Senate approves slate of consent and third‑reading bills; returns measures to House

The Utah State Senate convened Feb. 12 and approved a series of consent‑calendar and third‑reading measures, returning them to the House for signature or further action. Early in the session the body adopted the daily journal, received communications from the House, and proceeded through consent items and third‑reading votes.

On the consent calendar the Senate advanced measures including House Bill 192 (vehicle safety at railroad crossings), House Bill 209 (designation of the Legacy Loop Highway), House Bill 231 (applications and water rights), and others; recorded tallies reported in the session show routine unanimous or near‑unanimous support (for example HB192 and HB209 were recorded as 24 ayes with five absent on the initial consent actions, per the clerk’s announcement). Senate Bill 143, which increases penalties for unauthorized control of a motor vehicle returned after 24 hours when other felonies are involved, also passed on consent.

On the third‑reading calendar the chamber passed Senate Bill 147, an amendment adding owner responsibility for failing to repair vehicle airbag systems after accidents, by recorded vote. Other third‑reading measures advanced included SB123 (water conservancy district appointment clarifications), SB134 (juvenile court recodification phase 2), and SB141 (joint jurisdiction for state and federal law enforcement in specified areas); vote tallies were announced on the floor and those bills were sent to the House for consideration.

The Senate also conducted a number of roll calls and procedural motions recorded by the clerk; the body recognized visiting student groups and outside guests, including the parks board and ballet leadership, before adjourning.

Next steps: bills passed by the Senate will be transmitted back to the House for final signature or further action as appropriate.