Utah lawmakers move to set higher bar for ballot initiatives — but voters will have a say in 2026
Utah lawmakers are tightening the rules on ballot initiatives, setting the stage for a high-stakes question in 2026: Should citizen-led efforts to raise taxes require 60% voter approval instead of a simple majority? While supporters argue that major tax decisions need broad consensus, critics see it as yet another roadblock for grassroots initiatives. Alongside new requirements for funding disclosures and publication rules, these changes reflect growing tension over who gets the final say in shaping state policy—voters or the Legislature.
Why does this matter in North Dakota? Because we’re going through the exact same process — setting the bar which citizen-led — or sometimes lobbyist led — ballot initiatives need clear in order to become law. We’re sharing simply as a matter of perspective, other states are wrestling with these same questions. HC 3003 is the bill moving through North Dakota’s legislature that deals with a similar question.
HCR 3003
A concurrent resolution to amend and reenact section 9 of article III and section 16 of article IV of the Constitution of North Dakota, relating to the threshold for approving a constitutional amendment.
House Sponsors: Weisz (R, District 14), Bosch (R, District 30), Klemin (R, District 47), Lefor (R, District 37),
Senate Sponsors: Hogan (D, District 21), Hogue (R, District 38), Myrdal (R, District 19),
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