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Utah Senate advances multiple bills on Day 11; several measures pass on second and third reading
Summary
The Utah State Senate moved a slate of bills forward on Day 11, approving wildlife‑license refunds, royalty‑act updates, insurance guarantee changes and other measures. Several items were circled for further review and a time‑certain address by U.S. Sen. Robert Bennett followed the calendar work.
The Utah State Senate on Day 11 passed a series of bills on second and third reading, including measures on wildlife licensing, royalties and insurance protections, and set others aside for more consideration.
Senator Dayton presented House Bill 31, a measure to permit the Division of Wildlife Resources to refund license fees in limited circumstances when a license cannot be used. "This is a fun bill to do in this budget tight year because this is an agency offering to keep less of the money that they have and they can't give it back except with a change in statute," Dayton said as she described the bill's effect. The clerk later announced, "House Bill 31, having received 23 yay votes, 0 nay votes, 6 being absent, passes."
On third reading, Senator Niederhauser moved House Bill 26 (Royalty Act amendments), saying the update reconciles a sunseted taxing vehicle and code changes worked out with stakeholders. The clerk recorded passage: "House Bill 26, having received 28 yea votes, 0 nay votes, 1 being absent, passes."
House Bill 15 (deferred deposit lending amendments) passed after floor discussion. The clerk recorded "House Bill 15, having received 22 yea votes, 4 nay votes and 3 being absent, passes." Sponsors said the bill narrows interest/term provisions to be fairer to borrowers.
Senate action also amended and passed House Bill 40, changes to the Utah Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Senator Niederhauser said the bill separates life and health coverage caps and raises annuity coverage; the clerk announced, "House bill 40, having received 25 yay votes, 4 being absent and no nay votes, passes."
Lawmakers heard and acted on multiple other bills: Senate Bill 96 (Uinta Basin Revitalization Fund amendments) and Senate Bill 20 (local district amendments addressing groundwater management) were advanced and forwarded to the House. Several bills on the calendar were circled or recircled for more floor consideration, including Senate Bill 27 (sales tax treatment for carpeting/floor coverings) after senators raised concerns about potential marketplace inequities.
Several items were placed on committee or third‑reading calendars for further work; the Senate concluded its business and adjourned until 10:00 a.m. Friday.
