Senate passes broad slate of bills in Feb. 17 session; multiple consent and policy measures approved

The Utah Senate approved a wide set of bills during its Feb. 17, 2023 general session, clearing items on the concurrence and third‑reading calendars and returning several measures to the House for final action.

Major items decided included second substitute Senate Bill 46 (state holiday modifications), third substitute Senate Bill 56 (child welfare amendments), second substitute House Bill 228 (conversion‑therapy and professional conduct language), and a series of consent and policy bills addressing parole reporting, veterinary practice, medical cannabis governance and workforce/healthcare licensing. Many bills were passed with unanimous or near‑unanimous roll‑call results.

Votes at a glance (Senate action on Feb. 17):
- Third substitute Senate Bill 56 (Child welfare amendments): passed Senate (25 yay, 0 nay, 4 absent). Sponsor: Senator Harper.
- Second substitute Senate Bill 46 (State holiday modifications): passed Senate (26 yay, 0 nay, 3 absent). Sponsor: Senator Fillmore.
- Second substitute House Bill 228 (Unprofessional conduct/conversion therapy): passed Senate (27 yay, 0 nay, 2 absent). Sponsor: Senator Bramble.
- First substitute House Bill 246 (Board of Pardons and Parole reporting): passed Senate (25 yay, 0 nay, 4 absent). Sponsor: Senator Anderegg.
- First substitute House Bill 72 (Medical cannabis governance revisions): passed Senate (24 yay, 0 nay, 5 absent). Sponsor: Senator Vickers.
- Second substitute House Bill 42 (Technology commercialization amendments / Utah innovation lab): passed Senate (19 yay, 6 nay, 4 absent). Sponsor: Senator Milner.
- First substitute House Bill 159 (Health care professional licensing reciprocity / telemedicine): passed Senate (25 yay, 0 nay, 4 absent). Sponsor: Senator Anderegg.
- House Bill 187 (Veterinary practice exemptions): passed Senate (25 yay, 0 nay, 4 absent). Sponsor: Senator Hinkins.
- House Bill 264 (Certified nursing assistant training hours amendments): passed Senate (23 yay, 0 nay, 6 absent). Sponsor: Senator Vickers.
- Senate Bill 66 (Criminal citation dismissals): passed Senate (26 yay, 0 nay, 3 absent). Sponsor: Senator Pitcher.
- House Joint Resolution 10 (constitutional amendment to preserve election of county sheriffs on the ballot): passed Senate (25 yay, 0 nay, 4 absent). Sponsor: President Adams.

Most of these items were presented briefly on the floor with sponsor summaries, and several were acted on without extended discussion. Where debate occurred, senators requested clarifications or reserved the ability to substitute language and return items to committee or the calendar. The Senate recessed after approving reported committee recommendations and a number of consent items.

What happens next: Bills that passed the Senate on concurrence or third reading are returned to the House for the signature of the Speaker or for further action as required by chamber rules. Where a bill was described as 'circled' or 'uncircled' during the proceedings, sponsors indicated additional stakeholder review or technical substitutions had been made before final passage.