Audit committee proposes bill file to improve election processes following county feedback

The Government Operations Interim Committee convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss various topics, primarily focusing on the recent audit of county operations and the implications for future legislative actions.

The meeting began with a discussion on the importance of audits, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring transparency and collaboration between state and county governments. A committee member expressed appreciation for the audit process, highlighting the need for a positive working relationship with counties. Concerns were raised about potential perceptions of the state being overly stringent in its oversight, with a call for a more participative approach to address any issues identified during audits.

The committee then addressed the specifics of the recent audit, which involved a small sample of the 29 counties in Utah. A representative clarified that while not all counties were audited, the sample was designed to adequately represent the vendors operating within the state.

Following this, the committee discussed the necessity of legislative action to implement the audit's recommendations. A question arose regarding whether to open a single bill file to address all issues or multiple files. Staff indicated that starting with one bill file would be appropriate, with the possibility of splitting it into multiple files later if needed.

A motion was made by Representative Shepherd to open a bill file to address the audit recommendations, which was met with support from the committee. Before proceeding, the committee invited Ricky Hatch, the county clerk auditor for Weber County and chair of the clerk's legislative committee, to provide insights on the audit process and its impact on counties.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to improving the election process through legislative measures based on audit findings. The next steps will involve drafting the proposed bill to address the identified issues, with further discussions anticipated as more details emerge.