The 2024 General Legislative Session commenced on January 22, 2024, with a series of notable discussions and recognitions in the Utah Senate. The meeting began with a warm welcome to students from Union High School in Roosevelt, who are members of the National Honor Society. Their presence was acknowledged by Senator Winterton, who expressed appreciation for their visit.
Following this, Senator Fillmore took the floor to honor Surya Kapu, a ninth grader from South Jordan, who achieved a remarkable third place in the 95th Scripps National Spelling Bee. Senator Fillmore read a citation recognizing Surya's accomplishments, highlighting his resilience and skill in spelling challenging words. Surya's achievement marks the highest finish for a Utah student in the history of the National Spelling Bee. The Senate collectively celebrated his dedication and anticipated his future contributions.
Senator Plum also recognized students from Bonneville Elementary School, further emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in legislative processes.
The session then moved to legislative business, beginning with Senate Bill 66, which addresses amendments to the definition of counterfeit intimate images, commonly referred to as deep fakes. Senator Kwan presented the bill, noting that the amendment aims to close potential loopholes in light of the increasing use of AI tools. The bill received unanimous support, passing with 28 votes in favor and no opposition.
Senator Vickers later acknowledged the Washington City Youth Council, a group that has visited the Capitol for thirteen years. He commended their commitment to leadership and community advocacy, reinforcing the importance of youth involvement in governance.
The meeting concluded with the introduction of Senate Bill 70, indicating a continuation of legislative discussions. Overall, the session highlighted significant achievements among Utah's youth and initiated important legislative measures aimed at addressing contemporary issues.