From Deseret News archives:

Lawmakers defend omnibus ed bill

Published: Thursday, April 17, 2008 12:53 a.m. MDT
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Any portion of the bill could have been changed or amended, the Senate majority leader said, if enough lawmakers agreed. "This bill was subject to amendment. They just didn't have the vote." That some portions of the final bill had failed when run as individual legislation "doesn't matter," he said. Also, Bramble said, SB2 was not an appropriations bill.

The Utah Constitution prohibits "logrolling" unconnected bills into one, according to a letter from the state school board to the governor asking him to use line-item veto powers on the bill. But lawmakers can bundle budget bills together if the bills are budget-related.

Huntsman's spokeswoman, Lisa Roskelley, has said that SB2 was not an appropriations bill.

If that's true, board member Kim Burningham has said he believes it's unconstitutional to bundle unrelated bills.

But so far, aside from grumbles from the education community, Carol Lear, director of school law and legislation for the Utah Office of Education, said she has heard nothing concerning a legal challenge.

"I have heard nothing at our level or from state board members," Lear said. "I've heard people are disgruntled, but beyond that I've heard nothing."

Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, voted for the bill but now wonders whether it was constitutional to lump a bunch of education bills together. She has asked to meet with Curtis and education officials to discuss whether the bill is constitutional.

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"That came through fast and furiously," Allen said of SB2. "I just have some questions about the constitutionality of it."


Contributing: Tiffany Erickson

Recent comments

I read this article and really couldn't make heads or tails of what...

Chuck | April 17, 2008 at 8:33 p.m.

Greg Curtis et al, are still irritated because of the citizen...

Minnie | April 17, 2008 at 4:08 p.m.

I find it funny that Curtis Bramble and the boys are so concerned...

Fred | April 17, 2008 at 12:30 p.m.

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