"Today is kind of special day," said Rep. Mike Morley, R-Eagle Mountain. "Perhaps no one has had more impact on current policy as did President Reagan."

The members spent nearly 15 minutes extolling the virtues of the former president. Four members, including Rep. Chris Herrod, R-Provo, whose wife gave birth Tuesday, have named their children Reagan. Herrod said he probably wouldn't have ever met his wife, who was born in the Soviet Union, had it not been for Reagan's policies.

The resolution hails Reagan for strengthening the U.S. military, helping to defeat the Soviet Union in the Cold War and for stimulating economic expansion.

The measure passed 58-7. Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck of Salt Lake City was one of the seven Democrats who voted against the bill. She said she had "philosophical concerns," particularly regarding the "economic legacy that we were left with after his terms in office."

As of last year, 42 states had designated a Ronald Reagan Day, which includes 19 resolutions passed by state legislatures, according to tracking by The Ronald Reagan Legacy Project. About 100 roads, buildings and schools have been named after the former president.

"President Reagan loved Utah. He was supported by Utahns, and I believe he left a legacy on this nation that should not be soon forgotten," Morley said.

The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.