Utah Senate unanimously consents to governor’s slate of appointments in extraordinary session

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Senate met in a third extraordinary session on Sept. 13, 2023, and unanimously consented to a slate of appointments and reappointments submitted by Governor Spencer J. Cox, voting 26–0 with three senators absent.

The session was convened by a gubernatorial proclamation read on the floor that said the Senate was being called "for the following purpose, for the senate to consent to appointments made by the governor to positions within state government of the state of Utah since the close of the 2023 general session of the legislature of the state of Utah." Governor Spencer J. Cox’s letter accompanying the nominations stated, "I hereby certify that the individuals listed in this letter meet the legal requirements for the respective positions." The proclamation and letter were entered into the record by the secretary.

Committee leaders told the full Senate that the nominees had been vetted. "The Senate Health and Human Services Confirmation Committee met and found all 5 of our candidates for the childcare provider licensing committee to be highly qualified and capable to serve on that committee and recommended the full body of the senate their confirmation," Sen. Michael S. Kennedy said on the floor. Sen. Lincoln Fillmore reported that the Education Confirmation Committee had likewise recommended nominees to Snow College’s and Utah Valley University’s boards of trustees.

The governor’s communication listed appointments and reappointments including (but not limited to): Robert Birch (Board of State History) to replace Dina Blass; Holly Kingston, Astrid Arias, Marissa Bernards, Mindy Brown and Roy Davis to the Child Care Provider Licensing Committee; Roger Carter and Myron Bateman to the Political Subdivisions Ethics Review Commission; Jeffrey Khan, Derek White, Francis Gibson and Dale Pollock to Snow College-related trustee slots; and Jeremy Hafen to the Utah Valley University Board of Trustees. The letter was signed "Spencer J. Cox, governor," and also references Lieutenant Governor Deidre M. Henderson in the proclamation.

After committee reports and a brief floor motion to approve the nominees "as read," the Senate proceeded to a roll-call vote. The president announced the result: "With a vote of 26 yay votes, 0 nay votes, 3 being absent, the Senate has consented that the Governor's appointments are read." The body then invited any appointees present to stand for recognition.

There were no recorded objections or amendments on the floor during the session. With business concluded, Sen. Vickers moved to adjourn; the motion carried and the extraordinary session was adjourned.

What happens next: The confirmations take effect as provided by statute for the respective positions; no additional floor action was recorded during this session.