Bill > HB0274

This bill amends various provisions related to sentencing in Utah, primarily by expanding the membership and responsibilities of the Sentencing Commission, which is responsible for developing guidelines for sentencing and supervision of offenders. Key changes include increasing the number of voting members on the commission to 17, with specific requirements for representation from rural counties for criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors, and adding representatives from the Utah Chiefs of Police Association. The bill also revises the criteria for adult sentencing and supervision length guidelines, emphasizing public protection as the primary consideration, followed by rehabilitation, prevention of future harm, deterrence, punishment, and victim impact. Additionally, it mandates the review and revision of guidelines for specific violent and sexual offenses by November 2026, and clarifies that the Legislature must annually authorize these guidelines through a concurrent resolution, with a specified effective date of May 6, 2026. Finally, the bill outlines factors courts must consider when determining sentences, including the nature of the offense, offender characteristics, public safety, rehabilitation, deterrence, punishment, and victim impact, with a prioritization of public safety and deterrence for violent and sexual offenses.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0274.html