Utah Governor signs House Bill 356, plans special session to address unintended consequences

Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox signs bills on March 23, 2023. Photo: Utah State Office of the Governor

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah – Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed House Bill 356 on March 27, requiring Summit County to transition from an at-large county council to a five-district system. The bill mandates the formation of a districting commission by June.

The legislation also impacts Wasatch, Grand, and Morgan counties, requiring them to adopt district-based representation. Wasatch County had requested a veto to allow for further review before implementation.

The transition from an at-large council to a district-based system in Summit County means each district will elect its own representative vs. the system now in which all council members are elected by the entire county’s voters. While the system ensures geographic diversity, giving each district a voice, some argue that the system can lead to political gerrymandering and the change could shift power dynamics, especially if certain areas have different political leanings, such as the interests of eastern vs. western Summit County.

Cox acknowledged concerns about unintended consequences and announced plans for a special session to address them, according to a letter to legislative leaders. The bill, sponsored by Representative Jordan Teuscher, was amended multiple times during the legislative process, with key changes occurring in the final days of the session.

Summit County officials have expressed concerns about the bill’s impact and the legislative process, noting that it overrides a previous voter-approved decision to establish an at-large council. Cache County, originally included in the bill, has since formed a committee to study potential government structure changes.

Before January 2009, Summit County had a three-commissioner system where the commissioners effectively served both as legislators and administrators. Each commissioner would typically divide responsibilities, with one potentially overseeing planning and another overseeing public works.

HB356 passed just minutes before the end of the 2025 General Session.