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Utah Senate convenes, administers oaths and elects Arlene Beatty as president
Summary
At its 1995 organizational session the Utah State Senate received certifications and oaths from the lieutenant governor, established a quorum, elected Arlene Beatty as senate president, and announced committee appointments and leadership positions before recessing for a Martin Luther King Jr. observance.
The Utah State Senate convened for its organizational session; the secretary read the lieutenant governor’s certification of members and the oath of office was administered to newly elected senators. "I, Ollene S. Walker, lieutenant governor of the state of Utah, do hereby certify...", the lieutenant governor read as the assembly recorded the names chosen to serve beginning in 1995.
A roll call established a quorum: 27 senators were present with one senator reported absent and expected later. Members then moved to organize the chamber and elect its leadership. Nominations were opened and, by acclamation, Arlene Beatty was chosen to serve as president of the senate; the motion to close nominations and elect by acclamation carried on a voice vote.
President Beatty took the oath and delivered brief remarks thanking the body, acknowledging Associate Chief Justice Richard Howe for presiding at the opening ceremony, and announcing the results of party caucuses and the chamber’s leadership team. The president also outlined practical changes for the session, including the use of newly installed electronic boards and a request that senators limit leaving the floor to essential reasons to preserve debate time.
Senator Scott N. Howell and Senator Craig Peterson addressed the chamber in remarks framed around public service and representing constituents rather than partisan tallying. Peterson urged senators to focus on deliberation and the broader responsibilities of representing tens of thousands of constituents.
The president announced committee appointments including a rules committee (chair John P. Holmgren) and panels to handle journal revision and notification duties; those appointments were approved unanimously. Before recessing, the senate voted to adjourn briefly so members could attend a joint assembly recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and reconvene in the afternoon.
The senate left open the floor for continued organizational and procedural business when it reconvened later in the day.
