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Senate advances broad third‑reading calendar: DUI courts, multicultural health center funding, and fee changes move forward
Summary
On Feb. 4 the Utah Senate moved a long third‑reading calendar, passing measures to encourage DUI courts and treatment, authorize a Center for Multicultural Health with a $100,000 fiscal note for two FTEs, increase county recorder fees, and approve numerous House bills; several measures were referred to the House for consideration.
The Utah Senate on Feb. 4 cleared a lengthy third‑reading calendar, recording final passage on a series of bills that will move to the House for further action.
Senators voted to advance a range of measures, led by public safety and health provisions. First Substitute Senate Bill 20, a package of driving‑under‑the‑influence amendments sponsored by Senator Walker, emphasizes treatment and DUI courts and includes a sunset on certain plea‑in‑abeyance provisions; the Senate recorded 25 aye votes and no nays. “Studies have shown is that treatment and education are what really works,” Walker said while urging passage.
The chamber also passed Senate Bill 135, which creates a Center for Multicultural Health within state government to address health disparities and serve as a conduit for federal funds; the sponsor listed a fiscal note of $100,000 to fund two FTEs and said the state’s ability to receive federal grant funding justifies the investment. The bill passed on a roll call with 25 aye votes and two no votes.
Senators debated and approved Senate Bill 116, a county recorder amendment package that included a floor amendment clarifying recorders’ marginal notes and a fee increase (first‑page recording from $10 to $15 and plat filing fees from $30 to $50). The measure passed 23 to 5, with one absence.
Throughout the day the Senate also disposed of bills on arson offense amendments (SB 38), capital‑punishment excluded days (SB 80), court reporter licensing updates (SB 123), electrician licensing changes (SB 132), and numerous House bills including HB 4, HB 19, HB 24, HB 30, and HB 31. Several items were amended and will return to the House for signature or further consideration.
Votes at a glance (selected items): • SB 76 — Brine shrimp royalty (first substitute): Passed Senate 24‑0, referred to House. • SB 20 — DUI amendments (first substitute): Passed Senate 25‑0, referred to House. • SB 135 — Center for Multicultural Health: Passed Senate 25‑2, referred to House; fiscal note $100,000 for two FTEs. • SB 116 — County recorder amendments and fee changes: Passed Senate 23‑5‑1 absent; included first‑page recording fee increase and plat fee changes. • SB 38, SB 80, SB 119, SB 123, SB 132: Passed Senate and referred to the House for further consideration. • HB 4, HB 19, HB 24, HB 30, HB 31 and others: Passed on the Senate floor and will be returned to the House for signature where appropriate.
The Senate concluded the day with announcements — including an American Heart Association awareness day and free cholesterol screenings — and adjourned until 10 a.m. the following day.
The bills listed above will advance to the House or be returned to the House for signature; specific implementation steps will depend on any House amendments and subsequent administrative work.
