referendum, the lieutenant governor; or
930(B) for a local initiative or referendum, the local clerk;
931(ii) the title of the initiative or referendum;
932(iii) the words "Paid Signature Gatherer"; and
933(iv) the name of the entity paying the signature gatherer.
934   [(5)] (4) An individual who gathers signatures under this chapter shall offer a paper
935document to each individual who signs the petition that:
936(a) is printed in black ink on white paper, white cardstock, or a white sticker, in at least
93712-point type; and
938(b)(i) for an initiative, includes the name of the initiative and the following statement:
939"You may view the initiative, its fiscal impact, and information on removing your
940signature from the petition at [list a uniform resource locator that links directly to the
941information described in Section 20A-7-202.7 or 20A-7-502.6, as applicable]."; or
942   (ii) for a referendum, includes the name of the referendum and the following statement:
943"You may view the referendum and information on removing your signature from the
944petition at [list a uniform resource locator that links directly to the information described in
945Section 20A-7-304.5 or 20A-7-604.5, as applicable]."
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946  [(6)] (5) An individual who gathers signatures under this chapter shall, before collecting a
947      signature from an individual, present to the individual a printed or digital copy of the
948      initiative or referendum and wait for the individual to read the initiative or referendum.
949  [(7)] (6) A person who violates this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
950Section 9. Section 20A-7-105 is amended to read:
95120A-7-105 (Effective 05/06/26). Manual petition processes -- Obtaining
952  signatures -- Verification -- Submitting the petition -- Certification of signatures --
953  Transfer to lieutenant governor -- Removal of signature.
954  (1) This section applies only to the manual initiative process and the manual referendum
955      process.
956  (2) As used in this section:
957      (a) "Local petition" means:
958(i) a manual local initiative petition described in Part 5, Local Initiatives - Procedures;
959or
960(ii) a manual local referendum petition described in Part 6, Local Referenda -
961Procedures.
962      (b) "Packet" means an initiative packet or referendum packet.
963      (c) "Petition" means a local petition or statewide petition.
964      (d) "Statewide petition" means:
965(i) a manual statewide initiative petition described in Part 2, Statewide Initiatives; or
966(ii) a manual statewide referendum petition described in Part 3, Statewide Referenda.
967  (3)(a) A Utah voter may sign a statewide petition if the voter is a legal voter.
968      (b) A Utah voter may sign a local petition if the voter:
969(i) is a legal voter; and
970(ii) resides in the local jurisdiction.
971  (4)(a) The sponsors shall ensure that the individual in whose presence each signature
972      sheet was signed:
973(i) is at least 18 years old;
974(ii) verifies each signature sheet by completing the verification printed on the last
975page of each packet; and
976(iii) is informed [that each signer is required to read and understand:] that, before
977signing a signature sheet, a signer is required to have an opportunity to read and
978understand:
979(A) for an initiative petition, the law proposed by the initiative; or
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980(B) for a referendum petition, the law that the referendum seeks to overturn.
981(b) An individual may not sign the verification printed on the last page of a packet if the
982individual signed a signature sheet in the packet.
983   (5)(a) The sponsors, or an agent of the sponsors, shall submit a signed and verified
984packet to the county clerk of the county in which the packet was circulated before 5
985p.m. no later than the earlier of:
986(i) for a statewide initiative:
987(A) the first business day that is at least 30 calendar days after the day on which
988the first individual signs the initiative packet;
989(B) the last business day that is no more than 316 calendar days after the day on
990which the application for the initiative petition is filed; or
991(C) the February 15 immediately before the next regular general election
992immediately after the application is filed under Section 20A-7-202;
993(ii) for a statewide referendum:
994(A) the first business day that is at least 30 calendar days after the day on which
995the first individual signs the referendum packet; or
996(B) the first business day that is at least 40 calendar days after the day on which
997the legislative session at which the law passed ends;
998(iii) for a local initiative:
999(A) the first business day that is at least 30 calendar days after the day on which
1000  the first individual signs the initiative packet;
1001  (B) the last business day that is no more than 316 calendar days after the day on
1002  which the application is filed;
1003  (C) the April 15 immediately before the next regular general election immediately
1004  after the application is filed under Section 20A-7-502, if the local initiative is a
1005  county initiative; or
1006  (D) the April 15 immediately before the next municipal general election
1007  immediately after the application is filed under Section 20A-7-502, if the local
1008  initiative is a municipal initiative; or
1009  (iv) for a local referendum:
1010  (A) the first business day that is at least 30 calendar days after the day on which
1011  the first individual signs the referendum packet; or
1012  (B) the first business day that is at least 45 calendar days after the day on which
1013  the sponsors receive the items described in Subsection 20A-7-604(3) from the
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1014  local clerk.
1015        (b) [A person may not submit a packet after the applicable deadline described in
1016  Subsection (5)(a)] A person may not mark, redact, or otherwise alter a signature sheet
1017  in a manner that obscures, conceals, or renders illegible a signer's date of signature or
1018  other information provided by the signer that is used for verification under this section.
1019        (c) Before delivering an initiative packet to the county clerk under this Subsection (5),
1020  the sponsors shall send an email to each individual who provides a legible, valid
1021  email address on the signature sheet that includes the following:
1022  (i) the subject of the email shall include the following statement, "Notice Regarding
1023  Your Petition Signature"; and
1024    (ii) the body of the email shall include the following statement in 12-point type:
1025  "You signed a petition for the following initiative:
1026  [insert title of initiative]
1027  To access a copy of the initiative petition, the initiative, the fiscal impact statement, and
1028        information on the deadline for removing your signature from the petition, please visit the
1029        following link: [insert a uniform resource locator that takes the individual directly to the page
1030        on the lieutenant governor's or county clerk's website that includes the information referred to
1031        in the email]."
1032        (d) For a statewide initiative, the sponsors shall, no later than 5 p.m. on the day on which
1033  the sponsors submit the last initiative packet to the county clerk, submit to the
1034  lieutenant governor:
1035  (i) a list containing:
1036  (A) the name and email address of each individual the sponsors sent, or caused to
1037  be sent, the email described in Subsection (5)(c); and
1038  (B) the date the email was sent;
1039  (ii) a copy of the email described in Subsection (5)(c); and
1040    (iii) the following written verification, completed and signed by each of the sponsors:
1041  "Verification of initiative sponsor State of Utah, County of __________I, __________,
1042        of __________, hereby state, under penalty of perjury, that:
1043  I am a sponsor of the initiative petition entitled ____________________; and
1044  I sent, or caused to be sent, to each individual who provided a legible, valid email
1045        address on a signature sheet submitted to the county clerk in relation to the initiative petition,
1046        the email described in Utah Code Subsection 20A-7-105(5)(c).
1047  ______________________________________________________________[ ]__
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 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
1048  _____________________
1049  [(Name)] (Printed Name)  (Signature)  (Residence
  Address)
1050  (Date)"[.]
1051  (e) For a local initiative, the sponsors shall, no later than 5 p.m. on the day on which the
1052  sponsors submit the last initiative packet to the local clerk, submit to the local clerk
1053  the items described in Subsection (5)(d).
1054  (f) Signatures gathered for an initiative petition are not valid if the sponsors do not
1055  comply with Subsection (5)(c), (d), or (e).
1056     (6)(a) Within 21 calendar days after the day on which the county clerk receives the
1057  packet, the county clerk shall:
1058  (i) use the procedures described in Section 20A-1-1002, or 20A-7-106 if applicable,
1059  to determine whether each signer is a legal voter and, as applicable, the
1060  jurisdiction where the signer is registered to vote;
1061  (ii) for a statewide initiative or a statewide referendum:
1062  (A) certify on the petition whether each name is that of a legal voter; and
1063  (B) post the name, voter identification number, and [date of signature of each
1064  legal voter] the date the signature of each legal voter was certified under
1065  Subsection (6)(a)(ii)(A) on the lieutenant governor's website, in a conspicuous
1066  location designated by the lieutenant governor; and
1067  [(C) deliver the verified packet to the lieutenant governor;]
1068  (iii) for a local initiative or a local referendum:
1069  (A) certify on the petition whether each name is that of a legal voter who is
1070  registered in the jurisdiction to which the initiative or referendum relates;
1071  (B) post the name, voter identification number, and date of signature of each legal
1072  voter certified under Subsection (6)(a)(iii)(A) on the lieutenant governor's
1073  website, in a conspicuous location designated by the lieutenant governor; and
1074  (C) deliver the verified packet to the local clerk.
1075  (b)(i) For a statewide initiative or statewide referendum, the county clerk shall, no
1076  later than seven calendar days after the last day the county clerk makes the posting
1077  described in Subsection (6)(a)(ii)(B), certify the following information to the
1078  lieutenant governor:
1079  (A) the total number of verified packets in the county clerk's possession;
1080  (B) the total number of signatures verified by the county clerk;
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1081  (C) of the number described in Subsection (6)(b)(i)(B), the number of signatures
1082  the county clerk declared valid and invalid under Section 20A-1-1002; and
1083  (D) a breakdown of the number of invalid signatures, categorized by the reason
1084  for the invalidity; and
1085  (ii) After a county clerk sends the certification described in Subsection (6)(b)(i) to the
1086  lieutenant governor, the county clerk shall retain and preserve each verified packet
1087  in the manner described in Subsection 20A-4-202(2).
1088        (c) For a local initiative or local referendum, the local clerk shall post a link in a
1089  conspicuous location on the local government's website to the posting described in
1090  Subsection (6)(a)(iii)(B):
1091  (i) for a local initiative, during the period of time described in Subsection
1092  20A-7-507(3)(a); or
1093  (ii) for a local referendum, during the period of time described in Subsection
1094  20A-7-607(2)(a)(i).
1095    (7) The county clerk may not certify a signature under Subsection [(6)] (6)(a):
1096        (a) on a packet that is not verified in accordance with Subsection [(4)] (4)(a)(ii); [or]
1097        (b) that does not have a date of signature next to the signature[.] ; or
1098        (c) if the date of signature is later than the applicable deadline described in Subsection
1099  (5)(a).
1100    (8) Beginning on January 1, 2027, an election officer shall, within two business days after
1101        the day on which the county clerk determines the signer of an initiative is a legal voter
1102        eligible to sign a signature sheet, send the following email notice to the signer if the
1103        signer's voter registration record includes a valid email address:
1104        (a) the subject of the email shall include the following statement, "Notice Regarding
1105  Your Petition Signature"; and
1106        (b) the body of the email shall include the following statement in 12-point type:
1107  "You signed a petition for the following initiative:
1108  [insert title of initiative]
1109  To access a copy of the initiative petition, the initiative, the fiscal impact
1110  statement, and information on the deadline for removing your signature from the
1111  petition, please visit the following link: [insert a uniform resource locator that takes
1112  the individual directly to the page on the lieutenant governor's or county clerk's
1113  website that includes the information referred to in the email]."
1114    [(8)] (9)(a) A voter who signs a statewide initiative petition may have the voter's
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 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
1115        signature removed from the petition by, in accordance with Section 20A-1-1003,
1116        submitting to the county clerk a statement requesting that the voter's signature be
1117        removed no later than 5 p.m. the earlier of:
1118  (i) for an initiative packet received by the county clerk before December 1:
1119  (A) the first business day that is at least 30 calendar days after the day on which
1120  the voter signs the signature removal statement; or
1121  (B) the first business day that is at least 90 calendar days after the day on which
1122  the lieutenant governor posts the voter's name under Subsection 20A-7-207(2);
1123  or
1124  (ii) for an initiative packet received by the county clerk on or after December 1:
1125  (A) the first business day that is at least 30 calendar days after the day on which
1126  the voter signs the signature removal statement; or
1127  (B) the first business day that is at least 45 calendar days after the day on which
1128  the lieutenant governor posts the voter's name under Subsection 20A-7-207(2).
1129        (b) A voter who signs a statewide referendum petition may have the voter's signature
1130  removed from the petition by, in accordance with Section 20A-1-1003, submitting to
1131  the county clerk a statement requesting that the voter's signature be removed no later
1132  than 5 p.m. the earlier of:
1133  (i) the first business day that is at least 30 calendar days after the day on which the
1134  voter signs the statement requesting removal; or
1135  (ii) the first business day that is at least 45 calendar days after the day on which the
1136  lieutenant governor posts the voter's name under Subsection 20A-7-307(2).
1137        (c) A voter who signs a local initiative petition may have the voter's signature removed
1138  from the petition by, in accordance with Section 20A-1-1003, submitting to the
1139  county clerk a statement requesting that the voter's signature be removed no later than
1140  5 p.m. the earlier of:
1141  (i) the first business day that is at least 30 calendar days after the day on which the
1142  voter signs the signature removal statement;
1143  (ii) the first business day that is at least 90 calendar days after the day on which the
1144  local clerk posts the voter's name under Subsection 20A-7-507(2);
1145  (iii) the last business day that is no more than 316 calendar days after the day on
1146  which the application is filed; or
1147  (iv)(A) for a county initiative, April 15 immediately before the next regular
1148  general election immediately after the application is filed under Section
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 Enrolled Copy  H.B. 32
1149  20A-7-502; or
1150  (B) for a municipal initiative, April 15 immediately before the next municipal
1151  general election immediately after the application is filed under Section
1152  20A-7-502.
1153        (d) A voter who signs a local referendum petition may have the voter's signature
1154  removed from the petition by, in accordance with Section 20A-1-1003, submitting to
1155  the county clerk a statement requesting that the voter's signature be removed no later
1156  than 5 p.m. the earlier of:
1157  (i) the first business day that is at least 30 calendar days after the day on which the
1158  voter signs the statement requesting removal; or
1159  (ii) the first business day that is at least 45 calendar days after the day on which the
1160  local clerk posts the voter's name under Subsection 20A-7-607(2)(a).
1161        (e) In order for the signature to be removed, the county clerk must receive the statement
1162  described in this Subsection [(8)] (9) before 5 p.m. no later than the applicable
1163  deadline described in this Subsection [(8)] (9).
1164        (f) A county clerk shall analyze a signature, for purposes of removing a signature from a
1165  petition, in accordance with Subsection 20A-1-1003(3).
1166    [(9)] (10)(a) If the county clerk timely receives a statement requesting signature removal
1167        under Subsection [(8)] (9) and determines that the signature should be removed from
1168        the petition under Subsection 20A-1-1003(3), the county clerk shall:
1169  (i) ensure that the voter's name, voter identification number, and date of signature are
1170  not included in the posting described in Subsection (6)(a)(ii)(B) or (iii)(B); and
1171  (ii) remove the voter's signature from the signature packets and signature packet
1172  totals.
1173        (b) The county clerk shall comply with Subsection [(9)(a)] (10)(a) before the later of:
1174  (i) the deadline described in Subsection (6)(a); or
1175  (ii) two business days after the day on which the county clerk receives a statement
1176  requesting signature removal under Subsection [(8)] (9).
1177    [(10)] (11) A person may not retrieve a packet from a county clerk, or make any alterations
1178        or corrections to a packet, after the packet is submitted to the county clerk.
1179  Section 10. Section 20A-7-201 is amended to read:
1180  20A-7-201 (Effective 05/06/26). Statewide initiatives -- Signature requirements --
1181    Submission to the Legislature or to a vote of the people.
1182    (1)(a) A person seeking to have an initiative submitted to the Legislature for approval or
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1183  rejection shall, after filing an initiative application, obtain:
1184  (i) legal signatures equal to 4% of the number of active voters in the state on January
1185  1 immediately following the last regular general election; and
1186  (ii) from at least 26 Utah State Senate districts, legal signatures equal to 4% of the
1187  number of active voters in that district on January 1 immediately following the
1188  last regular general election.
1189  (b) If, at any time not less than 10 calendar days before the beginning of the next annual
1190  general session of the Legislature, the lieutenant governor declares that an initiative
1191  petition designated under Subsection [20A-7-202(2)(c)(i)] 20A-7-202(2)(d)(i) for
1192  submission to the Legislature is signed by a sufficient number of voters to meet the
1193  requirements of Subsection (1)(a), the lieutenant governor shall deliver a copy of the
1194  initiative petition, the text of the proposed law, and the cover sheet described in
1195  Subsection (1)(c) to the president of the Senate, the speaker of the House, and the
1196  director of the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.
1197  (c) The lieutenant governor shall prepare a cover sheet for a petition declared sufficient
1198  under Subsection (1)(b) that contains:
1199  (i) the number of active voters in the state on January 1 immediately following the
1200  last regular general election;
1201  (ii) the number of active voters in each Utah State Senate district on January 1
1202  immediately following the last regular general election;
1203  (iii) the total number of certified signatures obtained for the initiative petition; and
1204  (iv) the total number of certified signatures obtained from each Utah State Senate
1205  district for the initiative petition.
1206     (2)(a) A person seeking to have an initiative submitted to a vote of the people for
1207  approval or rejection shall, after filing an initiative application, obtain:
1208  (i) legal signatures equal to 8% of the number of active voters in the state on January
1209  1 immediately following the last regular general election; and
1210  (ii) from at least 26 Utah State Senate districts, legal signatures equal to 8% of the
1211  number of active voters in that district on January 1 immediately following the
1212  last regular general election.
1213  (b) If an initiative petition meets the requirements of this part and the lieutenant
1214  governor declares that the initiative petition is signed by a sufficient number of voters
1215  to meet the requirements of Subsection (2)(a), the lieutenant governor shall submit
1216  the proposed law to a vote of the people at the next regular general election:
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1217  (i) immediately after the application is filed under Section 20A-7-202; and
1218  (ii) specified on the petition under Section 20A-7-203.
1219    (3) The lieutenant governor shall provide the following information to any interested person:
1220        (a) the number of active voters in the state on January 1 immediately following the last
1221  regular general election; and
1222        (b) for each Utah State Senate district, the number of active voters in that district on
1223  January 1 immediately following the last regular general election.
1224  Section 11. Section 20A-7-202 is amended to read:
1225  20A-7-202 (Effective 05/06/26). Statewide initiative process -- Initiative
1226    application procedures -- Time to gather signatures -- Grounds for rejection.
1227    (1) Individuals wishing to circulate an initiative petition shall file an initiative application
1228        with the lieutenant governor.
1229    (2) The initiative application shall include:
1230        (a) the name and residence address of at least five sponsors of the initiative petition;
1231        (b) a statement indicating that each of the sponsors is registered to vote in Utah;
1232        (c) a statement designating a sponsor liaison, including the sponsor liaison's name,
1233  residence address, telephone number, and email address;
1234        [(c)] (d) a statement indicating whether the initiative will be presented to:
1235  (i) the Legislature under Subsection 20A-7-201(1); or
1236  (ii) a vote of the people under Subsection 20A-7-201(2);
1237        [(d)] (e) the signature of each of the sponsors, attested to by a notary public; and
1238        [(e)] (f) the following, in the following order:
1239  (i) the title of the proposed law that clearly expresses the subject of the law;
1240  (ii) except as provided in Subsection (3)(c), a description of the manner in which the
1241  proposed law will be funded, including:
1242  (A) all proposed sources of funding for the costs associated with the proposed law,
1243  including the proposed percentage of total funding from each source;
1244  (B) if the proposed law will be funded, in whole or in part, by a new tax, a
1245  description of the new tax and the tax rate;
1246  (C) if the proposed law will be funded, in whole or in part, by a tax increase, the
1247  following statement for each tax increase, "This initiative seeks to increase the
1248  current (insert name of tax) rate by (insert the tax percentage difference)
1249  percent, resulting in a(n) (insert the tax percentage increase) percent increase in
1250  the current tax rate.";
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1251  (D) if the proposed law will be funded, in whole or in part, from new revenues, a
1252  description of the amount and source of the new revenues; and
1253  (E) if the proposed law will be funded, in whole or in part, from existing revenues,
1254  a description of the existing line items or programs that will receive less
1255  funding in order to fund the proposed law and the amount by which the
1256  funding will be reduced;
1257  (iii) a statement indicating whether persons gathering signatures for the initiative
1258  petition may be paid for gathering signatures; and
1259  (iv) the text of the proposed law.
1260     (3)(a) An individual's status as a resident, under Subsection (2), is determined in
1261  accordance with Section 20A-2-105.
1262  (b) The initiative application and the initiative application's contents are public when
1263  filed with the lieutenant governor.
1264  (c) If the fiscal impact of the law proposed by an initiative is less than the amount
1265  specified by joint legislative rule for designating a bill as a fiscal note bill:
1266  (i) the initiative application is not required to include the description described in
1267  Subsection [(2)(e)(ii)] (2)(f)(ii); and
1268  (ii) the lieutenant governor may not reject the initiative application or initiative
1269  application addendum under Subsection (5)(c).
1270     (4) If the initiative petition fails to qualify for the ballot of the election described in
1271  Subsection 20A-7-201(2)(b), the sponsors shall:
1272  (a) submit a new initiative application;
1273  (b) obtain new signature sheets; and
1274  (c) collect signatures again.
1275     (5) The lieutenant governor shall reject an initiative application or an initiative application
1276  addendum filed under Subsection 20A-7-204.1(5) and not issue signature sheets if:
1277  (a) the proposed law:
1278  (i) is unconstitutional;
1279  (ii) is nonsensical;
1280  (iii) could not become law if passed;
1281  (iv) contains more than one subject as evaluated in accordance with Subsection (6); or
1282  (v) is identical or substantially similar to a law proposed by an initiative for which
1283  signatures were submitted to the county clerks and lieutenant governor for
1284  certification within two years preceding the date on which the initiative
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1285  application for the new initiative is filed;
1286        (b) the subject of the proposed law is not clearly expressed in the law's title; or
1287        (c) except as provided in Subsection (3)(c), the lieutenant governor determines, after
1288  consultation with the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst, that the funding
1289  description, described in Subsection [(2)(e)(ii)] (2)(f)(ii):
1290  (i) does not comply with the requirements of Subsection [(2)(e)(ii)] (2)(f)(ii); or
1291  (ii) is unlikely to provide adequate funding for the proposed law.
1292    (6) To evaluate whether the proposed law contains more than one subject under Subsection
1293        (5)(a)(iv), the lieutenant governor shall apply the same standard provided in Utah
1294        Constitution, Article VI, Section 22, which prohibits a bill from passing that contains
1295        more than one subject.
1296  Section 12. Section 20A-7-202.5 is amended to read:
1297  20A-7-202.5 (Effective 05/06/26). Initial fiscal impact statement -- Preparation of
1298    statement -- Challenge to statement.
1299    (1) Within three business days after the day on which the lieutenant governor receives an
1300        initiative application, the lieutenant governor shall submit a copy of the initiative
1301        application to the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst.
1302    (2)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), the Office of the Legislative Fiscal
1303        Analyst shall prepare an unbiased, good faith initial fiscal impact statement for the
1304        proposed law, not exceeding 100 words plus 100 words per revenue source created or
1305        impacted by the proposed law, that contains:
1306  (i) a description of the total estimated fiscal impact of the proposed law over the time
1307  period or time periods determined by the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
1308  to be most useful in understanding the estimated fiscal impact of the proposed law;
1309  (ii) if the proposed law would increase taxes, decrease taxes, or impose a new tax, a
1310  dollar amount representing the total estimated increase or decrease for each type
1311  of tax affected under the proposed law, a dollar amount showing the estimated
1312  amount of a new tax, and a dollar amount representing the total estimated increase
1313  or decrease in taxes under the proposed law;
1314  (iii) if the proposed law would increase a particular tax or tax rate, the tax percentage
1315  difference and the tax percentage increase for each tax or tax rate increased;
1316  (iv) if the proposed law will be funded, in whole or in part, from new revenues, a
1317  description of the amount and source of the new revenues;
1318  (v) if the proposed law will be funded, in whole or in part, from existing revenues, a
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1319  description of:
1320  (A) the existing line items or programs that will receive less funding in order to
1321  fund the proposed law and the amount by which the funding will be reduced;
1322  and
1323  (B) the likely impact of the reduction in funding described in Subsection
1324  (2)(a)(v)(A);
1325  (vi) if the proposed law would result in the issuance or a change in the status of
1326  bonds, notes, or other debt instruments, a dollar amount representing the total
1327  estimated increase or decrease in public debt under the proposed law;
1328  (vii) a dollar amount representing the estimated cost or savings, if any, to state or
1329  local government entities under the proposed law;
1330  (viii) if the proposed law would increase costs to state government, a listing of all
1331  sources of funding for the estimated costs; and
1332  (ix) a concise description and analysis titled "Funding Source," not to exceed 100
1333  words for each funding source, of the funding source information described in
1334  Subsection [20A-7-202(2)(e)(ii)] 20A-7-202(2)(f)(ii).
1335     (b) If the proposed law is estimated to have fiscal impact of less than the amount specified by
1336  joint legislative rule for designating a bill as a fiscal note bill, the Office of the Legislative
1337  Fiscal Analyst shall prepare the initial fiscal impact statement to read substantially as follows:
1338  "The Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst estimates that the law proposed by this
1339  initiative would have no significant fiscal impact and would not result in either an increase or
1340  decrease in taxes or debt."
1341     (3) Within 25 calendar days after the day on which the lieutenant governor delivers a copy
1342  of the initiative application, the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst shall:
1343  (a) send a copy of the initial fiscal impact statement to the lieutenant governor's office;
1344  and
1345  (b) send a copy of the initial fiscal impact statement to the first five sponsors named in
1346  the initiative application.
1347     (4)(a)(i) Three or more of the sponsors of the initiative petition may, within 20
1348  calendar days after the day on which the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst
1349  delivers the initial fiscal impact statement to the lieutenant governor's office, file a
1350  petition with the appropriate court, alleging that the initial fiscal impact statement,
1351  taken as a whole, is an inaccurate estimate of the fiscal impact of the initiative.
1352  (ii) After receipt of the appeal, the court shall direct the lieutenant governor to send
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1353  notice of the petition filed with the court to:
1354  (A) any person or group that has filed an argument with the lieutenant governor's
1355  office for or against the initiative that is the subject of the challenge; and
1356  (B) any political issues committee established under Section 20A-11-801 that has
1357  filed written or electronic notice with the lieutenant governor that identifies the
1358  name, mailing or email address, and telephone number of the person
1359  designated to receive notice about any issues relating to the initiative.
1360        (b)(i) There is a presumption that the initial fiscal impact statement prepared by the
1361  Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst is based upon reasonable assumptions,
1362  uses reasonable data, and applies accepted analytical methods to present the
1363  estimated fiscal impact of the initiative.
1364  (ii) The court may not revise the contents of, or direct the revision of, the initial fiscal
1365  impact statement unless the plaintiffs rebut the presumption by clear and
1366  convincing evidence that establishes that the initial fiscal impact statement, taken
1367  as a whole, is an inaccurate statement of the estimated fiscal impact of the
1368  initiative.
1369  (iii) The court may refer an issue related to the initial fiscal impact statement to a
1370  master to examine the issue and make a report in accordance with Utah Rules of
1371  Civil Procedure, Rule 53.
1372        (c) The court shall certify to the lieutenant governor a fiscal impact statement for the
1373  initiative that meets the requirements of this section.
1374  Section 13. Section 20A-7-202.7 is amended to read:
1375  20A-7-202.7 (Effective 05/06/26). Posting initiative information.
1376    (1) Within one business day after the day on which the lieutenant governor receives the
1377        initial fiscal impact statement under Subsection 20A-7-202.5(3)(a), the lieutenant
1378        governor shall post the following information together in a conspicuous place on the
1379        lieutenant governor's website:
1380        (a) the initiative application;
1381        (b) the initiative petition;
1382        (c) the text of the proposed law;
1383        (d) the initial fiscal impact statement; and
1384        (e) information describing how an individual may remove the individual's signature
1385  from the initiative petition.
1386    (2) The lieutenant governor shall:
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1387  (a) promptly update the information described in Subsection (1) if the information
1388  changes[;] , including if the text of the proposed law is modified under Subsection
1389  20A-7-204.1(5); and
1390  (b) maintain the information described in Subsection (1) on the lieutenant governor's
1391  website until the initiative fails to qualify for the ballot or is passed or defeated at an
1392  election.
1393  Section 14. Section 20A-7-203 is amended to read:
1394  20A-7-203 (Effective 05/06/26). Manual initiative process -- Form of initiative
1395     petition and signature sheets.
1396     (1) This section applies only to the manual initiative process.
1397     (2)(a) Each proposed initiative petition shall be printed in substantially the following form:
1398  "INITIATIVE PETITION To the Honorable ____, Lieutenant Governor:
1399  We, the undersigned citizens of Utah, respectfully demand that the [following ]proposed
1400  law described in this initiative petition be submitted to the legal voters/Legislature of Utah for
1401  their/its approval or rejection at the regular general election/session to be held/ beginning on
1402  _________(month\day\year);
1403  Each signer says:
1404  I have personally signed this initiative petition or, if I am an individual with a qualifying
1405  disability, I have signed this initiative petition by directing the signature gatherer to enter the
1406  initials "AV" as my signature;
1407  The date next to my signature correctly reflects the date that I actually signed the
1408  initiative petition;
1409  I [have ]personally had an opportunity to read the entire statement included with this
1410  initiative packet;
1411  I am registered to vote in Utah; and
1412  My residence and post office address are written correctly after my name.
1413  NOTICE TO SIGNERS:
1414  Public hearings to discuss this initiative were held at: (list dates and locations of public
1415  hearings[.]).".
1416     (b) [If the initiative proposes a tax increase, the ] The following statement shall appear, in at
1417  least 14-point, bold type, immediately following the information described in Subsection (2)(a)[:]
1418  , if the initiative proposes a tax increase:
1419  "This initiative seeks to increase the current (insert name of tax) rate by (insert the tax
1420  percentage difference) percent, resulting in a(n) (insert the tax percentage increase) percent
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1421        increase in the current tax rate.".
1422        (c) The following statement shall appear, in at least 14-point, bold type, immediately
1423  following the information described in Subsection (2)(a), if:
1424  (i) the initiative proposes a law other than a tax increase; and
1425  (ii) the initiative petition is part of a condensed initiative packet:
1426  "This initiative seeks to (the sponsors shall provide a brief, plain-language
1427  description of the principal provisions of the proposed law, not to exceed 50
1428  words, that is understandable to the average reader).".
1429        [(c) The sponsors of an initiative or an agent of the sponsors shall attach a copy of the
1430  proposed law to each initiative petition.]
1431    (3) Each initiative signature sheet shall:
1432        (a) be printed on sheets of paper 8-1/2 inches long and 11 inches wide;
1433        (b) be ruled with a horizontal line [three-fourths] .75 inch from the top, with the space
1434  above that line blank for the purpose of binding;
1435        (c) include the title of the initiative printed below the horizontal line, in at least 14-point,
1436  bold type;
1437        (d) if the signature sheet is part of a condensed initiative packet:
1438  (i) contain a printed QR code at the top of the signature sheet, in a location above the
1439  columns described in Subsection (3)(e);
1440  (ii) ensure that the QR code links directly to the web page on the lieutenant
1441  governor's website described in Section 20A-7-202.7; and
1442  (iii) include the following statement adjacent to the QR code in not less than 8-point,
1443  bold type: "This QR code provides access to a website that includes the full text of
1444  the law proposed by this initiative petition.";
1445        (e) be vertically divided into columns immediately below the title of the initiative, as
1446  follows:
1447  (i) the first column shall begin .5 inch from the left side of the paper, be .25 inch
1448  wide, and be headed, together with the second column, "For Office Use Only";
1449  (ii) the second column shall be .25 inch wide;
1450  (iii) the third column shall be 2.5 inches wide, headed "Registered Voter's Printed
1451  Name (must be legible to be counted)";
1452  (iv) the fourth column shall be 2.5 inches wide, headed "Signature of Registered
1453  Voter";
1454  (v) the fifth column shall be .75 inch wide, headed "Date Signed";
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 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
1455  (vi) the sixth column shall be three inches wide, headed "Street Address, City, Zip
1456  Code"; and
1457  (vii) the seventh column shall be .75 inch wide, headed "Birth Date or Age
1458  (Optional)"; and
1459        (f) be horizontally divided into rows as follows:
1460  (i) the first row shall be .5 inch high for purposes of a registered voter's entry of the
1461  information described in Subsection (3)(e); and
1462  (ii) the second row shall span the width of each column described in Subsection (3)(e)
1463  and contain the following statement in 12-point type: "By signing this initiative
1464  petition, you are stating that you had an opportunity to read and understand the
1465  law proposed by this initiative petition.".
1466        [(d) include a table immediately below the title of the initiative, and beginning .5 inch
1467  from the left side of the paper, as follows:]
1468  [(i) the first column shall be .5 inch wide and include three rows;]
1469  [(ii) the first row of the first column shall be .85 inch tall and contain the words "For
1470  Office Use Only" in 10-point type;]
1471  [(iii) the second row of the first column shall be .35 inch tall;]
1472  [(iv) the third row of the first column shall be .5 inch tall;]
1473  [(v) the second column shall be 2.75 inches wide;]
1474  [(vi) the first row of the second column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
1475  "Registered Voter's Printed Name (must be legible to be counted)" in 10-point
1476  type;]
1477  [(vii) the second row of the second column shall be .5 inch tall;]
1478  [(viii) the third row of the second column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
1479  "Street Address, City, Zip Code" in 10-point type;]
1480  [(ix) the fourth row of the second column shall be .5 inch tall;]
1481  [(x) the third column shall be 2.75 inches wide;]
1482  [(xi) the first row of the third column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
1483  "Signature of Registered Voter" in 10-point type;]
1484  [(xii) the second row of the third column shall be .5 inch tall;]
1485  [(xiii) the third row of the third column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
1486  "Email Address (optional, to receive additional information)" in 10-point type;]
1487  [(xiv) the fourth row of the third column shall be .5 inch tall;]
1488  [(xv) the fourth column shall be one inch wide;]
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1489  [(xvi) the first row of the fourth column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
1490  "Date Signed" in 10-point type;]
1491  [(xvii) the second row of the fourth column shall be .5 inch tall;]
1492  [(xviii) the third row of the fourth column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
1493  "Birth Date or Age (optional)" in 10-point type;]
1494  [(xix) the fourth row of the third column shall be .5 inch tall; and]
1495  [(xx) the fifth row of the entire table shall be the width of the entire table, .4 inch tall,
1496  and contain the following statement, "By signing this initiative petition, you are
1497  stating that you have read and understand the law proposed by this initiative
1498  petition." in 12-point type;]
1499    [(e)] (4) [the table described in Subsection (3)(d)] The columns and rows described in
1500        Subsections (3)(e) and (f) shall be repeated, leaving sufficient room at the bottom of the
1501        sheet for the information described in [Subsection (3)(f); and] Subsection (5).
1502    [(f)] (5) [at the bottom of the sheet, include] The bottom of the signature sheet shall include,
1503        in the following order:
1504        [(i)] (a) the words "Fiscal Impact of" followed by the title of the initiative, in at least
1505  12-point, bold type;
1506        [(ii)] (b) except as provided in Subsection [(5)] (6), the initial fiscal impact statement
1507  issued by the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst in accordance with Subsection
1508  20A-7-202.5(2)(a), including any update in accordance with Subsection
1509  20A-7-204.1(5), in not less than 12-point type;
1510    [(iii)] (c) if the initiative proposes a tax increase, the following statement in 12-point, bold type:
1511  "This initiative seeks to increase the current (insert name of tax) rate by (insert the tax
1512        percentage difference) percent, resulting in a(n) (insert the tax percentage increase) percent
1513        increase in the current tax rate.";[ and]
1514        (d) if the signature sheet is part of a condensed initiative packet, the following statement
1515  in 12-point, bold type:
1516  "This initiative seeks to (the sponsors shall provide a brief, plain-language
1517  description of the principal provisions of the proposed law, not to exceed 50 words,
1518  that is understandable to the average reader)."; and
1519    [(iv)] (e) the word "Warning," in 12-point, bold type, followed by the following statement in
1520        not less than eight-point type:
1521  "It is a class A misdemeanor [for an individual to sign an initiative petition with a name
1522        other than the individual's own name, or to knowingly sign the individual's name more than
  - 45 -
 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
1523  once for the same initiative petition, or to sign an initiative petition when the individual knows
1524  that the individual is not a registered voter] to sign an initiative petition using a name other than
1525  your own name, to sign more than once, or to sign if you are not a registered voter.
1526  [   Birth date or age information is not required, but it may be used to verify your identity
1527  with voter registration records. If you choose not to provide it, your signature may not be
1528  verified as a valid signature if you change your address before petition signatures are verified
1529  or if the information you provide does not match your voter registration records] Providing
1530  your birth date or age is optional, but it may be used to verify your identity. If you do not
1531  provide it, your signature may not be validated if your address changes or if the information
1532  you provide does not match your voter registration record."
1533     [(4) The final page of each initiative packet shall contain the following printed or typed
1534  statement:
1535  Verification of signature collector
1536  State of Utah, County of ____
1537  I, _______________, of ____, hereby state, under penalty of perjury, that:
1538  I am at least 18 years old;
1539  All the names that appear in this initiative packet were signed by individuals who
1540  professed to be the individuals whose names appear in it, and each of the individuals signed
1541  the individual's name on it in my presence or, in the case of an individual with a qualifying
1542  disability, I have signed this initiative petition on the individual's behalf, at the direction of the
1543  individual and in the individual's presence, by entering the initials "AV" as the individual's
1544  signature;
1545  I certify that, for each individual whose signature is represented in this initiative
1546  packet by the initials "AV":
1547  I obtained the individual's voluntary direction or consent to sign the initiative
1548  petition on the individual's behalf;
1549  I do not believe, or have reason to believe, that the individual lacked the
1550  mental capacity to give direction or consent;
1551  I do not believe, or have reason to believe, that the individual did not
1552  understand the purpose or nature of my signing the initiative petition on the individual's behalf;
1553  I did not intentionally or knowingly deceive the individual into directing me to,
1554  or consenting for me to, sign the initiative petition on the individual's behalf; and
1555  I did not intentionally or knowingly enter false information on the signature
1556  sheet;
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 Enrolled Copy  H.B. 32
1557  I did not knowingly make a misrepresentation of fact concerning the law proposed by
1558        the initiative;
1559  I believe that each individual's name, post office address, and residence is written
1560        correctly, that each signer has read the law proposed by the initiative, and that each signer is
1561        registered to vote in Utah;
1562  The correct date of signature appears next to each individual's name; and
1563  I have not paid or given anything of value to any individual who signed this initiative
1564        packet to encourage that individual to sign it.
1565  ______________________________________________________________________
1566  (Name)  (Residence Address)  (Date)]
1567    [(5)] (6) The final page of each initiative packet shall contain the circulator verification
1568        sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1).
1569    (7) If the initial fiscal impact statement described in Subsection [(3)(f)(ii)] (5)(b), as updated
1570        in accordance with Subsection 20A-7-204.1(5), exceeds 200 words, the Office of the
1571        Legislative Fiscal Analyst shall prepare a shorter summary statement, for the purpose of
1572        inclusion on an initiative signature sheet, that does not exceed 200 words.
1573    [(6)] (8) If the forms described in this section are substantially followed, the initiative
1574        petitions are sufficient, notwithstanding clerical and merely technical errors.
1575  Section 15. Section 20A-7-204 is amended to read:
1576  20A-7-204 (Effective 05/06/26). Manual initiative process -- Circulation
1577    requirements -- Lieutenant governor to provide sponsors with materials.
1578    (1) This section applies only to the manual initiative process.
1579    (2)(a) In order to obtain the necessary number of signatures required by this part, the
1580        sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall, after the sponsors receive the documents
1581        described in Subsection (3), circulate initiative packets that meet the form
1582        requirements of this part.
1583        (b) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors may circulate initiative packets using
1584  traditional initiative packets, condensed initiative packets, or both.
1585    (3) The lieutenant governor shall provide the sponsors with a copy of the initiative petition
1586        and a signature sheet no later than the first business day that is at least three calendar
1587        days after the day on which the following conditions are fulfilled:
1588        (a) the sponsors hold the final hearing required under Section 20A-7-204.1;
1589        (b) the sponsors provide to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor the video tape, audio
1590  tape, or comprehensive minutes described in Subsection 20A-7-204.1(4) for each
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1591  public hearing described in Section 20A-7-204.1;
1592  (c)(i) the sponsors give written notice to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor that
1593  the sponsors waive the opportunity to change the text of the proposed law under
1594  Subsection 20A-7-204.1(5);
1595  (ii) the deadline, described in Subsection 20A-7-204.1(5)(a), for changing the text of
1596  the proposed law passes without the sponsors filing an application addendum in
1597  accordance with Subsection 20A-7-204.1(5); or
1598  (iii) if the sponsors file an application addendum in accordance with Subsection
1599  20A-7-204.1(5), the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst provides to the Office
1600  of the Lieutenant Governor:
1601  (A) an updated initial fiscal impact statement, in accordance with Subsection
1602  20A-7-204.1(5)(b); or
1603  (B) a written notice indicating that no changes to the initial fiscal impact statement
1604  are necessary;
1605  (d)(i) the sponsors give written notice to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor that
1606  the sponsors waive the opportunity to:
1607  (A) challenge the initial fiscal impact statement in court; and
1608  (B) if applicable, challenge the updated initial fiscal impact statement in court;
1609  (ii) the deadline, described in Subsection 20A-7-202.5(4)(a)(i), for:
1610  (A) challenging the initial fiscal impact statement in court passes without the
1611  sponsors filing a petition to challenge; and
1612  (B) if applicable, challenging the updated initial fiscal impact statement in court
1613  passes without the sponsors filing a petition to challenge; or
1614  (iii) if the sponsors timely file a petition challenging the initial fiscal impact
1615  statement in court or, if applicable, the updated initial fiscal impact statement in
1616  court, and the court's decision becomes final; and
1617  (e) the sponsors sign [an agreement, under Subsection (6)(a), with the Office of the
1618  Lieutenant Governor specifying the range of numbers that the sponsors will use to
1619  number the initiative packets] the agreement described in Subsection (6)(a)(iii) with
1620  the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
1621     (4) The sponsors of the initiative shall:
1622  (a) arrange and pay for the printing of all documents that are part of the initiative
1623  packets; and
1624  (b) ensure that the initiative packets and the documents described in Subsection (4)(a)
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 Enrolled Copy  H.B. 32
1625  meet the requirements of this part.
1626    (5)(a) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors may prepare the initiative packets for
1627        circulation by creating multiple initiative packets.
1628        (b) [The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall create the initiative packets by
1629  binding a copy of the initiative petition with the text of the proposed law, including
1630  any modification made under Subsection 20A-7-204.1(5) and no more than 50
1631  signature sheets together at the top in a manner that the initiative packets may be
1632  conveniently opened for signing] The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall create
1633  initiative packets by:
1634  (i) binding the components of each initiative packet together at the top in a manner
1635  that secures all components of the initiative packet together;
1636  (ii) arranging the components in the following order:
1637  (A) a copy of the initiative petition;
1638  (B) if the initiative packet is a traditional initiative packet, a copy of the law
1639  proposed by the initiative petition, including any modification to the law made
1640  under Subsection 20A-7-204.1(5);
1641  (C) the signature sheets; and
1642  (D) the circulator verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1);
1643  (iii) including no more than 50 signature sheets in each initiative packet; and
1644  (iv) binding the initiative packet in a manner that allows the initiative packet to be
1645  conveniently opened for signing.
1646        (c) An initiative packet is not required to have a uniform number of signature sheets.
1647    (6)(a) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall, before gathering signatures:
1648  (i) ensure that the sponsors or any agent of the sponsors who gathers signatures have
1649  completed the online training course described in Section 20A-1-1005;
1650  (ii) contact the lieutenant governor's office to receive a range of numbers that the
1651  sponsors may use to number initiative packets;
1652  [(ii)] (iii) sign an agreement with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, specifying:
1653  (A) whether the sponsors or an agent of the sponsors will circulate initiative
1654  packets using traditional initiative packets, condensed initiative packets, or
1655  both; and
1656  (B) the range of numbers that the sponsors will use to number the initiative
1657  packets; and
1658  [(iii)] (iv) number each initiative packet, sequentially, within the range of numbers
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1659  provided by the lieutenant governor's office, starting with the lowest number in
1660  the range.
1661  (b) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors may not:
1662  (i) number an initiative packet in a manner not directed by the lieutenant governor's
1663  office; or
1664  (ii) circulate or submit an initiative packet that is not numbered in the manner
1665  directed by the lieutenant governor's office.
1666  Section 16. Section 20A-7-213 is amended to read:
1667  20A-7-213 (Effective 05/06/26). Misconduct of electors and officers -- Penalty.
1668     (1) It is unlawful for an individual to:
1669  (a) sign any name other than the individual's own to an initiative petition or a statement
1670  described in Subsection [20A-7-105(8)] 20A-7-105(9) or 20A-7-216(4);
1671  (b) knowingly sign the individual's name more than once for the same initiative at one
1672  election;
1673  (c) knowingly indicate that an individual who signed an initiative petition signed the
1674  initiative petition on a date other than the date that the individual signed the initiative
1675  petition;
1676  (d) sign an initiative petition knowing the individual is not a legal voter;
1677  (e) on behalf of a voter described in Section 20A-7-106, place the initials "AV" or enter
1678  any information on a signature sheet or statement described in Section 20A-7-106, if
1679  the individual:
1680  (i) does not obtain the voluntary direction or consent of the voter;
1681  (ii) believes or has reason to believe that the voter lacks the mental capacity to give
1682  the voter's direction or consent;
1683  (iii) believes or has reason to believe that the voter does not understand the purpose
1684  or nature of the action taken by the individual on behalf of the voter;
1685  (iv) intentionally or knowingly deceives the voter into providing the direction or
1686  consent of the voter; or
1687  (v) intentionally or knowingly enters false information on the signature sheet or
1688  statement; or
1689  (f) knowingly and willfully violate any provision of this part.
1690     (2) It is unlawful for an individual to sign the verification for an initiative packet, or to
1691  electronically sign the verification for a signature under Subsection 20A-21-201(10),
1692  knowing that:
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1693        (a) the signature date associated with the individual's signature for the initiative petition
1694  is not the date that the individual signed the initiative petition;
1695        (b) the individual has not witnessed the signatures of those individuals whose signatures
1696  the individual collects or submits; or
1697        (c) one or more individuals who signed the initiative petition are not registered to vote in
1698  Utah.
1699    (3) It is unlawful for an individual to:
1700        (a) pay an individual to sign an initiative petition;
1701        (b) pay an individual to remove the individual's signature from an initiative petition;
1702        (c) accept payment to sign an initiative petition; or
1703        (d) accept payment to have the individual's name removed from an initiative petition.
1704    (4) A violation of this section is a class A misdemeanor.
1705  Section 17. Section 20A-7-215 is amended to read:
1706  20A-7-215 (Effective 05/06/26). Electronic initiative process -- Form of initiative
1707    petition -- Circulation requirements -- Signature collection.
1708    (1) This section applies only to the electronic initiative process.
1709    (2)(a) The first screen presented on the approved device shall include the following statement:
1710  "This INITIATIVE PETITION is addressed to the Honorable ____, Lieutenant
1711        Governor:
1712  The citizens of Utah who sign this petition respectfully demand that the following
1713        proposed law be submitted to the legal voters/Legislature of Utah for their/its approval or
1714        rejection at the regular general election/session to be held/beginning on
1715        _________(month\day\year)."
1716        (b) An individual may not advance to the second screen until the individual clicks a link
1717  at the bottom of the first screen stating, "By clicking here, I attest that I have read and
1718  understand the information presented on this screen."
1719    (3)(a) The second screen presented on the approved device shall include the following
1720        statement:
1721  "Public hearings to discuss this initiative were held at: (list dates and locations of public
1722        hearings.)".
1723        (b) An individual may not advance to the third screen until the individual clicks a link at
1724  the bottom of the second screen stating, "By clicking here, I attest that I have read
1725  and understand the information presented on this screen."
1726    (4)(a) The third screen presented on the approved device shall include the title of
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1727  proposed law, described in Subsection [20A-7-202(2)(e)(i)] 20A-7-202(2)(f)(i),
1728  followed by the entire text of the proposed law.
1729  (b) An individual may not advance to the fourth screen until the individual clicks a link
1730  at the bottom of the third screen stating, "By clicking here, I attest that I have read
1731  and understand the entire text of the proposed law."
1732     (5) Subsequent screens shall be presented on the device in the following order, with the
1733  individual viewing the device being required, before advancing to the next screen, to
1734  click a link at the bottom of the screen with the following statement: "By clicking here, I
1735  attest that I have read and understand the information presented on this screen.":
1736  (a) a description of all proposed sources of funding for the costs associated with the
1737  proposed law, including the proposed percentage of total funding from each source;
1738  (b)(i) if the initiative proposes a tax increase, the following statement, "This initiative
1739  seeks to increase the current (insert name of tax) rate by (insert the tax percentage
1740  difference) percent, resulting in a(n) (insert the tax percentage increase) percent
1741  increase in the current tax rate."; or
1742  (ii) if the initiative does not propose a tax increase, the following statement, "This
1743  initiative does not propose a tax increase.";
1744  (c) the initial fiscal impact statement issued by the Office of the Legislative Fiscal
1745  Analyst in accordance with Subsection 20A-7-202.5(2)(a), including any update in
1746  accordance with Subsection 20A-7-204.1(5)(b);
1747  (d) a statement indicating whether persons gathering signatures for the initiative petition
1748  may be paid for gathering signatures; and
1749     (e) the following statement, followed by links where the individual may click "yes" or "no":
1750  "I have personally read the entirety of each statement presented on this device;
1751  I am personally signing this initiative petition;
1752  I am registered to vote in Utah; and
1753  All information I enter on this device, including my residence and post office address, is
1754  accurate.
1755  It is a class A misdemeanor for an individual to sign an initiative petition with a name
1756  other than the individual's own name, or to knowingly sign the individual's name more than
1757  once for the same initiative petition, or to sign an initiative petition when the individual knows
1758  that the individual is not a registered voter.
1759  WARNING
1760  Even if your voter registration record is classified as private, your name, voter
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1761        identification number, and date of signature in relation to signing this initiative petition will be
1762        made public.
1763  Do you wish to continue and sign this initiative petition?"
1764    (6)(a) If the individual clicks "no" in response to the question described in Subsection
1765        (5)(e), the next screen shall include the following statement, "Thank you for your
1766        time. Please return this device to the signature-gatherer."
1767        (b) If the individual clicks "yes" in response to the question described in Subsection
1768  (5)(e), the website, or the application that accesses the website, shall take the
1769  signature-gatherer and the individual signing the initiative petition through the
1770  signature process described in Section 20A-21-201.
1771  Section 18. Section 20A-7-302 is amended to read:
1772  20A-7-302 (Effective 05/06/26). Referendum process -- Application procedures.
1773    (1) Individuals wishing to circulate a referendum petition shall file a referendum
1774        application with the lieutenant governor no later than 5 p.m. on the first business day
1775        that is at least five calendar days after the day on which the legislative session at which
1776        the law passed ends.
1777    (2) The referendum application shall include:
1778        (a) the name and residence address of at least five sponsors of the referendum petition;
1779        (b) a statement designating a sponsor liaison, including the sponsor liaison's name,
1780  residence address, telephone number, and email address;
1781        [(b)] (c) a statement indicating that each of the sponsors is registered to vote in Utah;
1782        [(c)] (d) a statement indicating whether persons gathering signatures for the referendum
1783  petition may be paid for gathering signatures;
1784        [(d)] (e) the signature of each of the sponsors, attested to by a notary public; and
1785        [(e)] (f) a copy of the law that is the subject of the proposed referendum.
1786  Section 19. Section 20A-7-303 is amended to read:
1787  20A-7-303 (Effective 05/06/26). Manual referendum process -- Form of
1788    referendum petition and signature sheets.
1789    (1) This section applies only to the manual referendum process.
1790    (2)[(a)] Each proposed referendum petition shall be printed in substantially the following form:
1791  "REFERENDUM PETITION To the Honorable ____, Lieutenant Governor:
1792  We, the undersigned citizens of Utah, respectfully order that [Senate (or House)] (insert
1793        "Senate" or "House") Bill No. ____, entitled (title of act, and, if the petition is against less
1794        than the whole act, set forth here the part or parts on which the referendum is sought), passed
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1795  by the Legislature of the state of Utah during the ____ Session, be referred to the people of
1796  Utah for their approval or rejection at a regular general election or a statewide special election;
1797  Each signer says:
1798  I have personally signed this referendum petition or, if I am an individual with a
1799  qualifying disability, I have signed this referendum petition by directing the signature gatherer
1800  to enter the initials "AV" as my signature;
1801  The date next to my signature correctly reflects the date that I actually signed the
1802  referendum petition;
1803  I [have ]personally had an opportunity to read the entire statement included with this
1804  referendum packet;
1805  I am registered to vote in Utah; and
1806  My residence and post office address are written correctly after my name."[.]
1807  [(b) The sponsors of a referendum or an agent of the sponsors shall attach a copy of the
1808  law that is the subject of the referendum to each referendum petition.]
1809     (3) Each referendum signature sheet shall:
1810  (a) be printed on sheets of paper 8-1/2 inches long and 11 inches wide;
1811  (b) be ruled with a horizontal line [three-fourths] .75 inch from the top, with the space
1812  above that line blank for the purpose of binding;
1813  (c) include the title of the referendum printed below the horizontal line, in at least
1814  14-point, bold type;
1815  (d) if the signature sheet is part of a condensed referendum packet:
1816  (i) contain a printed QR code at the top of the signature sheet, in a location above the
1817  columns described in Subsection (3)(e);
1818  (ii) ensure that the QR code links directly to the web page on the lieutenant
1819  governor's website described in Section 20A-7-304.5; and
1820  (iii) include the following statement adjacent to the QR code in not less than 8-point,
1821  bold type: "This QR code provides access to a website that includes the full text of
1822  the law that is the subject of this referendum petition.";
1823  (e) be vertically divided into columns immediately below the title of the referendum, as
1824  follows:
1825  (i) the first column shall begin .5 inch from the left side of the paper, be .25 inch
1826  wide, and be headed, together with the second column, "For Office Use Only";
1827  (ii) the second column shall be .25 inch wide;
1828  (iii) the third column shall be 2.5 inches wide, headed "Registered Voter's Printed
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1829  Name (must be legible to be counted)";
1830  (iv) the fourth column shall be 2.5 inches wide, headed "Signature of Registered
1831  Voter";
1832  (v) the fifth column shall be .75 inch wide, headed "Date Signed";
1833  (vi) the sixth column shall be three inches wide, headed "Street Address, City, Zip
1834  Code"; and
1835  (vii) the seventh column shall be .75 inch wide, headed "Birth Date or Age
1836  (Optional)"; and
1837        (f) be horizontally divided into rows as follows:
1838  (i) the first row shall be .5 inch high for purposes of a registered voter's entry of the
1839  information described in Subsection (3)(e); and
1840  (ii) the second row shall span the width of each column described in Subsection (3)(e)
1841  and contain the following statement in 11-point type: "By signing this referendum
1842  petition, you are stating that you had an opportunity to read and understand the
1843  law that this referendum petition seeks to overturn.".
1844        [(d) include a table immediately below the title of the referendum, and beginning .5 inch
1845  from the left side of the paper, as follows:]
1846  [(i) the first column shall be .5 inch wide and include three rows;]
1847  [(ii) the first row of the first column shall be .85 inch tall and contain the words "For
1848  Office Use Only" in 10-point type;]
1849  [(iii) the second row of the first column shall be .35 inch tall;]
1850  [(iv) the third row of the first column shall be .5 inch tall;]
1851  [(v) the second column shall be 2.75 inches wide;]
1852  [(vi) the first row of the second column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
1853  "Registered Voter's Printed Name (must be legible to be counted)" in 10-point
1854  type;]
1855  [(vii) the second row of the second column shall be .5 inch tall;]
1856  [(viii) the third row of the second column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
1857  "Street Address, City, Zip Code" in 10-point type;]
1858  [(ix) the fourth row of the second column shall be .5 inch tall;]
1859  [(x) the third column shall be 2.75 inches wide;]
1860  [(xi) the first row of the third column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
1861  "Signature of Registered Voter" in 10-point type;]
1862  [(xii) the second row of the third column shall be .5 inch tall;]
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1863  [(xiii) the third row of the third column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
1864  "Email Address (optional, to receive additional information)" in 10-point type;]
1865  [(xiv) the fourth row of the third column shall be .5 inch tall;]
1866  [(xv) the fourth column shall be one inch wide;]
1867  [(xvi) the first row of the fourth column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
1868  "Date Signed" in 10-point type;]
1869  [(xvii) the second row of the fourth column shall be .5 inch tall;]
1870  [(xviii) the third row of the fourth column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
1871  "Birth Date or Age (optional)" in 10-point type;]
1872  [(xix) the fourth row of the third column shall be .5 inch tall; and]
1873  [(xx) the fifth row of the entire table shall be the width of the entire table, .4 inch tall,
1874  and contain the following words "By signing this referendum petition, you are
1875  stating that you have read and understand the law that this referendum petition
1876  seeks to overturn." in 12-point type;]
1877     [(e)] (4) [the table described in Subsection (3)(d)] The columns and rows described in
1878  Subsections (3)(e) and (f) shall be repeated, leaving sufficient room at the bottom of the
1879  sheet for the information described in [Subsection (3)(f); and] Subsection (5).
1880     [(f)] (5) [at the bottom of the sheet, include] The bottom of the signature sheet shall include,
1881  in the following order:
1882  (a) the following statement in at least 12-point, bold type:
1883  "This referendum petition seeks to have (insert "Senate" or "House") Bill No.
1884  ____, entitled (title of act, and, if the petition is against less than the whole act, set
1885  forth here the part or parts on which the referendum is sought), passed by the
1886  Legislature of the state of Utah during the ____ Session, be referred to the people of
1887  Utah for their approval or rejection at a regular general election or a statewide special
1888  election."; and
1889     (b) the word "Warning," in 12-point, bold type, followed by the following statement in not less
1890  than eight-point type:
1891  "It is a class A misdemeanor [for an individual to sign a referendum petition with a name
1892  other than the individual's own name, or to knowingly sign the individual's name more than
1893  once for the same referendum petition, or to sign a referendum petition when the individual
1894  knows that the individual is not a registered voter] to sign a referendum petition using a name
1895  other than your own name, to sign more than once, or to sign if you are not a registered voter.
1896  [    Birth date or age information is not required, but it may be used to verify your identity
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1897        with voter registration records. If you choose not to provide it, your signature may not be
1898        verified as a valid signature if you change your address before petition signatures are verified
1899        or if the information you provide does not match your voter registration records] Providing
1900        your birth date or age is optional, but it may be used to verify your identity. If you do not
1901        provide it, your signature may not be validated if your address changes or if the information
1902        you provide does not match your voter registration record."
1903    [(4) The final page of each referendum packet shall contain the following printed or typed
1904        statement:
1905  Verification of signature collector
1906  State of Utah, County of ____
1907  I, _______________, of ____, hereby state, under penalty of perjury, that:
1908  I am at least 18 years old;
1909  All the names that appear in this referendum packet were signed by individuals who
1910        professed to be the individuals whose names appear in it, and each of the individuals signed
1911        the individual's name on it in my presence or, in the case of an individual with a qualifying
1912        disability, I have signed this referendum petition on the individual's behalf, at the direction of
1913        the individual and in the individual's presence, by entering the initials "AV" as the individual's
1914        signature;
1915  I certify that, for each individual whose signature is represented in this referendum
1916        packet by the initials "AV":
1917  I obtained the individual's voluntary direction or consent to sign the
1918        referendum petition on the individual's behalf;
1919  I do not believe, or have reason to believe, that the individual lacked the
1920        mental capacity to give direction or consent;
1921  I do not believe, or have reason to believe, that the individual did not
1922        understand the purpose or nature of my signing the referendum petition on the individual's
1923        behalf;
1924  I did not intentionally or knowingly deceive the individual into directing me to,
1925        or consenting for me to, sign the referendum petition on the individual's behalf; and
1926  I did not intentionally or knowingly enter false information on the signature
1927        sheet;
1928  I did not knowingly make a misrepresentation of fact concerning the law this petition
1929        seeks to overturn;
1930  I believe that each individual's name, post office address, and residence is written
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1931  correctly, that each signer has read the law that the referendum seeks to overturn, and that each
1932  signer is registered to vote in Utah;
1933  The correct date of signature appears next to each individual's name; and
1934  I have not paid or given anything of value to any individual who signed this referendum
1935  packet to encourage that individual to sign
1936  it.________________________________________________________________________
1937  (Name)  (Residence Address)  (Date).]
1938     [(5)] (6) The final page of each referendum packet shall contain the circulator verification
1939  sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1).
1940     (7) If the forms described in this section are substantially followed, the referendum
1941  petitions are sufficient, notwithstanding clerical and merely technical errors.
1942  Section 20. Section 20A-7-304 is amended to read:
1943  20A-7-304 (Effective 05/06/26). Manual referendum process -- Circulation
1944     requirements -- Lieutenant governor to provide sponsors with materials.
1945     (1) This section applies only to the manual referendum process.
1946     (2)(a) In order to obtain the necessary number of signatures required by this part, the
1947  sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall, after the sponsors receive the documents
1948  described in Subsection (3), circulate referendum packets that meet the form
1949  requirements of this part.
1950  (b) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors may circulate referendum packets using
1951  traditional referendum packets, condensed referendum packets, or both.
1952     (3) The lieutenant governor shall provide the sponsors with a copy of the referendum
1953  petition and a signature sheet no later than the first business day that is at least five
1954  calendar days after the day on which the sponsors sign an agreement, under Subsection
1955  (6)(a), with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor specifying the range of numbers that
1956  the sponsors will use to number the referendum packets.
1957     (4) The sponsors of the referendum petition shall:
1958  (a) arrange and pay for the printing of all documents that are part of the referendum
1959  packets; and
1960  (b) ensure that the referendum packets and the documents described in Subsection (4)(a)
1961  meet the form requirements of this section.
1962     (5)(a) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors may prepare the referendum packets for
1963  circulation by creating multiple referendum packets.
1964  (b) [The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall create referendum packets by binding
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1965  a copy of the referendum petition with the text of the law that is the subject of the
1966  referendum and no more than 50 signature sheets together at the top in a manner that
1967  the referendum packets may be conveniently opened for signing] The sponsors or an
1968  agent of the sponsors shall create referendum packets by:
1969  (i) binding the components of each referendum packet together at the top in a manner
1970  that secures all components of the referendum packet together;
1971  (ii) arranging the components in the following order:
1972  (A) a copy of the referendum petition;
1973  (B) if the referendum packet is a traditional referendum packet, a copy of the law
1974  that is the subject of the referendum petition;
1975  (C) the signature sheets; and
1976  (D) the circulator verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1);
1977  (iii) including no more than 50 signature sheets in each referendum packet; and
1978  (iv) binding the referendum packet in a manner that allows the referendum packet to
1979  be conveniently opened for signing.
1980        (c) A referendum packet is not required to have a uniform number of signature sheets.
1981    (6)(a) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall, before gathering signatures:
1982  (i) ensure that the sponsors or any agent of the sponsors who gathers signatures have
1983  completed the online training course described in Section 20A-1-1005;
1984  (ii) contact the lieutenant governor's office to receive a range of numbers that the
1985  sponsors may use to number referendum packets;
1986  [(ii)] (iii) sign an agreement with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, specifying:
1987  (A) whether the sponsors or an agent of the sponsors will circulate referendum
1988  packets using traditional referendum packets, condensed referendum packets,
1989  or both; and
1990  (B) the range of numbers that the sponsor will use to number the referendum
1991  packets; and
1992  [(iii)] (iv) number each referendum packet, sequentially, within the range of numbers
1993  provided by the lieutenant governor's office, starting with the lowest number in
1994  the range.
1995        (b) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors may not:
1996  (i) number a referendum packet in a manner not directed by the lieutenant governor's
1997  office; or
1998  (ii) circulate or submit a referendum packet that is not numbered in the manner
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1999  directed by the lieutenant governor's office.
2000  Section 21. Section 20A-7-502 is amended to read:
2001  20A-7-502 (Effective 05/06/26). Local initiative process -- Application
2002     procedures.
2003     (1) Individuals wishing to circulate an initiative petition shall file an initiative application
2004  with the local clerk.
2005     (2) The initiative application shall include:
2006  (a) the name and residence address of at least five sponsors of the initiative petition;
2007  (b) a statement indicating that each of the sponsors is registered to vote in Utah;
2008  (c) a statement designating a sponsor liaison, including the sponsor liaison's name,
2009  residence address, telephone number, and email address;
2010  [(c)] (d) the signature of each of the sponsors, acknowledged by a notary public;
2011  [(d)] (e) a copy of the proposed law that includes:
2012  (i) the title of the proposed law that clearly expresses the subject of the law;
2013  (ii) a description of all proposed sources of funding for the costs associated with the
2014  proposed law, including the proposed percentage of total funding from each
2015  source; and
2016  (iii) the text of the proposed law;
2017  [(e)] (f) if the initiative petition proposes a tax increase, the following statement, "This
2018  initiative seeks to increase the current (insert name of tax) rate by (insert the tax
2019  percentage difference) percent, resulting in a(n) (insert the tax percentage increase)
2020  percent increase in the current tax rate."; and
2021  [(f)] (g) a statement indicating whether persons gathering signatures for the initiative
2022  petition may be paid for gathering signatures.
2023     (3) A proposed law submitted under this section may not contain more than one subject to
2024  the same extent that a bill may not pass containing more than one subject as provided in
2025  Utah Constitution, Article VI, Section 22.
2026  Section 22. Section 20A-7-503 is amended to read:
2027  20A-7-503 (Effective 05/06/26). Manual initiative process -- Form of initiative
2028     petition and signature sheet.
2029     (1) This section applies only to the manual initiative process.
2030     (2)(a) Each proposed initiative petition shall be printed in substantially the following form:
2031  "INITIATIVE PETITION To the Honorable ____, County Clerk/City Recorder/Town
2032  Clerk:
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2033  We, the undersigned citizens of Utah, respectfully demand that the [following ]proposed
2034        law described in this initiative petition be submitted to:
2035  the legislative body for its approval or rejection at its next meeting; and
2036  the legal voters of the county/city/town, if the legislative body rejects the proposed
2037        law or takes no action on it.
2038  Each signer says:
2039  I have personally signed this initiative petition or, if I am an individual with a qualifying
2040        disability, I have signed this initiative petition by directing the signature gatherer to enter the
2041        initials "AV" as my signature;
2042  The date next to my signature correctly reflects the date that I actually signed the
2043        petition;
2044  I [have ]personally had an opportunity to read the entire statement included with this
2045        initiative packet;
2046  I am registered to vote in Utah; and
2047  My residence and post office address are written correctly after my name."
2048    (b) [If the initiative proposes a tax increase, the] The following statement shall appear, in at
2049        least 14-point, bold type, immediately following the information described in Subsection (2)(a)[:]
2050        , if the initiative petition proposes a tax increase:
2051  "This initiative seeks to increase the current (insert name of tax) rate by (insert the tax
2052        percentage difference) percent, resulting in a(n) (insert the tax percentage increase) percent
2053        increase in the current tax rate.".
2054        (c) The following statement shall appear, in at least 14-point, bold type, immediately
2055  following the information described in Subsection (2)(a), if:
2056  (i) the initiative proposes a law other than a tax increase; and
2057  (ii) the initiative petition is part of a condensed initiative packet.
2058  "This initiative seeks to (the sponsors shall provide a brief, plain-language
2059  description of the principal provisions of the proposed law, not to exceed 50
2060  words, that is understandable to the average reader).".
2061        [(c) The sponsors of an initiative or an agent of the sponsors shall attach a copy of the
2062  proposed law to each initiative petition.]
2063    (3) Each initiative signature sheet shall:
2064        (a) be printed on sheets of paper 8-1/2 inches long and 11 inches wide;
2065        (b) be ruled with a horizontal line [three-fourths] .75 inch from the top, with the space
2066  above that line blank for the purpose of binding;
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2067        (c) include the title of the initiative printed below the horizontal line, in at least 14-point,
2068  bold type;
2069        (d) if the signature sheet is part of a condensed initiative packet:
2070  (i) contain a printed QR code at the top of the signature sheet, in a location above the
2071  columns described in Subsection (3)(e);
2072  (ii) ensure that the QR code links directly to the web page on the local clerk's website
2073  described in Section 20A-7-502.6; and
2074  (iii) include the following statement adjacent to the QR code in not less than 8-point,
2075  bold type: "This QR code provides access to a website that includes the full text of
2076  the law proposed by this initiative petition.";
2077        (e) be vertically divided into columns immediately below the title of the initiative, as
2078  follows:
2079  (i) the first column shall begin .5 inch from the left side of the paper, be .25 inch
2080  wide, and be headed, together with the second column, "For Office Use Only";
2081  (ii) the second column shall be .25 inch wide;
2082  (iii) the third column shall be 2.5 inches wide, headed "Registered Voter's Printed
2083  Name (must be legible to be counted)";
2084  (iv) the fourth column shall be 2.5 inches wide, headed "Signature of Registered
2085  Voter";
2086  (v) the fifth column shall be .75 inch wide, headed "Date Signed";
2087  (vi) the sixth column shall be three inches wide, headed "Street Address, City, Zip
2088  Code"; and
2089  (vii) the seventh column shall be .75 inch wide, headed "Birth Date or Age
2090  (Optional)"; and
2091        (f) be horizontally divided into rows as follows:
2092  (i) the first row shall be .5 inch high for purposes of a registered voter's entry of the
2093  information described in Subsection (3)(e); and
2094  (ii) the second row shall span the width of each column described in Subsection (3)(e)
2095  and contain the following statement in 12-point type: "By signing this initiative
2096  petition, you are stating that you had an opportunity to read and understand the
2097  law proposed by this initiative petition.".
2098        [(d) include a table immediately below the title of the initiative, and beginning .5 inch
2099  from the left side of the paper, as follows:]
2100  [(i) the first column shall be .5 inch wide and include three rows;]
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 Enrolled Copy  H.B. 32
2101  [(ii) the first row of the first column shall be .85 inch tall and contain the words "For
2102  Office Use Only" in 10-point type;]
2103  [(iii) the second row of the first column shall be .35 inch tall;]
2104  [(iv) the third row of the first column shall be .5 inch tall;]
2105  [(v) the second column shall be 2.75 inches wide;]
2106  [(vi) the first row of the second column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
2107  "Registered Voter's Printed Name (must be legible to be counted)" in 10-point
2108  type;]
2109  [(vii) the second row of the second column shall be .5 inch tall;]
2110  [(viii) the third row of the second column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
2111  "Street Address, City, Zip Code" in 10-point type;]
2112  [(ix) the fourth row of the second column shall be .5 inch tall;]
2113  [(x) the third column shall be 2.75 inches wide;]
2114  [(xi) the first row of the third column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
2115  "Signature of Registered Voter" in 10-point type;]
2116  [(xii) the second row of the third column shall be .5 inch tall;]
2117  [(xiii) the third row of the third column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
2118  "Email Address (optional, to receive additional information)" in 10-point type;]
2119  [(xiv) the fourth row of the third column shall be .5 inch tall;]
2120  [(xv) the fourth column shall be one inch wide;]
2121  [(xvi) the first row of the fourth column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
2122  "Date Signed" in 10-point type;]
2123  [(xvii) the second row of the fourth column shall be .5 inch tall;]
2124  [(xviii) the third row of the fourth column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
2125  "Birth Date or Age (optional)" in 10-point type;]
2126  [(xix) the fourth row of the third column shall be .5 inch tall; and]
2127  [(xx) the fifth row of the entire table shall be the width of the entire table, .4 inch tall,
2128  and contain the following words "By signing this initiative petition, you are
2129  stating that you have read and understand the law proposed by this initiative
2130  petition." in 12-point type;]
2131    [(e)] (4) [the table described in Subsection (3)(d)] The columns and rows described in
2132        Subsections (3)(e) and (f) shall be repeated, leaving sufficient room at the bottom of the
2133        sheet for the information described in Subsection [(3)(f); and] (5).
2134    [(f)] (5) [at the bottom of the sheet, include] The bottom of the signature sheet shall include,
  - 63 -
 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
2135  in the following order:
2136  [(i)] (a) the words "Fiscal and legal impact of" followed by the title of the initiative, in at
2137  least 12-point, bold type;
2138  [(ii)] (b) the summary statement in the initial fiscal impact and legal statement issued by
2139  the budget officer in accordance with Subsection 20A-7-502.5(2)(b) and the cost
2140  estimate for printing and distributing information related to the initiative petition in
2141  accordance with Subsection 20A-7-502.5(3), in not less than 12-point, bold type;
2142     [(iii)] (c) if the initiative proposes a tax increase, the following statement in 12-point, bold type:
2143  "This initiative seeks to increase the current (insert name of tax) rate by (insert the tax
2144  percentage difference) percent, resulting in a(n) (insert the tax percentage increase) percent
2145  increase in the current tax rate.";[ and]
2146  (d) if the signature sheet is part of a condensed initiative packet, the following statement
2147  in 12-point, bold type:
2148  "This initiative seeks to (the sponsors shall provide a brief, plain-language
2149  description of the principal provisions of the proposed law, not to exceed 50 words,
2150  that is understandable to the average reader)."; and
2151     [(iv)] (e) the word "Warning," in 12-point, bold type, followed by the following statement in
2152  not less than eight-point type:
2153  "It is a class A misdemeanor [for an individual to sign an initiative petition with a name
2154  other than the individual's own name, or to knowingly sign the individual's name more than
2155  once for the same initiative petition, or to sign an initiative petition when the individual knows
2156  that the individual is not a registered voter] to sign an initiative petition using a name other than
2157  your own name, to sign more than once, or to sign if you are not a registered voter.
2158  [    Birth date or age information is not required, but it may be used to verify your identity
2159  with voter registration records. If you choose not to provide it, your signature may not be
2160  verified as a valid signature if you change your address before petition signatures are verified
2161  or if the information you provide does not match your voter registration records] Providing
2162  your birth date or age is optional, but it may be used to verify your identity. If you do not
2163  provide it, your signature may not be validated if your address changes or if the information
2164  you provide does not match your voter registration record."
2165     [(4) The final page of each initiative packet shall contain the following printed or typed
2166  statement:
2167  "Verification of signature collector
2168  State of Utah, County of ____
  - 64 -
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2169  I, _______________, of ____, hereby state, under penalty of perjury, that:
2170  I am at least 18 years old;
2171  All the names that appear in this packet were signed by individuals who professed to be
2172        the individuals whose names appear in it, and each of the individuals signed the individual's
2173        name on it in my presence or, in the case of an individual with a qualifying disability, I have
2174        signed this initiative petition on the individual's behalf, at the direction of the individual and in
2175        the individual's presence, by entering the initials "AV" as the individual's signature;
2176  I certify that, for each individual whose signature is represented in this initiative
2177        packet by the initials "AV":
2178  I obtained the individual's voluntary direction or consent to sign the initiative
2179        petition on the individual's behalf;
2180  I do not believe, or have reason to believe, that the individual lacked the
2181        mental capacity to give direction or consent;
2182  I do not believe, or have reason to believe, that the individual did not
2183        understand the purpose or nature of my signing the initiative petition on the individual's behalf;
2184  I did not intentionally or knowingly deceive the individual into directing me to,
2185        or consenting for me to, sign the initiative petition on the individual's behalf; and
2186  I did not intentionally or knowingly enter false information on the signature
2187        sheet;
2188  I did not knowingly make a misrepresentation of fact concerning the law proposed by
2189        the initiative; and
2190  I believe that each individual's name, post office address, and residence is written
2191        correctly, that each signer has read the law proposed by the initiative, and that each signer is
2192        registered to vote in Utah.
2193  ______________________________________________________________________
2194  (Name)  (Residence Address)  (Date)
2195  The correct date of signature appears next to each individual's name.
2196  I have not paid or given anything of value to any individual who signed this petition to
2197        encourage that individual to sign it.
2198  _____________________________________________________________________
2199  (Name)  (Residence Address)  (Date)".]
2200    [(5)] (6) The final page of each initiative packet shall contain the circulator verification
2201        sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1).
2202    (7) If the forms described in this section are substantially followed, the initiative petitions
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 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
2203  are sufficient, notwithstanding clerical and merely technical errors.
2204  Section 23. Section 20A-7-504 is amended to read:
2205  20A-7-504 (Effective 05/06/26). Manual initiative process -- Circulation
2206     requirements -- Local clerk to provide sponsors with materials.
2207     (1) This section applies only to the manual initiative process.
2208     (2)(a) In order to obtain the necessary number of signatures required by this part, the
2209  sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall, after the sponsors receive the documents
2210  described in Subsections (3) and 20A-7-401.5(4)(b), circulate initiative packets that
2211  meet the form requirements of this part.
2212  (b) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors may circulate initiative packets using
2213  traditional initiative packets, condensed initiative packets, or both.
2214     (3) Within five calendar days after the day on which a county, city, town, or court
2215  determines, in accordance with Section 20A-7-502.7, that a law proposed in an initiative
2216  petition is legally referable to voters, the local clerk shall provide to the sponsors:
2217  (a) a copy of the initiative petition;
2218  (b) a signature sheet; and
2219  (c) a copy of the proposition information pamphlet provided to the sponsors under
2220  Subsection 20A-7-401.5(4)(b).
2221     (4) The sponsors of the initiative shall:
2222  (a) arrange and pay for the printing of all documents that are part of the initiative
2223  packets; and
2224  (b) ensure that the initiative packets and the documents described in Subsection (4)(a)
2225  meet the requirements of this part.
2226     (5)(a) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors may prepare the initiative packets for
2227  circulation by creating multiple initiative packets.
2228  (b) [The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall create initiative packets by binding a
2229  copy of the initiative petition with the text of the proposed law and no more than 50
2230  signature sheets together at the top in a manner that the initiative packets may be
2231  conveniently opened for signing.] The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall
2232  create initiative packets by:
2233  (i) binding the components of each initiative packet together at the top in a manner
2234  that secures all components of the initiative packet together;
2235  (ii) arranging the components in the following order:
2236  (A) a copy of the initiative petition;
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2237  (B) if the initiative packet is a traditional initiative packet, a copy of the law
2238  proposed by the initiative petition;
2239  (C) the signature sheets; and
2240  (D) the circulator verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1);
2241  (iii) including no more than 50 signature sheets in each initiative packet; and
2242  (iv) binding the initiative packet in a manner that allows the initiative packet to be
2243  conveniently opened for signing.
2244        (c) An initiative packet is not required to have a uniform number of signature sheets.
2245        (d) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall include, with each initiative packet, a
2246  copy of the proposition information pamphlet provided to the sponsors under
2247  Subsection 20A-7-401.5(4)(b).
2248    (6)(a) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall, before gathering signatures:
2249  (i) ensure that the sponsors or any agent of the sponsors who gathers signatures have
2250  completed the online training course described in Section 20A-1-1005;
2251  (ii) contact the county clerk to receive a range of numbers that the sponsors may use
2252  to number initiative packets;[ and]
2253  (iii) sign an agreement with the local clerk, specifying:
2254  (A) whether the sponsors or an agent of the sponsors will circulate initiative
2255  packets using traditional initiative packets, condensed initiative packets, or
2256  both; and
2257  (B) the range of numbers that the sponsor will use to number the referendum
2258  packets; and
2259  [(ii)] (iv) number each initiative packet, sequentially, within the range of numbers
2260  provided by the county clerk, starting with the lowest number in the range.
2261        (b) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors may not:
2262  (i) number an initiative packet in a manner not directed by the county clerk; or
2263  (ii) circulate or submit an initiative packet that is not numbered in the manner
2264  directed by the county clerk.
2265        (c) The county clerk shall keep a record of the number range provided under Subsection
2266  (6)(a).
2267  Section 24. Section 20A-7-514 is amended to read:
2268  20A-7-514 (Effective 05/06/26). Electronic initiative process -- Form of initiative
2269    petition -- Circulation requirements -- Signature collection.
2270    (1) This section applies only to the electronic initiative process.
  - 67 -
 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
2271     (2)(a) The first screen presented on the approved device shall include the following statement:
2272  "This INITIATIVE PETITION is addressed to the Honorable ____, County Clerk/City
2273  Recorder/Town Clerk:
2274  The citizens of Utah who sign this petition respectfully demand that the following
2275  proposed law be submitted to: the legislative body for its approval or rejection at its next
2276  meeting; and the legal voters of the county/city/town, if the legislative body rejects the
2277  proposed law or takes no action on it."
2278  (b) An individual may not advance to the second screen until the individual clicks a link
2279  at the bottom of the first screen stating, "By clicking here, I attest that I have read and
2280  understand the information presented on this screen."
2281     (3)(a) The second screen presented on the approved device shall include the title of
2282  proposed law, described in Subsection [20A-7-502(2)(d)(i)] 20A-7-502(2)(e)(i),
2283  followed by the entire text of the proposed law.
2284  (b) An individual may not advance to the third screen until the individual clicks a link at
2285  the bottom of the second screen stating, "By clicking here, I attest that I have read
2286  and understand the entire text of the proposed law."
2287     (4) Subsequent screens shall be presented on the device in the following order, with the
2288  individual viewing the device being required, before advancing to the next screen, to
2289  click a link at the bottom of the screen with the following statement, "By clicking here, I
2290  attest that I have read and understand the information presented on this screen.":
2291  (a)(i) if the initiative proposes a tax increase, the following statement, "This initiative
2292  seeks to increase the current (insert name of tax) rate by (insert the tax percentage
2293  difference) percent, resulting in a(n) (insert the tax percentage increase) percent
2294  increase in the current tax rate."; or
2295  (ii) if the initiative does not propose a tax increase, the following statement, "This
2296  initiative does not propose a tax increase.";
2297  (b) the summary statement from the initial fiscal impact and legal statement issued by
2298  the budget officer in accordance with Subsection 20A-7-502.5(2)(b) and the cost
2299  estimate for printing and distributing information related to the initiative petition in
2300  accordance with Subsection 20A-7-502.5(3);
2301  (c) a statement indicating whether persons gathering signatures for the initiative petition
2302  may be paid for gathering signatures; and
2303     (d) the following statement, followed by links where the individual may click "yes" or "no":
2304  "I have personally read the entirety of each statement presented on this device;
  - 68 -
 Enrolled Copy  H.B. 32
2305  I am personally signing this petition;
2306  I am registered to vote in Utah; and
2307  All information I enter on this device, including my residence and post office address, is
2308        accurate.
2309  It is a class A misdemeanor for an individual to sign an initiative petition with a name
2310        other than the individual's own name, or to knowingly sign the individual's name more than
2311        once for the same initiative petition, or to sign an initiative petition when the individual knows
2312        that the individual is not a registered voter.
2313  WARNING
2314  Even if your voter registration record is classified as private, your name, voter
2315        identification number, and date of signature in relation to signing this initiative petition will be
2316        made public.
2317  Do you wish to continue and sign this initiative petition?"
2318    (5)(a) If the individual clicks "no" in response to the question described in Subsection
2319        (4)(d), the next screen shall include the following statement, "Thank you for your
2320        time. Please return this device to the signature-gatherer."
2321        (b) If the individual clicks "yes" in response to the question described in Subsection
2322  (4)(d), the website, or the application that accesses the website, shall take the
2323  signature-gatherer and the individual signing the petition through the signature
2324  process described in Section 20A-21-201.
2325  Section 25. Section 20A-7-602 is amended to read:
2326  20A-7-602 (Effective 05/06/26). Local referendum process -- Application
2327    procedures.
2328    (1) Individuals wishing to circulate a referendum petition shall file a referendum
2329        application with the local clerk.
2330    (2) The referendum application shall include:
2331        (a) the name and residence address of at least five sponsors of the referendum petition;
2332        (b) a statement indicating that each of the sponsors is registered to vote in Utah;
2333        (c) a statement designating a sponsor liaison, including the sponsor liaison's name,
2334  residence address, telephone number, and email address;
2335        [(c)] (d) a statement indicating whether persons gathering signatures for the referendum
2336  petition may be paid for gathering signatures;
2337        [(d)] (e) the signature of each of the sponsors, acknowledged by a notary public; and
2338        [(e)] (f)(i) if the referendum challenges an ordinance or resolution, a copy of the
  - 69 -
 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
2339  ordinance or resolution; or
2340  (ii) if the referendum challenges a local law that is not an ordinance or resolution, a
2341  written description of the local law, including the result of the vote on the local
2342  law.
2343  Section 26. Section 20A-7-603 is amended to read:
2344  20A-7-603 (Effective 05/06/26). Manual referendum process -- Form of
2345     referendum petition and signature sheet.
2346     (1) This section applies only to the manual referendum process.
2347     (2)[(a)] Each proposed referendum petition shall be printed in substantially the following form:
2348  "REFERENDUM PETITION To the Honorable ____, County Clerk/City
2349  Recorder/Town Clerk:
2350  We, the undersigned citizens of Utah, respectfully order that (description of local law or
2351  portion of local law being challenged), passed by the ____ be referred to the voters for their
2352  approval or rejection at the regular/municipal general election to be held on
2353  __________(month\day\year);
2354  Each signer says:
2355  I have personally signed this referendum petition or, if I am an individual with a
2356  qualifying disability, I have signed this referendum petition by directing the signature gatherer
2357  to enter the initials "AV" as my signature;
2358  The date next to my signature correctly reflects the date that I actually signed the
2359  petition;
2360  I [have ]personally had an opportunity to read the entire statement included with this
2361  packet;
2362  I am registered to vote in Utah; and
2363  My residence and post office address are written correctly after my name."
2364  [(b) The sponsors of a referendum or an agent of the sponsors shall attach a copy of the
2365  law that is the subject of the referendum to each referendum petition.]
2366     (3) Each referendum signature sheet shall:
2367  (a) be printed on sheets of paper 8-1/2 inches long and 11 inches wide;
2368  (b) be ruled with a horizontal line [three-fourths] .75 inch from the top, with the space
2369  above that line blank for the purpose of binding;
2370  (c) include the title of the referendum printed below the horizontal line, in at least
2371  14-point type;
2372  (d) if the signature sheet is part of a condensed referendum packet:
  - 70 -
 Enrolled Copy  H.B. 32
2373  (i) contain a printed QR code at the top of the signature sheet, in a location above the
2374  columns described in Subsection (3)(e);
2375  (ii) ensure that the QR code links directly to the web page on the local clerk's website
2376  described in Section 20A-7-604.5; and
2377  (iii) include the following statement adjacent to the QR code in not less than 8-point,
2378  bold type: "This QR code provides access to a website that includes the full text of
2379  the law that is the subject of this referendum petition.";
2380        (e) be vertically divided into columns immediately below the title of the referendum, as
2381  follows:
2382  (i) the first column shall begin .5 inch from the left side of the paper, be .25 inch
2383  wide, and be headed, together with the second column, "For Office Use Only";
2384  (ii) the second column shall be .25 inch wide;
2385  (iii) the third column shall be 2.5 inches wide, headed "Registered Voter's Printed
2386  Name (must be legible to be counted)";
2387  (iv) the fourth column shall be 2.5 inches wide, headed "Signature of Registered
2388  Voter";
2389  (v) the fifth column shall be .75 inch wide, headed "Date Signed";
2390  (vi) the sixth column shall be three inches wide, headed "Street Address, City, Zip
2391  Code"; and
2392  (vii) the seventh column shall be .75 inch wide, headed "Birth Date or Age
2393  (Optional); and
2394        (f) be horizontally divided into rows as follows:
2395  (i) the first row shall be .5 inch high for purposes of a registered voter's entry of the
2396  information described in Subsection (3)(e); and
2397  (ii) the second row shall span the width of each column described in Subsection (3)(e)
2398  and contain the following statement in 11-point type: "By signing this referendum
2399  petition, you are stating that you had an opportunity to read and understand the
2400  law that this referendum petition seeks to overturn.".
2401        [(d) include a table immediately below the title of the referendum, and beginning .5 inch
2402  from the left side of the paper, as follows:]
2403  [(i) the first column shall be .5 inch wide and include three rows;]
2404  [(ii) the first row of the first column shall be .85 inch tall and contain the words "For
2405  Office Use Only" in 10-point type;]
2406  [(iii) the second row of the first column shall be .35 inch tall;]
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 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
2407  [(iv) the third row of the first column shall be .5 inch tall;]
2408  [(v) the second column shall be 2.75 inches wide;]
2409  [(vi) the first row of the second column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
2410  "Registered Voter's Printed Name (must be legible to be counted)" in 10-point
2411  type;]
2412  [(vii) the second row of the second column shall be .5 inch tall;]
2413  [(viii) the third row of the second column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
2414  "Street Address, City, Zip Code" in 10-point type;]
2415  [(ix) the fourth row of the second column shall be .5 inch tall;]
2416  [(x) the third column shall be 2.75 inches wide;]
2417  [(xi) the first row of the third column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
2418  "Signature of Registered Voter" in 10-point type;]
2419  [(xii) the second row of the third column shall be .5 inch tall;]
2420  [(xiii) the third row of the third column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
2421  "Email Address (optional, to receive additional information)" in 10-point type;]
2422  [(xiv) the fourth row of the third column shall be .5 inch tall;]
2423  [(xv) the fourth column shall be one inch wide;]
2424  [(xvi) the first row of the fourth column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
2425  "Date Signed" in 10-point type;]
2426  [(xvii) the second row of the fourth column shall be .5 inch tall;]
2427  [(xviii) the third row of the fourth column shall be .35 inch tall and contain the words
2428  "Birth Date or Age (optional)" in 10-point type;]
2429  [(xix) the fourth row of the third column shall be .5 inch tall; and]
2430  [(xx) the fifth row of the entire table shall be the width of the entire table, .4 inch tall,
2431  and contain the following words, "By signing this referendum petition, you are
2432  stating that you have read and understand the law that this referendum petition
2433  seeks to overturn." in 12-point type;]
2434     [(e)] (4) [the table described in Subsection (3)(d)] The columns and rows described in
2435  Subsections (3)(e) and (f) shall be repeated, leaving sufficient room at the bottom of the
2436  sheet [or] for the information described in Subsection [(3)(f); and] (5).
2437     [(f)] (5) [at the bottom of the sheet, include] The bottom of the signature sheet shall include,
2438  in the following order:
2439  (a) the following statement in 12-point, bold type:
2440  "This referendum petition seeks to have (description of local law or portion of
  - 72 -
 Enrolled Copy  H.B. 32
2441  local law being challenged), passed by the ____ be referred to the voters for their
2442  approval or rejection at the regular/municipal general election to be held on
2443  __________(month/day/year)."; and
2444    (b) the word "Warning," in 12-point, bold type, followed by the following statement in not less
2445        than eight-point type:
2446  "It is a class A misdemeanor [for an individual to sign a referendum petition with a name
2447        other than the individual's own name, or to knowingly sign the individual's name more than
2448        once for the same referendum petition, or to sign a referendum petition when the individual
2449        knows that the individual is not a registered voter] to sign a referendum petition using a name
2450        other than your own name, to sign more than once, or to sign if you are not a registered voter.
2451        [   Birth date or age information is not required, but it may be used to verify your identity
2452        with voter registration records. If you choose not to provide it, your signature may not be
2453        verified as a valid signature if you change your address before petition signatures are verified
2454        or if the information you provide does not match your voter registration records] Providing
2455        your birth date or age is optional, but it may be used to verify your identity. If you do not
2456        provide it, your signature may not be validated if your address changes or if the information
2457        you provide does not match your voter registration record."
2458    [(4) The final page of each referendum packet shall contain the following printed or typed
2459        statement:
2460  "Verification of signature collector
2461  State of Utah, County of ____
2462  I, _______________, of ____, hereby state, under penalty of perjury, that:
2463  I am at least 18 years old;
2464  All the names that appear in this packet were signed by individuals who professed to be
2465        the individuals whose names appear in it, and each of the individuals signed the individual's
2466        name on it in my presence or, in the case of an individual with a qualifying disability, I have
2467        signed this referendum petition on the individual's behalf, at the direction of the individual and
2468        in the individual's presence, by entering the initials "AV" as the individual's signature;
2469  I certify that, for each individual whose signature is represented in this referendum
2470        packet by the initials "AV":
2471  I obtained the individual's voluntary direction or consent to sign the
2472        referendum petition on the individual's behalf;
2473  I do not believe, or have reason to believe, that the individual lacked the
2474        mental capacity to give direction or consent;
  - 73 -
 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
2475  I do not believe, or have reason to believe, that the individual did not
2476  understand the purpose or nature of my signing the referendum petition on the individual's
2477  behalf;
2478  I did not intentionally or knowingly deceive the individual into directing me to,
2479  or consenting for me to, sign the referendum petition on the individual's behalf; and
2480  I did not intentionally or knowingly enter false information on the signature
2481  sheet;
2482  I did not knowingly make a misrepresentation of fact concerning the law this petition
2483  seeks to overturn; and
2484  I believe that each individual's name, post office address, and residence is written
2485  correctly, that each signer has read the law that the referendum seeks to overturn, and that each
2486  signer is registered to vote in
2487  Utah.________________________________________________________________________
2488  (Name)  (Residence Address)  (Date)
2489  The correct date of signature appears next to each individual's name.
2490  I have not paid or given anything of value to any individual who signed this referendum
2491  packet to encourage that individual to sign it.
2492  _____________________________________________________________________
2493  (Name)  (Residence Address)        (Date)".]
2494     [(5)] (6) The final page of each referendum packet shall contain the circulator verification
2495  sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1).
2496     (7) If the forms described in this section are substantially followed, the referendum
2497  petitions are sufficient, notwithstanding clerical and merely technical errors.
2498  Section 27. Section 20A-7-604 is amended to read:
2499  20A-7-604 (Effective 05/06/26). Manual referendum process -- Circulation
2500     requirements -- Local clerk to provide sponsors with materials.
2501     (1) This section applies only to the manual referendum process.
2502     (2)(a) In order to obtain the necessary number of signatures required by this part, the
2503  sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall, after the sponsors receive the documents
2504  described in Subsections (3) and 20A-7-401.5(4)(b), circulate referendum packets
2505  that meet the form requirements of this part.
2506  (b) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors may circulate referendum packets using
2507  traditional referendum packets, condensed referendum packets, or both.
2508     (3) Within five calendar days after the day on which a county, city, town, or court
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2509        determines, in accordance with Section 20A-7-602.7, that a proposed referendum is
2510        legally referable to voters, the local clerk shall provide the sponsors with:
2511        (a) a copy of the referendum petition;
2512        (b) a signature sheet; and
2513        (c) a copy of the proposition information pamphlet provided to the sponsors under
2514  Subsection 20A-7-401.5(4)(b).
2515    (4) The sponsors of the referendum petition shall:
2516        (a) arrange and pay for the printing of all documents that are part of the referendum
2517  packets; and
2518        (b) ensure that the referendum packets and the documents described in Subsection (4)(a)
2519  meet the form requirements of this section.
2520    (5)(a) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors may prepare the referendum packets for
2521        circulation by creating multiple referendum packets.
2522        (b) [The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall create referendum packets by binding
2523  a copy of the referendum petition with the text of the law that is the subject of the
2524  referendum and no more than 50 signature sheets together at the top in a manner that
2525  the referendum packets may be conveniently opened for signing.] The sponsors or an
2526  agent of the sponsors shall create referendum packets by:
2527  (i) binding the components of each referendum packet together at the top in a manner
2528  that secures all components of the referendum packet together;
2529  (ii) arranging the components in the following order:
2530  (A) a copy of the referendum petition;
2531  (B) if the referendum packet is a traditional referendum packet, a copy of the law
2532  that is the subject of the referendum petition;
2533  (C) the signature sheets; and
2534  (D) the circulator verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1);
2535  (iii) including no more than 50 signature sheets in each referendum packet; and
2536  (iv) binding the referendum packet in a manner that allows the referendum packet to
2537  be conveniently opened for signing.
2538        (c) A referendum packet is not required to have a uniform number of signature sheets.
2539        (d) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall include, with each packet, a copy of
2540  the proposition information pamphlet provided to the sponsors under Subsection
2541  20A-7-401.5(4)(b).
2542    (6)(a) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors shall, before gathering signatures:
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2543  (i) ensure that the sponsors or any agent of the sponsors who gathers signatures have
2544  completed the online training course described in Section 20A-1-1005;
2545  (ii) contact the county clerk to receive a range of numbers that the sponsors may use
2546  to number referendum packets;
2547  [(ii)] (iii) sign an agreement with the local clerk, specifying:
2548  (A) whether the sponsors or an agent of the sponsors will circulate referendum
2549  packets using traditional referendum packets, condensed referendum packets,
2550  or both; and
2551  (B) the range of numbers that the sponsor will use to number the referendum
2552  packets; and
2553  [(iii)] (iv) number each referendum packet, sequentially, within the range of numbers
2554  provided by the county clerk, starting with the lowest number in the range.
2555  (b) The sponsors or an agent of the sponsors may not:
2556  (i) number a referendum packet in a manner not directed by the county clerk; or
2557  (ii) circulate or submit a referendum packet that is not numbered in the manner
2558  directed by the county clerk.
2559  Section 28. Section 20A-8-103 is amended to read:
2560  20A-8-103 (Effective 05/06/26). Petition procedures -- Criminal penalty --
2561     Removal of signature.
2562     (1) As used in this section, the proposed name or emblem of a registered political party is
2563  "distinguishable" if a reasonable person of average intelligence will be able to perceive a
2564  difference between the proposed name or emblem and any name or emblem currently
2565  being used by another registered political party.
2566     (2) To become a registered political party, an organization of registered voters that is not a
2567  continuing political party shall:
2568  (a) circulate a petition seeking registered political party status beginning no earlier than
2569  the date of the statewide canvass held after the last regular general election and
2570  ending before 5 p.m. no later than November 30 of the year before the year in which
2571  the next regular general election will be held;
2572  (b) file a petition with the lieutenant governor that is signed, with a holographic
2573  signature, by at least 2,000 registered voters before 5 p.m. no later than November 30
2574  of the year in which a regular general election will be held; and
2575  (c) file, with the petition described in Subsection (2)(b), a document certifying:
2576  (i) the identity of one or more registered political parties whose members may vote
  - 76 -
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2577  for the organization's candidates;
2578  (ii) whether unaffiliated voters may vote for the organization's candidates; and
2579  (iii) whether, for the next election, the organization intends to nominate the
2580  organization's candidates in accordance with the provisions of Section 20A-9-406.
2581    (3) The petition shall:
2582        (a) be on sheets of paper 8-1/2 inches long and 11 inches wide;
2583        (b) be ruled with a horizontal line 3/4 inch from the top, with the space above that line
2584  blank for the purpose of binding;
2585        (c) contain the name of the political party and the words "Political Party Registration
2586  Petition" printed directly below the horizontal line;
2587        (d) contain the word "Warning" printed directly under the words described in Subsection
2588  (3)(c);
2589    (e) contain, to the right of the word "Warning," the following statement printed in not less than
2590        eight-point, single leaded type:
2591  "It is a class A misdemeanor for anyone to knowingly sign a political party registration
2592        petition signature sheet with any name other than the individual's own name or more than once
2593        for the same party or if the individual is not registered to vote in this state and does not intend
2594        to become registered to vote in this state before the petition is submitted to the lieutenant
2595        governor.";
2596    (f) contain the following statement directly under the statement described in Subsection (3)(e):
2597  "POLITICAL PARTY REGISTRATION PETITION To the Honorable ____,
2598        Lieutenant Governor:
2599  We, the undersigned citizens of Utah, seek registered political party status for ____
2600        (name);
2601  Each signer says:
2602  I have personally signed this petition with a holographic signature;
2603  I am registered to vote in Utah or will register to vote in Utah before the petition is
2604        submitted to the lieutenant governor;
2605  I am or desire to become a member of the political party; and
2606  My street address is written correctly after my name.";
2607        (g) be vertically divided into columns as follows:
2608  (i) the first column shall appear at the extreme left of the sheet, be 5/8 inch wide, be
2609  headed with "For Office Use Only," and be subdivided with a light vertical line
2610  down the middle;
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2611  (ii) the next column shall be 2-1/2 inches wide, headed "Registered Voter's Printed
2612  Name (must be legible to be counted)";
2613  (iii) the next column shall be 2-1/2 inches wide, headed "Holographic Signature of
2614  Registered Voter";
2615  (iv) the next column shall be one inch wide, headed "Birth Date or Age (Optional)";
2616  (v) the final column shall be 4-3/8 inches wide, headed "Street Address, City, Zip
2617  Code"; and
2618  (vi) at the bottom of the sheet, contain the following statement: "Birth date or age
2619  information is not required, but it may be used to verify your identity with voter
2620  registration records. If you choose not to provide it, your signature may not be
2621  certified as a valid signature if you change your address before petition signatures
2622  are certified or if the information you provide does not match your voter
2623  registration records.";
2624     [(h) have a final page bound to one or more signature sheets that are bound together that
2625  contains the following printed statement:
2626  "Verification
2627  State of Utah, County of ____
2628  I, _______________, of ____, hereby state that:
2629  I am at least 18 years old;
2630  All the names that appear on the signature sheets bound to this page were signed by
2631  individuals who professed to be the individuals whose names appear on the signature sheets,
2632  and each individual signed the individual's name on the signature sheets in my presence;
2633  I believe that each individual has printed and signed the individual's name and written
2634  the individual's street address correctly, and that each individual is registered to vote in Utah or
2635  will register to vote in Utah before the petition is submitted to the lieutenant governor.
2636  ______________________________________________________________________
2637  (Signature)  (Residence Address)  (Date)"; and]
2638  [(i)] (h) have a final page bound to one or more signature sheets that contains the
2639  circulator verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1); and
2640  (i) be bound to a cover sheet that:
2641  (i) identifies the political party's name, which may not exceed four words, and the
2642  emblem of the party;
2643  (ii) states the process that the organization will follow to organize and adopt a
2644  constitution and bylaws; and
  - 78 -
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2645  (iii) is signed by a filing officer, who agrees to receive communications on behalf of
2646  the organization.
2647    (4) The filing officer described in Subsection (3)(i)(iii) shall ensure that the individual in
2648        whose presence each signature sheet is signed:
2649        (a) is at least 18 years old; and
2650        (b) verifies each signature sheet by completing the verification bound to one or more
2651  signature sheets that are bound together.
2652    (5) An individual may not sign the verification if the individual signed a signature sheet
2653        bound to the verification.
2654    (6) The lieutenant governor shall:
2655        (a) use the procedures described in Section 20A-1-1002 to determine whether a signer is
2656  a registered voter;
2657        (b) review the proposed name and emblem to determine if they are "distinguishable"
2658  from the names and emblems of other registered political parties; and
2659        (c) certify the lieutenant governor's findings to the filing officer described in Subsection
2660  (3)(i)(iii) within 30 calendar days after the day on which the organization files the
2661  petition described in Subsection (2)(b).
2662    (7)(a) If the lieutenant governor determines that the petition meets the requirements of
2663        this section, and that the proposed name and emblem are distinguishable, the
2664        lieutenant governor shall authorize the filing officer described in Subsection (3)(i)(iii)
2665        to organize the prospective political party.
2666        (b) If the lieutenant governor finds that the name, emblem, or both are not
2667  distinguishable from the names and emblems of other registered political parties, the
2668  lieutenant governor shall notify the filing officer that the filing officer has seven
2669  calendar days to electronically submit a new name or emblem to the lieutenant
2670  governor.
2671    (8) A registered political party may not change [its] the registered political party's name or
2672        emblem during the regular general election cycle.
2673    (9)(a) It is unlawful for an individual to:
2674  (i) knowingly sign a political party registration petition:
2675  (A) with any name other than the individual's own name;
2676  (B) more than once for the same political party; or
2677  (C) if the individual is not registered to vote in this state and does not intend to
2678  become registered to vote in this state before the petition is submitted to the
  - 79 -
 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
2679  lieutenant governor; or
2680  (ii) sign the verification of a political party registration petition signature sheet if the
2681  individual:
2682  (A) has not witnessed the signing by those individuals whose names appear on the
2683  political party registration petition signature sheet; or
2684  (B) knows that an individual whose signature appears on the political party
2685  registration petition signature sheet is not registered to vote in this state and
2686  does not intend to become registered to vote in this state.
2687  (b) An individual who violates this Subsection (9) is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
2688     (10)(a) A voter who signs a petition under this section may have the voter's signature
2689  removed from the petition by, no later than three business days after the day on
2690  which the petition is filed with the lieutenant governor, submitting to the lieutenant
2691  governor a statement requesting that the voter's signature be removed.
2692  (b) A statement described in Subsection (10)(a) shall comply with the requirements
2693  described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(2).
2694  (c) The lieutenant governor shall use the procedures described in Subsection
2695  20A-1-1003(3) to determine whether to remove an individual's signature from a
2696  petition after receiving a timely, valid statement requesting removal of the signature.
2697  Section 29. Section 20A-9-405 is amended to read:
2698  20A-9-405 (Effective 05/06/26). Nomination petitions for regular primary
2699     elections.
2700     (1) This section applies to the form and circulation of nomination petitions for regular
2701  primary elections described in Subsection 20A-9-403(3)(a).
2702     (2) A candidate for elective office, and the agents of the candidate, may not circulate
2703  nomination petitions until the candidate has submitted a declaration of candidacy in
2704  accordance with Subsection 20A-9-202(1).
2705     (3) For the manual candidate qualification process, the nomination petitions shall be in
2706  substantially the following form:
2707  (a) the petition shall be printed on paper 8-1/2 inches long and 11 inches wide;
2708  (b) the petition shall be ruled with a horizontal line 3/4 inch from the top, with the space
2709  above that line blank for purposes of binding;
2710  (c) the petition shall be headed by a caption stating the purpose of the petition and the
2711  name of the proposed candidate;
2712  (d) the petition shall feature the word "Warning" followed by the following statement in
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 Enrolled Copy  H.B. 32
2713  no less than eight-point, single leaded type: "It is a class A misdemeanor for anyone
2714  to knowingly sign a nomination petition with any name other than the person's own
2715  name, or more than once for the same candidate, or if the person is not registered to
2716  vote in this state.";
2717        (e) the petition shall feature 10 lines spaced one-half inch apart and consecutively
2718  numbered one through 10;
2719        (f) the signature portion of the petition shall be divided into columns headed by the
2720  following titles:
2721  (i) Registered Voter's Printed Name;
2722  (ii) Signature of Registered Voter;
2723  (iii) Party Affiliation of Registered Voter;
2724  (iv) Birth Date or Age (Optional);
2725  (v) Street Address, City, Zip Code; and
2726  (vi) Date of Signature; and
2727        (g) a photograph of the candidate may appear on the nomination petition.
2728    (4) For the electronic candidate qualification process, the lieutenant governor shall design
2729        an electronic form, using progressive screens, that includes:
2730    (a) the following warning:
2731  "Warning: It is a class A misdemeanor for anyone to knowingly sign a nomination
2732        petition with any name other than the person's own name, or more than once for the same
2733        candidate, or if the person is not registered to vote in this state."; and
2734        (b) the following information for each individual who signs the petition:
2735  (i) name;
2736  (ii) party affiliation;
2737  (iii) date of birth or age, (optional);
2738  (iv) street address, city, zip code;
2739  (v) date of signature;
2740  (vi) other information required under Section 20A-21-201; and
2741  (vii) other information required by the lieutenant governor.
2742    [(5) For the manual candidate qualification process, if one or more nomination petitions are
2743        bound together, a page shall be bound to the nomination petition(s) that features the following
2744        printed verification statement to be signed and dated by the petition circulator:
2745  "Verification
2746  State of Utah, County of ____
  - 81 -
 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
2747  I, ____, of ____, hereby state that:
2748  I am at least 18 years old;
2749  All the names that appear on the signature sheets bound to this page were, to the best of
2750  my knowledge, signed by the persons who professed to be the persons whose names appear on
2751  the signature sheets, and each of them signed the person's name on the signature sheets in my
2752  presence;
2753  I believe that each has printed and signed the person's name and written the person's
2754  street address correctly, and that each signer is registered to vote in Utah."]
2755     [(6)] (5) For the manual candidate qualification process, if one or more nomination petitions
2756  are bound together, a final page shall be bound to the nomination petition(s) that
2757  contains the circulator verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1).
2758     (6) The lieutenant governor shall prepare and make public model nomination petition forms
2759  and associated instructions.
2760     (7) A nomination petition circulator:
2761  (a) must be at least 18 years old; and
2762  (b) may affiliate with any political party.
2763     (8) It is unlawful for any person to:
2764  (a) knowingly sign the nomination petition described in this section or Section
2765  20A-9-408:
2766  (i) with any name other than the person's own name;
2767  (ii) more than once for the same candidate; or
2768  (iii) if the person is not registered to vote in this state;
2769  (b) sign the verification of a signature for a nomination petition if the person:
2770  (i) has not witnessed the signing by those persons whose names appear on the
2771  nomination petition; or
2772  (ii) knows that a person whose signature appears on the nomination petition is not
2773  registered to vote in this state;
2774  (c) pay [compensation to ]any person to sign a nomination petition; or
2775  (d) pay [compensation to ]any person to circulate a nomination petition[, if the
2776  compensation is based directly on the number of signatures submitted to a filing
2777  officer rather than on the number of signatures verified or on some other basis.]
2778  unless the payment is based on:
2779  (i) an hourly rate; or
2780  (ii) a rate per valid signature.
  - 82 -
 Enrolled Copy  H.B. 32
2781    (9) Any person violating Subsection (8) is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
2782    (10)(a) A voter who signs a nomination petition may have the voter's signature removed
2783        from the petition by, no later than three business days after the day on which the
2784        candidate files the petition with the appropriate filing officer, submitting to the filing
2785        officer a statement requesting that the voter's signature be removed.
2786        (b) A statement described in Subsection (10)(a) shall comply with the requirements
2787  described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(2).
2788        (c) The filing officer shall use the procedures described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(3) to
2789  determine whether to remove an individual's signature from a nomination petition
2790  after receiving a timely, valid statement requesting removal of the signature.
2791  Section 30. Section 20A-9-502 is amended to read:
2792  20A-9-502 (Effective 05/06/26). Certificate of nomination -- Contents --
2793    Circulation -- Verification -- Criminal penalty -- Removal of petition signature.
2794    (1) The candidate shall:
2795    (a) prepare a certificate of nomination in substantially the following form:
2796  "State of Utah, County of ______________________________________________
2797  I, ______________, declare my intention of becoming an unaffiliated candidate for the
2798        political group designated as ____ for the office of ____. I do solemnly swear that I can
2799        qualify to hold that office both legally and constitutionally if selected, and that I reside at ____
2800        Street, in the city of ____, county of ____, state of ______, zip code ____, phone ____, and
2801        that I am providing, or have provided, the required number of holographic signatures of
2802        registered voters required by law; that as a candidate at the next election I will not knowingly
2803        violate any election or campaign law; that, if filing via a designated agent for an office other
2804        than president of the United States, I will be out of the state of Utah during the entire candidate
2805        filing period; I will file all campaign financial disclosure reports as required by law; and I
2806        understand that failure to do so will result in my disqualification as a candidate for this office
2807        and removal of my name from the ballot.
2808
  __________________________________________
2809
  Subscribed and sworn to before me this ______(month\day\year).
2810
  __________________________________________
2811
  - 83 -
 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
  Notary Public (or other officer qualified to administer oaths)";
2812  (b) for each signature packet, bind signature sheets to a copy of the certificate of
2813  nomination and the circulator verification, that:
2814  (i) are printed on sheets of paper 8-1/2 inches long and 11 inches wide;
2815  (ii) are ruled with a horizontal line 3/4 inch from the top, with the space above that
2816  line blank for the purpose of binding;
2817  (iii) contain the name of the proposed candidate and the words "Unaffiliated
2818  Candidate Certificate of Nomination Petition" printed directly below the
2819  horizontal line;
2820  (iv) contain the word "Warning" printed directly under the words described in
2821  Subsection (1)(b)(iii);
2822     (v) contain, to the right of the word "Warning," the following statement printed in not less than
2823  eight-point, single leaded type:
2824  "It is a class A misdemeanor for anyone to knowingly sign a certificate of nomination
2825  signature sheet with any name other than the person's own name or more than once for the
2826  same candidate or if the person is not registered to vote in this state and does not intend to
2827  become registered to vote in this state before the county clerk certifies the signatures.";
2828     (vi) contain the following statement directly under the statement described in Subsection
2829  (1)(b)(v):
2830  "Each signer says:
2831  I have personally signed this petition with a holographic signature;
2832  I am registered to vote in Utah or intend to become registered to vote in Utah before the
2833  county clerk certifies my signature; and
2834  My street address is written correctly after my name.";
2835  (vii) contain horizontally ruled lines, 3/8 inch apart under the statement described in
2836  Subsection (1)(b)(vi); and
2837  (viii) be vertically divided into columns as follows:
2838  (A) the first column shall appear at the extreme left of the sheet, be 5/8 inch wide,
2839  be headed with "For Office Use Only," and be subdivided with a light vertical
2840  line down the middle;
2841  (B) the next column shall be 2-1/2 inches wide, headed "Registered Voter's
2842  Printed Name (must be legible to be counted)";
2843  (C) the next column shall be 2-1/2 inches wide, headed "Holographic Signature of
2844  Registered Voter";
  - 84 -
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2845  (D) the next column shall be one inch wide, headed "Birth Date or Age
2846  (Optional)";
2847  (E) the final column shall be 4-3/8 inches wide, headed "Street Address, City, Zip
2848  Code"; and
2849  (F) at the bottom of the sheet, contain the following statement: "Birth date or age
2850  information is not required, but it may be used to verify your identity with
2851  voter registration records. If you choose not to provide it, your signature may
2852  not be certified as a valid signature if you change your address before petition
2853  signatures are certified or if the information you provide does not match your
2854  voter registration records."; and
2855        (c) bind a final page to one or more signature sheets that contains the circulator
2856  verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1).
2857    [(c) bind a final page to one or more signature sheets that are bound together that contains,
2858        except as provided by Subsection (3), the following printed statement:
2859  "Verification
2860  State of Utah, County of ____
2861  I, _______________, of ____, hereby state that:
2862  I am at least 18 years old;
2863  All the names that appear on the signature sheets bound to this page were signed by
2864        persons who professed to be the persons whose names appear on the signature sheets, and each
2865        of them signed the person's name on the signature sheets in my presence;
2866  I believe that each has printed and signed the person's name and written the person's
2867        street address correctly, and that each signer is registered to vote in Utah or will register to
2868        vote in Utah before the county clerk certifies the signatures on the signature sheet.
2869  ______________________________________________________________________
2870  (Signature)     (Residence Address)  (Date)".]
2871    (2) An agent designated to file a certificate of nomination under Subsection
2872        20A-9-503(2)(b) or (4)(b) may not sign the form described in Subsection (1)(a).
2873    (3)(a) The candidate shall circulate the nomination petition and ensure that the person in
2874        whose presence each signature sheet is signed:
2875  (i) is at least 18 years old; and
2876  (ii) verifies each signature sheet by completing the verification bound to one or more
2877  signature sheets that are bound together.
2878        (b) A person may not sign the circulator verification if the person signed a signature
  - 85 -
 H.B. 32  Enrolled Copy
2879  sheet bound to the verification.
2880     (4)(a) It is unlawful for any person to:
2881  (i) knowingly sign a certificate of nomination signature sheet:
2882  (A) with any name other than the person's own name;
2883  (B) more than once for the same candidate; or
2884  (C) if the person is not registered to vote in this state and does not intend to
2885  become registered to vote in this state before the county clerk certifies the
2886  signatures; or
2887  (ii) sign the verification of a certificate of nomination signature sheet if the person:
2888  (A) has not witnessed the signing by those persons whose names appear on the
2889  certificate of nomination signature sheet; or
2890  (B) knows that a person whose signature appears on the certificate of nomination
2891  signature sheet is not registered to vote in this state and does not intend to
2892  become registered to vote in this state.
2893  (b) Any person violating this Subsection (4) is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
2894     (5)(a) To qualify for placement on the general election ballot, the candidate shall, no
2895  earlier than the start of the applicable declaration of candidacy period described in
2896  Section 20A-9-201.5 and no later than 5 p.m. on June 15 of the year in which the
2897  election will be held:
2898  (i) comply with Subsection 20A-9-503(1); and
2899  (ii) submit each signature packet to the county clerk where the majority of the
2900  signatures in the packet were collected, with signatures totaling:
2901  (A) at least 1,000 registered voters residing within the state when the nomination
2902  is for an office to be filled by the voters of the entire state; or
2903  (B) at least 300 registered voters residing within a political division or at least 5%
2904  of the registered voters residing within a political division, whichever is less,
2905  when the nomination is for an office to be filled by the voters of any political
2906  division smaller than the state.
2907  (b) A candidate has not complied with Subsection (5)(a)(ii), unless the county clerks
2908  verify that each required signature is a valid signature of a registered voter who is
2909  eligible to sign the signature packet and has not signed a signature packet to nominate
2910  another candidate for the same office.
2911  (c) In reviewing the signature packets, the county clerk shall count and certify only those
2912  persons who signed with a holographic signature, who:
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2913  (i) are registered voters within the political division that the candidate seeks to
2914  represent; and
2915  (ii) did not sign any other certificate of nomination for that office.
2916        (d) The county clerk shall count and certify the number of registered voters who validly
2917  signed a signature packet, no later than 30 calendar days after the day on which the
2918  candidate submits the signature packet.
2919        (e) The candidate may supplement the signatures or amend the certificate of nomination
2920  or declaration of candidacy at any time on or before 5 p.m. on June 15 of the year in
2921  which the election will be held.
2922        (f) The county clerk shall use the procedures described in Section 20A-1-1002 to
2923  determine whether a signer is a registered voter who is qualified to sign the signature
2924  packet.
2925    (6)(a) A voter who signs a signature packet under this section may have the voter's
2926        signature removed from the signature packet by, no later than 5 p.m. three business
2927        days after the day on which the candidate submits the signature packet to the county
2928        clerk, submitting to the county clerk a statement requesting that the voter's signature
2929        be removed.
2930        (b) A statement described in Subsection (6)(a) shall comply with the requirements
2931  described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(2).
2932        (c) The county clerk shall use the procedures described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(3) to
2933  determine whether to remove an individual's signature from a signature packet after
2934  receiving a timely, valid statement requesting removal of the signature.
2935  Section 31. Section 20A-21-201 is amended to read:
2936  20A-21-201 (Effective 05/06/26). Electronic signature gathering for an initiative,
2937    a referendum, or candidate qualification.
2938    (1) After filing a petition for a statewide initiative or a statewide referendum, and before
2939        gathering signatures, the sponsors shall, after consulting with the Office of the
2940        Lieutenant Governor, sign a form provided by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor
2941        indicating whether the sponsors will gather signatures manually, electronically, or both.
2942    (2) After filing a petition for a local initiative or a local referendum, and before gathering
2943        signatures, the sponsors shall, after consulting with the local clerk's office, sign a form
2944        provided by the local clerk's office indicating whether the sponsors will gather
2945        signatures manually, electronically, or both.
2946    (3) After a candidate files a notice of intent to gather signatures to qualify for a ballot, and
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2947  before gathering signatures, the candidate shall, after consulting with the election
2948  officer, sign a form provided by the election officer indicating whether the candidate
2949  will gather signatures manually, electronically, or both.
2950     (4) To gather a signature electronically, a signature-gatherer shall:
2951  (a) use a device provided by the signature-gatherer or a sponsor of the petition that:
2952  (i) is approved by the lieutenant governor;
2953  (ii) except as provided in Subsection (4)(a)(iii), does not store a signature or any
2954  other information relating to an individual signing the petition in any location
2955  other than the location used by the website to store the information;
2956  (iii) does not, on the device, store a signature or any other information relating to an
2957  individual signing the petition except for the minimum time necessary to upload
2958  information to the website;
2959  (iv) does not contain any applications, software, or data other than those approved by
2960  the lieutenant governor; and
2961  (v) complies with cyber-security and other security protocols required by the
2962  lieutenant governor;
2963  (b) use the approved device to securely access a website designated by the lieutenant
2964  governor, directly, or via an application designated by the lieutenant governor; and
2965  (c) while connected to the website, present the approved device to an individual
2966  considering signing the petition and, while the signature-gatherer is in the physical
2967  presence of the individual:
2968  (i) wait for the individual to reach each screen presented to the individual on the
2969  approved device; and
2970  (ii) wait for the individual to advance to each subsequent screen by clicking on the
2971  acknowledgement at the bottom of the screen.
2972     (5) Each screen shown on an approved device as part of the signature-gathering process
2973  shall appear as a continuous electronic document that, if the entire document does not
2974  appear on the screen at once, requires the individual viewing the screen to, before
2975  advancing to the next screen, scroll through the document until the individual reaches
2976  the end of the document.
2977     (6) After advancing through each screen required for the petition, the signature process
2978  shall proceed as follows:
2979  (a) except as provided in Subsection (6)(b):
2980  (i) the individual desiring to sign the petition shall present the individual's driver
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2981  license or state identification card to the signature-gatherer;
2982  (ii) the signature-gatherer shall verify that the individual pictured on the driver
2983  license or state identification card is the individual signing the petition;
2984  (iii) the signature-gatherer shall scan or enter the driver license number or state
2985  identification card number through the approved device; and
2986  (iv) immediately after the signature-gatherer complies with Subsection (6)(a)(iii), the
2987  website shall determine whether the individual desiring to sign the petition is
2988  eligible to sign the petition;
2989        (b) if the individual desiring to sign the petition is unable to provide a driver license or
2990  state identification card to the signature gatherer:
2991  (i) the individual may present other valid voter identification;
2992  (ii) if the valid voter identification contains a picture of the individual, the
2993  signature-gatherer shall verify that the individual pictured is the individual signing
2994  the petition;
2995  (iii) if the valid voter identification does not contain a picture of the individual, the
2996  signature-gatherer shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, use the individual's
2997  address or other available means to determine whether the identification relates to
2998  the individual presenting the identification;
2999  (iv) the signature-gatherer shall scan an image of the valid voter identification and
3000  immediately upload the image to the website; and
3001  (v) the individual:
3002  (A) shall enter the individual's address; and
3003  (B) may, at the discretion of the individual, enter the individual's date of birth or
3004  age after the individual clicks on the screen acknowledging that they have read
3005  and understand the following statement, "Birth date or age information is not
3006  required, but may be used to verify your identity with voter registration
3007  records. If you choose not to provide it, your signature may not be verified as a
3008  valid signature if you change your address before your signature is verified or
3009  if the information you provide does not match your voter registration records.";
3010  and
3011        (c) after completing the process described in Subsection (6)(a) or (b), the screen shall:
3012  (i) except for a petition to qualify a candidate for the ballot, give the individual
3013  signing the petition the opportunity to enter the individual's email address after the
3014  individual reads the following statement, "If you provide your email address, you
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3015  may receive an email with additional information relating to the petition you are
3016  signing."; and
3017  (ii)(A) if the website determines, under Subsection (6)(a)(iv), that the individual is
3018  eligible to sign the petition, permit the individual to enter the individual's name
3019  as the individual's electronic signature and, immediately after the
3020  signature-gather timely complies with Subsection (10), certify the signature; or
3021  (B) if the individual provides valid voter identification under Subsection (6)(b),
3022  permit the individual to enter the individual's name as the individual's
3023  electronic signature.
3024     (7) If an individual provides valid voter identification under Subsection (6)(b), the county
3025  clerk shall, within seven calendar days after the day on which the individual submits the
3026  valid voter identification, certify the signature if:
3027  (a) the individual is eligible to sign the petition;
3028  (b) the identification provided matches the information on file; and
3029  (c) the signature-gatherer timely complies with Subsection (10).
3030     (8) For each signature submitted under this section, the website shall record:
3031  (a) the information identifying the individual who signs;
3032  (b) the date the signature was collected; and
3033  (c) the name of the signature-gatherer.
3034     (9) An individual who is a signature-gatherer may not sign a petition unless another
3035  individual acts as the signature-gatherer when the individual signs the petition.
3036     [(10) Except for a petition for a candidate to seek the nomination of a registered political party,
3037  each individual who gathers a signature under this section shall, within one business day after
3038  the day on which the individual gathers a signature, electronically sign and submit the
3039  following statement to the website:
3040  "VERIFICATION OF SIGNATURE-GATHERER
3041  State of Utah, County of ____
3042  I, _____________________, of ______, hereby state, under penalty of perjury, that:
3043  I am at least 18 years old;
3044  All the signatures that I collected on [Date signatures were gathered] were signed by
3045  individuals who professed to be the individuals whose signatures I gathered, and each of the
3046  individuals signed the petition in my presence;
3047  I did not knowingly make a misrepresentation of fact concerning the law or proposed
3048  law to which the petition relates;
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3049  I believe that each individual has signed the individual's name and written the
3050        individual's residence correctly, that each signer has read and understands the law to which the
3051        petition relates, and that each signer is registered to vote in Utah;
3052  Each signature correctly reflects the date on which the individual signed the petition;
3053        and
3054  I have not paid or given anything of value to any individual who signed this petition to
3055        encourage that individual to sign it."]
3056    [(11)] (10) Except for a petition for a candidate to seek the nomination of a registered
3057        political party, each individual who gathers a signature under this section shall, within
3058        one business day after the day on which the individual gathers a signature, electronically
3059        sign and submit the circulator verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1)
3060        to the website.
3061    (11) Except for a petition for a candidate to seek the nomination of a registered political
3062        party:
3063        (a) the county clerk may not certify a signature that is not timely verified in accordance
3064  with Subsection (10); and
3065        (b) if a signature certified by a county clerk under Subsection (6)(c)(ii)(A) is not timely
3066  verified in accordance with Subsection (10), the county clerk shall:
3067  (i) revoke the certification;
3068  (ii) remove the signature from the posting described in Subsection 20A-7-217(4),
3069  20A-7-315(4), 20A-7-516(4), or 20A-7-616(4); and
3070  (iii) update the totals described in Subsections 20A-7-217(5)(a)(ii),
3071  20A-7-315(5)(a)(ii), 20A-7-516(5)(a)(ii), and 20A-7-616(5)(a)(ii).
3072    [(12) For a petition for a candidate to seek the nomination of a registered political party, each
3073        individual who gathers a signature under this section shall, within one business day after the
3074        day on which the individual gathers a signature, electronically sign and submit the following
3075        statement to the lieutenant governor in the manner specified by the lieutenant governor:
3076  "VERIFICATION OF SIGNATURE-GATHERER
3077  State of Utah, County of ____
3078  I, _____________________, of ______, hereby state that:
3079  I am at least 18 years old;
3080  All the signatures that I collected on [Date signatures were gathered] were signed by
3081        individuals who professed to be the individuals whose signatures I gathered, and each of the
3082        individuals signed the petition in my presence;
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3083  I believe that each individual has signed the individual's name and written the
3084  individual's residence correctly and that each signer is registered to vote in Utah; and
3085  Each signature correctly reflects the date on which the individual signed the petition."]
3086     (12) For a petition for a candidate to seek the nomination of a registered political party,
3087  each individual who gathers a signature under this section shall, within one business day
3088  after the day on which the individual gathers a signature, electronically sign and submit
3089  the circulator verification sheet described in Subsection 20A-1-1004(1) to the lieutenant
3090  governor in the manner specified by the lieutenant governor.
3091     (13) For a petition for a candidate to seek the nomination of a registered political party, the
3092  election officer may not certify a signature that is not timely verified in accordance with
3093  Subsection (12).
3094  Section 32. Section 63I-2-220 is amended to read:
3095  63I-2-220 (Effective 05/06/26). Repeal dates: Title 20A.
3096     (1) Section 20A-7-103.1, Constitutional amendments proposed during specified timeframe
3097  -- Analysis -- Arguments -- Publication, is repealed July 1, 2025.
3098     [(2) Title 20A, Chapter 4, Part 6, Municipal Alternate Voting Methods Pilot Project, is
3099  repealed January 1, 2026.]
3100     (2) Subsection 20A-7-105(5)(c), regarding the email that the sponsors of an initiative
3101  petition send to certain individuals before delivering an initiative packet to the county
3102  clerk, is repealed January 1, 2027.
3103     (3) Subsection 20A-7-105(5)(d), regarding the email recipient list and written verification
3104  that the sponsors of a statewide initiative petition submit to the lieutenant governor, is
3105  repealed January 1, 2027.
3106     (4) Subsection 20A-7-105(5)(e), regarding the email recipient list and written verification
3107  that the sponsors of a local initiative petition submit to the local clerk, is repealed
3108  January 1, 2027.
3109     (5) Subsection 20A-7-105(5)(f), regarding the validity of signatures gathered for an
3110  initiative petition, is repealed January 1, 2027.
3111  Section 33. Effective Date.
3112     (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), this bill takes effect May 6, 2026.
3113     (2) The actions affecting Section 20A-1-1002 (Effective 07/01/27) take effect on July 1,
3114  2027.
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