UtahH.B. 1862026 General SessionHouseWALLET

Judicial Conduct Commission Amendments

Sponsored By: Jordan D. Teuscher (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Government RecordsJudicial AdministrationJudicial OperationsEthicsGovernment Operations (State Issues)Judges

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Judges face linked criminal and conduct reviews

Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah’s Judicial Conduct Commission must immediately refer information reasonably suggesting a judge committed a state or federal misdemeanor or felony to the appropriate Supreme Court justice or justices. It must also immediately refer the allegation and relevant information to the prosecutor with jurisdiction, unless the allegation is plainly frivolous. A prosecutor who regularly practices before the judge or has a conflict must send the matter to another eligible prosecutor. These referrals are not required when the original complaint came from the Administrative Office of the Courts or a prosecutor under Section 77-2-10. The Commission may keep investigating while the criminal investigation proceeds. Prosecutors filing an information or indictment against a judge must immediately file a Commission complaint. The Administrative Office of the Courts must also immediately file a complaint when the chief justice places another judge on leave for alleged criminal conduct without a Commission referral. The same complaint rule applies when two Supreme Court justices place the chief justice on leave without a Commission referral.

Judge investigation records get stronger privacy

Beginning May 6, 2026, records made, submitted, or kept for Utah Judicial Conduct Commission investigations are protected from public disclosure. The law protects these records’ privacy but limits public access to judicial oversight files.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jordan D. Teuscher
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Brady Brammer
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 145 • No: 3

Senate vote • 2/13/2026

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 25 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/12/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd reading

Yes: 23 • No: 2

Senate vote • 2/9/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 7 • No: 0

House vote • 2/3/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 70 • No: 0

House vote • 1/23/2026

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 10 • No: 0