Committee OKs 2-term limit for Utah governors

Legislation is seeking to change the length of office for Utah's governors.

Sen. Carlene Walker, R-Sandy, proposed SJR11, which is a resolution limiting the length a governor could serve to eight years, or two terms. The Senate Government Operations and Subdivisions Standing Committee passed the bill favorably Tuesday.

Walker said Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. asked her to carry the resolution as part of his ethics program.

"I think it is appropriate and sound public policy, and it follows the same pattern as the national model," she said.

She said those elected to the office of governor would "hit the ground running," knowing they have a maximum of eight years to complete the goals of his or her agenda.

However, if a person "inherits" the office because of the death or resignation of the elected governor, they would serve out that term and could be elected twice themselves.

Sen. Bill Hickman, R-St. George, said he would not support the resolution.

"I have full faith in the citizens to select the best governor," he said.

Walker said citizens will have a chance to vote on the resolution.

Because SJR11 would change the Utah Constitution, it must receive two-thirds of the vote from both the Senate and House chambers and be placed on the ballot in the next regular general election.

If approved, the resolution would take effect Jan. 1, 2007.