Senate advances scholarships, insurance deadlines and appropriations; multiple bills move forward

The Utah State Senate moved a range of measures forward on Feb. 1, 1999, approving several bills on the consent calendar and advancing others to third reading after floor debate.

Consent and quick-passage items: The chamber approved Senate Bill 93 (anti-discrimination act amendments) by unanimous consent; the president directed a unanimous recorded vote of senators present and the bill will be transmitted to the House. House Bill 174 (school activities report) likewise passed on consent and will be signed and returned for enrolling.

Insurance: Senate Bill 88, an amendment to motor-vehicle insurance law sponsored by Senator Stevenson, would require insurers to determine uninsured-motorist coverage within 60 days of a claim. Stevenson described a constituent who waited years for coverage after a crash and argued the time limit would prevent families from being left financially exposed. An amendment clarifying the effective-date mechanics tied to the governor’s signature was adopted; the Senate recorded a roll-call that produced 28 ayes and no recorded nays, and the bill will go to third reading.

Education: Senate Bill 90, the New Century Scholarships sponsored by Senator Montgomery and tied to the governor’s initiative, would fund the final two years of tuition (the sponsor clarified the program covers 75% of tuition) for high-school students who earn two years of college credit via concurrent enrollment or AP. The sponsor said initial participation would likely be small (about 10 students) with program growth over time; the Senate recorded 27 ayes and the bill advanced to the third-reading calendar.

Consumer protection and retailers: Senate Bill 35 (swap meets and flea markets), carried by Senator Blackcomb, requires vendors selling new and unused products at organized swap meets to retain proof-of-purchase receipts for one year, with a small-quantity exemption (six items or fewer) for casual sellers clearing a garage; the amendment clarifying that exemption was adopted and the bill passed third reading (28 ayes).

Veterans and reservists: Senate Bill 96, a follow-up to prior tuition credits for the National Guard, was presented to extend tuition-credit incentives to state servicemembers more broadly (including some reserve units). Debate focused on recruiting benefits, federal rules, and the distinction between National Guard and federal reserve funding streams; the bill was circled for further consideration.

Criminal investigations and appropriations: Substitute Senate Bill 99, presented by Senator Allen, would provide $750,000 to the attorney general’s office to fund investigations and prosecution capacity for welfare fraud, crimes involving children and a clearinghouse to assist county attorneys; after floor discussion the Senate moved the substitute to third reading with recorded support. Senators questioned allocation details and whether county attorneys should be the primary recipients, and the sponsor said funds would support a clearinghouse, training and targeted investigations.

Family support centers: Substitute Senate Bill 23 requests $100,000 to replace federal funds supporting child-support services in Carbon and Emery counties. The Senate received Senate amendments and returned the bill to its original language; senators agreed to pass it to the third-reading calendar.

Other notes: Several bills were circled for later consideration and the chamber closed the day with announcements about a public hearing at 2 p.m. on the credit-union initiative and standing committee meetings later in the day. The Senate adjourned to reconvene the following morning at 10:00 a.m.

Votes at a glance (recorded on the floor): SB93 — unanimous consent; HB174 — unanimous recorded consent (24 ayes); SB88 — 28 ayes, advanced to third reading; SB90 — 27 ayes, advanced; SB35 — 28 ayes, passed third reading; SB18 — failed 7 ayes, 21 nays; Substitute SB99 — passed/advanced (vote recorded); Substitute SB23 — 28 ayes, advanced.