Utah Senate adopts special-session rules and unanimously consents to multiple gubernatorial appointments

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate convened in its eighth extraordinary session in September 2020 at the State Capitol to consider gubernatorial appointments and adopted rules for the session before voting to consent to the governor’s nominees.

President Adams called the Senate to order, established a quorum with 26 senators present and opened the session that, according to the governor’s proclamation read to the chamber, had been called "for the Senate to consent to appointments made by the governor to positions within state government of the state of Utah since the close of the 2020 general session of the legislature." Governor Gary R. Herbert’s communication — read by the Senate secretary — named appointees across multiple boards and committees including the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council, Private Activity Bond Review Board, Youth Parole Authority, Crime Victim Reparations and Assistance Board, State Records Committee, Air Quality Board, Child Care Center Licensing Committee and several technical college boards.

Senator Fillmore moved that the Senate adopt the special-session rules "for the eighth extraordinary session," and the body adopted the rules by voice vote. "I move the senate adopt senate rules of the 2020 seventh special session for the eighth extraordinary session of the 60 third legislature," the motion read as submitted to the clerk.

Senator Wyler then moved that the Senate "consent to the appointments listed in the governor's communications as read by our Senate secretary." The motion drew a roll-call vote. After the clerk recorded votes, President Adams announced: "With a vote of 24 yay votes, 0 nay votes, 5 being absent, the senate has consented to the governor's appointments." The consent covered multiple reappointments and new appointments, including Gage Furrer, Dana Blais, Jeff Richards and Dave Livermore to the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council; Timothy Roper to the Private Activity Bond Review Board; Becky Bronson to the Youth Parole Authority; reappointments to the Crime Victim Reparations and Assistance Board; and appointments to the State Records Committee, Air Quality Board, Child Care Center Licensing Committee and various technical college boards as listed in the governor's communications.

Committee chairs reported committee recommendations in support of several nominees before the full Senate vote. "The Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Confirmation Committee held a meeting on September 11 and reports a favorable recommendation for the appointment of Timothy Roper," the record shows, and other confirmation committees delivered unanimous or favorable reports for multiple nominees.

After the consent vote, President Adams recognized the recent death of former Representative Kaye McKiff, recalling her service as a legislator and judge and offering condolences to her family. The Senate then directed Senator Hemmert to notify the governor's representative that the Senate had concluded its business. Senator Hemmert moved to adjourn; the motion carried by voice vote and the Senate adjourned.

The Senate’s formal actions during the session were limited to adopting session rules, considering committee reports and consenting to the governor’s slate of appointments by roll-call vote. No other substantive legislation or policy actions were taken during the short extraordinary session.