Bill > HB0034

This bill amends Utah's laws regarding victim rights by modifying definitions and complaint procedures for victim rights committees. The bill expands the definition of "victim" to include individuals under 18 years old and clarifies that a victim is not someone who appears to be responsible for the offense. It establishes a new coordinator role within the Victim Services Commission who will be responsible for administrative assistance and processing complaints. The bill restructures the complaint process, allowing victims to submit complaints about violations of their rights, with new requirements for how complaints are handled. The coordinator must now notify victims within 30 days of receiving a complaint, can dismiss complaints that do not meet requirements, and must forward appropriate complaints to the relevant parties. The victim rights committees will have expanded powers to review complaints, request information, and make findings about potential rights violations. When a violation is found, the committee must send detailed letters to both the victim and the subject of the complaint, potentially including recommendations for improvement. The bill also requires criminal justice agencies to establish policies for addressing victim rights complaints. These changes aim to provide more structured and responsive support for victims navigating the criminal justice system. The bill is set to take effect on May 6, 2026.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0034.html