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SENATE RULES RESOLUTION - SENATE COMMITTEE

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SECURITY

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2023 GENERAL SESSION

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STATE OF UTAH

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Chief Sponsor: Lincoln Fillmore

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7     LONG TITLE
8     General Description:
9          This resolution enacts Senate rules related to conduct at a Senate committee meeting.
10     Highlighted Provisions:
11          This resolution:
12          ▸     directs the chair of a Senate committee to preserve order and decorum during a
13     meeting of the Senate committee;
14          ▸     provides the items and activities that are prohibited at a Senate committee meeting;
15     and
16          ▸     makes technical and conforming changes.
17     Other Special Clauses:
18          None
19     Legislative Rules Affected:
20     ENACTS:
21          SR3-4-101
22          SR3-4-102
23     REPEALS AND REENACTS:
24          SR3-2-310
25     

26     Be it resolved by the Senate of the state of Utah:
27          Section 1. SR3-2-310 is repealed and reenacted to read:

28          SR3-2-310. Chair to preserve order and decorum.
29          In accordance with SR3-4-101, the chair shall preserve order and decorum during a
30     standing committee meeting.
31          Section 2. SR3-4-101 is enacted to read:
32     
CHAPTER 4. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL SENATE COMMITTEES

33          SR3-4-101. Chair to preserve order and decorum.
34          (1) The chair shall preserve order and decorum during a Senate committee meeting by:
35          (a) ensuring nothing obstructs a walkway or the view of a meeting attendee;
36          (b) ensuring the meeting is free from any audible or visual disturbance;
37          (c) protecting state property from damage or disarray;
38          (d) prohibiting speech likely to incite or produce imminent lawless action, fighting
39     words, or obscenity; and
40          (e) prohibiting any activity or item that poses a danger to the safety of a meeting
41     attendee.
42          (2) To preserve order and decorum in accordance with Subsection (1), the chair may:
43          (a) prohibit the following:
44          (i) standing, waving, yelling, or clapping;
45          (ii) loud noises;
46          (iii) food or drink, other than water in a closed container;
47          (iv) musical instruments;
48          (v) any item that may require excessive cleanup; or
49          (vi) to the extent necessary to preserve order and decorum, any other item or activity
50     the chair determines necessary;
51          (b) clear the meeting room of one or more individuals;
52          (c) recess the meeting; or
53          (d) request assistance from:
54          (i) the sergeant-at-arms; or
55          (ii) the Utah Highway Patrol.
56          Section 3. SR3-4-102 is enacted to read:
57          SR3-4-102. Prohibited items and activities in Senate committee meetings.
58          (1) A member of the public attending a meeting of a Senate committee may not:

59          (a) bring into the meeting room, or possess while in the meeting room, any of the
60     following:
61          (i) a sign, poster, banner, or placard;
62          (ii) glitter or confetti;
63          (iii) a laser pointer;
64          (iv) paint;
65          (v) an open flame;
66          (vi) an incendiary device;
67          (vii) a noise maker;
68          (viii) flammable liquid; or
69          (ix) any harmful or hazardous substance; or
70          (b) engage in any of the following while in the meeting room:
71          (i) commercial solicitation;
72          (ii) leafletting;
73          (iii) throwing an item; or
74          (iv) adhering any item to a furnishing, wall, or other state property.
75          (2) The chair may allow an individual to use an item described in Subsection (1) during
76     the individual's presentation to the Senate committee, provided that the item's use does not
77     affect the chair's ability to preserve order and decorum.