All Roll Calls
Yes: 148 • No: 16
UtahS.B. 2272026 General SessionSenate
Punitive Damages Amendments
Sponsored By: Ronald M. Winterton (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Motor Vehicle InsuranceInsuranceBusinessJudicial OperationsMotor VehiclesTransportationCivil Litigation
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Stricter punitive damage claims against employers
For claims arising on or after May 6, 2026, an employment or agency relationship alone cannot support punitive damages. This protects employers, principals, and managing agents from liability based only on a worker's or agent's wrongdoing. Plaintiffs must prove at least one ground by clear and convincing evidence: willful, malicious, or reckless conduct by the defendant; authorization, approval, or later acceptance of the wrongdoing; or reckless hiring or retention by the employer. Managing agents include employees or agents with supervisory or managerial authority over a facility, operation, project, or employee group. The definition also covers anyone acting in a managerial role. These rules also cover claims involving unlawful, voluntarily impaired driving or motorboat operation. Utah Code Section 63G-7-603 still applies.
Insurers cannot price in punitive damages
Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah insurers cannot use punitive damages exposure to decide coverage, classify risk, or set prices. Punitive damages are court awards meant to punish wrongdoing. Insurers also cannot insure or try to insure punitive damages, gambling risks, election losses, or criminal penalties. These restrictions apply to claims arising on or after that date. The law does not say how much premiums or other policy charges change.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Ronald M. Winterton
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Colin W. Jack
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate/ concurs with House amendment
Yes: 28 • No: 1
House vote • 3/5/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 56 • No: 12
House vote • 3/5/2026
House/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 2/27/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 10 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/24/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 26 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Senate/ floor amendment
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Senate/ substituted
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 24 • No: 1
Senate vote • 2/20/2026
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/4/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 4 • No: 2
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/18/2026Senate/ to Governor
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ 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
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/6/2026SenateHouse/ 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
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ substituted
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
3/2/2026HouseHouse/ committee report favorable
3/2/2026HouseHouse Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/27/2026House/ to standing committee
2/25/2026HouseHouse/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/24/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/12/2026
Substitute #3
3/3/2026
Substitute #4
3/3/2026
Amended 2/23/2026 12:02:261
2/23/2026
Substitute #2
2/19/2026
Substitute #1
2/18/2026
Introduced
1/30/2026