Bill > HB0096

This bill amends Utah's criminal code regarding the offense of defrauding creditors, specifically updating the legal definitions and penalties for actions that interfere with a creditor's ability to collect on a debt. The bill clarifies that a person commits this crime by intentionally destroying, removing, concealing, or transferring property subject to a security interest with the purpose of hindering the creditor's enforcement of that interest or depriving the creditor of lawful possession of the property. The legislation also maintains existing provisions about false statements to creditors and introduces a tiered penalty structure based on the amount of unpaid debt: violations involving property with an unpaid balance under $10,000 will be a class A misdemeanor, while those involving $10,000 or more will be a third-degree felony. The bill preserves an exception for law enforcement officers acting within the scope of a criminal investigation and specifies that property forfeitures related to this offense must follow established legal procedures. The amendments are set to take effect on May 7, 2025, providing clarity and more structured consequences for actions that intentionally obstruct creditors' rights.

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https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0096.html