The Senate Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Confirmation Committee favorably recommended Tara Beheunen to serve in the business-at-large seat on the statewide Search and Rescue Advisory Board, citing her long administrative support role with the board and institutional knowledge of search-and-rescue operations across Utah.

Beheunen told the committee she served as administrative support to the Utah Search and Rescue Advisory Board from 2006 to 2024 and said that experience gave her “a depth of institutional knowledge, organizational insight, and continuity that would benefit the board’s work.”

She told senators the statewide teams face funding gaps, aging equipment and strains from “increasing number of missions” tied to recreational users in Utah. “Throughout my career, I’ve consistently demonstrated a dedication to ensuring that systems run efficiently and that mission critical operations receive the necessary support to succeed,” she said.

Senator Owens moved that the committee favorably recommend Beheunen to the full Senate. The chair ruled the motion passed unanimously. The chair invited the nominee to attend the full-Senate confirmation on Aug. 20 at 4:00 p.m., though attendance is optional.

The committee record shows no public comment in opposition and no amendments to the recommendation. The committee’s favorable recommendation advances Beheunen’s nomination to the full Senate for advice and consent.