Utah Senate suspends rules, passes package of bills and resolutions
January 19, 2022 | 2022 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Utah State Senate suspended its rules to advance a group of bills and concurrent resolutions during a floor session that concluded with multiple passage votes and an adjournment until 11 a.m. the next day.
Senate President Adams presided as senators moved several measures under suspension of the rules — a procedure that allowed the chamber to consider bills without waiting for the standard three-reading process. Measures approved on the floor were sent to the House for its consideration.
Most notable actions included the passage of Senate Bill 40, which the sponsor said narrows the standard for wrongful employment claims by replacing the term 'adverse' with 'retaliatory,' and Senate Bill 42, which codifies five-year performance-funding goals for higher education. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 46, described by sponsor Senator Thatcher as clarifying that government employers may not discipline employees solely because they hold a medical cannabis card or have a physician recommendation. The body approved SB 47 (a five-year sunset extension for the coordinating council for persons with disabilities), SB 50 (a two-year extension of the criminal code evaluation task force), and SB 51 (transportation cleanup and clarifications) as well as concurrent resolutions recognizing federal-state cooperation on public lands (SCR 2) and Utah’s position on critical and rare-earth minerals (SCR 3).
Votes were decided by roll call. For example, the Senate recorded 23 yeas on SB 40 (0 nays, 6 absent); SB 42 passed 25–0 with four absent; SB 46 passed 26–1 with two absent. After final business, senators announced schedule changes and community events and the chamber adjourned.
The session included brief ceremonial remarks and personal-privilege recognitions, including an opening prayer by Pastor Rebecca Donegan of West Valley Trinity United Methodist Church and recognition of visiting Weber State University emeriti alumni and the Bountiful Youth City Council. Senate leadership reminded members of the Utah League of Cities and Towns event at the Salt Palace and a reception at the Governor’s Mansion.
The Senate’s use of suspension of the rules expedited floor consideration of multiple measures; next steps for each passed bill are transmittal to the House for its action.
Senate President Adams presided as senators moved several measures under suspension of the rules — a procedure that allowed the chamber to consider bills without waiting for the standard three-reading process. Measures approved on the floor were sent to the House for its consideration.
Most notable actions included the passage of Senate Bill 40, which the sponsor said narrows the standard for wrongful employment claims by replacing the term 'adverse' with 'retaliatory,' and Senate Bill 42, which codifies five-year performance-funding goals for higher education. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 46, described by sponsor Senator Thatcher as clarifying that government employers may not discipline employees solely because they hold a medical cannabis card or have a physician recommendation. The body approved SB 47 (a five-year sunset extension for the coordinating council for persons with disabilities), SB 50 (a two-year extension of the criminal code evaluation task force), and SB 51 (transportation cleanup and clarifications) as well as concurrent resolutions recognizing federal-state cooperation on public lands (SCR 2) and Utah’s position on critical and rare-earth minerals (SCR 3).
Votes were decided by roll call. For example, the Senate recorded 23 yeas on SB 40 (0 nays, 6 absent); SB 42 passed 25–0 with four absent; SB 46 passed 26–1 with two absent. After final business, senators announced schedule changes and community events and the chamber adjourned.
The session included brief ceremonial remarks and personal-privilege recognitions, including an opening prayer by Pastor Rebecca Donegan of West Valley Trinity United Methodist Church and recognition of visiting Weber State University emeriti alumni and the Bountiful Youth City Council. Senate leadership reminded members of the Utah League of Cities and Towns event at the Salt Palace and a reception at the Governor’s Mansion.
The Senate’s use of suspension of the rules expedited floor consideration of multiple measures; next steps for each passed bill are transmittal to the House for its action.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
