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Utah Senate confirms three judicial nominees to appellate and district courts
Summary
The Utah Senate in an extraordinary June 2016 session consented to Governor Gary R. Herbert's appointments of Jill Pullman to the Utah Court of Appeals, David Mortensen to the Utah Court of Appeals, and Matthew Bates to the Third District Court. Each nominee received favorable committee recommendations and floor consent.
The Utah Senate on an eleventh extraordinary session in June 2016 consented to three judicial appointments from Governor Gary R. Herbert, confirming Jill Pullman to the Utah Court of Appeals, David Mortensen to the Utah Court of Appeals, and Matthew Bates to the Third District Court.
The confirmations followed favorable reports from the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee. Senator Scott K. Jenkins, committee chair, moved that the Senate concur with the governor’s appointment of Jill Pullman; the Senate recorded 'Aye' responses and President Niederhauser announced Pullman confirmed. Pullman addressed the chamber, introduced family members and said, "I am truly honored and excited about serving on the Utah Court of Appeals." She thanked the governor and the Appellate Judicial Nominating Commission for their work.
The Senate also consented to David Mortensen’s appointment. The committee highlighted Mortensen’s 10 years on the Fourth District Court and recommended him unanimously. The Senate recorded a roll-call tally the record described as 25 'yay' votes, 0 'nay' votes, and 4 senators absent; President Niederhauser announced Mortensen confirmed. Mortensen told the chamber he would "do [his] best to follow the law" and described the responsibility of the bench.
Matthew Bates, nominated to the Third District Court, likewise received a favorable committee recommendation and floor consent. Bates thanked the Senate and his family and said he respected the separation of powers, pledging to interpret and apply the law fairly.
All three confirmations followed the committee vetting process and brief floor consideration; the Senate proceeded to hear remarks from each newly confirmed judge in a Committee of the Whole format. The confirmations concluded without recorded opposing votes on the floor.
The Senate will notify the governor’s representatives that its consent has been given; the judges will assume their judicial duties according to the terms of their appointments and applicable state rules.
