Utah Senate confirms Monica Diaz as juvenile court judge during extraordinary session

The Utah Senate convened for its first extraordinary session on May 19, 2021, focusing on key appointments and resolutions. The session began with a roll call confirming a quorum of 24 senators present, allowing for the adoption of rules from the previous special session.

A significant highlight was the unanimous confirmation of Monica Diaz as a judge for the Third District Juvenile Court. Senator Wyler, who led the confirmation committee, praised Diaz's diverse background in both defense and prosecution, emphasizing her unique qualifications for the role. Diaz, who has served as the director of the Utah Sentencing Commission and has experience as a managing attorney and deputy district attorney, received a warm welcome from the Senate, with her son Jackson present to celebrate his tenth birthday.

In addition to Diaz's confirmation, the Senate also approved several appointments from Governor Spencer J. Cox, including members for the Board of Business and Economic Development and the Utah Commission on Uniform State Laws. Notably, Senator Mike McHale was appointed despite a noted conflict of interest.

The session also addressed the appointment of Dr. Carrie Wilson to the Compassionate Youth Board, with her confirmation passing unanimously. Dr. Wilson, a pediatric neurologist and epileptologist, was recognized for her qualifications and expertise in medical cannabis.

As the session progressed, the Senate introduced two resolutions: one addressing critical race theory in public education and another supporting the right to bear arms. These resolutions are set to be discussed further in upcoming sessions.

Overall, the extraordinary session underscored the Senate's commitment to timely confirmations and legislative discussions, setting the stage for future debates on significant issues affecting Utah residents.