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Senate approves four new judges for Third Judicial District with $1.81M fiscal note
Summary
Senators voted to add four judges to the Third Judicial District to address a workload shortfall. Supporters said the district is understaffed; the bill carries a fiscal note of about $1.81 million and passed the Senate 27–1 with one absence.
The Utah Senate on Day 16 approved Senate Bill 92 to add four judges to the Third Judicial District, a move supporters said is aimed at addressing a persistent workload shortfall in Salt Lake County. Sponsor Senator Wyler described the district as a "magnet court" that draws cases statewide and said a workload study shows the district is seven judges short.
Senators asked whether the courts could instead use senior judges or temporary transfers; Wyler and other supporters said statute and practical considerations limit those options and that a consistent bench is necessary for judicial efficiency. Senator Weiler noted the bill carries a fiscal note of $1,810,000 and said the amount could be adjusted during the budget process to accommodate priorities.
After floor discussion and questions, Senator Weiler moved passage. The Senate passed SB92 on a roll call reported as 27 yea, 1 nay and 1 absent and will refer the bill to the House. Supporters said the legislation responds to caseload pressures in the Third Judicial District; critics questioned whether temporary measures or statutory changes might mitigate shortages without new judges.
