Utah Senate confirms two district court judges, approves multiple gubernatorial appointments

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Senate, meeting in an extraordinary session on Nov. 19, confirmed two district court judges and approved a slate of governor-nominated appointments to state boards and commissions.

On a roll-call vote, the Senate confirmed Marvin D. Bagley to the Sixth District Court and Christine S. Johnson to the Fourth District Court by a unanimous recorded vote of 28–0 with one member absent. After the confirmation, each newly confirmed judge addressed the Senate. Judge Christine S. Johnson thanked the Judicial Nominating Commission, the governor and the Senate and pledged to uphold the Constitution and to serve with diligence and dignity. Judge Marvin D. Bagley thanked his family and colleagues and pledged to prepare thoroughly and apply the law fairly.

The clerk also read and the Senate approved by recorded vote a series of gubernatorial appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions. Those confirmed included members of the Health Data Committee (Clark B. Hinckley, Gregory P. Paulson and David D. Kahl), a reappointment and replacement slate to the Board of Water Resources (Joseph Stewart Pollock and Blair R. Francis reappointed), appointments to the Youth Parole Authority and other local boards, and nominations to the Board of Pardons and Parole and the Grand County Water Conservancy District.

Senators noted the committee’s careful review of nominees. The confirmations for the district judges followed unanimous committee recommendations; similarly, the board and committee nominations were approved after the clerk read the governor’s transmittals and the Senate voted to confirm.

The session then moved to additional business and a separate, contested confirmation for a Court of Appeals nominee, which the Senate later rejected.