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Senate approves $2011 supplemental appropriations package, sends SB 2 to House
Summary
The Utah Senate passed Senate Bill 2, a major supplemental appropriations package, after adopting floor amendments and deleting small line items; the measure passed 24–0 and will be transmitted to the House for further action.
The Utah Senate on March 8 advanced a major supplemental appropriations package, Senate Bill 2, by a 24–0 roll-call vote after floor amendments and a brief sequence of debate.
Senator Steven Hilliard, sponsor of the supplemental bill, told the chamber the measure addresses a structural budget imbalance and trims one-time shortfalls. "We took a structural imbalance or one-time money of $312,000,000 in its current budget," he said, adding that after adjustments the shortfall would be reduced to less than $50 million and the bill had minimized rainy-day fund use to $6,000,000 for two judgments.
Floor amendments were adopted during the debate, including a small technical deletion affecting Dixie State College (removing $800 for a Banner Data System item and a related $35 per-semester fee). Senator Ricarte moved the deletion, and senators agreed the change would not alter overall program intent. Sponsors said remaining technical questions would be handled in a follow-up "bill of bills."
The Senate first suspended its rules to consider SB 2 on second and third reading rapidly and then held a roll call. The clerk reported, "Senate bill number 2 has received 24 yay votes, 0 nay votes, and 5 were absent; passes," and the measure was reported to the House for further action.
What it means: SB 2 funds supplemental priorities across state government for the fiscal year and includes targeted adjustments to agencies and programs. Senate leaders distributed a 'goldenrod' summary sheet to show where line items are located in the bill, saying this should help members identify specifics when implementing or scrutinizing allocations.
Next steps: The bill will be transmitted to the Utah House of Representatives for consideration and any necessary concurrence or conference actions. Senators said remaining budget details still to be resolved will be folded into subsequent conference or omnibus adjustments.
Authorities referenced in debate included state budget rules and committee reports; the Senate noted coordination with appropriations cochairs and staff.
