In a dramatic reversal, Utah legislators have resurrected controversial "union busting" provisions in HB267, threatening to strip public employees of their collective bargaining rights just days after appearing to abandon the effort.

Last week, the Senate proposed a third substitute version that did not attack collective bargaining, but only required public unions to hold a recertification vote every five years.

But in a late-night move Tuesday, lawmakers unveiled a fourth substitute that revives the original bill's most contentious provisions.

Just two votes stand in the way of the bill heading to Gov. Spencer Cox's desk. The Senate still must take a final vote, which could come at any time. If that vote passes, the House only has to agree with the Senate's changes.

Evening headlines

  • The end of voting by mail in Utah? Lawmakers advance two controversial election reform bills. [Tribune]
  • Riverton says "no" to fluoride in resolution. [Deseret News]
  • A "waste of time"? Utah House passes bill to end daylight saving time. [KSL]
  • Utah House passes bill on transgender inmate regulations. [KSL]
  • State senator believes Utah in top spot for MLB expansion, but not until at least 2028. [KUTV]
  • Hundreds of Utahns join nationwide protests of Trump administration. [Utah News Dispatch]

What's on Thursday's agenda?

  • The Spaceport bill is set for debate in the House Transportation Committee.
  • HB183, which blocks persons who have applied for asylum in the U.S. from purchasing a weapon in Utah, is on the House Judiciary Committee agenda.

New bills that caught my attention

  • HB418 from freshman Republican Rep. Doug Fiefia sets some requirements for social media companies that protect consumers when social media companies share data between platforms.
  • SB227 authorizes third-party companies who buy electricity in bulk from utility companies and sell it to consumers at a different rate to operate in the state.
  • Sen. Dan McCay's SB230 makes the term "Utahn" the official designation for people who live in the state.
  • HB422 aims to make it so local municipalities cannot regulate an "open house" to showcase a new or remodeled home.
  • Rep. Trevor Lee is proposing to allow Utahns to register to vote when purchasing a hunting or fishing license with HB423.