Utah Senate convenes extraordinary session, confirms multiple judicial and executive nominees

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate met in a fourth extraordinary session in November 2013 to consider and consent to a slate of gubernatorial appointments, confirming several judges and executive‑branch nominees before adjourning.

Governor Gary R. Herbert called the session under Article 7, Section 6 of the Utah Constitution to allow the Senate to act on appointments made since the close of the 2013 general session. After a roll call that established a quorum, senators adopted the same rules used in the 2013 regular session and moved to consider nominations transmitted from the governor’s office.

The Senate unanimously consented to Sharon S. Sipes for the Second District Juvenile Court after a favorable report from the Senate judicial confirmation committee. Senator Scott Jenkins told the chamber the panel found Sipes “worthy in our estimation to be a judge,” and Judge Sipes, joined in the gallery by family, thanked the Senate and said she was “proud” to serve.

The Senate next confirmed Brent H. Bartholomew as a judge of the Fourth District Juvenile Court. Senators who served on the confirmation committee praised Bartholomew’s experience working with youth; Senator Valentine said he “wholeheartedly support[ed] his nomination.” The presiding officer announced a recorded tally of 28 yea votes, 0 nay votes and 1 absent.

One of the session’s highest‑profile confirmations was John A. Pierce, nominated to the Utah Court of Appeals. The confirmation committee reported a unanimous recommendation, and senators who worked with Pierce in the governor’s office described him as capable and experienced. After a roll call, President Niederhauser announced the tally: 27 yea votes, 0 nay votes, 2 absent. Pierce told senators he was “truly humbled by the thought of serving as a judge” and pledged to render decisions that are “concise, well reasoned” and useful to the bench and bar.

The governor’s office also transmitted a broader package of appointments to boards and executive posts (including an executive director for the Department of Human Services). The Senate confirmation committees reported favorable recommendations for the slate and the chamber approved the list by roll call; the clerk announced 27 yea votes, 0 nay votes, 2 absent for the consolidated actions.

Senators repeatedly praised the committee process used to vet nominees. Senator Jenkins and others emphasized the committees’ interviews and unanimous committee recommendations for the judicial nominees. Senator Christensen introduced Anne Silverberg Williamson as the governor’s nominee to lead the Department of Human Services; the Health and Human Services confirmation committee reported unanimous support, and Williamson pledged to partner with legislators to strengthen services for children and families.

Having completed the business specified in the governor’s proclamation — primarily consent to gubernatorial appointments — the Senate dissolved the Committee of the Whole, heard brief remarks from the confirmed nominees and adjourned the extraordinary session.

Votes at a glance - Sharon S. Sipes — Appointed to Second District Juvenile Court; confirmed (vote tally recorded in roll call; committee recommended unanimously). - Brent H. Bartholomew — Appointed to Fourth District Juvenile Court; confirmed, 28 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent. - John A. Pierce — Appointed to the Utah Court of Appeals; confirmed, 27 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent. - Multiple executive/board appointments (including Anne Silverberg Williamson as executive director of the Department of Human Services) — approved by roll call; 27 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent for consolidated approvals.

The Senate adjourned following the confirmations and brief remarks from newly confirmed judges and appointees.