Senate advances a package of bills on health, broadband, privacy and other items; multiple measures read for third time

The Utah Senate advanced a broad set of measures during the floor session, approving multiple third‑reading motions after committee reports and sponsor presentations.

Key floor actions

- Senate Bill 214 (Utah Broadband Center Advisory Commission): Sponsor Senator Wilson said the bill establishes a commission to oversee a statewide broadband plan and anticipated federal IIJA broadband funds; the Senate advanced the bill (25 yay, 0 nay, 4 absent).

- First substitute Senate Bill 227 (Consumer Privacy Act): Sponsor Senator Cullimore described the substitute as focusing on Utah consumer rights while scaling back burdensome regulatory provisions; the Senate advanced the first substitute to third reading (28 yay, 0 nay, 1 absent).

- Senate Bill 236 (Pharmacy Practice Amendments): Sponsor Senator Vickers presented technical updates including home‑delivery and hospital dispensing clarifications; the bill was advanced to third reading with 27 yay votes.

- Senate Bill 241 (Autism coverage amendments): Sponsor Senator Bramble said the bill directs the Department of Health to request a Medicaid state plan amendment to provide autism treatment services regardless of age; the Senate advanced the bill (27 yay, 0 nay, 2 absent).

- Multiple other bills were read a third time or placed on the consent/second‑reading calendar, including SB 209 (veterinarian regulation amendments), SB 218 (fund of funds modifications), SB 215 (railroad crossing modifications) and SB 239 (congregate care program amendments). Vote tallies for these items were recorded on the floor and are included below.

Votes at a glance (selected items)

- SB 209 (Veterinarian Regulations Amendments): third reading approved — 22 yay, 0 nay, 7 absent.
- First substitute SB 218 (Fund of Funds Modifications): third reading approved — 22 yay, 0 nay, 7 absent.
- SB 214 (Utah Broadband Center Advisory Commission): third reading approved — 25 yay, 0 nay, 4 absent.
- First substitute SB 215 (Railroad Crossing Modifications): third reading approved — 25 yay, 0 nay, 4 absent.
- First substitute SB 227 (Consumer Privacy Act): third reading approved — 28 yay, 0 nay, 1 absent.
- SB 236 (Pharmacy Practice Amendments): third reading approved — 27 yay, 0 nay, 2 absent.
- SB 241 (Autism Coverage Amendments): third reading approved — 27 yay, 0 nay, 2 absent.

What this means

Most items advanced with broad, often unanimous support; several measures were substitutes or technical fixes negotiated in committee. The day’s calendar combined routine technical updates, policy changes (for example, broadband planning and privacy rules) and targeted program adjustments. Bills that passed third reading will proceed through the legislative process toward enrollment and, where applicable, implementation guidance from state agencies.

Next steps

Bills approved on third reading will be enrolled and transmitted as required by legislative procedure; where the Senate approved substitutes, implementers (agencies or scholarship‑granting organizations) will await final enrolled language and any accompanying appropriations or administrative rules.