Bill > SB0027

This bill amends existing Utah law to expand protections and penalties related to assaults or threats of violence against peace officers and military service members. Specifically, it adds "family member" to the list of individuals protected under assault or threat of violence laws against peace officers, meaning an assault or threat against a peace officer's spouse, parent, child, or other close relative is now covered. The bill also creates a new section specifically addressing assaults or threats of violence against military service members, including their family members, and clarifies that "military service member" includes members of the U.S. armed forces, National Guard, and State Defense Force. The penalties for these offenses are increased, with violations escalating from a class A misdemeanor to a third-degree felony if the offender has prior convictions or causes substantial bodily injury, and to a second-degree felony if a dangerous weapon is used or the act is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. Additionally, the bill mandates minimum jail time for repeat offenders and clarifies that these protections do not infringe upon constitutional rights to free speech or assembly. Finally, it makes a technical change to the murder statute to include assaults against military service members under Section 76-5-102.10 when defining murder.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0027.html