Orem Republican Rep. Margaret Dayton's HB 352 would allow the Legislature to revert to the previous year's base budget if lawmakers are unable to reach a budget compromise with the governor.

"The most important thing we do is pass the budget," said Dayton. "It's important we have something in place to make sure the government keeps functioning."

Dayton's legislation stems from former. Gov. Olene Walker's threat to veto the budget during the 2004 Legislature unless lawmakers funded her elementary school reading program. Because legislators and the governor have agreed to adopt base budgets early in the legislative process, lawmakers insist the bill is not targeted at Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.

Still, Huntsman has promised to veto the legislation if lawmakers pass it and it earlier passed the House with less than a veto-proof majority. Governor's office staff have given the bill it's unofficial name.

Governor's spokesman Mike Mower said there was only one year when lawmakers and the governor did not approve a budget - that was in 1941 and was by agreement.

"This is something that not only ties the hands of the governor, but allows one house of the Legislature to say 'We're done negotiating. We're going home'," Mower said.

But the Republican senators who attended Monday's hearing said lawmakers are within their constitutional powers to force the issue.

"The people have elected responsible legislators," said Sen. Bill Hickman, R-St. George. "Our primary function is to pass and approve a budget." Although the bill passed the committee, Hickman told Dayton the bill could be tabled or simply held in Rules.