The Utah Senate convened on February 20, 2024, to discuss and vote on several key pieces of legislation, including Senate Bill 161 and House Bill 11. The meeting focused on the passage of these bills, which are significant for water conservation efforts in the state.

Senate Bill 161 successfully passed with a roll call vote, receiving 18 votes in favor and 5 against, while 6 senators were absent. This bill will now move to the House for further consideration. The discussion surrounding this bill was brief, with no significant opposition noted during the meeting.

In addition, the Senate addressed House Bill 11, which underwent a substitution process to clarify its focus on drip irrigation rather than targeting turf farms. This change was made to alleviate concerns from stakeholders and ensure broader support for the bill. After a brief discussion, the Senate voted on the second substitute of House Bill 11, which passed with 23 votes in favor and only 2 against, with 4 senators absent.

Senator Sandal expressed appreciation for the changes made to the bill, emphasizing the importance of water efficiency and conservation without framing it as an attack on specific agricultural practices. The passage of these bills marks a step forward in Utah's efforts to manage water resources more effectively.

The meeting concluded with discussions on additional bills, including Senate Bill 192, which was circled for future consideration. The Senate's actions today reflect ongoing legislative efforts to address water management and conservation in Utah.