HB380 strengthens the state’s claim to broad jurisdiction over matters within Utah. It establishes a legal presumption that state rather than federal law governs most areas—including natural resources, water rights, agriculture, education, and energy—unless the U.S. Constitution explicitly assigns authority to the federal government. The bill places the burden on federal authorities to prove federal jurisdiction.

The Utah State Senate passed HB380 on March 7, 2025 by a vote of 19 to 5. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because this bill reasserts Utah’s constitutional authority to govern in areas not expressly delegated to the federal government. Under the 10th Amendment, powers not granted to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people, and the 9th Amendment affirms that individuals retain rights beyond those specifically listed in the Constitution. HB380 upholds state sovereignty by requiring the federal government to justify its authority when intervening in state-level matters.