Utah Senate moves quickly in special session — education, veterans home, property-tax and criminal-justice measures advance

The Utah State Senate met in special session April 19, 2005, and acted on a packed agenda sent by Gov. John M. Huntsman Jr. The body confirmed a slate of gubernatorial appointments and advanced several priority bills, including legislation on education policy, veterans nursing-home funding, property-tax changes for special districts, and a Drug Offender Reform Act pilot.

The session opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the swearing-in of Brent H. Goodfellow as senator for District 25. Lt. Gov. Gary R. Herbert and the chief clerk read the governor's proclamation that listed 15 subjects for the special session, from K-12 education implementation to funding a veterans nursing home and voting equipment standards.

On appointments, the Senate waived a 15-day notice and consented to the governor's nominees. Yvette Dinoso Diaz, nominated as executive director for the new Department of Community and Culture, and Lynn Stevens, appointed to the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, addressed the chamber; both were supported and confirmed.

The Senate also moved quickly on legislation. House Bill 1001, a bill giving state education officials specific direction in implementing federal programs and clarifying the priority of state goals in interpretation of No Child Left Behind, prompted extended debate over state sovereignty and the risk of losing federal funds; the Senate passed the bill 25-3 with one member absent. Sponsors and supporters said the measure provides negotiating leverage and tools for the state superintendent, while opponents warned the state could face fiscal exposure for highly impacted programs.

Senate Bill 1003 (property-tax provisions for county service areas) was amended to change a rate provision to 0.0023 and passed under suspension of the rules, 24-0 with five absent. The Senate also approved Senate Bill 1004, creating a pilot Drug Offender Reform Act limited to probationers in Salt Lake County with funding of $1.4 million and a 250-participant cap; that bill passed 27-0 with two absent.

House Bill 1007, authorizing bonding and state matching for a 120-bed veterans nursing home in Weber County, passed the Senate 28-0 with one absent. Senators discussed the federal contribution (roughly $8 million), the required state match (roughly $4.5 million), and the federal requirement for a state-appointed administrator; the sponsor said furnishings were included in the project price and that removing any state continuing obligation would jeopardize federal funding.

Other bills moved across calendars or were substituted for later consideration, including a first substitute of Senate Bill 1002 addressing tourism marketing and funding. The Senate adjourned for the evening and planned to reconvene at 2 p.m. the following day to complete remaining items.

Votes at a glance

- SB 1001 (property-tax public notice/hearing; amended): Passed by the Senate and referred to the House for further action (Senate recorded passage for the third reading). - SB 1003 (property-tax, county service areas): Passed Senate 24-0 (5 absent); amended to change rate to 0.0023. - SB 1004 (Drug Offender Reform Act pilot): Passed Senate 27-0 (2 absent). - HB 1001 (implementing federal educational programs): Passed Senate 25-3 (1 absent). - HB 1007 (veterans nursing home authorization and funding): Passed Senate 28-0 (1 absent). - Several other House bills (HB1002, HB1003, HB1005, HB1006, HB1009) were placed on calendars or read for the first time and will be considered further.

The Senate recessed to reconvene the following day to continue work on remaining items.