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Senate approves higher speed limits on three highway stretches after safety exchange
Summary
Senators voted to extend 80‑mph speed limits on three Utah highway segments. Sponsor Senator Jenkins said prior studies showed safety improvements; Senator Shiozawa questioned air‑quality effects. The bill passed 29‑0.
The Utah Senate on Feb. 26 approved House Bill 83, extending 80‑mph speed limits on three stretches of highway: I‑15 north of Tremonton, I‑84 northwest of Tremonton, and I‑80 west toward Wendover.
Senator Jenkins, the bill sponsor, described the measure as implementing study recommendations for those corridors and moved for passage. During floor questioning Senator Shiozawa asked about safety and air‑quality implications of raising speed limits. Jenkins said the evidence from prior studies showed improved safety — fewer incidents and changed driver behavior — while noting that air quality was not part of those safety studies.
After floor discussion the Senate called for a roll‑call vote; the bill passed with 29 yeas, 0 nays. The Senate record shows the sponsor relied on previously conducted studies to support safety claims; no written study was entered into the floor record during the session.
The bill now moves to the House or for the next required steps in the legislative process.
