UtahS.B. 2832026 General SessionSenateWALLET

Court Fees and Administration Amendments

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 4 costs, 2 mixed.

Service helps defendants pay court fines

Beginning May 6, 2026, eligible defendants receive $12 toward the amount owed for each hour of approved unpaid service. Courts must allow reasonable time to finish, and defendants must complete and report the service on time. Courts must explain this option when imposing fines, including eligible traffic fines, and before allowed payments without a court appearance. Service does not replace victim restitution.

Court funding supports buildings and security

Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah’s courts office must arrange security for all courts of record statewide, beyond district and juvenile courts. Use of Court Security Account money requires legislative approval of funding. For each covered state motor vehicle fine or voluntary payment in a court of record, $7 goes to the State Courts Complex Account. The rest follows the existing allocation rule; the $7 transfer is not an added charge.

Governments get broader court fee exemptions

Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah, its agencies, and local governments are exempt from all covered civil court fees. The exemption applies when they file or defend an action and extends beyond filing fees. This exemption does not lower household court fees.

Covered convictions add $60 security charge

Beginning May 6, 2026, convictions for offenses in the Judicial Council’s uniform fine schedule and moving traffic violations carry a $60 security surcharge. This charge is on top of other fines, penalties, forfeitures, and surcharges. Courts cannot lower an otherwise applicable fine to offset it. Courts collect and distribute the surcharge proportionally with fine payments.

Debtors must cover government case costs

Beginning May 6, 2026, courts must order judgment debtors to pay filing fees and collection costs when government entities win. This covers Utah, state agencies, local governments, and the Office of Recovery Services. The provision does not state the amounts.

Higher fees for online court forms

Beginning May 6, 2026, the added filing fee for initial pleadings prepared through Utah’s Online Court Assistance Program rises from $20 to $60. It applies to complaints, petitions, counterclaims, and counterpetitions, on top of regular filing fees. Using the program remains free. The added fee does not apply to later papers or preparation of protective-order requests.

Higher filing fees for court users

Beginning May 6, 2026, qualifying claims in courts of record cost $105 for $2,000 or less, up from $90. Claims over $2,000 but under $10,000 cost $215, up from $200; claim amounts exclude court costs, interest, and attorney fees. Covered family-law petitions, including divorce petitions, cost $350, up from $325. Writs of replevin, attachment, execution, or garnishment cost $75 instead of $50, on top of complaint or petition fees. A justice-court appeal notice costs $10, separate from the court-of-record fee for a new trial.

Fewer appearances but possible bail limits

Beginning May 6, 2026, defendants can enter a plea-in-abeyance agreement without appearing before a magistrate when their offense allows voluntary fine payment without appearing. For listed offenses without mandatory appearances, judges may limit bail posting methods to allow voluntary payment of the recommended fine. These rules do not set a new fine or bail amount.

Juvenile courts lose required fine schedule

Beginning May 6, 2026, the Judicial Council no longer must create a separate uniform recommended fine schedule for juvenile courts. The law also removes the duty to adopt rules for that schedule. This repeal does not specify higher or lower fines for any person.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Todd Weiler
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Grant Amjad Miller
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 158 • No: 0

House vote • 3/6/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 66 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

Senate/ concurs with House amendment

Yes: 23 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2026

House Comm - Substitute Recommendation

Yes: 9 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2026

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 22 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/24/2026

Senate/ passed 2nd reading