Utah Senate advances a slate of bills, fast-tracks redistricting fixes and honors Kanab’s centennial

The Utah State Senate advanced and passed a series of measures on the floor during its day five session, including measures touching higher education appointments, public-land trespass provisions, school construction rules and time-sensitive boundary corrections ahead of ballot printing.

Senator Brent Reid, sponsor of Senate Bill 39, told the chamber the bill “requires the State Board of Regents, and the UCAT board, upon the selection of the commissioner of higher ed and the president of UCAT, [to] receive the permission of the governor and the Senate” and also “gives the governor authority to fire in consultation with the regency and with the UCAT board.” The Senate adopted a small language amendment clarifying the timing of consultation and approved SB 39 as amended; the President announced the vote as 23 ayes, 2 nays and 4 absent. The bill will be sent to the House for its action.

Lawmakers also approved Senate Bill 33, which addresses safety and sanitation on state lands. Senator Dayton, presenting the bill, said it comes from the director of forest fire and state lands to protect public lands and waters; the roll call recorded 24 yeas, 3 nays and 2 absent and the bill will be transmitted to the House.

On school construction, Senator Jenkins explained Senate Bill 93 would align the retention rate…