The Senate Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Confirmation Committee on Jan. 25 favorably recommended the reappointment of Kara Tangero to a five‑year pro tem term on the Utah Board of Pardons after brief questioning and public support.

Tangero, who told the committee she has served as a prosecutor and defense attorney and currently leads a private law practice, said her experience prepares her for the board's work and asked to be considered for another term. "Being a member of the Board of Pardons is one of the favorite hats that I wear. I love the work," she said.

The committee heard that pro tem members handle a portion of the board's caseload. Tangero said she currently does about six hearings a month as a part‑time pro tem and expected that pro tems would be used more, moving toward one day in the office per month. Scott Stephenson, chair of the Board of Pardons and Parole, told the committee the board and its pro tems issue roughly 14,000 decisions a year, describing the pro tem role as essential to managing that volume.

Committee members praised Tangero's legal background and professional demeanor during their remarks. Senator Brammer moved to reappoint her; the committee chair called the voice vote and recorded that the motion passed unanimously.

No statutes, ordinances, or other legal authorities were cited during the committee discussion. The committee did not record individual roll‑call votes in the public transcript; the committee announced the motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Tangero said the board considers victim input, accountability, risk reduction and rehabilitation in its reviews, and that decisions often undergo multiple reviews before being finalized. She noted she has been a pro tem member since October 2023 and also serves as president of the Utah State Bar.

The committee will forward the recommendation to the full Senate for consideration as part of its confirmation calendar.