The idea of intelligent design in Utah classrooms sprung up last summer, when Buttars said parents complained their children were being taught that they evolved from apes.

The Utah Board of Education in the fall approved a position statement that continues to support the teaching of evolution in high school biology, where it is a central part of the core curriculum.

The statement passed unanimously after the board heard several scientists and professors from universities, including LDS Church-owned Brigham Young University, supporting it. Buttars also addressed the board at the time, suggesting the concept of intelligent design be taught in a separate but required course to balance evolution lessons.

"If you ask me my personal belief system, I probably would think of the concept of intelligent design. But it is faith-based. It is not for science class," board chairman Kim Burningham said Tuesday. "I think (the Pennsylvania court ruling) supports our point of view. Whether that impacts what legislators will do . . . I'm not sure."

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has already suggested there's no need for Buttars' bill regarding evolution — or another regarding high school gay-straight alliances. The governor said intelligent design should not be taught in public schools and, more recently, that the question of gay clubs should be dealt with by parents and local school boards.

Tuesday, his deputy chief of staff and spokesman, Mike Mower, said the governor's office hasn't seen any draft copies of Buttars' proposed legislation, including the bill on intelligent design.

"It will be interesting to consider it in context of today's court decision in Pennsylvania," Mower said.

The court ruling forced Buttars' hand to a degree. He had planned to unveil his bill challenging the state board's stance on evolution at the conservative Utah Eagle Forum's convention the weekend before the 2006 Legislature begins in January. But he will do so sooner, now that the court has ruled.

"Since that (ruling is) out, it's put a lot of pressure on me" to release the proposal earlier, Buttars said.

Senate Republicans heard a pitch Tuesday from Buttars about both of his proposed bills but took no position, according to Senate leaders. The discussion took up only a few minutes of the nearly three-hour caucus meeting, held behind closed doors.

GOP senators said his proposals are worth their further consideration but refused to describe how Buttars suggested getting around the court decisions that have stopped similar legislation.

"We have not shut the door on these issues," Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, said. "Sen. Buttars is a well-respected member of our caucus" who is entitled to express his opinion.