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House approves emergency peace-officer authority for Olympics, adds February cutoff
Summary
Under a suspended-rule motion, the House lifted Senate Bill 2,008 for immediate consideration, adopted an amendment that sunsets the authority in February, and passed the first substitute 58–15 to return it to the Senate.
The House voted to lift and pass First Substitute Senate Bill 2,008, a measure addressing peace-officer status during the Olympics, after adopting a sponsor amendment that adds a February cutoff date for the authority. The Clerk reported the final vote as 58 yes and 15 no; the bill will be returned to the Senate for further consideration.
Lawmakers debated legal and operational issues about granting visiting law enforcement officers clearly defined authority while they are in Utah. A sponsor said several hours of research found no other workable method and proposed a written amendment that specifies exactly when the authority will be sunsetted to eliminate ambiguity.
Representative Ray, drawing on experience with large multi‑sport events, said unclear authority can "thin our security" and risk court challenges where an arrest might later be invalidated; he urged support because the bill contains a cutoff date and would enhance public safety during the events. After the amendment was adopted, members waived summation and approved the bill on a recorded vote.
The Journal entry notes the measure will be returned to the Senate for signature and further consideration.
