All Roll Calls
Yes: 151 • No: 0
UtahH.B. 792026 General SessionHouse
Governmental Immunity Amendments
Sponsored By: Gwynn, Matthew H.
Signed by Governor
Governmental ImmunityGovernment Operations (State Issues)Emergency Medical Services
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Clearer causation and who is covered
The law clarifies what counts as a legal claim for money against a government or its staff. It expands who counts as a government employee, including officers, board members, Children's Justice Center staff, licensed students, aides, interns, volunteers, and tutors. Independent contractors are not covered. It also says a governmental entity includes the state, political subdivisions, and law enforcement agencies with officers. The causation rule for “arises out of” needs a stronger link than a simple connection, but not full proximate cause. Beginning May 6, 2026, these rules apply and reach back to March 18, 1985.
Effective date and retroactive reach
Most changes start on May 6, 2026. If the Legislature passed the bill by two‑thirds, it instead takes effect upon the governor’s approval, after the time limit without signature, or on a veto override date. Once effective, the amendments apply back to March 18, 1985.
Immunity during health and disaster response
The law gives immunity to government entities, officers, and employees for actions or failures during public health and emergency responses. It covers disease control, suspected bioterrorism investigations, and running shelters, housing, staging sites, or medical facilities in emergencies. It also covers methods that help health providers, public health groups, and insurers verify identity. Beginning May 6, 2026, this immunity applies and reaches back to March 18, 1985.
Immunity for government-owned contaminated land
A government owner and its officers and employees are immune from suits over contamination at land they own. Ownership alone cannot be the basis of a claim. If the government follows environmental rules, cleanup actions do not undo the immunity. Claims can still target the party that released or disposed of hazardous matter. Workers’ compensation claims for people working on the site are not limited. Beginning May 6, 2026, these rules apply and reach back to March 18, 1985.
Immunity for hidden public works defects
The law protects governments and staff from lawsuits over hidden dangers or defects in public roads, bridges, sidewalks, tunnels, and related structures. It also covers public buildings, dams, reservoirs, and other public improvements. Beginning May 6, 2026, this immunity applies and reaches back to March 18, 1985.
Immunity for wildfire interface programs
The law gives immunity to the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, counties, wildland‑urban interface coordinators, the Insurance Department, and their staff and consultants. The immunity covers actions or omissions when they carry out state wildland‑urban interface laws. Beginning May 6, 2026, this protection applies and reaches back to March 18, 1985.
Wider shield for government functions
The law says governments and their employees are immune from lawsuits for injuries that result from government functions, unless the chapter makes an exception. A government function includes any activity or operation and also failures to act by agencies, employees, agents, or officers. Beginning May 6, 2026, this immunity applies and reaches back to March 18, 1985.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Gwynn, Matthew H.
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Brady Brammer
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/12/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 25 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/11/2026
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/11/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 28 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/11/2026
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/5/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 5 • No: 0
House vote • 2/2/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 71 • No: 0
House vote • 1/23/2026
House Comm - Substitute Recommendation
Yes: 11 • No: 0
House vote • 1/23/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 11 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
2/27/2026House/ to Governor
2/18/2026HouseHouse/ received enrolled bill from Printing
2/18/2026HouseHouse/ enrolled bill to Printing
2/17/2026HouseEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
2/17/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
2/17/2026Bill Received from House for Enrolling
2/17/2026House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
2/17/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
2/17/2026HouseSenate/ to House
2/12/2026SenateSenate/ signed by President/ returned to House
2/12/2026SenateSenate/ passed 3rd reading
2/12/2026SenateSenate/ 3rd reading
2/12/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd reading
2/11/2026SenateSenate/ uncircled
2/11/2026SenateSenate/ circled
2/11/2026SenateSenate/ 2nd reading
2/11/2026SenateSenate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
2/6/2026SenateSenate/ committee report favorable
2/6/2026SenateSenate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/5/2026Senate/ to standing committee
2/4/2026SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/3/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
2/2/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/2/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
2/2/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
2/17/2026
Substitute #1
1/23/2026
Introduced
12/23/2025