Bill > HB0133

This bill amends existing law regarding the justified use of force by adding a new condition that can prevent a defendant from receiving a pretrial justification hearing, which is a legal process where a judge determines if the use of force was lawful before a trial. Specifically, if a defendant uses force that is intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, and the person against whom the force was used dies as a result, the defendant will not be eligible for this pretrial hearing if they failed to report the use of force to a 911 emergency service or law enforcement within 24 hours. The bill also modifies the burden of proof at these pretrial hearings, requiring the state to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the force was not justified if the defendant makes a claim of justification or reports the use of force within 24 hours. The bill is set to take effect on May 6, 2026.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0133.html