All Roll Calls
Yes: 86 • No: 20
UtahS.B. 152026 General SessionSenate
County Forms of Government Amendments
Sponsored By: Ronald M. Winterton (Republican)
Signed by Governor
CountiesPolitical Subdivisions (Local Issues)Form of Local Government
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Fewer county changes need voter approval
Beginning May 6, 2026, county lawmakers can amend an optional government plan already in effect by a two-thirds vote. Switching county executives or legislative bodies between full-time and part-time status no longer requires voter approval. Changes dividing powers between executive and legislative branches also do not require voter approval. Changes to the legislative body’s size or makeup still need approval from a majority of registered voters casting ballots. That vote occurs in a general or special election; adjustments from redistricting every 10 years are exempt.
Counties gain options but face limits
Beginning May 6, 2026, counties with at least 225,000 people can propose full-time commissions under an expanded county commission plan. Optional plans must propose a government form allowed for the county’s class. First- through fourth-class counties can choose a county commission, expanded commission, executive and council, or council-manager form. Fifth- and sixth-class counties can choose only a county commission or expanded commission. Plans cannot create nonpartisan elections, impose term limits, or provide for recall elections. Counties using partisan elections cannot switch to nonpartisan elections.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Ronald M. Winterton
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Mike L. Kohler
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/5/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 51 • No: 20
House vote • 1/29/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Senate vote • 1/20/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Yes: 27 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/17/2026Senate/ to Governor
3/11/2026SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/11/2026SenateSenate/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/4/2026SenateEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/4/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
2/9/2026Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling
2/9/2026Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling
2/5/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
2/5/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/5/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
2/5/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
2/5/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
2/5/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
1/30/2026HouseHouse/ committee report favorable
1/30/2026HouseHouse Comm - Favorable Recommendation
1/29/2026House/ to standing committee
1/26/2026HouseHouse/ 1st reading (Introduced)
1/21/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
1/21/2026HouseSenate/ to House
1/20/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
1/20/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
1/20/2026SenateSenate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
1/20/2026SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
1/20/2026SenateSenate/ received fiscal note from Fiscal Analyst
1/15/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/4/2026
Introduced
12/4/2025