Bill > HB0271

This bill modifies the existing Utah law regarding disrupting a meeting or procession by expanding and clarifying the definition of the offense. The bill introduces more specific ways an actor can be found guilty of disrupting a meeting, including using force, violence, or threats of violence; engaging in an unlawful act that is a class B misdemeanor or higher; interfering with entry or exit to a meeting location through threatening language or actions; or denying use of a meeting location through excessive sound. The bill also adds a provision that terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 will apply to this section, and maintains the penalty as a class B misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill includes a specific effective date of May 7, 2025, and includes a coordination provision with another bill (H.B. 21) to ensure the intended amendments to Section 76-9-103 take precedence. The goal appears to be providing more precise legal language around what constitutes disruption of a meeting or procession and protecting the right of people to gather and conduct meetings without interference.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0271.html