Bill > HB0137

This bill establishes the "Violent Crime Clearance Rate Fund" to provide grants to law enforcement agencies to help them solve violent crimes, which are defined as violent felonies. The fund will be supported by private donations, grants, and other sources, and any interest earned will also be included. The bill defines "cleared by arrest" as when a suspect is arrested, charged, and turned over to court, and "cleared by exceptional means" when a suspect is identified with sufficient evidence for arrest and their location is known, but an arrest cannot be made due to circumstances beyond the agency's control. The commission administering the fund can use up to 3% for administrative costs, with 85% of the remaining funds awarded through a competitive grant process and 15% awarded randomly to eligible applicants who didn't receive a competitive award. Importantly, at least 10% of the competitively awarded funds must go to agencies serving only rural communities, and grant money can be used for hiring, training, evidence processing, technology, witness support, and policy development aimed at increasing the rate at which violent crimes are solved. The bill also appropriates $250,000 from this fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, to the Governor's Office - Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice for this purpose.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0137.html