Utah Senate confirms gubernatorial nominee to Third District Court, 26–0

The Utah Senate unanimously confirmed Bernice Sofia Treece to a seat on the Third District Court on a 26–0 roll call after the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee reported a unanimous recommendation.

The nomination, transmitted in writing by Governor John M. Huntsman Jr. under Utah Code §67-1-1 and §67-1-2, was formally reported to the full Senate by committee chair Senator Chris Butters. Butters said the committee’s questioning was rigorous and recommended the nominee by unanimous voice vote, then moved that the Senate accept the committee’s report and confirm the appointment.

During the roll call, Senator Bell asked to explain his vote and praised the nominee’s background and courtroom experience, saying she was “tough as nails” and had served as a defender in criminal courts. The presiding officer announced the confirmation passed with 26 yes votes, 0 no votes and 3 senators absent. The clerk’s roll call recorded multiple senators responding “Aye.”

After the confirmation, the Senate resolved into a committee of the whole to hear from the new judge. In remarks to the chamber, the judge thanked the governor and the confirmation committee, described more than 18 years of practice in the Third Circuit/District, introduced family members in the gallery, and pledged to decide “based on the record according to the rule of law and without fear or favor.”

The Senate record filed the committee’s meeting date as 01/15/2007 and the committee’s report was signed by D. Chris Butters. The session then returned to floor business after a brief procedural motion from Senator Butters.