Former Congressman Bishop Warns Against Unchecked Initiatives

One big thing

Former U.S. Congressman Rob Bishop argues that Utah’s initiative process lacks crucial checks and balances, potentially threatening individual liberties and business interests.

Why it matters

Unchecked initiatives can lead to unintended consequences, as seen in California, where businesses have suffered from poorly crafted laws passed through direct democracy.

• Initiatives bypass the legislative process, eliminating compromise and debate
• Well-funded groups can push through ideas without thorough vetting
• Voters may not fully understand the implications of complex initiatives

Go deeper

Bishop cites specific examples of problematic initiatives:

• California’s Prop 47 increased shoplifting by raising the felony threshold to $950
• An out-of-state initiative attempted to harm a Utah company under the guise of education funding

The former congressman emphasizes:

• Legislatures serve as a necessary counterbalance to initiatives
• No state has successfully implemented a built-in, equally funded counter-campaign process for initiatives
• The issue goes beyond voting rights to the fundamental structure of government

Bishop concludes that while people have the right to vote, they shouldn’t have unchecked power to change everything without balance.