President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Brad Wilson will call a veto override session to reconsider H.B. 11 Student Eligibility in Interscholastic Activities. As outlined in the Utah Constitution, the President and Speaker conducted a poll of their respective members, and two-thirds of the members of each chamber were in favor of reconvening for a veto override session.
“We must work to preserve the integrity of women’s sports and ensure it remains fair and safe for all,” said President Adams. “While Gov. Cox and I disagree on this bill, I respect the legislative process. We have been listening to our constituents, talking with experts, and we feel it’s important to make decisions now that protect athletes and ensure women are not edged out of their sport. Creating a safe and fair environment for athletes takes work. We care deeply for all students, but we can not ignore the scientific facts that biological boys are built differently than girls. Doing nothing is taking a step backward for women. Finding a solution to this complicated issue is necessary to maintain fair competition now and in the future.”
“Governor Cox made his intention to veto the bill clear from the day it was passed so his action today was expected,” said Speaker Wilson. “Members of the Legislature, including the sponsor, have worked tirelessly for more than a year to find the best way to approach a complex issue and I anticipate that we will have sufficient votes to override the veto. Ultimately, the Legislature recognizes the value of girls athletics and our members want to ensure girls have the level playing field to compete that was created by Title IX.”
The Legislature will convene in a veto override session on Friday, March 25. A live stream will be available at le.utah.gov. The official call will be posted on the legislative website.
On March 25 at 1:00 p.m., the Legislature will hold a veto override session to reconsider H.B. 11 Student Eligibility in Interscholastic Activities. Following the veto override session, at 2:00 p.m., the Legislature will convene for a special session called by Gov. Spencer Cox, which lawmakers will consider clarifying indemnification. Read more here: https://bit.ly/36JMTze.
Information about veto override sessions:
Article VII, Section 8(4) of the Utah Constitution states that the veto override session “shall begin within 60 days after the adjournment of the session at which the disapproved bill or item of appropriation passed. This session may not exceed five calendar days and shall be convened at a time set jointly by the presiding officer of each house solely for the purpose of reconsidering the bill or item of appropriation disapproved. If upon reconsideration, the bill or item of appropriation again passes both houses of the Legislature by a yea and nay vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house, the bill shall become law or the item of appropriation shall take effect on the original effective date of the law or item of appropriation.”
Tags: H.B. 11 Student Eligibility in Interscholastic Activities, President J. Stuart Adams, Special Session, veto, Veto Override Session, women in sports