Utah Gov. Spencer Cox recently vetoed Senate Bill 37, which aimed to change how property tax revenue is distributed to schools. Currently, about $842 million in local property taxes go directly to school districts.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, proposed routing this money through the state’s general fund before distributing it to schools. Supporters argued this would create a fairer funding system and give the state more flexibility in education spending.
Cox vetoed the bill, citing concerns about transparency and public trust. He explained that taxpayers expect their property taxes to directly support local schools, and shifting the money through the general fund could create uncertainty. He also pointed to possible legal and accounting challenges with the proposed changes…