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Utah Senate opens 1996 session, adopts rules and records leadership
Summary
On Jan. 15, 1996, the Utah State Senate convened its centennial opening session, adopted temporary rules and recorded chamber leadership. A roll call showed 28 present, and a two-thirds vote later recorded 27 ayes, no nays and two absent on the rules motion.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Senate convened Jan. 15 for the opening day of its 1996 general session, marked by centennial observances, staff introductions and formal procedural business that included adoption of rules and recording of chamber leadership.
President Arlene Beatty called the Senate to order and asked the body to observe an opening prayer and musical tributes. After ceremonial remarks, Senator Craig A. Peterson moved that the Senate record the words of the prayer and express appreciation to the Utah National Guard and the Viewmont High Madrigals; the motion was adopted unanimously.
The Senate then completed a roll call that showed 28 members present and one absent. Peterson moved that the chamber record its leadership for the session — naming President Arlene Beatty, Majority Leader Craig A. Peterson, Majority Whip Leonard M. Blackham and other leaders; that motion carried without opposition. "We together can continue to lead the affairs of this state," Peterson said in his opening remarks.
Senator John P. Holmgren moved that the Senate adopt the rules used in the previous session until further revision, and that abbreviated readings be used for bills and resolutions unless a senator requests a full title reading. The motion required a two-thirds vote; senators participated in a roll-call vote later in the morning. The president announced the motion passed with 27 ayes, no nays and two senators absent, meeting the required two-thirds threshold.
Senator Montgomery read a roster of appointed Senate employees and staff; the body approved their employment and administered the oath of office for Senate employees. President Beatty then appointed members to standing committees and to the rules committee that will work with the House in developing joint rules for the session.
The session recessed for centennial events and for a scheduled 2 p.m. continuation of business. The Senate president said the schedule for the day included a state-of-the-state address and multiple centennial observances.
What’s next: The Senate proceeded to read a long list of bills for first reading and to assign those bills to standing committees to begin committee work during the week.
Attribution: Quotations and attributions are taken from remarks recorded in the Senate opening session.
