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Yes: 175 • No: 1
UtahS.B. 3232026 General SessionSenateWALLET
Criminal and Juvenile Justice Recodification
Sponsored By: Todd Weiler (Republican)
Signed by Governor
RecodificationJudicial OperationsLaw Enforcement and Criminal JusticeSentencing CommissionLegislative OperationsCommission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice
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Bill Overview
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167 provisions identified: 77 benefits, 26 costs, 64 mixed.
Earned time credits for programs
Beginning July 1, 2026, if you finish an approved recidivism‑reduction program in your case plan, you earn at least 4 months off your sentence. You can get credit for up to two programs (up to 8 months total). The board may grant more credit or take it away after a hearing. Some offenders are excluded. The department must tell the board within 30 days when you complete a program.
Fund for indigent aggravated murder defense
Beginning July 1, 2026, a new fund pays for court‑appointed lawyers and needed defense costs in aggravated murder cases for people who cannot afford counsel. The office manages and pays costs as directed by the commission.
More legal help for parents
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state runs a Child Welfare Parental Representation Program. The office trains and supports contracted defense lawyers for parents. A new fund pays for these services, program costs, and training. Contract lawyers must complete basic training, have child welfare experience, and do at least eight hours of child‑welfare education each year unless exempt.
New help for indigent appeals
A new Indigent Appellate Defense Division starts July 1, 2026. It provides appellate defense for listed criminal appeals, some postconviction cases, and appeals to terminate or restore parental rights. The division follows standards, sets a budget, publishes performance rules, reports on caseloads, and helps train lawyers.
License loss after auto homicide
Beginning July 1, 2026, if you are sentenced for automobile homicide, the court designates you as interdicted for up to your probation period unless it finds good cause otherwise. You must surrender your ID card or driver license, and the court notifies the Driver License Division.
No profit from crime notoriety
Starting July 1, 2026, a convicted person or representative who sells crime‑related memorabilia must itemize and pay the profit (amount received minus fair market value) to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund. Notoriety‑of‑crime contract profits must also be paid to the fund. Willful violations can be penalized up to $1,000 per item or three times the unremitted profit, and up to $1,000,000 or three times the notoriety contract value.
Higher fines for commerce violations
Starting July 1, 2026, the division can fine up to $10,000 for each single violation, or up to $2,000 per day for an ongoing violation. Penalties go to the Commerce Service Account. Unpaid penalties can be sent to collections or collected in court.
Fines for missing adult‑content warnings
Starting July 1, 2026, selling or showing obscene material without the required warning or missing the 'utahobscenitywarning' metadata can cost up to $2,500 per violation, plus fees. A private person may send a notice; if you do not fix it and return a proof of compliance in 14 days and do not pay $500 per alleged violation in 30 days, they can sue or recover $500 per violation. The special cure may be used only once per specific violation.
Punitive damages split with state
If a court awards punitive damages, the injured person gets the first $50,000. Any amount over $50,000 is split 50/50 between the injured person and the state. Attorney fees and costs are split to match these shares. This rule applies beginning July 1, 2026.
What victim compensation pays and limits
Starting July 1, 2026, the office can pay medical care, therapy, approved counseling, child care, funeral costs, and lost earnings. Lost earnings and support are capped at 66 2/3% of weekly gross pay or the workers’ comp maximum. Most awards are capped at $25,000, or $50,000 for medical care after a serious or substantial injury. Providers who accept office payment must treat it as payment in full and may not collect while the claim is under review. Awards can be lump sum or installments; accrued economic loss must be paid in a lump sum, and most of an award is protected from garnishment. The fund pays HIV testing for sexual‑offense victims who have a substantiated claim, test negative at baseline, and meet office rules; reimbursement is otherwise limited by law. The Crime Victim Compensation Fund is created to pay awards and services. Emergency payments are allowed and later deducted from, or repaid if they exceed, any final award.
Higher fines; limits on citation penalties
Beginning July 1, 2026, if you violate certain licensure rules, the division can suspend your license and fine you. First offense: up to $1,000. Second: up to $2,000. Later offenses: up to $2,000 per day for each day the offense continues. The division cannot use most other licensure sanctions by citation, except a cease and desist order.
Address confidentiality help and renewals
When you are enrolled, the department sends an assigned address, an authorization card, and a notice within five business days. Enrollment lasts four years. You can withdraw with a notarized request or renew at least 30 days before it ends. Starting July 1, 2026, trained program assistants help you prepare and sign applications.
Better reentry plans and local support
Starting July 1, 2026, every person on supervision gets an individual case plan within 60 days (community) or 90 days (custody). The plan includes treatment, education, and job referrals, and is shared with authorities within 30 days. Corrections creates a reentry division and may use tech with a single secure client record, referral alerts, and outcome tracking. The state allocates money to local police based on average daily occupied beds in halfway houses or parole violator centers. Agencies that get this money must file a yearly report on how it reduced crime.
Deadlines and records for restitution orders
Starting July 1, 2026, courts must order restitution on conviction or when plea in abeyance or diversion terms include it, and must record it as a criminal accounts receivable with a payment schedule. Orders must be entered by the end of the sentence or within seven years for first‑degree felonies, or three years for other felonies, from sentencing. Courts may modify orders for good cause.
Defense fund for aggravated murder cases
Beginning July 1, 2026, a participating county may apply to the state for money from the Indigent Aggravated Murder Defense Fund for indigent defense in aggravated murder cases. The fund is only for cases filed on or after September 1, 1998. If approved, the office negotiates contracts to cover representation costs.
Exoneration payments can go to spouse
A factual‑innocence claim does not end when the petitioner dies. Payments due or awarded after death go to the surviving spouse if married continuously from conviction to the petitioner’s death. Payments stop when the spouse dies. A spouse charged with a qualifying homicide forfeits payment rights.
Fairer juvenile diversion with fee limits
Beginning July 1, 2026, a child cannot be forced to admit guilt to get a nonjudicial adjustment. A child also cannot be denied an adjustment because the family cannot pay. Any fees, fines, or restitution must follow a statewide sliding scale based on the family’s ability to pay. A nonjudicial adjustment usually lasts up to 90 days and can be extended once for 90 more days, with longer extensions only in rare, defined cases and based on a clinical assessment. If the child denies the petition’s allegations, no investigation may begin until after the court decides the case.
Faster U visa certifications
Starting July 1, 2026, certifying entities must process U visa certification requests within 90 days. If you are in removal proceedings, they must process it within 14 days. A certification can be withdrawn if you refuse to assist or you are not a qualifying victim. Agencies may not disclose your immigration status unless the law requires it or you allow it.
Free counsel for indigent petitioners
Beginning July 1, 2026, if any part of your postconviction petition is not summarily dismissed, the court may appoint free counsel for you. The court can appoint pro bono counsel or the Indigent Appellate Defense Division. Your trial or direct appeal lawyer cannot be appointed for this new role.
Indigent Inmate Fund narrowed to prison cases
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Indigent Inmate Fund may pay only for defense services for an indigent inmate who is in a state prison in a class 3–6 county, is charged with a crime inside that prison, and has court‑appointed counsel. The fund may also pay its own administrative costs.
More reentry options for inmates
Starting July 1, 2026, Corrections can extend where an inmate may live or go for short periods. Temporary leaves can be up to 30 days to visit approved places. The law allows voluntary community training, paid work, and housing in nonsecure community centers or contracted facilities when policies find the inmate trustworthy.
New intensive early-release parole option
The department can place eligible offenders into an intensive early‑release parole program. You are not eligible if convicted of a sexual offense or sentenced under Section 76‑3‑406. The department must decide on referral within 120 days of commitment and the board must decide within 30 days of the recommendation.
Stronger public defense statewide
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state creates an Indigent Defense Commission and an Office to improve public defense. They set standards, review contracts, collect data, and run grants and training. A nonlapsing account and an Indigent Inmate Fund support data systems, juvenile appeals, and parental‑representation services, as money is appropriated. Courts must appoint contracted indigent providers, using others only after a hearing if there is a conflict or missing expertise. Providers must cooperate with audits. The Office also offers no‑cost legal advice to minors considering a nonjudicial adjustment and publishes annual reports.
Work can cut supervision time
If you are placed on probation or parole on or after July 1, 2026, you can earn up to 30 days off for each month you keep eligible work. The division keeps credit records and asks the court or Board to end supervision at least 30 days before the earned end date. The court or Board may deny early end if you present a substantial risk or do not meet program rules.
Stronger address confidentiality and mail help
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state may not charge any fee to apply for or be in the Address Confidentiality Program. The department must forward mail sent to your program address to your real address. It cannot disclose your real address unless a court orders it or a narrow government request is approved, and you must be told right away if a disclosure happens. These rules increase privacy and remove fees for people in the program.
Agencies review crimes every 3 years
Beginning July 1, 2026, every state agency must review the criminal offenses it oversees and recommend changes, clarifications, or repeals, including penalty levels. Agencies submit results to the Department of Criminal Justice, which compiles reports and lists non‑submitting agencies for lawmakers.
Bodycam videos in clinics are private
Beginning July 1, 2026, body‑worn camera recordings made inside hospitals, clinics, or human services sites are protected records and not public. Recordings may still be released for listed exceptions, like alleged crimes, serious injury or death, complaints or legal cases, or critical incidents.
Custody deaths and care reporting
Each year, by June 15, the department reports on in‑custody deaths, next‑of‑kin notices, withdrawal treatment, mental health and substance use care, births and restraints, and housing of transgender inmates. The Criminal Justice department compiles a redacted report and sends it to lawmakers by November 1.
Forfeiture fund supports state grants
Starting July 1, 2026, forfeiture proceeds go into a Criminal Forfeiture Restricted Account. The Legislature appropriates this money for a State Asset Forfeiture Grant Program. The department may keep up to 3% for administration and award the rest to crime prevention, victim compensation, and law enforcement activities.
Juvenile justice help and limits
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state expands evidence‑based juvenile programs and tracks savings to reinvest in community services. It promotes youth receiving centers, mobile crisis teams, youth courts, mediation, and other services. The state helps build a sliding scale for juvenile fines, fees, and restitution based on family ability to pay. Children usually cannot be held in adult jails and must be kept separate from adults. Short‑term holding rooms are limited to four hours; willful violations are a class B misdemeanor.
Mental health adviser for parole board
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Board of Pardons and Parole appoints an independent mental health adviser. The adviser reports on people found guilty who have a mental condition, works with health authorities, educates the board, and monitors in‑prison status. The adviser may not be employed by Corrections or the Utah State Hospital.
New corrections standards and reports
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department of Corrections must set minimum standards for its programs and work with health officials on help for people in the justice system. The department must set program goals, track results, and send data to the Department of Criminal Justice by August 31 each year. Corrections must send a June 15 report each year on in‑custody deaths, withdrawal treatment access, restraints used on people who gave birth, and transgender housing analyses. The Criminal Justice department compiles and sends redacted findings to lawmakers by November 1. For people convicted after May 7, 2025 of registrable offenses, Corrections uses validated risk assessments when available and submits quarterly results within 30 days. Corrections is also authorized to investigate alleged crimes by offenders or department employees under department policy.
Shorter, clearer timelines in youth custody
Beginning July 1, 2026, a youth ordered to secure care sees the authority within 45 days to review treatment and set parole rules. Secure care is usually three to six months (capped at six), with release unless treatment needs or a new crime require more time. A youth with a misdemeanor can be paroled right away to a suitable community program. Parole after secure care is usually three to four months (capped at four), with approved family or program placements if home is not possible. Any extensions must be documented and reported each year.
State justice department duties and grants
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department of Criminal Justice coordinates agencies, studies crime policy, manages state and federal grants, and recommends allocations. It sets data standards, runs a performance‑incentive grant program for counties that reduce recidivism and incarceration per capita, supports victim services, and publishes reports.
Stronger rights and help for victims
Starting July 1, 2026, victims and witnesses must get clear information, help, and secure waiting areas when possible. Sexual assault victims get a free medical exam, free kit preservation, HIV testing options, and updates on DNA results when allowed. Police must tell victims if DNA will not be tested when the attacker is unknown. Courts can issue pretrial no‑contact orders in serious cases; breaking an order is a third‑degree felony. Police must send the victim compensation office an investigative report within 10 business days, with narrow redactions; misuse is a class B misdemeanor and the records are not public. The state sets minimum use‑of‑force standards and a model sexual assault investigation policy, funds officer training from the victim compensation fund, and Public Safety helps monitor victim programs.
Stronger statewide justice data reporting
Beginning July 1, 2026, agencies use a standard recidivism metric with a default three‑year window and triggers like arrest or conviction. Prosecutors must send case‑level data, including charges, bail requests, diversion, pleas, and outcomes. Police tactical and airport weapon reports are due each year by April 30; the state posts summaries by August 1–15. Residential programs report recidivism by August 31. The state compiles county jail data and submits it by November 1, and jails must release inmate death names and causes on request. The state also gathers DUI crash and arrest data for the annual report. The initial overcrowding lookback runs 9/1/2025 to 8/31/2026; then each year runs 9/1 to 8/31.
Victims’ office: claims and leadership
Beginning July 1, 2026, compensation specialists hear and decide victim claims, can reopen claims, get records, hold hearings, and issue subpoenas. They must prioritize help for elderly or high‑hardship victims and report on their work. The commissioner also appoints a qualified director to run the Office for Victims of Crime.
Crimes for taking city fines
Beginning July 1, 2026, keeping or using municipal fines, penalties, or forfeitures for personal benefit is a crime. It is a class B misdemeanor, or a class A misdemeanor if the amount exceeds $1,000.
DOC to collect old court debts
If you were sentenced before July 1, 2021, the Department of Corrections collects your fees, fines, restitution, and other court debts while you are on parole or supervised probation. If any amount is still unpaid when your sentence ends, the department asks the court to enter a civil judgment for restitution. This rule takes effect July 1, 2026.
License surrender after negligent injury offense
Beginning July 1, 2026, if you are sentenced for negligent operation causing injury, the judge must usually designate you as interdicted for up to your probation period. You must surrender your ID or driver license. The court notifies the Driver License Division.
Minimum court fees for offenders’ filings
Starting July 1, 2026, if you are an offender with money in a department‑held account, you cannot get free civil filings, including habeas petitions. Your filing fee is at least $25 and can be up to the amount you have above the department’s indigence limit.
Parents liable for repeat school offenses
Starting July 1, 2026, if a minor repeats the same offense on school grounds, the harmed person can sue the parent or guardian with legal custody. A parent is not liable if they made a reasonable effort to supervise and direct the child. No one can sue the state, its agencies, or their contractors under this rule.
Oil and gas: annual sworn reports
Starting July 1, 2026, oil and gas producers must file a sworn annual report by June 1 for the prior year. Reports list wells, production volumes, value, and the share from federal trust lands. This creates a recurring paperwork and compliance cost.
New annual mining tax filings
Beginning July 1, 2026, anyone mining metalliferous minerals must file a sworn annual report by June 1 for the prior year. The report lists the mine, tons mined and where they went, total sales receipts, and other required details. The owner is responsible for filing and paying the tax, but a principal lessee, contractor, or operator may do so as the owner’s agent with the commission’s consent. Owners may deduct and remit any tax charged to lessees or others.
Rules and fines for Capitol Hill
Starting July 1, 2026, the Capitol Hill Board adopts rules for using Capitol Hill facilities. Breaking a rule is an infraction and can bring a civil penalty up to $2,500 per violation plus actual damages and costs. Proposed rules get legal review and must respect constitutional rights.
Clearer plea deals and diversion fees
Starting July 1, 2026, diversion agreements must list duties and usually a restitution amount. Any diversion fee is nonrefundable, cannot exceed the Judicial Council’s suggested fine, and the court must consider ability to pay and can reduce or waive it. Pleas in abeyance have time limits: up to 18 months for misdemeanors and up to 3 years for felonies or combined pleas. Felony pleas in abeyance must be in writing and include signatures of the prosecutor, the defendant, and counsel (unless counsel is knowingly waived). Courts and prosecutors face limits on using only a risk score or algorithm.
New rules for probation and parole
Probation cannot go past your maximum sentence, and if your maximum is one year or less, probation cannot be longer than 36 months. Courts must consider supervision costs and real progress, and they cannot rely only on an algorithm. Before ending probation early, courts must check for unpaid criminal debt and make a finding on restitution. Short jail sanctions for violations require court or Board approval and are capped at 3 days at a time, up to 6 days in 30 days. Parole generally runs until the maximum sentence ends unless the Board ends it earlier; special rules apply to some older cases.
Parental rights: rules and counsel
Beginning July 1, 2026, a court with adoption power can hear petitions to end parental rights, alone or with an adoption. The law lists grounds for ending rights and lets courts enter a final order before the adoption. If you are an indigent parent facing a private termination action, the court appoints a lawyer for you. You must qualify as indigent to get appointed counsel.
Parole rights, jail credit, and revocation
If you are confined for an alleged parole violation, the department must notify the board right away. You get written notice, a hearing, rights to be heard and to present and question witnesses, and counsel in some cases. Time you already spent in jail waiting for the decision counts toward any time after revocation. If you violate parole, the board can return you to prison for up to your maximum term.
Stricter parole rules and fees
If the board finds a parole violation, it can change conditions, order damages, or return you to prison up to the sentence maximum. Time on parole without violations counts toward your sentence, and time in jail waiting for a revocation hearing counts. When released, you must sign consent allowing a warrant and revocation hearing for material false statements or unknown pre‑parole crimes. If you were convicted of listed sexual offenses, outpatient counseling is required. While on parole, the department collects a monthly supervision fee.
Address Confidentiality: privacy, use, and rules
Starting July 1, 2026, applications must include contact details, proof of victim status, a danger statement, and a four‑year plan; give your Social Security number if you want tax mail sent to the assigned address. Agencies must accept your assigned address for most business, with narrow exceptions for election precincting and certain tax or motor vehicle uses. You must report a legal name change within 30 days and real address or phone changes within 10 business days. Agencies can get your real address only through a written, justified request; law enforcement can use an expedited 24‑hour process with strict protections. The department receives legal papers for you, treats your assigned address as your last known address, and must cancel enrollment for false info or missed updates, with a 30‑day appeal and a six‑month wait to re‑enroll.
Offender money accounts and family access
Starting July 1, 2026, the department may require offenders to keep funds in accounts it controls and hold money for restitution, treatment, fines, DNA costs, and other state debts. The department must provide account statements at least every two weeks and publish how to request statements. With the inmate’s consent, family designees can receive the inmate’s account balance and known debts. The department must offer financial education to designees about paying certain debts during incarceration.
How victim claims are checked and limited
Starting July 1, 2026, the office can order medical or psychological exams if your condition matters to a claim. If you refuse an exam or use a non–attorney‑client privilege to hide relevant evidence, your claim can be denied. Awards can be reduced or denied for money you get from other sources, misconduct, or not using a provider covered by another source. You cannot sue or get judicial review if the office denies an award. A compensation award does not replace restitution; the office becomes the assignee and courts cannot reduce restitution for an award. The office limits how it shares victim records and must redact minors’ and sexual‑assault victims’ names, contact info, birth dates, and Social Security numbers.
Tighter rules for state hospital admissions
Starting July 1, 2026, state hospitals admit only certain groups. These include adults and minors who meet commitment rules and have no less restrictive option, and some people in the criminal process (like incompetent to proceed or not guilty by reason of insanity). This narrows who can get inpatient care.
Victim compensation rules and funding changes
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Office for Victims of Crime sets its own rules for contested benefit decisions under the state rulemaking act. Judges may order convicted offenders to pay extra money into the Crime Victim Compensation Fund, up to the legal fine limit. A share of inmate pay from certain prison work programs must also go into the fund. If you receive compensation, you must not settle or drop related claims without the office’s written OK, must cooperate with the office, and the office’s reimbursement right can apply even if you are not fully paid.
Victim compensation: how awards are paid
The law creates an Office for Victims of Crime to help victims apply for the fund. When an award is approved, the office must send you written notice and payment paperwork to Finance for payment. If the fund runs out, approved claims go on a waiting list and are paid in order. By accepting an award, you assign related claims and must repay the fund from any later recovery, up to the smaller of what the fund paid or what you recovered. The commissioner can reduce repayment in some cases.
Who qualifies for victim compensation
Beginning July 1, 2026, you can get a compensation award if you are a crime victim, a dependent of a deceased victim, or a representative. The crime must be in Utah, or you are a Utah resident hurt in a state without a victims’ program. You must file the office’s written form, report the crime, and cooperate with law enforcement; the crime must have happened after December 31, 1986. Exceptions: sexual-assault victims may qualify with an advocate’s form, and strangulation victims may qualify if they later report or get immediate medical care. Offenders, accomplices, uninsured vehicle owner/operators at the time of the crash, people injured in prison, those who violated probation/parole, and fraudulent claimants are not eligible. If an ineligible person was paid, they must repay the fund.
Overtime choices and pay for state workers
Starting July 1, 2026, nonexempt employees must sign an agreement to choose comp time (1.5 hours off per overtime hour) or pay at 1.5 times their hourly wage. If pay is chosen, overtime must be paid in the paycheck for that pay period. The division decides exempt or nonexempt status, sets overtime record rules and caps, checks compliance, and hears appeals before a federal appeal. Exempt employees generally get one hour off for each overtime hour; time off lapses at the end of the overtime year unless the director allows payment. The list of departments covered by state overtime rules changes: the Department of Criminal Justice is added and the Department of Health is removed.
Retirement opt-outs and service credit rules
Starting July 1, 2026, Department of Criminal Justice employees may file to opt out of certain public retirement systems. Tier II members who elect exemption still get employer nonelective contributions, but those do not vest during the exemption; no extra service credit accrues. If you revoke the exemption, coverage restarts going forward. Certain temporary workers and higher‑education employees remain ineligible for service credit in some systems.
Juvenile providers: licenses and 25% match
Beginning July 1, 2026, the division may hire private providers to build and run programs for committed minors. Each program must get licensed within six months of starting and use the state’s performance‑based contracting system. The division may also require the contractor to fund 25% of the program, and materials, supplies, or facilities can count toward that share.
Court orders for online subscriber records
Starting July 1, 2026, in cases of sexual offenses against minors, stalking, or child kidnapping, police must state facts, get prosecutor approval, and ask a magistrate for subscriber records. A magistrate may order providers to give names, addresses, session times, service dates, and identifiers for set accounts and time ranges.
Future repeal dates for many programs
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law sets end dates for many statutes. Examples: the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act ends July 1, 2026; the COVID‑19 Health and Economic Response Act ends July 1, 2026; the Domestic Violence Offender Treatment Board ends July 1, 2027; and the Constitutional and Federalism Defense Act ends July 1, 2028. Other listed chapters and sections end on the dates named through 2029.
Keeping indigent defense funds solvent
Starting July 1, 2026, when the Indigent Inmate Fund is short, the commission must request extra money and the state pays reasonable and necessary amounts. Counties that join the aggravated murder defense fund pay each year based on the average of their shares of population and taxable value, times the total assessment. The fund must be at least $0.50 per person across participating counties. If the fund runs a deficit, the state covers it, and the next year county assessments rise by at least the deficit amount, which becomes the new base.
New Pardons and Parole Board rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, a Board of Pardons and Parole with five full‑time and up to five pro tempore members is created. The governor appoints members with Senate consent; salaries are set within the Legislature’s range. The board must put public safety first. Most board decisions on parole, commutation, pardon, termination, and restitution are final and not subject to judicial review, except for treason or impeachment.
More records kept nonpublic statewide
The law adds more kinds of government records that are not public. Examples include most booking photos, parts of certain grant and scholarship applications, some water negotiation records, and security‑sensitive utility drawings. It also shields some investigative and complaint materials. These changes increase privacy and security but reduce public access.
New integrated behavioral health system
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state creates the Division of Integrated Healthcare and an Office of Substance Use and Mental Health. The Division must build and evaluate an evidence‑based continuum of services, coordinate with local agencies, and post program goals, results, and provider contacts online. It can direct and audit funds, approve local plans, and withhold money or contracts for noncompliance or misuse.
Funding rules for parent representation cases
Starting July 1, 2026, the Child Welfare Parental Representation Fund may receive federal reimbursements, legislative appropriations, interest, county deposits, and private gifts, and the State Treasurer invests it. Counties can sign annual contracts to pay in under a commission formula; failure to pay can revoke the contract, and new or returning counties owe an equity payment. A county that withdraws or is revoked forfeits prior payments and coverage. Counties that paid for indigent defense in certain private termination cases may request reimbursement from the Indigent Defense Commission.
Cap on juvenile secure care time
Beginning July 1, 2026, a juvenile’s secure care term for a misdemeanor cannot be longer than the adult jail time for the same offense. This keeps juvenile confinement from exceeding adult sentences.
Extra benefits for corrections leaders
Upon enactment, the Corrections executive director may receive accidental death insurance if POST certified and gets a public safety vehicle for work and personal use. Each Board of Pardons and Parole member gets a vehicle for commute and official use.
Faster restitution tracking and payout
Beginning July 1, 2026, when charges are filed, prosecutors must contact known victims and gather restitution amounts. After conviction or a plea in abeyance, they give this to the sentencing court. Collected payments go out within 60 days: first to victims, then to the Office for Victims of Crime (including DNA costs), then to fines and other claims, with proportional shares when several victims are owed. Courts may let prosecutors place restitution in interest‑bearing accounts and share the interest with victims.
New chief for indigent appeals
On July 1, 2026, the executive director appoints a chief appellate officer for the Indigent Appellate Defense Division. The officer must be a licensed Utah lawyer with relevant appellate experience and may hire staff. This supports access to appellate representation.
Parole rules: 72-hour limit, human review
Starting July 1, 2026, a parolee cannot be held without a warrant for more than 72 hours. Weekends and holidays do not count toward the 72 hours. The parole board also cannot rely only on an algorithm or a risk score. The board must consider other evidence and human judgment.
Path to prove innocence and DNA
Starting July 1, 2026, a person convicted of a felony may petition the district court for a factual‑innocence hearing with sworn, newly discovered, material evidence. If the claim relies on biological evidence, the person must seek DNA testing under the statute. Courts may dismiss without prejudice if requirements are not met and must notify the petitioner and the attorney general.
Stronger protections for service animals
Starting July 1, 2026, the law protects service animals, including search and rescue dogs. Hurting or causing serious injury or death to a service animal is a class A misdemeanor. Chasing or harassing a service animal is a class B misdemeanor. If a service animal bites in these cases, no quarantine is required, but handlers must allow exams and report abnormal behavior.
Victims get notice of offender release
If you are a victim and send a signed request with your current address, the department will notify you in writing when the offender is released, escapes, is transferred, or leaves probation or parole. If written notice is not possible for an immediate release or escape, the department will try to call you and then send written notice.
Victim notification requests kept private
Starting July 1, 2026, a victim’s request for notifications, and any notices sent, are private. The Department of Corrections cannot give that information to the offender or to anyone else without the victim’s written consent. This improves victim privacy and safety.
Firearm safe rebates and free gun locks
Starting July 1, 2026, Utah residents who buy a firearm safe from a participating dealer can get a $10 to $200 rebate. The Division also gives free firearm safety packets and cable-style gun locks to health providers, crisis teams, schools, and firearm dealers. The program runs within legislative funding.
Mental health help for first responders
As of September 1, 2024, the Department of Public Safety posts who is eligible for mental health help and how to appeal a denial. The department investigates appeals and gives agencies 60 days to fix improper denials. If not fixed, it notifies state leaders and may recommend cutting state grant money.
Parent portal and school safety data
The State Board runs a data system (in place by July 1, 2024) that links to local school systems and a public safety portal. The board also keeps a parent portal with policies, safety data, and a school comparison tool, updated at least yearly. Each school must tell parents and teachers how to access the portal every year. The board can help LEAs with funding if appropriated and may withhold funds from LEAs that do not comply.
Work-release inmates must get minimum wage
Beginning July 1, 2026, inmates on work release in nonsecure facilities cannot be paid less than the federal minimum wage and cannot be made to work in substandard conditions. Employers must follow these rules.
Clear rules for competency evaluations
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department designates and contracts with qualified evaluators under procurement rules. It sets selection criteria with the Department of Criminal Justice. Courts may allow a second juvenile examiner for good cause, and courts or counsel can propose qualified evaluators who meet the criteria.
Counties must run justice councils
Each county must have a criminal justice coordinating council, starting January 1, 2023. Councils include judges, law enforcement, prosecutors, defense, probation, mental health, and a victim or advocate. They write a plan to share data, cut reoffending, and link people leaving custody to housing, jobs, and care. Councils must list private probation providers for courts to share with defendants and send a yearly progress report by November 30.
County jails must set search rules
Starting July 1, 2026, every county jail must adopt a body cavity search policy that meets a state model. The policy must cover when searches are allowed, who may approve and perform them, training, documentation, and steps to protect health and privacy. Each jail’s policy is a public record.
Domestic violence services certification
From July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027, a board sets best‑practice standards for domestic violence offender evaluation, treatment, and monitoring that put victim safety first. It creates a training and certification program, requires annual training, and monitors compliance. Each year, the board sends courts a list of compliant providers.
Domestic violence: better data and reviews
Beginning July 1, 2026, police and domestic violence service groups must send domestic‑violence data to the department. Data includes lethality assessments, counts of protective orders, and measures like stalking, strangulation, violence around children, and threats. The department reviews protocols and reports each year by November 30 to the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee.
Expanded state crime-fighting duties
Starting July 1, 2026, the state bureau must provide statewide investigative help. It investigates organized crime, gangs, cybercrimes, computer crimes, and suspicious cash transactions. It runs a statewide criminal intelligence system, a state cybercrime unit, and can investigate alleged offenses by public officials upon request.
Fast license suspensions for trafficking
Starting July 1, 2026, the division can suspend a person’s license without notice if facts show they run a prostitution enterprise or engage in human trafficking. A hearing must be held within 15 days after a no‑notice suspension.
Faster voter updates through the DMV
The Driver License Division helps applicants complete voter forms unless they refuse. It must send voter registrations and address changes to the Lieutenant Governor by the first business day at least five days after receipt. Transmissions include key data like name, date of birth, ID numbers, address, place of birth, and signature when available.
Indigent Defense Commission membership
Beginning July 1, 2026, a 15‑member indigent defense commission is set by law. Eleven members are appointed by the governor with Senate consent; two are appointed by legislative leaders; one by the Judicial Council; and the commissioner or a designee serves. Current prosecuting attorneys who serve only as prosecutors may not serve on the commission. Members may receive per diem and travel reimbursement.
Juvenile case data and court reports
Starting July 1, 2026, the courts must send juvenile case data by district to the Department of Criminal Justice before July 1 each year. The department must track outcomes when a minor has a firearm at school or at a school event and report by October 1 each year. In most juvenile cases with a petition, a dispositional report is required, and officers must consider juvenile disposition guidelines.
Juvenile justice: gradual steps and training
Beginning July 1, 2026, the juvenile system must show a pattern of appropriate responses in a minor’s case plan before sending the case to juvenile court, except for protective‑order violations. Training the department helps create must cover evidence‑based practices, adolescent development, local behavioral health resources, graduated responses, data, and gangs.
Liability shield for program staff
Starting July 1, 2026, program assistants, their employers, the department, the state, and political subdivisions are generally immune from civil lawsuits for duties done under the program. Immunity does not apply if actions were clearly outside job duties or done with malice, bad faith, or recklessness.
Limits on overcrowding releases at jails
Beginning July 1, 2026, sheriffs cannot release someone due to overcrowding if they were arrested or convicted for specified violent or serious crimes. The limit also applies if the person was booked into the same jail in the last 12 months, has certain failure‑to‑appear warrants, or is a habitual offender.
Mental health help before release
Starting July 1, 2026, Corrections must work with health agencies and local mental health authorities to plan assessments and transitional treatment for high‑risk habitual offenders with a diagnosed mental illness. Services begin at the right clinical time or at least three months before parole ends or the sentence expires. Local mental health authorities may seek civil commitment or outpatient treatment when appropriate.
Parole board terms and transparency
Starting July 1, 2026, full‑time parole board members serve five‑year staggered terms, with one appointment each March 1. A majority is a quorum, and a majority of the five full‑time members is needed to adopt rules. The Department of Criminal Justice must recommend five applicants for each full‑time seat, unless the governor reappoints a current member. The board must post key metrics online and send an annual report by September 30. The governor may direct the department to assist with duties in this chapter.
Plan jail behavioral health and pretrial help
Starting July 1, 2026, the Division of Integrated Healthcare works with the Department of Criminal Justice to study needed pretrial services and early behavioral‑health assessments in jails for A and B misdemeanors. They also recommend options to replace lost federal drug‑interdiction funds. The agencies provide recommendations to the Legislature.
Police must report sexual assaults
Beginning January 1, 2025, every police agency reports yearly counts of sexual assault cases by April 30. The report covers cases reported, investigated by detectives, and sent to prosecutors. The Department of Criminal Justice publishes a statewide report by August 1. Starting July 1, 2026, agencies must also tell the department within three business days when they get a report of a registrable offense, and within five business days after an arrest.
Privacy rules for child interviews
Interviews of child victims at Children’s Justice Centers are confidential. Agencies may share recordings with each other, but public release needs a court order. A parent may view a recording within two business days unless the parent is the suspect, the suspect lives in the home, or viewing would harm the investigation. In court, recordings can be used under discovery rules, and courts must seal and preserve them.
Regional payments for job gains
Beginning July 2026 and each July after, the state calculates payments to regions based on employment gains among supervised individuals. Primary payment = employment rate improvement × average daily population × $2,500. End‑of‑supervision payment = number of qualifying people × $2,500. If a region’s recidivism increased, its payment is $0. Fifteen percent may be used for administration and 85% must improve supervision and rehabilitation. Payments are public and prorated if funds are short.
Reports on police location and DNA
Beginning January 1, 2024, police agencies must report each year how many reverse‑location warrants they requested and how many were granted. They must also report each use of genetic genealogy databases, including case type, alleged offense, whether it was a cold case, and if the DNA owner was identified. Reports are due by April 30 for the prior year, and the department publishes statewide summaries by August 1.
Sentencing commission set and terms
Starting July 1, 2026, the state creates a 15‑member sentencing commission, plus up to two nonvoting judges. Members serve four‑year staggered terms. Non‑legislators may receive per diem and travel; legislators are paid under legislative rules.
State public safety data portal
Beginning July 1, 2026, the department runs a public safety data portal for criminal justice agencies. It sets data standards, secure access, and real‑time audits. The portal holds jail, court, prosecution, domestic violence, school discipline, recidivism, forfeiture, and other required datasets.
Statewide responses and plans for youth
Beginning July 1, 2026, Utah runs a single system of swift sanctions and rewards for youth in the justice system. It uses validated risk and needs tools and lets youth earn discharge credits. Probation and case staff must write every incentive and sanction in the youth’s case plan. Every youth on probation or in custody has a tailored plan built with the family and based on the assessment.
Stronger impaired driving crimes and penalties
Starting July 1, 2026, it is a crime to drive negligently and cause injury with .05 or higher alcohol, or with any measurable controlled substance when criminally negligent. The offense is a class A misdemeanor, or a third‑degree felony with two prior DUI‑related convictions in 10 years, a prior felony DUI, or serious injury. The law defines automobile homicide tied to negligent or criminally negligent driving with impairment. A conviction for automobile homicide carries 5 to 15 years in prison; a judge may set a 3‑year minimum with reasons on record. Pleas to these crimes cannot be held in abeyance.
Stronger privacy for expunged records
Starting July 1, 2026, agencies may not share information from expunged records except by court order or to specific authorized bodies. Some law‑enforcement and licensing entities can access them, and researchers may use de‑identified data under strict agreements. Prosecutors can share certain expunged convictions with other prosecutors for listed offenses, and courts may open records for good cause in new serious cases.
Yearly review of sentencing guidelines
Beginning July 1, 2026, the sentencing commission must set and maintain adult sentencing and supervision guidelines and juvenile disposition guidelines. By October 31 each year, it sends them to legislative committees for review. The Legislature must authorize the guidelines each year by concurrent resolution, and existing approved guidelines stay in effect until reauthorized.
New Prosecutor Conduct Commission
Starting July 1, 2026, the state creates a six‑member Prosecutor Conduct Commission. Prosecutors must report alleged misconduct to their employer, and employers must investigate and send substantiated complaints to the commission. The commission can investigate, require testimony, and notify employers and oversight offices if misconduct is found, but it cannot punish attorneys itself. It must share investigation summaries with legal limits and file a yearly report before November 1 that lists complaint volumes, findings, and any agency that refused to cooperate.
Stronger privacy for certain records
Starting July 1, 2026, audio recordings made during life‑saving care that are used for training are not public records. Also beginning July 1, 2026, license plate data collected by government automatic readers is a protected record. These changes limit public release and increase privacy.
Standards for rape crisis centers
Beginning July 1, 2026, the department must set care standards for rape crisis and services centers. It must set grant eligibility, monitor and audit centers, and enforce compliance. The state auditor audits the department’s oversight and grant processes.
State organ donor registry authorized
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department of Public Safety may set up or hire an operator for a state organ donor registry. The registry records donor choices and related information to support organ donation and transplants.
Stronger jail and sex-offense treatment standards
Starting July 1, 2026, county jails that house state prison inmates must meet the department’s minimum treatment standards. The department sets evidence-based sex‑offense treatment rules and shares them with jails and mental health professionals. Public and private providers must be certified every two years to be paid by the department. The department sets goals, tracks outcomes like recidivism, and sends annual data by August 31.
Annual school safety and discipline report
The State Board must publish a yearly report on school discipline, minors with dangerous weapons, and law enforcement actions on school grounds. It includes per‑school details and aggregate demographics and follows FERPA. The board sends it to the Department of Criminal Justice by January 15 each year and adds updates within 30 days when data change.
More school mental health and safety training
Starting July 1, 2026, a school-based mental health specialist works at the State Board of Education to connect schools with local mental health services. A public safety liaison at the board helps train school resource officers and coordinate policies. The state security chief provides annual training for school leaders, staff, and SROs on de‑escalation, trauma, student privacy, and legal rules.
School grants to curb youth gangs
Starting July 1, 2026, the state creates a grant program for schools to prevent and respond to juvenile gangs and violent crime, if funded by the Legislature. Money goes first to schools with higher juvenile crime and those working with local police. Schools must meet performance standards and file proposals and reports to receive or keep funds.
New $30 monthly probation/parole fee
Starting July 1, 2026, offenders on probation or parole must pay $30 each month. The division can suspend or waive the fee if it would cause substantial hardship or if restitution is owed. Collected fees fund supervision programs.
Parent representation pilot ends in 2026
The Interdisciplinary Parental Representation Pilot Program is repealed. The program ends on December 31, 2026. This removes that option for participating families.
Penalties for youth tobacco violations
Starting July 1, 2026, a minor who violates the tobacco law may have to pay a fine and join a court‑approved tobacco education program. The program may charge a participation fee.
New property tax in prison counties
Beginning July 1, 2026, a county of the 3rd–6th class with a state prison may add a property tax of 0.0001 per dollar of taxable value. Money goes to the Indigent Inmate Fund. Counties that do not adopt the levy cannot receive fund benefits. Homeowners in an adopting county pay taxable_value × 0.0001 each year.
Cosmetology fines deposit and collections
Beginning July 1, 2026, fines under the cited cosmetology provision go into the Cosmetology and Associated Professions Education and Enforcement Fund. Unpaid penalties may be sent to collections or sued for in district court.
Justice software must link data
Beginning July 1, 2026, vendors that run software for criminal justice agencies must connect their systems to the state’s public safety portal. The automated link must be live within one year after the agency’s system goes live.
90-day gag on account orders
Starting July 1, 2026, a provider served with this type of court order may not tell the account holder about the order for 90 days.
New crimes and default penalties
As of July 1, 2026, it is a crime to intentionally or recklessly damage public roads, authorized private ways, or bridges, usually a third‑degree felony. Any violation of this chapter is a class A misdemeanor unless another law sets a higher penalty.
No plea in abeyance for serious crimes
Beginning July 1, 2026, courts cannot hold a plea in abeyance for sexual offenses against someone under 14 or for listed DUI violations.
Providers can bill police for records
Starting July 1, 2026, electronic communications and remote computing providers may charge up to their actual cost to give records ordered by a court. The investigating law enforcement agency must pay the fee.
Register some adjudicated youth with DPS
The division must register with Public Safety any youth adjudicated for child abuse offender or sex offender status who is in secure care and still in custody 30 days before age 21, or 30 days before age 25 for serious youth offenders.
Tougher misdemeanor penalties for violations
Starting July 1, 2026, unlawful conduct under Section 58‑11a‑502 or failing to follow a final citation under that section is a class A misdemeanor, unless another penalty applies. Unlawful conduct under Section 58‑47b‑501 is also a class A misdemeanor unless a different penalty applies. If the act is sexual and also violates Title 76, Title 76 penalties apply. The second change ends July 1, 2034.
Criminal penalties for fake claims
Starting July 1, 2026, knowingly filing a fraudulent compensation claim or misrepresenting a material fact is a crime. Penalties scale by value: class B misdemeanor for no award or under $500; class A misdemeanor for $500 to $1,499; third‑degree felony for $1,500 to $4,999; and second‑degree felony for $5,000 or more. The Attorney General may prosecute violations.
Warning labels on obscene content
Starting July 1, 2026, anyone distributing pornographic or obscene material must show a clear warning that exposing minors may harm them. Print works made after May 12, 2020 must show the warning on the cover. For digital content, the warning must be searchable text and shown for at least five seconds before each obscene video or image, unless the site meets special rules in law.
Agencies notified after 90 days in prison
Starting January 1, 2027, within 15 days after an inmate reaches 90 straight days in state prison, the department alerts the State Tax Commission, Office of Recovery Services, and Office of State Debt Collection. The department also tells them within 15 days after release. This does not apply if another agency already sent the notice.
Civil penalties rise with inflation
Starting May 1, 2025, and every five years, the Judicial Council updates a civil penalty to match five‑year CPI changes, rounded to the nearest $5. The attorney general publishes the new amount and the next adjustment date.
Handling money for youth in custody
Beginning July 1, 2026, the juvenile division can hold money a youth in custody earns or receives in an account. It may use the money only for the youth, including to pay restitution, victim compensation, fines, support, cost of care, or other court‑ordered payments. Any money left must be returned when the youth leaves custody. The division will set rules for how these accounts work.
Juvenile case victim notice and proof
Starting July 1, 2026, for referrals that look eligible for a nonjudicial adjustment, a juvenile probation officer must notify reasonably identifiable victims within 7 days. If restitution is sought, victims must provide bills, receipts, proof of lost earnings, insurance or program payments, and ID when asked. If documents are not available, the officer sets restitution using the best information available.
Killers lose inheritance rights
Starting July 1, 2026, a person who commits a qualifying felony homicide cannot inherit under the law. Automobile homicide is excluded. Courts can decide if a disqualifying homicide happened and may use orders to protect assets while they decide. This protects estates and other heirs; it is a loss for the killer.
Probation end: notice, debt, and proof
Starting July 1, 2026, when supervision is set to end, the division must tell the court in writing and include a progress report. If the department collects your criminal debt, the notice includes restitution ordered and paid. The court files the notice, alerts all parties, and gives time to respond. If you are accused of being delinquent on court debt, the prosecutor must prove you knew about the debt, did not pay, and could pay. If you still owe money when probation ends, the department must notify the State Debt Collection office.
Rules and small fees for youth diversion
Starting July 1, 2026, a probation officer may require up to $250, restitution, service, counseling, or other steps when offering a nonjudicial adjustment. A child cannot decline that diversion until told of the right to consult a lawyer, including help from the Office of Indigent Defense Services. If the child declines counsel after being told, both the officer and child must sign acknowledgments.
Rules for work release and employers
The Department of Corrections sets rules for offenders on release and gives them to the offender and any employer. Employers in the program must agree in writing and report discharges or violations. Failing to stay within set limits can be treated as escape. Arresting authorities must notify the department if the offender is arrested for a new crime.
Victim funds and payment order
Starting July 1, 2026, the Office for Victims of Crime pays compensation claims from the victims’ fund and may fund other services after keeping a reserve. The Office must give police materials so sexual assault victims learn their testing rights. On a claim, the primary victim is paid before secondary victims unless the claimant asks otherwise.
Address privacy rules for participants
Starting July 1, 2026, courts cannot use your address‑protection program participation to decide custody or parent‑time and must keep your real address confidential. In court or agency hearings, others cannot force disclosure of your address unless a judge finds it is required for justice and no other option exists. Safe at Home participants cannot register to vote by just answering “yes” on the driver license form, but can still register by other legal methods. Counties that get data to distribute a uniform fee are not covered by Safe at Home privacy rules.
Crime victim awards: limits and fee caps
Beginning July 1, 2026, most deals to give away future compensation awards are not enforceable. Exceptions allow assigning work‑loss awards to secure alimony, maintenance, or child support; paying providers for allowable expenses; or repaying a loan used for those obligations or expenses. Attorney fees are not allowed for filing a claim or giving information to a specialist. Fees up to 15% can come from an award only if a denial is overturned after a hearing or to set up a trust or guardian for minor dependents. An attorney who takes banned fees commits a class B misdemeanor.
Uniform fees: timing and collections
Beginning July 1, 2026, the uniform fee on personal property is billed at the same time and in the same way as ad valorem personal property taxes. When that personal property is listed with real property, the notice shows only the uniform fee due, not the property’s taxable value. For unpaid uniform fees, the state uses the same collection rules it uses for ad valorem personal property taxes.
Capitol fees and free public Wi‑Fi
The Capitol Hill Board now manages the Capitol complex and may set fees for use of the grounds and buildings. The board may provide free public Wi‑Fi in Capitol Hill facilities, but Wi‑Fi in the legislative area must be turned off if both legislative leaders request it in writing. The board also reviews annual budgets and plans to care for the buildings and grounds.
Capitol Hill projects skip state procurement
Starting July 1, 2026, the Capitol Hill Board is exempt from the state’s procurement code. The board must adopt its own rules that are substantially similar. This gives flexibility while keeping similar standards.
Corrections rules and supervision updated
Beginning July 1, 2026, the chapter’s definitions change how costs, bed days, and program types are calculated. The supervising division must add duties, such as monitoring parolees with mental health needs, reporting certain domestic violence probation noncompliance, assisting investigations, and collecting restitution info. Standards that apply to offenders are exempt from the normal state rulemaking process. The department and staff are not liable for notice errors unless willful or grossly negligent.
County jail contracts and reimbursement rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, a first‑class county that released prisoners due to overcrowding during the lookback period cannot make new contracts to house federal detainees and cannot hold more federal detainees than contracted beds. The county must post daily detainee and bed totals on a public dashboard. The Department of Criminal Justice may not use submitted jail policies for purposes beyond the reporting law. The state also updates bed‑day and cost definitions used to calculate county reimbursements.
County jails: annual data or MOU
Each county jail must file an annual report before June 15 with detailed data on bookings, populations, releases, deaths, and treatment policies. Starting July 1, 2026, a jail may skip the report if it stores the required data and signs an MOU letting the department access it. The MOU must protect ongoing investigations and follow law. If the department drafts a report from the data, the jail and any named arresting agency get up to four weeks to review or respond before release.
Defines puberty blocker treatment for minors
Starting July 1, 2026, the law defines “puberty inhibition drug treatment” for minors to include certain drugs used to attempt a sex change, such as gonadotropin‑releasing hormone agonists and androgen receptor inhibitors, alone or with aromatase inhibitors. This definition sets which treatments the related rules cover.
Drug offense definitions updated
Starting July 1, 2026, the controlled‑substances chapter uses the Department of Commerce as the responsible department. “Consumption” means any measurable amount in the body but excludes metabolites. “Delivery” includes actual, constructive, or attempted transfers, even without an agency relationship.
Easier proof in lottery crime cases
Starting July 1, 2026, in lottery‑crime trials prosecutors do not need to prove technical details like the exact signing of tickets. Showing a sale or transfer of something that looks like a ticket is evidence it was signed and issued as claimed.
Forfeiture training and public reporting
Beginning July 1, 2026, agencies need at least one certified asset forfeiture specialist to join the grant program or get some reimbursements. The training is online and must be updated yearly; recertification is every 36 months. Agencies that transfer forfeited property or get federal sharing must file standardized reports. The department publishes an annual summary and case reports on open.utah.gov.
Indigent defense rules and funding caps
Beginning July 1, 2026, the commission can make rules, assign duties to the office, and ask lawmakers for extra money to run defense programs. The Indigent Inmate Fund is capped at $1,000,000; counties may pause payments when the fund hits $1,000,000 and resume after it drops. The office will run the aggravated murder defense fund, screen county requests, and contract with qualified lawyers. Any county that joins or rejoins that fund must make a one‑time equity payment equal to two years of missed assessments. Every indigent defense system must file a report by March 30 each year or lose grant eligibility for the next year.
Jail capacity, releases, and transfers
Starting July 1, 2026, each sheriff sets a maximum operating capacity for each jail with county approval. When a jail hits capacity, the sheriff must transfer inmates or release some to supervised programs based on set criteria. Sheriffs must track these releases and share records with state agencies on request. If a county pays another county to house an inmate, the per‑day rate may not exceed the higher of the sending county’s average inmate cost or the state daily rate. Sheriffs may still release individuals under existing laws even if the jail is not at capacity.
Juvenile board and commission changes
Starting July 1, 2026, the law lists who serves on the Youth Court Board, naming specific officials and appointees. On the same date, the commission named in the law moves into the Department of Criminal Justice. These are administrative changes to who serves and where the commission sits.
Limited court remedies for victim rights
Victims may file complaints and seek court orders against state actors who willfully fail their duties. Courts cannot grant new trials, dismiss charges, or award money, fees, or costs for these failures. A court may reopen a sentence or plea only if it does not block continued prosecution; victims must seek this relief within 90 days. Money from notoriety‑of‑crimes contracts goes first to any victim still owed restitution, then to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund.
New Criminal Justice Department roles
On July 1, 2026, laws replace references to the former commission with the Department of Criminal Justice and define the Department across chapters. The Department must run and staff certain criminal justice commissions and ensure they follow Department rules; a lawyer‑commissioner may recuse when needed. The Department may only use submitted corrections policies for the reporting purposes listed. The Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission now includes the Department’s commissioner.
New Department of Criminal Justice
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state creates the Department of Criminal Justice. A Governor‑appointed commissioner leads the department and may make rules and appoint deputies. The law defines common terms for the new title and requires an annual report on how the department and commission met their duties.
New limits on local health orders
Starting July 1, 2026, local health departments must give the county executive at least 24 hours’ notice before declaring an emergency, unless delay would likely cost lives. Emergencies end after 30 days unless extended, and county leaders or the Legislature can end them sooner. Health orders cannot substantially burden religious exercise unless they pass strict‑scrutiny and use the least restrictive means, with reasonable accommodations allowed. Local health departments also cannot require certain permits for a listed practice, force non‑occupants to install home carbon monoxide detectors, or control local food production or prices during an emergency.
New rules for asset forfeiture money
Starting July 1, 2026, when courts order property forfeited, agencies first deduct direct and reporting costs. If the prosecutor met training rules, legal costs are paid and attorney fees up to 20% of the forfeiture value may be paid. Wildlife case proceeds go to the Wildlife Resources Account and remaining proceeds go to the Criminal Forfeiture Restricted Account. The law also updates agency names and definitions used in forfeiture rules.
New rules for indigent defense funds
Starting July 1, 2026, the aggravated murder defense fund may be ended if, after state and county contributions, it cannot be brought up to at least $250,000. Counties must join and stay current on assessments to receive money from that fund. For the Indigent Inmate Fund, a county that imposes the extra property tax levy meets its payment duty and is eligible for benefits; a county that does not levy cannot receive benefits.
New rules for judge selection panels
Beginning July 1, 2026, the department sets rules for judicial nominating commission meetings. Rules must protect applicant confidentiality, set record destruction, define member disqualification, allow public comment, include evaluation criteria, and require quick notice to the governor when a judge leaves.
Old criminal statutes repealed in 2026
On July 1, 2026, the state repeals several named criminal justice statutes. Any programs that existed only in those sections end. The effects depend on what each repealed section covered.
Pretrial data and bail money split
Starting July 1, 2026, the courts must send yearly pretrial release data to the Department of Criminal Justice by July 1. When bail is forfeited after final adjournment, money is split by rule: with a surety, 60% to the Pretrial Release Programs fund, 20% to the General Fund, and 20% to prosecutors; without a surety, 75% to the Pretrial Release Programs fund and 25% to the General Fund.
Public hearing and school approval
Before awarding a contract for abuse or neglect programs, the division must hold a public hearing and ensure the council held one too. If the program will be used in public schools, the division must get approval from each local school board that will use it or from the state superintendent under local board direction.
Sheriffs control jail operations within zoning
Beginning July 1, 2026, sheriffs decide jail classifications, programs, and internal operations for facilities they control. These decisions must follow zoning rules and any conditional use permits.
Victim notices and privacy protections
Starting July 1, 2026, prosecutors must send an initial notice to felony victims within seven days and, if a victim asks and gives contact details, send notices of key hearings and restitution. Notices may be by phone, email, in person, or mail; for surprise hearings, a good‑faith phone attempt counts. A victim’s address, phone, and impact statement kept for notice are protected from public release. In cases with more than 10 victims, prosecutors may notify a sample of victims. Victim advocates must keep communications confidential, with narrow exceptions for exculpatory or credibility information shared with prosecutors; these records are exempt from public disclosure.
New transparency and data for prosecutors
Starting July 1, 2026, prosecutorial agencies must submit case data quarterly and keep records for 10 years. Each office must publish key policies online or state if no policy exists. Agencies must also report yearly on cases tied to false accusations and on dismissals or declines for no crime, low evidence, or victim unavailability.
Obscenity proof raised; fines aid victims
A court must find material obscene by clear and convincing evidence, a higher standard than before. Starting July 1, 2026, the Office for Victims of Crime receives 50% of any penalty paid under this law (excluding attorney fees and court‑awarded costs), and those funds go to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund. The recipient of the penalty must send the 50% share with required paperwork.
Some state funds now carry forward
Beginning July 1, 2026, appropriations from many named restricted accounts no longer lapse at year end. Agencies can keep and use those funds in future years, such as in the Native American Repatriation and Motion Picture Incentive accounts.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Todd Weiler
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Karianne Lisonbee
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/6/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 62 • No: 1
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate/ concurs with House amendment
Yes: 22 • No: 0
House vote • 3/6/2026
House/ floor amendment
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/4/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 11 • No: 0
House vote • 3/4/2026
House Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 12 • No: 0
House vote • 3/4/2026
House Comm - Amendment Recommendation
Yes: 12 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/3/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 27 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/2/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 23 • No: 0
House vote • 2/24/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 6 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/23/2026Senate/ to Governor
3/16/2026SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/16/2026SenateSenate/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/12/2026SenateEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/12/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/10/2026Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling
3/10/2026Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling
3/10/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/10/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/6/2026HouseSenate/ to House
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ concurs with House amendment
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ placed on Concurrence Calendar
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/6/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ floor amendment
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ Rules to 3rd Reading Calendar
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ return to Rules due to fiscal impact
3/4/2026HouseHouse/ comm rpt/ substituted/ amended
3/4/2026HouseHouse Comm - Favorable Recommendation
3/4/2026
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/12/2026
Amended 3/6/2026 16:03:66
3/6/2026
Amended 3/4/2026 18:03:90
3/4/2026
Substitute #1
3/4/2026
Substitute #2
3/4/2026
Introduced
2/23/2026
Related Bills
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