Bill > HB0085

This bill makes several key amendments to Utah's emergency management laws, primarily focusing on limiting the powers of local and state authorities during emergencies and restricting the influence of international organizations. The bill adds a definition for "international organization" to include the United Nations, World Economic Forum, and World Health Organization, and explicitly prohibits chief executive officers of municipalities and counties from declaring states of emergency solely in response to proclamations from these organizations. The legislation also restricts governors from declaring states of emergency exclusively based on international organization declarations. The bill introduces new provisions that limit the duration of emergency declarations to 30 days, with possible extensions by legislative resolution, and prevents repeated declarations for the same emergency without demonstrating "exigent circumstances." Additionally, the bill enacts a new section that categorically denies international organizations any legal authority in the state, preventing state agencies and local governments from implementing or enforcing international directives. The changes aim to enhance state sovereignty by reducing the potential for external influences during emergency situations and providing more legislative oversight of emergency powers. The bill is set to take effect on May 6, 2026, giving state and local governments time to prepare for the new restrictions.

Government Affairs

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0085.html