Legislature should not overturn ballot initiatives
Cox and King volleyed about whether Utahns should approve a constitutional amendment proposed in an emergency special session giving lawmakers unfettered power to repeal or amend voter-passed initiatives.
King said he would vote
against the amendment in November, but Cox remained coy as to where he sits on it. "The governor doesn't have an opportunity to weigh in on constitutional amendments," Cox said, while insisting the power to run ballot initiatives must remain available.
"The governor is deceiving you in the same way the Legislature is," King responded.
While answering questions from reporters after the debate, Cox refused to give a direct answer as to whether he will vote "for" or "against"
Amendment D. "If I could have written it, I would have done some things differently," Cox said, adding, "I think on balance, it's worth supporting, but it's close."
Limit state AG's ability to file amicus briefs outside Utah
King has filed H.B. 232, which would limit the powers of the state attorney general by requiring them to get the governor's permission to file an amicus curare brief or join in legal matters outside of Utah.
[Attorney General Sean] Reyes joined 17 other state attorneys general in seeking to overturn the election results in swing states that Trump lost. King's bill would put a check on Utah's attorney general office and limit the power that position holds.
Source: Daily Utah Chronicle on 2024 Utah Gubernatorial race
, Feb 10, 2021
Bill overturned local bans of entire breeds of dogs
All breeds of dogs, including pit bulls, are now legal statewide. The law, sponsored by King, notes that all risks in society cannot be negated and allows for citizens to decide what dog is best for their family. The focus is now on the behavior of
certain dogs, rather than specific breeds.
"It became evident to me that for numerous reasons," King said, "this idea that we can target an entire breed and outlaw them in a city or town, that was a bad idea."
Source: St. George News on 2024 Utah Gubernatorial race
, Jan 5, 2015
Keep restrictions on government records access
HB477: This bill modifies provisions of the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) relating to government records.
Deseret News summary:�Utah lawmakers repealed a widely criticized law restricting access to many government
records. The [repealed] bill largely exempted the Legislature and several forms of electronic communication, allowed for increased fees for records requests and erased language favoring openness. Gov. Herbert called the Legislature into special session
to reconsider the bill after a huge public outcry galvanized the community. In a statement afterward, the governor said, "As the Legislature re-examines Utah's GRAMA statutes [for further changes, I hope they'll], protect the public's right to know,
protect an individual/s legitimate right to privacy, and protect taxpayer dollars."
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 23-6-0 on Mar/7/11; Passed House 42-29-4 on Mar/7; State Rep. Brian King voted NO; Signed by Governor on Mar/8.