Utah Senate advances boxing-commission funding, tax-credit cleanup, left‑lane rule and county-boundary changes

The Utah Senate on Jan. 24 advanced a slate of bills across policy areas, moving many to the third-reading calendar and approving multiple measures by roll-call.

Boxing commission funding (SB 108) Senate Bill 108, described by the sponsor as amendments to the Pete Suazo Professional Athletic Commission, passed to the third-reading calendar after floor discussion. The bill permits a portion of fees tied to professional boxing events and broadcasting rights to be used to support amateur boxing and to establish a self-sustaining fund and fee schedule. The sponsor said the mechanism could include "3% of the total gross receipts from sale, lease, or other exploitation of broadcasting" and remnants of license fees, with an exemption for one event per year to "prime the pump." Debate focused on whether the changes constituted a new tax and how revenues would be allocated between a general-fund-dedicated credit and a Commerce Service Fund to cover commission operations. Senate record shows SB 108 received 24 aye votes, no nays, and five absences and was placed on the third-reading calendar.

Tax-credit cleanup (SB 28) Senate Bill 28, sponsored by Senator Bramble, would automatically sunset tax credits that have been used by fewer than 10 taxpayers and that total less than $10,000 per year for three consecutive years. Bramble said the measure is a way to "clean up our tax code" by removing obsolete credits; he and colleagues identified two example credits currently falling within the threshold. The bill passed with a roll-call tally of 25 ayes, 0 nays, and 4 absent and moved to the third-reading calendar.

Left-lane restriction (SB 52) Senator Eastman presented SB 52 to clarify left-lane yielding requirements and to exempt HOV lanes from that requirement. Eastman said the amendment strengthens enforcement by the Highway Patrol and updates language for modern freeways. Senators discussed safety concerns and whether the change could encourage speeding; Eastman argued the law remains a moving-violation standard. The amendment was adopted and the bill passed to third reading (25 aye, 0 nay, 4 absent).

County-boundary adjustments (SB 80 / HB 80) Senate Bill 80 would allow minor adjustments (up to 1,000 feet) in county boundaries where both counties' legislative bodies agree and hold public hearings; it also transfers responsibility for maintaining official county boundary descriptions to the lieutenant governor's office. Sponsors said the provision targets residential subdivision issues and is intended to be a careful local process. SB 80 passed to third reading with 26 ayes and 3 absentees.

Other actions The Senate also passed SB 97 (expanding the mental-health and corrections advisory council) and SJR 7 (adjusting compensation for in-session employees) and moved SSB 46 (Indian Affairs amendments) to third-reading. Several bills were "circled" for further work including SB 44 and SB 57 and other tax-resolution items.

Votes at a glance - SB 97: Passed (26 aye, 0 nay, 3 absent) - SCR 1: Passed (23 aye, 0 nay, 6 absent) — resolution recognizing adult literacy (see separate story) - SB 108: Passed to third reading (24 aye, 0 nay, 5 absent) - SB 28: Passed to third reading (25 aye, 0 nay, 4 absent) - SB 52: Passed to third reading (25 aye, 0 nay, 4 absent) - SJR 7: Passed (26 aye, 0 nay, 3 absent) - SSB 46: Passed to third reading (24 aye, 0 nay, 5 absent) - SB 80: Passed to third reading (26 aye, 0 nay, 3 absent)

Next steps Most bills advanced were sent to the third-reading calendar or referred to the House when final-passage roll calls occurred. Several measures were circled for additional work; the Senate adjourned and will resume at the next scheduled session.