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Utah Senate waives waiting period and unanimously consents to governor’s appointments
Summary
In a fifth extraordinary session on Oct. 6, 2009, the Utah Senate waived a 15‑day notice requirement and voted 27–0 (2 absent) to consent to a slate of gubernatorial appointees, including nominees to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, after committee recommendations and brief debate.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Senate convened in its fifth extraordinary session on Oct. 6, 2009, to consider appointments transmitted by Gov. Gary R. Herbert and consented to the nominees after waiving a statutorily required 15‑day waiting period.
Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell read a proclamation calling the Senate into session to permit the chamber to "consent to appointments made by the governor to positions within state government" since the close of the 2009 general session. Citing Utah Code Annotated sections 67‑1‑1 and 67‑1‑2, the Senate voted to waive the 15‑day requirement so it could act immediately on the nominations.
The Senate Business and Labor Confirmation Committee reported it had met and voted unanimously to recommend two nominees — Jeffrey (Jeff) Wright and Richard J. Sperry — to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission after a public hearing. The full Senate then took up a motion to consent to the governor’s appointments as read.
A roll-call vote produced a recorded result of 27 yeas, 0 nays and 2 absent, and the presiding officer announced that the Senate had consented to the slate. The president then appointed a committee to wait on the governor and notify him that the Senate was organized and prepared to adjourn.
Members used the floor after the vote to express concerns about a separate contemporaneous news report alleging bonus payments by a quasi‑governmental organization. One senator called the reported actions "reprehensible and inexcusable" given statewide budget strains; the presiding officer described the timing of the announcement as "very poorly timed" and said such reports risk harming public trust. On a separate floor comment, Senator Butters expressed skepticism about an appointee to the Board of Pardons and Parole, saying he did not know the individual and raising concerns about the replacement.
With no further business, the Senate adjourned following a unanimous voice vote to end the extraordinary session. Visitors observing the meeting were recognized as present before adjournment.
Next steps: The appointments take effect consistent with statute and agency practice; the record shows committee recommendations and Senate consent but does not detail implementation dates or start dates for individual appointees.
