Utah Senate unanimously consents to governor’s appointments during April 12 extraordinary session

The Utah State Senate convened in an extraordinary session on April 12, 2023, and by roll call consented to the governor’s list of appointments to multiple state boards and commissions, announcing a tally of 28 yeas, 0 nays and 1 absent.

The session, called by Governor Spencer J. Cox pursuant to Article 7, Section 6 of the Utah Constitution, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before the clerk read a letter transmitting nominations and reappointments to the Board of Tourism Development, the Board of Water Resources, the Permanent Community Impact Fund Board, the Transportation Commission, the Utah Digital Health Service Commission, the Utah Valley University Board of Trustees and others. Senator Bridal moved that the Senate "consent to the governor's appointments, as presented, by the Clerk." The motion was brought to a roll call vote and approved.

Why it matters: These confirmations fill seats on boards that oversee water resources, transportation, higher education governance at Utah Valley University, digital health policy and environmental and conservation matters. Several nominees had been vetted in committee hearings and received committee recommendations, some unanimous.

Committee reports and discussion were brief. Senator Sandle told the Senate the agriculture and natural resources confirmation committee voted unanimously for three nominees (Greg Gallick, Spencer Jones and Dana Van Horn) and reported that the Air Quality Board nominee Sonia Norton had a 4–1 committee vote in favor. Senator Fillmore said the education confirmation committee discussed free speech, diversity and graduation rates and unanimously recommended three nominees to the Utah Valley University Board of Trustees. Senator Harper said the transportation confirmation committee unanimously recommended Donna Law and James C. Evans for reappointment.

One senator asked for a clarification about a nominee’s identity. Senator Wyler requested confirmation that James C. Evans, nominated to the Transportation Commission, was not the James Evans who previously served in the Legislature and as a party chair; the body confirmed the nominee is a different James C. Evans.

After the roll call produced a 28–0 result with one absence, the chair declared the appointments consented to and invited nominees in the chamber to stand for congratulations. The Senate then directed Senator Cullimore to notify the governor’s representative that the Senate had convened and later reported that notification had been made. Senator Vickers moved to adjourn and the Senate adjourned.

Authorities cited in the session included Article 7, Section 6 of the Utah Constitution and Utah Code sections 67-1-1 and 67-1-2, which the governor invoked in transmitting the nominations. The Senate’s actions were limited to advice and consent on the transmitted appointments; no other policy actions or legislation were considered during this short session.

The extraordinary session concluded after confirmations and formal adjournment; no further hearings are scheduled in this session record.