amendment B60% vote for citizen initiatives that raise taxes
Read the full text of the measure: Voter Information Pamphlet
In plain words
Utah voters can put laws on the ballot through citizen initiatives. Today most initiatives pass with more than half of the vote (initiatives about taking wildlife need two-thirds). Amendment B would require at least 60% approval for statewide initiatives that create a new tax, expand a tax, raise a tax rate, or make a property tax rate go down less than under current law. Laws passed by the Legislature are not affected. (vote.utah.gov )
Before and after
| Initiative that raises or adds a tax | Passes with more than half of the vote | Needs at least 60% of the vote |
|---|---|---|
| Other initiatives | More than half (wildlife: two-thirds) | No change |
| Tax laws passed by the Legislature | Not covered | Not covered |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see (vote.utah.gov )
Example
Illustration only: if a statewide initiative to raise a sales tax rate got 55% YES votes, it would pass under current rules but would fail if Amendment B passes. (vote.utah.gov )
Biggest change
- Adds to Article VI, Section 1 that initiated legislation "shall be adopted upon approval of at least 60% of those voting" if it includes a new tax, an expansion of an existing tax, an increase in a tax rate, or, for property tax, a rate change that causes the rate to decrease less (wording to re-check). source: le.utah.gov
- Applies to statewide initiatives voted on after November 1, 2026. Other initiatives still need a simple majority. source: vote.utah.gov
- If voters approve it, it takes effect November 23, 2026. source: le.utah.gov
Who it affects most: Groups that use citizen initiatives to propose taxes, and voters deciding future tax initiatives.
Cost to the state: The pamphlet says it likely would not materially affect current state revenues or spending.
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
A YES vote means statewide citizen initiatives voted on after November 1, 2026 that create, expand or raise a tax would need at least 60% of the vote to pass.
A NO vote keeps the rule that these citizen initiatives pass with more than half of the vote.
Our one-line summary. Utah does not publish an official "what your vote means" statement; the ballot title above is the official description.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
The Legislature put this on the ballot. It changes the state constitution, so only another statewide vote can change it back. It passes with A simple majority (more than half) of voters voting on it. (If it passes, some future initiatives would need 60%.).
- The Utah Legislature (S.J.R. 2, 2025). Passed Senate 21-8 and House 55-17. source: le.utah.gov
- Rep. Andrew Stoddard, Better Utah, and the "Vote No on Amendment B" campaign oppose it; the Utah Taxpayers Association president backs a supermajority rule. source: deseret.com
- A Noble Predictive Insights poll (Sept. 8-12, 2026) found 50% support and 21% opposition. source: deseret.com
- The pamphlet notes that some Utah funding measures have passed with well over 60% of the vote. source: vote.utah.gov
Why supporters want it
No public statement found.
Why opponents object
No public statement found.
Who backs each side
- For: Sen. Lincoln Fillmore (Chief sponsor of S.J.R. 2) source: le.utah.gov
- For: Rep. Jason B. Kyle (House sponsor of S.J.R. 2) source: le.utah.gov
- For: Utah Taxpayers Association (President Billy Hesterman backed a supermajority requirement) source: deseret.com
- Against: Utahns Protecting Our Constitution (Political issues committee run by Better Boundaries; launched "Vote No on Amendment B" campaign Sept. 28, 2026) source: deseret.com
- Against: Better Utah (Opposes) source: deseret.com
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
The official ballot title, word for word from the Utah Lieutenant Governor .
Shall the Utah Constitution be amended to require that citizen-proposed laws that increase taxes compared to existing law be approved by at least 60% of voters, instead of a simple majority?
For
Against
Copied word for word from the Utah Lieutenant Governor's Amended 2026 General Election Certification (Sept 21, 2026), page 23, "Proposed Constitutional Amendments". The certification prints the choices as For and Against.
Latest news
Recent reporting from a range of outlets, newest first. We link to it; we don't endorse it.
No articles collected yet for this measure.
Full text of the measure
Read it in the Voter Information Pamphlet , or on the Legislature's page for Constitutional Amendment B (S.J.R. 2, 2025 General Session) , which also shows the votes in each chamber.
Read more
- 2026 Utah Voter Information Pamphlet (Lt. Governor)
- 2026 Utah Voter Information Pamphlet (Lt. Governor)
- S.J.R. 2 enrolled text (Utah Legislature)
- S.J.R. 2 bill page
- Campaign finance disclosures (Utah)
We link to analysis from several sources; we don't endorse it.