Senate passes child doll prohibition bill amid SCR 5 rejection

The Utah State Senate convened on February 10, 2023, to discuss several legislative measures, including the controversial SCR 5 and House Bill 108, which addresses child *** doll prohibition.

The session began with a motion to read SCR 5 for a third time. However, the proposal faced significant opposition, resulting in a roll call vote that concluded with 9 votes in favor and 16 against, leading to its failure. Senators expressed concerns about the implications of the bill, with Senator Bramble stating that the public should not be misled regarding its intentions.

Following the discussion on SCR 5, the Senate turned its attention to House Bill 108, which aims to make it a crime to sell or possess child *** dolls. The bill received overwhelming support, passing with 26 votes in favor and none against. This legislation will now be signed by the president pro tem and sent to the House for further consideration.

Additionally, the Senate discussed First Substitute House Bill 192, which seeks to streamline the legal process for certain offenders by allowing them to handle minor offenses online without appearing in court. This bill expands eligibility for deferred prosecution, particularly for individuals over 21, while still encouraging younger offenders to attend court to understand the consequences of their actions. The motion to pass this bill was also met with strong support, although specific vote counts were not detailed.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the Senate's focus on child protection laws and efforts to improve judicial efficiency, reflecting ongoing legislative priorities in Utah.