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
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
County elections: no nonpartisan, term limits, recalls
Beginning May 6, 2026, county optional plans cannot make elections nonpartisan, set term limits, or allow recalls. A county that now uses partisan elections cannot switch to nonpartisan elections. These limits apply to anyone recommending optional plans and to counties that hold partisan elections.
County government forms set and expanded
Beginning May 6, 2026, counties can choose only from the forms listed in law. 1st-4th class counties may pick commission, expanded commission, executive-and-council, or council-manager. 5th-6th class counties may pick commission or expanded commission. In counties with 225,000 or more people, an expanded commission may be full-time.
Voter say on big county plan changes
Beginning May 6, 2026, most optional plan amendments take effect after a two-thirds vote of the county legislative body. If an amendment changes the size or makeup of the legislative body (not just required decennial redistricting) or shifts power between the executive and the legislative branches, voters must approve it by a majority at a general or special election. Changing officials from full-time to part-time, or the reverse, no longer needs voter approval.
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