Bill > HB0353

This bill makes several key changes to Utah's criminal code, primarily focusing on criminal offenses and state agency review processes. The bill requires all state agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of criminal offenses within their jurisdiction every three years, starting in 2026, where they must evaluate each offense and recommend whether it should be amended, clarified, or repealed, and whether its penalty level should be increased, reduced, or remain the same. The State Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ) is tasked with developing a standardized reporting format for these reviews and compiling an annual report for the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee. The bill also modifies penalties for certain criminal street gang activities, reducing the classification of some offenses from misdemeanors to infractions, and repeals the section on "Abuse of a flag". Additionally, the bill includes provisions for coordinating with other pending bills to ensure consistent legal language and implementation. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, and aims to provide a systematic approach to reviewing and potentially updating criminal statutes to improve clarity, fairness, and effectiveness in the state's criminal justice system.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0353.html