Utah Senate swiftly consents to two judicial appointments in extraordinary session

The Utah State Senate met in a sixth extraordinary session in January 2024 and consented to two judicial appointments sent by Gov. Spencer J. Cox.

Gov. Spencer J. Cox’s proclamation calling the Senate-only extraordinary session said the purpose was to allow the Senate to consider the governor’s appointments. The Senate first voted to adopt the same joint and interim rules used in the prior extraordinary session.

The chamber then considered the nomination of Stephen Nelson to the Third District Court. Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee chair Todd Wyler reported a favorable committee recommendation and outlined Nelson’s background, including service in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, prior work in the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, and academic roles. The Senate held a roll call and, by the chair’s announcement, consented to Nelson’s appointment with 28 yeas, 0 nays and 1 absent. Judge Stephen Nelson offered brief remarks thanking senators, noting he grew up near the Capitol and expressing his commitment to serve Utah citizens.

The Senate next considered Brian Bollinger for the Seventh District Court. The judicial confirmation committee also reported a unanimous recommendation for Bollinger, who was described as a shareholder at Richards, Brandt, Miller & Nelson with experience in construction, business, real property and tort litigation and prior service as a judge pro tem. The Senate consented to Bollinger’s appointment by roll call, the chair announcing 27 yeas, 0 nays and 2 absent. Judge Brian Bollinger thanked the governor and lieutenant governor for their support and expressed appreciation to family and colleagues as he returns to serve counties in the Seventh District.

Between and after the confirmations senators recognized family members of the new judges. A motion to resolve into the Committee of the Whole was made so each new judge could address the Senate briefly. The session concluded when Senator Vickers moved to adjourn sine die; the motion passed by voice vote and the Senate adjourned.

Votes at a glance: the Senate consented to Stephen Nelson for the Third District Court (28–0–1) and to Brian Bollinger for the Seventh District Court (27–0–2).