Utah Senate Consents to Governor's Nomination of Douglas Nielsen to Juvenile Court

The Utah Senate on Sept. 21, 2016, consented to Gov. Gary R. Herbert's appointment of Douglas Nielsen as a judge of the Fourth District Juvenile Court, approving the nomination by roll call with the president announcing "28 yays and 0 nays." The nomination had been reported favorably by the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee.

Senator Scott K. Jenkins, the committee's chair, moved that the Senate concur with the governor's appointment, saying the committee found Nielsen "a qualified, capable" candidate. An unnamed senator declared a conflict, saying, "I have represented mister Nielsen on some tax matters," but nevertheless expressed support for the nominee. Other senators offered praise and reported "only good reports" about Nielsen.

After the consent vote the Senate resolved briefly into the Committee of the Whole so Nielsen could be recognized. Nielsen introduced family members in the chamber and said the work of juvenile court is meaningful: "I don't think there's any greater work that a legal professional could do than in the lives of children and families." He thanked the governor, confirmation committee members and his supporters.

The session record shows the governor transmitted the nomination by letter and that the Judicial Confirmation Committee recommended confirmation. The Senate returned to regular session when a motion to dissolve the Committee of the Whole passed, and the body continued with additional appointment communications and ceremonial business before adjourning.

The governor's proclamation that convened the extraordinary session cited Article VII, Section 6 of the Utah Constitution as authority for the governor to call the Senate into session to consent to gubernatorial appointments.