Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Higher Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate moves to make Dixie State a university, approves bill after suspending rules
Summary
The Utah Senate voted to upgrade Dixie State College to university status by approving second substitute HB61 after suspending normal reading and committee rules; the measure passed by recorded vote and will be sent to the House for the Speaker's signature.
The Utah Senate on Feb. 13 approved second substitute House Bill 61, a measure to change Dixie State College’s statutory designation to Dixie State University. Sponsor Senator Stephen Urquhart moved to suspend the constitutional three‑reading requirement and other procedural rules so the chamber could consider the measure the same day; the motions passed by the required two‑thirds margin and the Senate then approved the bill.
Supporters framed the change as a regional economic and educational development step. Urquhart told colleagues the institution and its leadership had met benchmarks needed for university status and said, “We’re ready to be a university.” Multiple senators and visiting higher‑education leaders from the region attended and were introduced on the floor.
Senators recorded their votes by roll call. The second substitute of HB61 received 24 yeas, 0 nays and 5 senators absent; the President signed the enrolled bill and it will be transmitted to the House for the Speaker’s signature.
The sponsor said the change is intended to strengthen higher education opportunities in southern Utah and to align Dixie State with regional workforce and academic needs. Several senators emphasized coordination with Southern Utah University and the state regents as part of a broader higher education system. The Senate’s action included explicit suspensions of the three‑reading requirement and of rules requiring committee hearings, both approved by the body prior to final passage.
Under the procedural motions approved on the floor, the bill was read for both second and third readings and then passed on final consideration. The Senate adjourned following additional business and commemorations.
