Bill > HB0127

This bill amends Utah state law to modify sentencing guidelines for serious sexual crimes, specifically rape, object rape, and forcible sodomy. The bill introduces a new legal definition of an "incapacitated individual" as a person 14 years or older with a physical, intellectual, neurological, or cognitive condition that prevents them from understanding, resisting, or reporting a sexual act. The legislation creates additional sentencing categories with varying prison terms based on specific circumstances, such as committing the crime against an incapacitated individual, causing serious bodily injury, or having a prior conviction for a grievous sexual offense. Under the new law, sentences can range from a minimum of five years to life without parole, with judges given some discretion to reduce sentences in the interests of justice while still maintaining mandatory minimum terms. The bill also allows for slightly more lenient sentencing for defendants who were under 18 at the time of the offense and have a previous grievous sexual offense conviction. The changes are designed to provide more nuanced sentencing guidelines that take into account the specific details and severity of sexual crimes. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0127.html