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Senate advances several second-reading bills: search-warrant changes, venture-capital tax credits, election-law updates and residency rules
Summary
On the floor the Senate amended and advanced multiple bills, including SB10 (search-warrant procedure amendments), SB11 (tripling contingent tax credit authority for the Fund of Funds), SB12 (election law cleanup), SB13 (candidate residency substitute) and SB18 (public-safety death-benefit increase); several other bills were circled for later consideration. Vote tallies were announced for each advanced bill.
The Utah State Senate moved a slate of bills through second reading and set several for third reading or future consideration.
Senate Bill 10 (search-warrant procedure amendments): Senator Greiner offered a floor amendment to insert language clarifying that certain searches are permitted "as a condition of parole" and to remove timing language so the rule applies to parole agreements signed on or after a May date. Floor discussion raised process concerns about amending a bill on the floor instead of returning to committee. The amendment passed and the bill as amended advanced to third reading; the clerk recorded 28 yes votes, 0 nays and 1 absent.
Senate Bill 11 (Utah Venture Capital Enhancement Act amendment): Senator Jenkins described expanding the existing Fund of Funds and increasing the contingent tax-credit authorization from $100 million to $300 million to attract more venture capital, citing job creation and tax revenue. The bill was advanced to third reading by roll call (28–0–1).
Senate Bill 12 (election law modifications): Senator Knudson presented a technical "clean up" bill moving several hard dates to floating dates, updating outdated punch-card references and adjusting filing dates (for example, moving a September 3 date to September 8). Members queried specific deletions and deadlines; the bill was read for a third time with 27 yes, 0 no, 0 absent.
Senate Bill 13 (candidate residency requirements): Senator Knudson moved a substitute bill tightening residency rules for state and local school-board candidates (one-year residency as of election date) with transitional language for elections held after the 2008 general election; the first substitute passed and the bill was advanced (24–0–5).
Senate Bill 15 and SB17 were circled for later consideration. Senator Davis moved to circle SB17 (Child Abuse and Neglect Registry), and the motion passed. SB15 (DUI amendment) was also circled.
Senate Bill 18 (public-safety retirement death benefit): Senator Greiner presented a bill to raise surviving-spouse benefits for public-safety retirees from 65% to 75% to align with other systems; discussion focused on retroactivity and a fiscal note the sponsor said was about $1,300,000. The bill advanced to third reading (27–0–2).
The floor ended with routine announcements and adjournment. Several senators asked for clarifications to be resolved on third reading, particularly for bills amended on the floor.
