Changes approved for Utah charter

Buoyed by no opposition and little public discussion, two changes to Utah's Constitution appeared to be on their way to victory Tuesday by press time.

While early returns showed Amendment 1 with strong support, voters were more split about Amendment 2.

Amendment 1 allows the Utah House of Representatives to call itself into session for the purposes of impeachment if two-thirds of the membership agrees to do so.

Lawmakers pushed the change because only the governor previously had the authority to call a special session, which potentially could pose a problem if impeachment proceedings against the state's chief executive officer are the subject of the session.

Additionally, the amendment requires the Senate to convene a trial if members of the House of Representatives vote to impeach.

Although there has never been an impeachment proceeding in Utah, amendment supporters believed it was important to fix the oversight before a controversy arises.

Lawmakers, under the amendment, would be compensated $285 a day each when convening for an impeachment proceeding.

Amendment 2 creates a narrow exception to a provision in the state constitution that prohibits state and local government from purchasing newly issued stock from a private corporation.

By creating the exception, government — particularly colleges and universities — can tap into potential profits from a business venture between a company and research by a state institution.

The proposal would allow universities to partner with venture capitalists and start-up companies through use of equipment, faculty or space on campus as a way to advance a project. Should it turn out to be a commercial success, the university could benefit from having equity in the company.

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E-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com