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Utah Senate adopts committee reports, concurs on bills and honors snow crews and a school counselor
Summary
The Utah Senate adopted standing committee reports and consent items, concurred on SB 18 (firefighters disability retirement amendments), recognized school counselor Alicia Keller for bravery, and passed a concurrent resolution honoring snow removal crews.
The Utah State Senate moved quickly through routine business on day 19, adopting standing committee reports and advancing several bills while pausing for recognitions.
Committee and consent business: The Senate adopted multiple standing committee reports and placed recommended bills on the second calendar or the consent calendar. Senators moved to adopt the reports and the President put the motions; voice votes were taken and the motions carried.
Alicia Keller honored: Senators introduced Alicia Keller, a counselor who stepped between an attacker and students at Turnabout Ranch on Dec. 6, 2016. A committee statement recounted that "Alicia received severe blows to the head and injuries to her hands" while protecting students and commended her "selfless sacrifice," noting she represents hundreds of counselors who protect students daily.
Concurrence and bills: The Senate considered concurrence on SB 18 (firefighters disability retirement benefit amendments) introduced by Senator Maine. A roll-call vote was held and the Senate approved the concurrence; the bill was sent to the House for signature. Under consent the Senate also moved to pass House Bill 89 (impact fee reporting), House Bill 51 (off-highway vehicle amendments to permit contracted ATV safety instruction), and other consent items described by committee reports.
Recognition of snow removal crews: The Senate unanimously adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 recognizing snow removal crews statewide. Senator Okerlund, sponsor of the resolution, described crews' work during an unusually heavy season and said, "Snow removal pays for itself in 25 minutes," citing reduced injuries and improved commerce when roads remain open. Senators from across the chamber echoed gratitude for crews who work long hours and sometimes during holidays to keep roads safe.
Procedural notes: The Senate dissolved the Committee of the Whole, took up the concurrence calendar and recessed until 2 p.m. for the afternoon session. Senators received announcements, including an invitation to a Hall of Governors event featuring former Senator and Congressman Tom Coburn.
