Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Session Organization And Bills topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Utah Senate opens 2016 session, adopts rules and introduces dozens of bills
Summary
On the first day of the 2016 general session the Utah State Senate adopted standing rules, moved to read short bill titles only, introduced a large slate of bills including proposals on medical cannabis and Medicaid expansion, and recessed for committee meetings and lunch.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Senate opened its 2016 general session with ceremonial remarks and several procedural actions, adopting interim rules and introducing dozens of bills that will move to committee.
Senate leaders adopted the same Senate, joint and interim rules used in the 2015 special session “until such time as new rules may be adopted,” a motion introduced by Senator Van Tassel that the chamber approved without recorded opposition. The Senate also agreed to continue the practice of reading only short bill titles on first reading unless a majority directs otherwise.
The clerk read short titles for a large slate of measures filed on the first day, including budget bills for higher education and infrastructure and policy bills such as SB 73, identified in the reading as the “Medical Cannabis Act,” and SB 77, described as a “Medicaid expansion proposal.” The clerk said the bills will be referred to the appropriate committees for further consideration.
Senate staff scheduled a rules committee meeting for 10 minutes after adjournment and the body recessed until 2:30 p.m. for lunch and committee work.
The session’s opening also included ceremonial items: a prayer offered by a representative of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (later identified in the record as Elder Ronald Rasband), posting of the colors by the Utah National Guard and a performance by the UVU Horn Choir.
What happens next: Introduced bills will be assigned to committees where sponsors will present details and committee members will consider testimony and possible amendments. The Senate’s decision to read short titles on first reading means members and the public will need to consult bill text and committee agendas for the full language and implications of each measure.
