Gov. Herbert takes action on remaining bills to conclude signing period
SALT LAKE CITY (April 1, 2015) – On the final day of the bill signing period, Gov. Gary R. Herbert took action on the remaining 16 bills, signing eight, vetoing five and allowing three to go into law without his signature. In total, 528 bills were passed during the 2015 General Legislative Session of which 495 required action by the governor.
“I believe it is more productive to work on bills with the Legislature during the session so the bills that come to my desk are more likely to be signed into law,” said Gov. Herbert. “Overall, I am very pleased with the results of this session. Working together for the good of the people of our state is the Utah way.”
Among the bills vetoed by the governor is HB385, Memorial Highway Designation. This bill would have designated a 20-mile stretch of Interstate 15 in honor of former House Speaker, the late Becky Lockhart. The entirety of I-15 in Utah is currently designated as Veterans Memorial Highway.
“This afternoon, I received a phone call from Stan Lockhart who requested I veto the bill and I have opted to honor his wishes,” said Gov. Herbert. “While I am disappointed by the controversy that seemed to diminish the Legislature’s recognition of Speaker Lockhart, I am committed to working with lawmakers and the Lockhart family to find an appropriate memorial to honor the memory of this historic leader.”
The governor also vetoed three line items in SB3, Appropriations Adjustments. The legislation authorizing these expenses was not enacted.
Corresponding letters are included for all bills the governor vetoed.
The governor vetoed the following bills:
Bill Number
Bill Name
Bill Sponsor
Educator Licensing Amendments
Coleman, K.
Memorial Highway Designation
Stratton, K.
Corporate Franchise and Income Tax Amendments
Stephenson, H.
Trax Crossing Bars Operations Amendments
Jenkins, S.
Motion Picture Incentive Amendments
Bramble, C.
*SB3
Appropriations Adjustments
Hillyard, L.
*contains line item vetoes
The governor signed the following bills:
Bill Number
Bill Name
Bill Sponsor
Annexation Amendments
Westwood, J.
Public Safety Retirement for Dispatchers
Powell, K.
Procurement Changes
Stratton, K.
Mountainous Planning District Amendments
Dee, B.
Natural Gas Vehicle Amendments
Handy, S.
New Fiscal Year Supplemental Appropriations Act
Hillyard, L.
Impeachment Amendments
Adams, J.S.
The governor allowed the following bills to go into law without his signature:
Bill Number
Bill Name
Bill Sponsor
Executive Office Compensation
Wilson, B.
Tax Commissioners' Compensation
Weiler, T.
Public School Dropout Recovery
Osmond, A.
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