Bill > HB0171

This bill establishes comprehensive protections for victim privacy in criminal proceedings, focusing on the handling of nonpublic electronic data. The legislation defines key terms such as "nonpublic victim data" (electronic information about a victim that is not publicly available and for which the victim has a reasonable expectation of privacy), and creates strict guidelines for how such data can be accessed and used. Under the bill, nonpublic victim data must remain in the custody of law enforcement, prosecuting agencies, or courts, and defendants or their attorneys cannot automatically copy or reproduce this data. If such data is deemed relevant to a criminal proceeding, a court may order limited dissemination, with special protections for sensitive materials like intimate images. The bill includes a strong presumption against sharing intimate images and requires any such sharing to be done under carefully crafted restrictions. Self-represented defendants are prohibited from directly inspecting nonpublic victim data and must request court-appointed counsel to review such information. The legislation also requires law enforcement and prosecuting agencies to establish policies ensuring that nonpublic victim data is used only for legitimate purposes and maintained in a way that protects the victim's privacy. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that it does not limit a defendant's constitutional rights and takes effect on May 7, 2025.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0171.html