Bill > HB0284

This bill amends the definition of murder by changing the wording in one instance to clarify that a person can commit murder by knowingly engaging in conduct that creates a grave risk of death to *any* individual, not just *another* individual, and causes the death of *any* individual, not just *the other* individual, when acting with depraved indifference to human life. The bill also specifies that the offense of murder is a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, which can be for life, and outlines conditions under which a murder conviction can be reduced to manslaughter, or attempted murder to attempted manslaughter, if certain special mitigation or affirmative defenses are proven. An affirmative defense to murder is established if the defendant reasonably believed their actions were legally justified, even if they were not. Additionally, the bill clarifies that if a murder occurs during the commission of certain other crimes, known as "predicate offenses" (which include various violent crimes like kidnapping, rape, arson, and burglary, as well as drug lab violations and firearm discharges), the defendant can be convicted of both murder and the predicate offense. This bill is set to take effect on May 6, 2026.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0284.html