1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to strongly urge you to oppose SB 296, HB 512, SB 154, SJR 4, and SB 203. These bills pose significant threats to the constitutional principles that protect the rights of Utahns and the balance of power in our government. Why These Bills Are Unconstitutional: Undermining Separation of Powers: Several of these bills seek to weaken the independence of the judiciary and expand legislative control over the courts. A judiciary subject to excessive political influence violates the fundamental principle of checks and balances. Restricting Voter Rights: Raising the threshold for ballot initiatives and adding unnecessary burdens to the initiative process directly infringes on the people's constitutional right to participate in self-governance. The Utah Constitution guarantees citizens a voice in shaping policy—these bills silence that voice. Legislative Overreach: The proposed changes in these bills consolidate power within the Legislature, diminishing the constitutional safeguards meant to protect citizens from government overreach. Amending the Utah Constitution for political convenience sets a dangerous precedent that undermines our democracy. The Utah Constitution exists to protect the rights of the people, not to be altered at the whim of the Legislature. I urge you to uphold your oath to defend our state’s foundational principles by voting NO on these bills.