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Beatty elected Senate president as Utah lawmakers organize for 1999 session
Summary
The Utah State Senate opened its 1999 session with ceremonial readings, the swearing-in of elected senators and staff, and the election of Beatty as Senate president by acclamation; leadership roles and committee appointments were announced and rules from the prior session were adopted pending future adjustments.
Eileen Beatty (transcribed in some passages as “Arlene Beatty”) was elected president of the Utah State Senate on a motion carried by acclamation during the chamber’s organizational meeting on Jan. 18, 1999. The Senate completed roll call, administered oaths of office to members and staff, and then proceeded to select its leadership for the coming 45-day session.
The motion to elect Beatty was moved from the floor and seconded; the presiding officer closed nominations and the election was approved by voice vote. Following the swearing-in, President Beatty addressed the chamber, welcoming newly elected members and offering advice about collegiality and the responsibilities of office. She urged senators to “work together” and to rely on staff and senior members for procedural and fiscal guidance.
The Senate also recorded leadership positions chosen in caucus: Lyle W. Hilliard as majority leader; Leonard N. Blackham as majority whip; an assistant majority whip (transcribed as L. Mansell); Scott N. Howell as minority leader; Paula F. Julander as minority whip; and Millie M. Peterson as assistant minority whip. The president announced appointments to the Rules Committee and other procedural panels and asked those named to serve in organizing the legislature’s work for the session.
In addition to the leadership votes, the Senate adopted the joint rules carried forward from the previous (1998) session with an understanding that changes tailored for the 1999 legislature would be considered and adopted soon. The motion to adopt these rules passed unanimously.
The organizational meeting stressed procedural readiness: senators were reminded that the session will run 45 days, that staff resources (attorneys and fiscal analysts) are available, and that members should take time to consult senior senators about process and substance. The president’s remarks and the motions to formalize leadership and rules concluded with the chamber moving on to other business, including a Committee of the Whole presentation and introduction of legislation.
