Senate unanimously approves constable‑duty clarification and advances Children's Justice Centers expansion

SALT LAKE CITY — On the Senate floor the body passed First Substitute SB94, a measure clarifying constable requirements and authority, and moved forward SB39 to expand Children's Justice Center (CJC) services into Sevier and Sanpete counties.

Senator Maine (floor sponsor) presented First Substitute SB94, outlining the list of papers constables may serve and stressing the need for clarity so residents know who is calling at their doors and constables have proper protection while performing duties. The Senate approved the substitute SB94 on a roll call with 26 yeas, 0 nays and 3 absent; the bill will be transmitted to the House.

Senator Grama Okerlund introduced SB39 to authorize Sevier and Sanpete counties to join the state CJC program and to replace an interlocal‑agreement requirement with a memorandum of understanding. Okerlund said counties have identified facilities (a donated facility in Richfield and a leased facility in Ephraim) and that the fiscal note for each new center is approximately $90,000 — about $180,000 total. “CJCs are much better for children and families,” Okerlund said, urging support for establishing the two centers. The Senate passed SB39 and placed it on the third reading calendar (22 yeas, 0 nays, 7 absent).

Floor discussion included a caution from other senators that the Appropriations Committee was recommending cuts affecting the Attorney General's office and Justice Center funding; sponsors acknowledged the fiscal pressure but said the program is cost‑effective and improves services for victims and investigators.

Both measures now proceed in the legislative process toward House consideration or further floor action.