Senate roundup: bills advanced on third reading, including National Guard gratuity and housing credit extension

The Utah Senate moved several bills through third reading and adopted committee and concurrence actions during the session.

Notable floor actions included:

- First substitute House Bill 98 (National Guard death gratuity): Senator Knudson explained the bill provides a $100,000 death gratuity to next of kin of a National Guard member who dies while on state active duty. The bill passed on third reading (certificate to the Speaker requested).

- House Bill 90 (education background check amendments): Senator Milner said the amendment makes a technical correction aligning the statute with FBI requirements. The bill passed third reading and was forwarded for signature.

- Senate Bill 60 (low-income housing tax credit allocation): Sponsor Senator Weiler said SB 60 extends the sunset of the state low-income housing tax credits by 10 years and clarifies the allocation process; the Senate voted to read the bill for a third time and the motion passed on the floor.

- Senate Bill 52 (rate committee modifications): Sponsor Senator Hinkins explained changes to committee composition and rate structures to allow the Department of Natural Resources to test cost-saving measures; the bill was read for third time.

- Second substitute Senate Bill 17 (tax clarification related to severance tax valuation): Floor discussion focused on a Supreme Court decision and fiscal implications; the second substitute passed third reading with a recorded yea vote.

Several other bills and committee reports were placed on calendars or concurred with House amendments; the clerk read numerous communications and committee recommendations into the record.

Floor announcements closed the session, the Senate recessed until 2 p.m. and adjourned for the day.