Bill > SB0283

This bill modifies various aspects of court administration and fees, including clarifying contracts for court bailiffs and security officers to specify services, costs, and payment terms, and allowing contracts with other law enforcement agencies if the county sheriff is not nearby. It also updates the process for establishing and reviewing uniform fine schedules for offenses, allowing for annual review by the Judicial Council, and clarifies that courts retain discretion in imposing fines. The bill expands the option for defendants to perform "compensatory service" (unpaid work) in lieu of paying fines or account receivables, and establishes a credit rate of $12 per hour for this service, while also allowing courts to reduce unpaid criminal account receivables by the cost of court-ordered treatment or courses if payment would cause hardship. Furthermore, it allows defendants to enter into plea in abeyance agreements (where charges are held in limbo pending successful completion of terms) without a personal appearance in cases where they can voluntarily pay a recommended fine without appearing, and it revises various civil filing fees for courts of record and justice courts, including adjustments to fees for small claims, expungement petitions, and appeals, while also increasing the fee for using the Online Court Assistance Program. Finally, the bill modifies the funding and use of the Court Security Account, which is supported by portions of filing fees and a security surcharge, and clarifies that the security surcharge applies to convictions listed on the uniform fine schedule and moving traffic violations.

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https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0283.html