Hill Highlights: Utah Senate OKs public union collective bargaining ban
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Collective bargaining, a ban on fluoride in water, and altering the ballot initiative process were top issues on Capitol Hill during Week 2 of Utah's legislative session.
The latest: Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall spoke on social media Thursday against a fiercely contested bill that would prohibit collective bargaining for public union sectors.
By the numbers: More than 60% of Salt Lake City's almost 4,000 employees are in unions, the mayor said in a statement.
What she's saying: "This bill would not only harm those on the frontlines but would also erode the values of fairness and respect for hard work that we should be upholding in our state," Mendenhall said.
State of play: The Utah Senate passed HB 267 Thursday in an 18-10 vote amid protests from educators, police officers and firefighters, with four Republicans joining Democrats.
What's next: Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore (R-Cottonwood Heights), the bill's floor sponsor, said the proposal would be revised to allow collective bargaining if most employees are union members.
Catch up quick: Legislation to ban fluoride in public water systems was backed this week by the House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee.
- HB 81, sponsored by state Rep. Stephanie Gricius (R-Eagle Mountain), will now head to the House floor for debate.
What we're watching: SJR 2, a proposed constitutional amendment to raise the threshold for a ballot initiative that would result in higher taxes to pass to 60%, was approved by the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee.
- Ballot initiatives currently need a simple majority.
- If passed by the Legislature, voters would get a say in 2026.
💬 Hill Highlights is a weekly feature to recap the happenings of Utah's legislative session.