Utah Senate advances broad package of measures; close votes on gun law, tax exemptions and transit tax

The Utah State Senate met Feb. 23 and acted on a large slate of bills, moving many under suspension of the rules for immediate second- and third‑reading consideration. Among the measures passed were bills on retirement plan conversions, firefighters’ cost‑of‑living adjustments and several environmental and administrative items; several controversial bills drew extended debate.

The session’s most contested items included substitute SB85, which would have given local governments more authority to adopt firearms regulations stricter than state law; SB238, a proposed sales‑tax exemption for building materials used by charitable and public‑education projects; and a second‑substitute SB292, a proposal allowing counties to take to voters an extra quarter‑percent sales tax dedicated to expanded bus and low‑fare transit services. The body also debated SB260, a narrowly targeted taxation bill described by its sponsor as protecting the customers of an in‑state printing operation and encouraging local job growth.

Supporters of SB85 argued local officials must have tools to tackle gang‑related gun violence and praised Salt Lake City’s recent action as an example. “This will allow governments to resolve local…