Constitutional Amendment A, referred to by the Legislature as House Joint Resolution 10 (2025), would change how proposed constitutional amendments are published in Utah, according to a October 19 statement. The amendment seeks to replace the current requirement for newspaper publication with a method established by state law.
Under current constitutional requirements, proposed amendments must be published in newspapers before voters can decide on them. If Amendment A passes, the state constitution would no longer name a specific medium, instead allowing lawmakers to update publication methods through regular legislation as technology evolves.
A corresponding state law is prepared to take effect if voters approve the amendment. This law would require the Lieutenant Governor to publish the full text of all proposed constitutional amendments and other Legislature-issued ballot questions on both the Utah Public Notice Website and the Lieutenant Governor's website. These digital posts would be required for 60 days immediately before a general election.
Supporters argue that the change modernizes an outdated requirement, noting that newspapers are no longer the primary source of public notices for most residents. Representative Anthony Loubet stated that while newspapers were once a reliable communication method, they are no longer the primary source for most residents. Proponents also argue the change increases accessibility through digital publication and saves significant costs; publishing a single ballot measure in every Utah county newspaper currently costs an estimated $1.4 million. Supporters believe shifting to digital platforms spares taxpayers and prevents grassroots initiative sponsors from facing seven-figure newspaper bills.
Opponents contend that the amendment reduces transparency by delegating publication standards to the Legislature, which could lead to the use of obscure websites that the public rarely visits. Critics argue that relying solely on digital platforms may limit visibility for rural communities, older residents, or those without reliable internet access. There are also concerns that moving the requirement from the Constitution to statute gives the Legislature full control to change publication methods without further voter approval.
The amendment's appearance on a ballot is determined by the Legislature's referral. If voters cast a yes vote, the Utah Constitution would be amended to require publication for 60 days before an election in the manner outlined by the Legislature. A no vote would maintain the current requirement for newspaper publication for 60 days before an election.
