All Roll Calls
Yes: 146 • No: 1
UtahS.B. 2182026 General SessionSenateWALLET
Constable Modifications
Sponsored By: Kirk A. Cullimore (Republican)
Signed by Governor
CountiesContracts and ObligationsCourtsBackground ChecksLaw Enforcement and Criminal JusticeMunicipalitiesPolitical Subdivisions (Local Issues)Office of Licensing and Background ChecksOccupational and Professional Licensing
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 5 mixed.
Stronger discipline and fines for constables
The law defines unlawful and unprofessional conduct for constables and their employers. The division and board can deny, suspend, revoke, restrict, or place a license on probation, issue reprimands, and order you to stop. Fines can be up to $1,000 for a first offense, up to $2,000 for a second, and up to $2,000 per day after; a citation can trigger an immediate suspension. You must contest a citation within 20 days, and the division cannot issue a citation more than one year after the violation was reported. Violations can be a class A misdemeanor, and collected fines fund training, public education, investigations, and legal enforcement.
License and background checks for constables
Starting January 1, 2027, you must hold a state constable license to do constable work. Acting or claiming to be a constable without a license is illegal. Applicants must give fingerprints and pass state and FBI background checks. The division denies licenses to people with certain related convictions; to anyone on probation, parole, or community supervision; to those with an outstanding warrant; or with specified prior violations.
State licensing rules for constables
The law creates three license types: constable, deputy constable, and apprentice. To get licensed, you must be 21, have special function officer certification, give fingerprints, pass a criminal background check, disclose criminal history, and show required insurance. You pay licensing, renewal, late, and fingerprint fees set by the state and renew every two years. The division and a new Constables Licensing Board set operating rules and insurance minimums. You must carry and show your license, use clear constable ID and marked uniforms, and file any government contract with the division and report its end within five business days.
Serving papers and warrants across Utah
A licensed constable can serve civil papers statewide and, when working under a government contract, arrest on a warrant and move prisoners. If acting outside the contracting county, the constable must notify the local sheriff or police before seizing property or executing a warrant. When the sheriff is a party or accused of bias, the court clerk sends the papers to a licensed constable to serve.
Constables need contracts for criminal work
A constable may act in a criminal matter only when a contracting county directs it and within the contract terms. Beginning January 1, 2027, the constable must also be licensed.
More inspections of scrap metal records
Constables with a city or county contract can inspect your regulated‑metal transaction logs. Inspections happen during your normal business hours where you do business. Sheriffs, law enforcement, and other officials keep the same access as before.
Off‑duty police work with constables
Peace officers may perform some acts without a separate constable license in limited cases. An officer may work off‑duty for a constable only if the agency has a written off‑duty policy, the chief gives written approval, and the client or constable follows income‑reporting and withholding rules.
What constable services can cost you
A contracted constable may charge the same civil fees as a sheriff. Counties may set extra or different fees by ordinance or contract, and may bill you directly or let the constable bill you. For criminal work, the county pays $5 per defendant served plus $1 per mile “going only” from the courthouse, and $15 for each arrest or satisfied warrant. Travel charges for out‑of‑county service cannot exceed what the local sheriff would charge. Fees above statutory levels require your prior approval, and a court allows recovery of those higher fees as costs only when it finds them justified; constables may also make private fee deals in civil matters where the county is not involved.
How counties and cities hire constables
Cities and counties can hire constables, but starting January 1, 2027 they may contract only with licensed constables; by July 1, 2027, deputies must also be licensed. Large counties use a nominating commission; smaller counties choose from recommendations by local law leaders. Contracts must state the work and use of deputies, insurance and any bond, indemnity, reasons to cancel (like loss of certification or license), pay terms, and may last up to four years. Deputies may perform constable duties under a supervising constable if the contract allows, and a constable may hold contracts in more than one county with written notice to each. Constables act as the county’s or court’s agent, counties may require attendance at justice court, and bills for criminal work must be certified and may be rejected if the warrant lacked written approval.
State overrides local constable rules
Cities and counties cannot make their own constable licensing or regulation rules. State law controls licensing and standards. A government that hires a constable can add contract terms that do not conflict and can require its own arrest or prisoner‑transport procedures.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Kirk A. Cullimore
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Jordan D. Teuscher
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/5/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 71 • No: 1
House vote • 3/5/2026
House/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/5/2026
House/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/27/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 12 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/25/2026
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/25/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 26 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/24/2026
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/24/2026
Senate/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/24/2026
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/20/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 24 • No: 0
House vote • 2/6/2026
Senate Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 6 • No: 0
House vote • 2/6/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 7 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/18/2026Senate/ to Governor
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/11/2026SenateEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/11/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/6/2026Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling
3/6/2026Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/6/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ uncircled
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ circled
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
3/2/2026HouseHouse/ committee report favorable
3/2/2026HouseHouse Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/27/2026House/ to standing committee
2/26/2026HouseHouse/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/26/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
2/25/2026HouseSenate/ to House
2/25/2026SenateSenate/ passed 3rd reading
2/25/2026SenateSenate/ uncircled
2/25/2026SenateSenate/ circled
2/24/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Substitute #2
2/23/2026
Substitute #1
2/5/2026
Introduced
1/28/2026
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