All Roll Calls
Yes: 146 • No: 0
UtahS.B. 3212026 General SessionSenate
Municipal Election Amendments
Sponsored By: Daniel McCay (Republican)
Signed by Governor
MunicipalitiesGovernment Operations (State Issues)Campaign FinanceFinesMunicipal Officers
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 3 mixed.
Late filings risk $50 fine, removal
Beginning May 6, 2026, if you file a required campaign finance statement late, the clerk may email you and assess a $50 fine. If you do not file within 24 hours after the deadline, the clerk must disqualify you. The clerk tells opposing candidates, emails voters if addresses exist, and posts public notice. If practicable, your name is removed or blacked out on the ballot. Votes for a disqualified candidate are not counted.
No personal use of campaign money
Beginning May 6, 2026, campaign money must be kept in a separate bank account. You may not use campaign funds for personal use. Personal use means spending that mainly helps your personal life or would count as taxable income, such as mortgage or rent, utilities, household food, most clothing, vacations, entertainment, vehicle payments, or paying personal debts. The law lists exceptions for spending tied to your campaign or official duties, such as mileage allowances, job‑related meals and travel, attorney or accountant services, meeting tuition, certain donations, repaying candidate loans, and childcare during campaign or official work. A city may adopt an ordinance to enforce these rules, require you to return the personal‑use amount to the campaign, and charge a penalty equal to 50% of that amount; the city deposits penalties in its general fund.
Limits on anonymous campaign donations
Beginning May 6, 2026, anonymous donations are capped at $50 per year by default. A city may set a smaller limit. If you receive an anonymous cash or negotiable‑instrument gift above the limit and do not know the donor’s name, you must, within 30 days, send the money to the state or local general fund or give it to a 501(c)(3) charity.
Annual year-end reports and closing
Beginning May 6, 2026, candidates must file a year‑end summary by 5 p.m. on January 10 after the municipal general election, and each year after that until they close the account. If January 10 is not a business day, file on the next business day. The report shows the ending balance, total contributions and spending for the prior year, and any items not yet reported, with a certification. A clerk charges a $100 late fee if it is not filed on time; you have at least 30 days to pay or show why it is not owed. You can end future filings by submitting a statement of account dissolution with a final year‑end summary showing a zero balance. Before closing, remaining money must be returned to donors, donated to a 501(c)(3), or used for another lawful political purpose.
Local crackdowns and private lawsuits
Beginning May 6, 2026, cities and towns may adopt campaign finance rules that are stricter than state law. They can lower the anonymous‑donation limit, require more disclosure, or add penalties by ordinance. The law also lets an interested private party sue in court to enforce these rules. Courts may make the losing side pay the winner’s costs and attorney fees.
New election filing and posting rules
Beginning May 6, 2026, municipal candidates must follow set filing dates. If a primary is held, file before the primary, then 28 and 7 days before, and 30 days after the general. If no primary, file 28 and 7 days before, and 30 days after the general. People seeking a midterm appointment must file at least three business days before the interview; the clerk must give the statement to the legislative body right away. Each statement must itemize donors and spending through five days before it is due, unless the campaign both receives $500 or less and spends $500 or less. Clerks must give written notices at candidacy filing and 35 days before the general, make filings available to the public within one business day, post them online within seven business days, and send a link to the lieutenant governor within two business days.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Daniel McCay
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Lisa Shepherd
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate/ concurs with House amendment
Yes: 24 • No: 0
House vote • 3/6/2026
House/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/6/2026
House/ floor amendment
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/6/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 68 • No: 0
House vote • 3/6/2026
House/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/3/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 26 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/2/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 24 • No: 0
House vote • 2/26/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 4 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/23/2026Senate/ to Governor
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/11/2026SenateEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/11/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/10/2026Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling
3/10/2026Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/6/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/6/2026HouseSenate/ to House
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ concurs with House amendment
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ placed on Concurrence Calendar
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/6/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ floor amendment
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ uncircled
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ circled
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ Rules to 3rd Reading Calendar
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ 1st reading (Introduced)
3/3/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Amended 3/6/2026 12:03:365
3/6/2026
Introduced
2/23/2026