Utah Senate adopts prior rules and unanimously consents to governor’s appointments

The Senate of the State of Utah convened in its fourth extraordinary session in October 2023 to consider gubernatorial appointments and procedural rules. Senators adopted the same rules used in the prior extraordinary session and then voted to consent to a slate of appointments transmitted by Gov. Spencer J. Cox.

The clerk read letters from the governor nominating individuals to several state boards, including the Securities Commission; Boards of Water Resources (nominating Brian Steed to represent the Great Salt Lake interest); the Waste Management and Radiation Control Board (reappointments); the Dixie Technical College Board of Trustees; and the Board of Pardons and Parole (nominating Scott Stephenson). Senator Hinkins moved to vote to consent to the appointments as read.

Committee chairs told the Senate that confirmation committees had considered the nominees and reported favorable recommendations. Senator Owens, speaking about Scott Stephenson, summarized Stephenson’s background: “Mr. Stephenson has a master’s degree in clinical, mental health counseling. He’s been a leader of post police officer standards training in our state,” and the committee voted unanimously to recommend him.

The clerk conducted a roll call on the consent motion and recorded senators’ votes. After a brief clarification of the tally by the presiding officer and clerk, the clerk announced that the Senate had consented to the governor’s appointments; the clerk’s final announcement recorded the vote as 27 yeas, 0 nays and 2 absent. The chamber then recognized the appointees and their guests.

Adoption of the rules was moved earlier in the session by Senator Buxton and carried by voice vote before the appointments were considered. The Senate adjourned sine die following the day's business.

Actions taken: the Senate adopted prior extraordinary-session rules and gave its consent to the slate of gubernatorial nominations as read to the chamber. The clerk’s roll-call announcement serves as the official record of the consent vote.