Bill > HB0066

This bill makes two primary changes to Utah law regarding ritual abuse and law enforcement training. First, it amends Section 53-10-908 to require law enforcement training that now includes identifying indicators of a "ritual" in sexual assault cases, expanding existing trauma-informed training requirements for officers. Second, the bill creates a new Section 76-3-203.19 that defines a "ritual" as a ceremonial event with specific actions, gestures, objects, or words designed to commemorate or celebrate something, and establishes it as an aggravating factor when certain offenses against children or minors are committed as part of a ritual. The bill provides an extensive list of qualifying offenses, including various forms of child abuse, sexual abuse, kidnapping, and other crimes against minors. When a defendant is convicted of such an offense and the court finds it was committed as part of a ritual, this becomes an aggravating factor that can affect sentencing and parole considerations. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, and includes a provision for potential coordination with another bill (S.B. 24) that might modify the ritual-related definitions.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0066.html