Votes at a glance: several bills ordered to third reading, including renewable energy, ski team plate and financial reporting repeal

During the afternoon session the Utah Senate advanced several bills with brief debate or procedural action.

SB80 (Ski and Snowboard Education, Development and Promotion special group license plate): Senator Van Tassel said the plate supports the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Center of Excellence in Park City and estimated proceeds of about $25,000 to support student education and training. The clerk recorded 27 yes votes, 0 nay and 2 absent; the bill will be read for the third time.

SB169 (Renewable Energy Zone Task Force): Senator Stoll moved Amendment 3 to add an electrical customer to the task force and to expand the study to include traditional and renewable resources and consumer cost impacts; the amendment passed. The clerk recorded 24 yes, 2 no and 3 absent on the vote to read the bill for the third time.

SB79 (Small Business Access Amendments): Senator Romero said the measure increases recoverable litigation expenses for small businesses when the state acts without substantial justification. A substitute correcting recodification placement (no fiscal change) was adopted; the clerk recorded 27 yes, 0 nay and 2 absent.

SB171 (Repeal of certain reporting by financial institutions): Senator Van Tassel said the substitution was required by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling limiting state reporting requirements for certain financial information; sponsor said federal agencies still collect data and law enforcement retain access. Two senators registered conflicts of interest; the clerk recorded 27 yes, 0 nay and 2 absent on the substitute.

These items were advanced mainly on procedural motions and are scheduled for further reading per the Senate calendar.