Utah Senate closes 1991 session, passes dozens of measures including Ednet expansion, court reorganization and adoption-consent changes

The Utah State Senate wrapped the final day of its 1991 session after a full floor calendar that included final votes on education funding, court reorganization and adoption-consent rules.

Senators approved Senate Bill 227, advancing a one-time $700,000 appropriation to extend the state’s Ednet educational telecommunications system into Millard County and parts of the West Desert. Sponsor Senator Levin said federal matching funds and recently released protested-tax revenues make the project feasible; other senators voiced concern about whether the funding streams are certain. After debate the Senate suspended the rules and approved the bill by roll call, with the chair announcing the measure passed and will be sent to the House for further action.

The chamber also passed substitute House Bill 436, a broad trial-court reorganization that consolidates multiple court surcharges into a single surcharge, clarifies fee distributions between prosecuting entities and courts, and changes some jurisdictional arrangements intended to improve efficiency in rural areas. Sponsor Senator Hilliard said the measure is designed to be revenue-neutral while reducing duplicative facilities and improving access; senators questioned surcharge levels and whether the bill compels capital-facility consolidation. The Senate approved the bill after amendments and a final roll call.

Adoption-consent procedures in Substitute…