SALT LAKE CITY — Despite ending on a sour note after Rep. Kevin Garn’s confession, local legislators still believe the 2010 legislative session was a success.

“It was a phenomenal session,” said Sen. Stuart Adams, R-Layton. “Coming out with a balanced budget is phenomenal. The process was fair and as equitable as it could be. We were able to get $1 million for the (Davis County) procurement team, and I was involved with Kevin (Garn) in getting an engineering program for Weber (State University).”

Adams said he was pleased to be part of several bills that passed through the Legislature. “I was part of the health care effort with bills on tort reform and medical malpractice,” he said.

“I worked with Ed Smart on the DNA bill. That was a monumental effort to resolve crimes or bring criminals to justice more quickly. Ed has been working on it for three years.”

He said it was a great session for him personally. “I don’t think I lost a particular effort.”

Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, in what was her last legislative session, agreed that overall the session was successful. “It was very good in a tight budget year,” she said. “We plugged a lot of holes. I do hope that this recession ends soon and public, state and education employees can get a raise. They so deserve less of a workload.”

However, Allen did say she thought they spent too much time on message bills.

Other bills that passed this session:

• A package of ethics reform bills, including a constitutional amendment for an independent ethics commission; stricter conflict of interest reporting and campaign finance disclosure; a gift ban over $10; and tighter control of campaign fund use.

• Tobacco tax was raised by $1 a pack.

• Revamped the state’s retirement fund to cover a $6.5 billion drop through reducing pensions and creating an optional 401(k) for future employees.

• Stopped an amendment calling for change in affirmative action sponsored by Rep. Curt Oda, R-Clearfield.

• Passed a bill that would bring refineries and cities together before going ahead with zoning ordinances.

• Autism awareness license plate.

• Limited hunting on Antelope Island with revenue going back to park.

To track bills from the 2010 session go to www.le.state.ut.gov.

bginos@davisclipper.com