Ralph Okerlund

Ralph Ole Okerlund 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 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.

Legislation

2016 sponsored bills

Senator Okerlund was the Floor Sponsor for the following bills:

Enterprise Zone Amendments
Office of Outdoor Recreation Amendments
Postretirement Employment Restrictions
Election Law Changes
County Personnel Requirements
Little Sahara State Park Designation
Small School Funding
Resource Management Planning
Unclaimed Capital Credits Amendments
Public Utility Easement Amendments
Commission for the Stewardship of Public Lands and Private Donations for Public Lands Litigation
Interlocal Cooperation Act Amendments
Jail Contracting Rate Amendments
Concurrent Resolution Recognizing the 40th Anniversary of the Utah Indoor Clean Air Act
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.