The deadline has passed for Governor Spencer Cox to sign legislation from the 2025 General Session. He ended up vetoing 7 bills this year, and allowed two more to become law without his signature. Our expert panel examines some of the thought processes that go into making these executive decisions.
Of the bills he vetoed, SB296 (sponsored by Sen. Chris Wilson, R-Logan) would have hanged the way the Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court is appointed. Currently, the sitting justices choose amongs themselves who will be Chief. But this bill would have required the Governor to nominate a Chief Justice, and the Senate to approve that nomination every four years. Gov. Cox had concerns this could politicize the role. Legislative leaders are now frustrated, because the final version of this bill came about through negotiation with members of the judicial branch. Lawmakers could call themselves into special session to override the veto, but that would require a 2/3 vote in both the House and Senate.
Utah statute allows bills to become law if the Governor doesn't sign them within 20 days after the end of the legislative session. The Governor utilized this tool by not signing two bills this year. One bans fluoride from being added to state water systems. The other specifies which flags can be flown at public buildings, effectively banning pride flags from classrooms and government property. In a letter to legislative leadership, the governor highlighted his concerns with both bills. We discuss why he likely opted not to veto these two pieces of legislation.
Plus, we remember the legacy of former Congresswoman Mia Love. The two-term represenative from Utah's 4th Congressional District passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025 following a three-year battle with brain cancer.
Host Jason Perry is joined by Doug Wilks, executive editor of the Deseret News — Mara Carabellow, president of the Exoro Group — and Sean Higgins, politics reporter with KUER News.
Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by Merit Medical and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley
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