Utah lawmakers passed eight bills and resolutions to assert state sovereignty and limit federal influence during the 2025 legislative session, which ended March 7. These measures address fiscal independence, regulatory oversight, and election authority.
Utah has a Republican trifecta, with Republican control of the governor’s office, state senate, and state house.
Below are the federalism-related bills the legislature approved in the 2025 session. The governor had signed all five bills between Mar. 25 and 27. The three resolutions did not require the governor’s signature.
- HB 380 affirms Utah’s sovereignty by establishing that the state has primary authority over matters within its borders. The bill requires federal jurisdiction to be proven by the federal government and limits federal intervention in state affairs.
- HB 464 establishes the State Sovereignty Fund to reduce reliance on federal dollars. Funded by budget surpluses, it cannot be used until 2075, after which earnings may offset federal funding cuts or provide tax relief.
- HB 488 expands the Federalism Commission and funds federalism education through Utah Valley University. The bill requires agencies to assess federal jurisdiction issues, strengthening state oversight.
- SB 198 requires state agencies to publicly post federal guidance letters within 15 days to increase transparency on federal influence over state operations.
- SB 265 revises Utah’s challenge process for federal directives, allowing legislative prohibitions without concurrent resolutions. Expands who is subject to federal enforcement bans.
- SJR 6 reaffirms Utah’s 10th Amendment sovereignty, citing Loper Bright v. Raimondo as limiting federal regulatory power. It urges agencies to reassess federal mandates.
- SJR 7 declares state authority over election laws, rejecting federal standardization and emphasizing local control.
- SJR 12 urges the President to issue an executive order reaffirming and strengthening federalism principles.
All of the bills and resolutions passed with all or most Republicans in support and with mixed Democratic backing depending on the specific bill. SB 198 passed unanimously in both chambers.
This coverage is part of Ballotpedia’s policy team’s Federalism content. Our article on state responses to federal mandates tracks important legislation, regulations, and lawsuits that challenge federal authority. Our federalism argument tracker outlines historical, theoretical, and practical conflicts between state and federal governments.
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