Bill > HB0038

This bill addresses several modifications to Utah criminal offenses, focusing on multiple areas of criminal law. The bill makes significant changes to statutes related to criminal street gangs, prostitution, theft, and various other criminal activities. Key provisions include redefining and expanding penalties for gang-related offenses, particularly those involving minors, such as creating new crimes like "aggravated soliciting, recruiting, enticing, or intimidating a minor to join a criminal street gang" and "intimidating a minor to remain in a criminal street gang". The bill also modifies penalties for prostitution-related offenses, increasing fines and potential felony charges for repeat offenders. Additionally, the bill updates definitions and penalty structures for various theft-related crimes, expanding the scope of what constitutes unlawful activity and introducing more nuanced sentencing guidelines. The changes aim to provide law enforcement and courts with more comprehensive tools to address criminal behaviors, with a particular focus on protecting minors and combating organized criminal activities. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, and includes provisions for coordinating with other potential legislative changes.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0038.html