UtahH.B. 1882026 General SessionHouse

Juvenile Justice Amendments

Sponsored By: Nicholeen P. Peck (Republican)

Signed by Governor

JuvenilesEducationK-12 EducationJudicial OperationsJuvenile JusticeLaw Enforcement and Criminal JusticeStudent Discipline

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Effective youth programs gain payment incentives

Beginning May 6, 2026, juvenile program contracts link incentives to programs rated effective at reducing repeat offenses using a standard tool. A higher rate allocation applies when a minor receives the required evidence-based treatment amount and successfully finishes within three months. These payments go through provider contracts, not directly to families.

Court referrals for repeated school drug possession

Beginning May 6, 2026, school administrators, their designees, or school resource officers must send qualifying drug-possession cases directly to court. This applies when a minor allegedly possessed drugs on school property after at least two earlier alleged school-property possession offenses. When H.B. 301's related changes are also in effect, drug possession includes unlawful possession or use of controlled substances or controlled substance analogs. The law also aligns drug-offense references with that companion law.

Some youth lose court diversion options

Beginning May 6, 2026, probation officers cannot offer nonjudicial adjustment—a diversion option—for listed misdemeanors committed at age 12 or older. These include specified drug distribution, possession with intent to distribute, and unlawful adolescent sexual activity offenses. When H.B. 301's related changes are also in effect, the coordinated rule bars this option for felonies and listed misdemeanors at age 12 or older. It also updates drug-offense references. Probation officers must request prosecutor review for referrals involving the law's listed offenses or a minor with a current suspended custody order.

Parents get notice; school reporters gain protections

Beginning May 6, 2026, the law replaces earlier school reporting provisions covering confidentiality, immunity, and evidence. Principals receiving the required report must notify parents about alleged student offenses on school grounds during school or at school-sponsored activities. Principals must keep reporting employees' names from students and parents, but may share them with police for investigation or prosecution. School employees and principals have civil and criminal immunity for good-faith reports. That protection also covers notifications or investigations directed by school or law enforcement authorities.

School searches gain powers and safeguards

Beginning May 6, 2026, principals may investigate alleged drug offenses involving school property, students, or employees before notifying law enforcement. Searches on school property need a reasonable belief they will uncover evidence, must fit their purpose, and cannot be overly intrusive. State and local education boards must adopt search safeguards. Evidence must go to law enforcement when reported; evidence school authorities seize independently is admissible in civil and criminal cases. Local education agencies must destroy or dispose of seized e-cigarette products when the related offense cannot be, or is not, referred to law enforcement.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Nicholeen P. Peck
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Todd Weiler
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 121 • No: 19

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension

Yes: 21 • No: 6

Senate vote • 2/27/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 3 • No: 1

House vote • 2/23/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 62 • No: 10

House vote • 2/17/2026

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 7 • No: 2

House vote • 2/17/2026

House Comm - Substitute Recommendation

Yes: 8 • No: 0

House vote • 2/5/2026

House Comm - Held

Yes: 9 • No: 0