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Senate unanimously backs Schofield land-resolution and advances priority-request rule change; SB 3004 signed
Summary
In a special session, the Utah State Senate passed House Concurrent Resolution 302 urging federal action on disputed Schofield Reservoir shorelines, approved House Joint Resolution 301 to change priority-request deadlines, signed Senate Bill 3004, and circled House Bill 3001 pending a substitute.
During a special session, the Utah State Senate passed a resolution urging Utah’s congressional delegation and federal agencies to address disputed property rights around Schofield Reservoir and approved a separate joint resolution that changes the legislature’s priority-request calendar.
Senator Mark Dayton presented House Concurrent Resolution 302, saying new survey data and a Tenth Circuit judicial decision raised questions about historic shoreline elevations and could affect ‘‘about 60 homes’’ near Schofield Reservoir. Dayton said the resolution asks the governor and the congressional delegation to press the federal government ‘‘to save private property rights and deal fairly with these people.’’ He told colleagues the federal Bureau of Reclamation had placed a temporary stay on enforcement while the matter is being addressed.
The Senate moved HCR 302 under suspension of the rules for final passage and recorded a roll-call vote of 26 yeas, 0 nays and 3 absent. Senator Valentine noted on the record that his law firm is doing related work and asked that the potential conflict be entered; the record shows the conflict was noted.
Lawmakers also considered House Joint Resolution 301, which adjusts the legislature’s priority-request schedule so priority bills may be set on the first Thursday in December, the first Thursday in January and the first Thursday of the general session. Senator Dayton described the change as intended to give legislators more flexibility to prioritize issues that arise closer to session. The Senate passed HJR 301 by roll call, 27 yeas, 0 nays, 2 absent.
Separately, the clerk reported that the House had passed Senate Bill 3004 with amendments and transmitted it for the President’s signature; the President signed the measure in open session and directed enrolling staff to process it. The Senate also circled fourth substitute House Bill 3001 (Utah State House Boundaries designation) while a substitute is prepared.
What passed and next steps
- House Concurrent Resolution 302 (Schofield Land Transfer): Passed Senate 26–0–3; the resolution requests that Utah’s congressional delegation and the governor work with federal agencies on property-rights and relief measures. The measure was signed by the President and returned to the House for the Speaker’s signature.
- House Joint Resolution 301 (Priority-request procedures): Passed Senate 27–0–2; changes the timing for legislative priority requests as described above and was returned to the House for signature.
- Senate Bill 3004: Reported passed by the House with amendments and signed by the Senate President in open session for enrolling.
- Fourth substitute House Bill 3001: Circled by the Senate pending a substitute; the bill awaits reintroduction and further consideration.
Quotes
‘‘These people are not being offered compensation for their land. They are not being offered notification. They’re not being reissued ownership,’’ Senator Dayton said when describing the situation he said residents face around Schofield Reservoir. He also urged a united voice from Utah’s congressional delegation and the governor to press for a fair outcome.
On the floor, Senator Valentine stated: ‘‘I vote aye. However, we have a potential conflict of interest in that my law firm is actually doing work in regards to this matter.’’ The conflict was entered into the record.
Context and limitations
The Schofield matter described by Senator Dayton was presented as background supporting the resolution; the Senate’s passage of a concurrent resolution asks federal action but does not itself change property titles or federal authority. Dayton attributed the temporary stay to outreach by Representative Painter and the governor’s office; the resolution asks Congress to take up the issue. Specific legal remedies, compensation mechanisms, or deadlines were not specified on the Senate floor.
The Senate recessed to allow the redistricting committee to meet and to await a substitute on House Bill 3001.
