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Senate advances broad slate of bills, adopts committee reports and tables controlled-substance measures
Summary
On Day 18 the Utah Senate adopted Rules and standing committee reports, passed multiple House bills and Senate measures (including HB34, HB57, the First Substitute to HB39 and SJR2), and tabled three controlled-substance database bills pending fiscal review.
The Utah Senate used its Day 18 floor calendar to adopt committee reports, advance numerous bills to third reading and return several measures to the House. Senators also tabled a package of controlled-substance database bills because fiscal notes indicated costs beyond a no-impact assumption.
The Rules Committee report was adopted by voice vote and its recommended committee assignments were ordered. The Senate passed House Bill 34 (Water Storage Project) by roll call; the clerk reported HB34 "having received 27" yea votes with two senators absent and the bill will be returned to the House. House Bill 57 (extension of the design-build contract authorization for projects under $5,000,000) passed with 26 yea votes and three absent. First Substitute House Bill 39 (insurance-related amendments, including COBRA/minicobra clarifications) passed the Senate on a roll call of 28 yeas and one absent; it was amended and returned to the House.
The Senate adopted First Substitute Senate Bill 121 (Uniform Probate Code amendments) after the sponsor explained a savings clause addressing a one-year federal estate-tax change; the substitute was advanced to third reading. Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2), a joint resolution urging collaborative community and government strategies to combat gang activity, was amended on the floor to clarify intent and avoid implied funding commitments; the amendment carried and SJR2 was advanced and will be transmitted to the House after a recorded vote of 27 yeas and two absent.
A three-bill package intended to strengthen the state Controlled Substance Database (House Bill 28, first substitute HB35, first substitute HB36) was uncircled for consideration. Senators explained bill provisions requiring practitioner registration and tutorials, hospital reporting of overdoses to DOPL, and court reporting related to drug-impaired driving. After discussion, the Senate voted to table the three controlled-substance database bills because their fiscal notes showed impacts beyond "no fiscal impact." The tabling motion was adopted by voice vote and the bills were removed from immediate consideration.
Other procedural business included recognition of visitors and campus groups, and several additional bills were introduced or placed on the consent/second-reading calendars. The Senate adjourned until the next scheduled floor session.
