Ralph Ole Okerlund (July 28, 1952 – October 9, 2024) was an American politician and a Republican member of the Utah State Senate that represented District 24 from 2009 to 2020. He was the Senate's majority leader from January 28, 2013, to 2020.
Background Okerlund earned his AA from Dixie State College (now Utah Tech University) and his BS in political science from the University of Utah. He has worked in agriculture. Okerlund was married to his wife, Cindy and they have three children. He died on October 9, 2024 at the age of 72.
Political career Before he was a senator, Okerlund was on the Monroe City Council, served as Monroe City Mayor and the Sevier County Commissioner, was president of Utah State Association of Commissioners and Councilmen, and was president of Utah Association of Counties. Okerlund was elected to the Senate in 2008.
In 2016, Okerlund served on the following committees: Executive Appropriations Committee Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee
During the 2014 General Session, Okerlund was conducting a meeting with House and Senate GOP leaders when he stepped out into the hallway and apparently passed out. He said he had felt light-headed. He was not able to return for the last two days of the session.
Elections
Legislation
2016 sponsored bills Bill Number Bill TitleBill StatusS.B. 63Survey Monument ReplacementGovernor Signed 3/22/2016S.B. 70Insurance ModificationsSenate/Filed for bills not passed 3/10/2016S.B. 71Children's Justice Center AmendmentsGovernor Signed 3/25/2016S.B. 102High Cost Infrastructure AmendmentsGovernor Signed 3/28/2016S.B. 134Oil and Gas Conservation Account AmendmentsSent to Governor 3/15/2016S.B. 144Dead and Domestic Animal Disposal AmendmentsGovernor Signed 3/17/2016S.B. 147Revisor's Technical Corrections to Utah CodeGovernor Signed 3/28/2016S.B. 205Ethics RevisionsGovernor Signed 3/28/2016S.B. 257Public-Private Partnership AmendmentsSenate/Filed for bills not passed 3/10/2016S.B. 258Distribution of Local Sales Tax RevenueGovernor Signed 3/28/2016SCR 4Concurrent Resolution- Old Spanish Trail DesignationGovernor Signed 3/1/2016SCR 10Communications Spectrum Translator System Concurrent ResolutionGovernor Signed 3/10/2016SCR 14Concurrent Resolution Designating Utah Broadcasters Awareness WeekGovernor Signed 3/18/2016SJR 5Joint Resolution Authorizing Pay of In-session EmployeesSent to Lt. Gov 2/19/2016
Senator Okerlund was the Floor Sponsor for the following bills: H.B. 31 Enterprise Zone Amendments H.B. 52 Office of Outdoor Recreation Amendments H.B. 86 Postretirement Employment Restrictions H.B. 110 Election Law Changes H.B. 154 County Personnel Requirements H.B. 169 Little Sahara State Park Designation H.B. 217 Small School Funding H.B. 219 Resource Management Planning H.B. 266 Unclaimed Capital Credits Amendments H.B. 283 Public Utility Easement Amendments H.B. 287 Commission for the Stewardship of Public Lands and Private Donations for Public Lands Litigation H.B. 341 Interlocal Cooperation Act Amendments H.B. 479 Jail Contracting Rate Amendments HCR 2 Concurrent Resolution Recognizing the 40th Anniversary of the Utah Indoor Clean Air Act HJR 5 Joint Rules Resolution on Redistricting Standards
Notable legislation In 2014, Senator Okerlund sponsored S.B. 88 Substitute Child Interview Amendments, which clarifies the right of child victims to keep confidential their interviews that are conducted at a Children's Justice Center, including video and audio recordings, and transcripts of those recordings. This bill helps protect children who have suffered from abuse. It was passed and signed by the Governor.
References
External links at the Utah State Senate
Ralph Okerlund at Ballotpedia Ralph Okerlund at the National Institute on Money in State Politics