Utah House reads multiple bills for the first time; clerk refers them to Rules Committee

The Utah House of Representatives on Jan. 28 read several bills for the first time and the Speaker referred those measures to the Rules Committee.

At the start of the session the reading clerk announced the first reading of multiple House bills, citing each bill title and sponsor as read into the record. Items listed included "House Bill 80, speed limit amendments," "House Bill 81, parental review of statewide summative test questions," "House Bill 82, retail theft loss prevention officers," "House Bill 291, state laboratory drug testing account amendments," "House Bill 292, school grading calculation of high school graduation rate," "House Bill 293, government immunity wildlife waiver amendments," and "House Bill 294, campaign and financial reporting requirements for visions" (titles and bill numbers quoted verbatim from the reading clerk's announcement). The Speaker then stated these bills "have been read for the first time and are referred to the Rules Committee." No substantive floor debate on the bills was recorded in the transcript.

Representative Brad Wilson and other members conducted routine opening business, including welcoming guests and recognizing a youth guest who led the Pledge of Allegiance. The session proceeded with procedural and scheduling items; members were reminded about caucuses and upcoming session times.

Because the reading amounted to a procedural first reading and referral, no floor votes on these measures were recorded in the transcript. Any committee action, hearings, or subsequent readings will occur in the Rules Committee and on future calendars.