Utah Senate adopts rules, then consents to governor’s appointments during extraordinary session

The Utah State Senate met in an extraordinary session in September 2022 and adopted rules for the session before voting to consent to a slate of gubernatorial appointments. Senator Buxton moved to adopt the rules, and the motion passed without discussion. The Senate then considered Governor Spencer J. Cox’s transmitted nominees.

Madam Secretary read the governor’s communication listing nominees to multiple state boards and commissions, including Daryl Rudy for the Department of Financial Institutions and Joel Ferry for the Department of Natural Resources. "I move the senate vote to consent to the appointments as read," said Senator Bramble during floor proceedings.

Committee chairs reported unanimous or favorable recommendations for the nominees. Senator Bridal reported that the Natural Resources and Agriculture Confirmation Committee vetted Joel Ferry and forwarded his name with support. Senator Bramble summarized the Business, Labor and Economic Development Committee’s unanimous recommendation for the Department of Financial Institutions nominee. Senator Kennedy and Senator Harper likewise reported favorable committee findings for other nominees, including the Utah Transit Authority reappointment.

A roll call was held on the consent motion. After an on-screen tally discrepancy, President Jay Stewart Adams recalled the initial count and corrected the record. "With a vote of 25 yay votes, 0 nay votes, and 4 being absent, the Senate has consented to the governor's appointment," President Adams announced after correcting the earlier display and attempting to resolve audio issues for one senator.

The confirmed nominees were asked to stand and were congratulated on the floor. The Senate directed Senator Cullimore to notify the governor’s representative that the Senate had convened and later that it had completed its business.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to adopt senate rules for the twelfth extraordinary session (mover: Senator Buxton): approved on voice vote.
- Motion to consent to the governor’s appointments as read (mover: Senator Bramble): approved by roll call; final announced tally recorded as 25 yeas, 0 nays, 4 absent after correcting a displayed error. An audio problem for one senator’s vote was noted during the roll call.

The Senate adjourned sine die later in the afternoon.