Bill > HJR015

This joint resolution amends Utah's Rules of Civil Procedure to clarify and strengthen provisions regarding sanctions for misconduct in legal proceedings and the dismissal of lawsuits. Specifically, it modifies Rule 11 to ensure that all legal filings are signed by an attorney or the party themselves, and that these signatures certify the filing is not for an improper purpose, is supported by law and evidence, and that factual denials are warranted. The rule now also clarifies the types of sanctions a court can impose, including non-monetary directives, penalties to the court, charitable contributions, or attorney fees, with limitations on monetary sanctions against represented parties and when imposed by the court's own initiative. Additionally, Rule 41 is amended to allow for involuntary dismissal of an action if a plaintiff fails to prosecute, comply with court orders, or if a defendant attorney is named solely for their role as counsel, and it introduces provisions for awarding attorney fees and costs to a defendant if the action against them is deemed frivolous, brought for harassment, delay, or abuse of the judicial process.

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https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HJR015.html