All Roll Calls
Yes: 110 • No: 1
UtahH.B. 4542026 General SessionHouse
Public Assistance Fraud Amendments
Sponsored By: Ryan D. Wilcox (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Unemployment InsurancePublic AssistanceDepartment of Workforce ServicesWorkforce ServicesLaw Enforcement and Criminal Justice
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Fraud counts toward pattern crime charges
Beginning May 6, 2026, public assistance fraud crimes can be used to bring "pattern of unlawful activity" charges. This includes fraud by applicants or users, providers, misappropriation of funds, and aiding false applications. Prosecutors can combine at least three related episodes; one must be after July 31, 1981, and the latest within five years of the prior act.
Stronger penalties for benefit fraud and helpers
Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah expands what counts as public assistance fraud. It creates a new crime for people who help with an application and knowingly add false facts or hide material facts. Fraud includes not reporting changes within 10 days or at recertification, and illegal use or trade of SNAP, Medicaid IDs, or benefit instruments. It also covers getting new income or assets and not telling the agency within 10 days, or seeking an overpayment. Repaying the money is not a defense. Values are added across related acts (including SNAP trafficking within six months) and use usual private prices. Penalties scale by total value: $5,000+ is a second-degree felony; $1,500–$4,999 a third-degree felony; $500–$1,499 a class A misdemeanor; under $500 a class B misdemeanor.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Ryan D. Wilcox
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Brady Brammer
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 24 • No: 1
House vote • 3/2/2026
Senate Comm - Consent Calendar Recommendation
Yes: 5 • No: 0
House vote • 3/2/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 7 • No: 0
House vote • 2/23/2026
House/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/23/2026
House/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/23/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 66 • No: 0
House vote • 2/13/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/24/2026House/ to Governor
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/12/2026HouseHouse/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/11/2026HouseEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/11/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/6/2026Bill Received from House for Enrolling
3/6/2026House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
3/6/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/6/2026HouseSenate/ to House
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ signed by President/ returned to House
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ passed 3rd reading
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ 3rd reading
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd reading
3/3/2026SenateSenate/ comm rpt/ placed on Consent Calendar
3/3/2026SenateSenate Comm - Consent Calendar Recommendation
3/2/2026Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
3/2/2026Senate/ to standing committee
2/25/2026SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/24/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
2/23/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/23/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
2/23/2026HouseHouse/ uncircled
2/23/2026HouseHouse/ circled
2/23/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
2/23/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Introduced
2/2/2026