Bill > SB0070

This bill amends existing Utah law to require that emergency operations plans, which are plans created by counties, cities, and towns to manage emergencies, must designate at least one shelter that can accommodate both individuals and their "household pets" – defined as domesticated animals traditionally kept in homes, like dogs and cats, that can be housed in temporary facilities, but excluding livestock, reptiles (other than turtles), amphibians, fish, insects, arachnids, or animals kept for racing. The bill also clarifies that these entities are not required to build new facilities to meet this requirement and can establish rules for pet care at shelters. Additionally, the bill expands governmental immunity from lawsuits to include injuries arising from or connected to an emergency operations plan, meaning government entities and their employees are protected from being sued for actions or failures related to these plans, particularly in the context of natural disasters.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0070.html