UtahH.B. 62026 General SessionHouseWALLET

Criminal Justice Base Budget

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

16 provisions identified: 15 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Funding keeps Utah prisons operating

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law provides $219,793,300 for prison operations in FY2027. Utah State Correctional Facility gets $135,570,200. Central Utah/Gunnison gets $68,388,600. Inmate placement gets $4,954,800 and Administration gets $14,251,900. This keeps state prisons staffed and services running.

More funding to keep courts running

Starting July 1, 2026, Utah funds courts for FY2027. $160,034,400 keeps judicial administration running, including District Courts ($79,952,400) and Juvenile Courts ($56,475,300). $23,275,400 covers contracts and leases, with a 100% on‑time target. $4,842,400 pays jurors, witnesses, and interpreters on time (target 100%). $17,002,800 funds court security, and $12,906,600 supports guardian ad litem services.

Money to keep 911 and EMS ready

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state invests in emergency readiness for FY2027. $115,880,300 funds statewide emergency management and disaster recovery. $10,000,000 supports 911 services, and $22,004,300 supports the statewide radio system. $2,000,000 moves into the EMS System Account to back ambulance and first‑responder needs. This money helps keep 911, radios, and disaster response ready for the public.

Attorney General funding and training

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state funds the Attorney General’s Office. It includes $23.0 million for criminal prosecution, $12.7 million for the Solicitor General, and $11.5 million for administration. The law adds $2.0 million for contract attorneys and allows up to $2.0 million to carry over, funds the Litigation Fund at $2.04 million, and supports the Prosecution Council with $1.85 million and reporting targets. The AG runs an internal service fund with about $68.7 million and 327.7 staff and must report two FY2027 performance measures.

Driver licenses, patrol, and labs

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state funds driver licensing, highway patrol, and crime labs. Driver Services gets $25.7 million and Driver Records $11.4 million. Highway Patrol field operations get $88.7 million; state crime labs get $12.4 million; communications get $18.4 million. Peace Officer training gets $4.8 million, the Bureau of Criminal Identification is funded, and $216,000 moves to the DNA specimen account. These dollars keep licensing, patrol, and forensic services running in FY2027.

More funding for prisons and reentry

Starting July 1, 2026, Utah funds core corrections services. It provides $56.6 million for Corrections administration, $60.0 million for jail contracting, $86.6 million for Adult Probation and Parole, and $67.0 million for reentry, treatment, and education. The Board of Pardons and Parole gets $8.7 million. Utah Correctional Industries receives about $19.3 million, and $88,000 supports the Indigent Inmate Trust Fund. These funds keep supervision, treatment, reentry, and inmate work programs running in FY2027.

More help for crime victims and kids

Starting July 1, 2026, Utah funds victim services and justice programs. It gives $27.9 million to the Office for Victims of Crime and $10.2 million to Children’s Justice Centers, and lets up to $1.0 million carry over for local centers. The state adds $11.7 million to the Crime Victim Reparations Fund and transfers $12.0 million to the Victim Services restricted account. It also funds CCJJ operations and the Sentencing Commission. These dollars support services for victims and families across FY2027.

More public defense for low-income people

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state adds about $11.7 million for public defense. It funds the Office of Indigent Defense Services, appeals, and parental‑defense help. The law also transfers $10.2 million into the indigent defense restricted account. These dollars expand legal help for low‑income people facing criminal or child‑welfare cases in FY2027.

More support for Attorney General cases

For FY2026, the law adds $1,830,000 to AG Administration, $1,474,100 to Criminal Prosecution, and $437,800 to the Solicitor General. The Attorney General can also keep up to $5,000,000 from a 2025 appropriation into the next year to speed casework. These dollars help prosecute cases and support legal work statewide.

Less money for public defense

The law cuts $283,400 from the Office of Indigent Defense Services for FY2026. This reduces one‑time revenue transfers and adjusts a small carryforward. Low‑income defendants who need court‑appointed lawyers may see tighter service capacity.

Emergency response funds for disasters

Starting July 1, 2026, $10.0 million supports Homeland Security emergency and disaster management. The Local Government Emergency Response Loan Fund also receives $200,000 from interest and $8.54 million from fund balance. These funds help Utah prepare for and respond to disasters in FY2027.

Grants for pretrial and prevention

Beginning July 1, 2026, Utah funds justice grants and prevention. It adds $1.66 million for pretrial release programs and $1.08 million for justice assistance grants. It supports crime‑prevention programs ($123,100), local alcohol enforcement and treatment ($9.25 million), and alcohol enforcement ($8.78 million). The law also transfers $50,000 to road‑rage awareness and prevention. These funds aid local programs and public safety in FY2027.

Payments for the wrongfully convicted

If you were found factually innocent, the state funds payments in FY2026 and FY2027. CCJJ administers $95,000 in FY2026 and $69,100 in FY2027. These payments help eligible people cleared of a crime.

State reimburses counties for jail costs

For FY2027, the state pays $20.4 million to reimburse counties for eligible jail costs. $20.0 million comes from the General Fund and $412,900 from nonlapsing balances. This eases pressure on county criminal‑justice budgets.

When this budget takes effect

Most parts of this law take effect July 1, 2026. Actions in Section 1 take effect May 6, 2026, or on an earlier schedule if two‑thirds approval rules apply. This sets when the FY2026 changes and FY2027 funding start.

More funds for job programs

Beginning July 1, 2026, $1,500,000 moves into the Employment Incentive restricted account for FY2027. The money supports state employment incentive programs. Job seekers and participants benefit through funded services.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Gwynn, Matthew H.
Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

Brady Brammer
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 100 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/29/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension

Yes: 26 • No: 0

House vote • 1/28/2026

House/ uncircled

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 1/28/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 74 • No: 0

House vote • 1/26/2026

House/ circled