Senate approves nearly $3 million from rainy day fund to settle Deep Creek case

The Utah Senate approved an appropriation and parallel resolution to settle litigation tied to the Deep Creek property in Tooele County, voting to release nearly $3 million from the state's rainy day fund so the state could meet a court-ordered obligation.

Senator Hilliard, sponsor of Senate Bill 1001, told colleagues that the settlement totals just under $3,000,000 and includes a previously entered judgment of $1,800,000. "It actually appropriates 2.9995. I think we're $5,000 short of $3,000,000 that comes out of the rainy day fund," Hilliard said, arguing the payment must be made immediately under the terms of the settlement.

Senators moved to suspend the constitutional three‑reading requirement and other rules so the measure could receive immediate final consideration. The Senate recorded a roll-call vote of 28 yeas, 0 nays on SB1001; the clerk announced the bill "having received 28 yay votes, 0 nay votes, passes and shall be sent to the House for their consideration." The companion joint resolution (SJR101) also passed on a roll-call with the same recorded support and will be transmitted to the House.

Senators said the rainy day fund is the appropriate source because the fiscal year had just closed and final revenue tallies were not yet available; they suggested the fund could be replenished when revenues are reconciled. The bills were transmitted to the House for its signature and enrollment.

Next steps: SB1001 and SJR101 were sent to the House for concurrence and enrollment; the appropriation will take effect after required processing and any signatures in the enrollment process.