[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6328463,"mediaKeyId","2320107-4f8700a93a4698c9009d61d59385b3bf","parentId",2320107,"title","Committee adopts substitute to limit disclosure of victims’ sensitive phone data in criminal cases","audioSeconds",543,"startMs",2247000,"endMs",2790000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2320107-4f8700a93a4698c9009d61d59385b3bf&start=2247&end=2790","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2320107-4f8700a93a4698c9009d61d59385b3bf/thumbnail_2247000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6328463/Utah/Committee-adopts-substitute-to-limit-disclosure-of-victims-sensitive-phone-data-in-criminal-cases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328463-9df064aa1c2bf15e3d4363fe800d6749/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001150&Signature=BtX4CavessgBaSLd7BWHB8XyCrg6E5CAHkPfzfAZaXeuaXDEm9uuDJ0Geb-JvzSa8WB5iA4LHjFiRRHqgyFbASY~BVbGaAB2hoYlEWaWhBRluy45QuoKyzn82v3H-Gs7Sj7snZiDWd05qycuEFR6a3raXu0kLFoj2mR0IRr6bHPeOKn5TGBpgI3TCwN5PNp5Qdc9RokUfy7LAV4LOGdVB0iBMQQk8XYApI6FZzgWTasurz4t8m3naQiWjpkzQsCRoolRkDDKf0WPYyu4pghvGWcOMvgoGOLvIlWHO9Q25jGSEOi9vJJlzOL3MSkuwCDvCDzf6~SfvTxqiGQuhNsYng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Utah State Legislature","date","2025-02-14T00:00:00Z","article","Lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee adopted a second substitute to House Bill 171 on victim and witness privacy, directing procedures for handling sensitive digital data obtained from victims and witnesses in criminal investigations.

The bill’s presenters, including Carl Holland of the attorney general’s office, told the committee that widespread forensic “Cellebrite” downloads of phones produce large amounts of private information — from naked photos to running routes — much of which may not be relevant to a given prosecution. Holland said the substitute seeks a “scalpel-like approach” to partition discovery: automatically produce information that is clearly germane, and create a controlled-review process for sensitive materials that are not obviously relevant but may be subject to defense challenges.

The committee heard that the substitute requires prosecutors to affirmatively turn over certain categories of data up front when it is plainly germane, and to provide a mechanism for defense counsel and their experts to review other sensitive data at a law-enforcement facility or controlled environment. Holland and other presenters framed the change as modeled in part on Utah’s child sexual-abuse‑material practice adopted in 2023, where defendants may view certain material only at a secure location.

Multiple stakeholder groups told the committee they supported the concept but asked for continued refinement. Mark Moffett, representing the Defense Lawyers Association, said he appreciated the sponsor’s outreach and said defense counsel needs access to evidence to investigate and to subpoena third-party records; he expressed concern that new statutory privacy rights could have longer-term effects on defense investigations. Richard Marr of the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association said defense attorneys do not seek irrelevant private content but warned the changes raise broader procedural questions about how to share digital evidence under Rule 16 and comparable discovery rules.

Victims’ advocates and some prosecutors expressed support. Marlise Jones of the Victim Services Commission and Ryan Robinson (prosecutor and SWAP policy director) said the substitute struck a workable balance and could make victims more willing to report crimes. Michael Drexel of the Administrative Office of the Courts asked that procedural components be aligned with court rules, noting that discovery and subpoena processes are typically governed by Rule 16 and should be reflected in procedure as well as statute.

Committee action: Representative Auxier moved to adopt the second substitute; the committee adopted it by voice vote. Representative Ochs then moved that the committee favorably recommend the second substitute of HB 171; that recommendation passed by voice vote as well.

Why it matters: presenters said extensive phone downloads can expose victims to renewed harm when irrelevant, highly sensitive personal data circulates in discovery; the substitute aims to preserve defendants’ access to evidence while protecting victims’ privacy through controlled review procedures and upfront production of clearly germane material.

Ending: The sponsor said the work would continue after committee approval; lawmakers and stakeholders asked for further adjustments to align statutory language and court rules before floor action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Judiciary Committee - February 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The House Judiciary Committee adopted a second substitute to HB 171 that restricts how sensitive electronic data from victims’ phones is disclosed to defense counsel while preserving pathways for necessary forensic review.","taxTitle","2025 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",78171,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6328466,"Committee debates bill letting DCFS caseworkers seek warrants when they cannot see children",998,25000,1023000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2320107-4f8700a93a4698c9009d61d59385b3bf&start=25&end=1023","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2320107-4f8700a93a4698c9009d61d59385b3bf/thumbnail_25000.jpg","/articles/6328466/Utah/Committee-debates-bill-letting-DCFS-caseworkers-seek-warrants-when-they-cannot-see-children","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328466-66ec859776e80576b4952d1a87bd8853/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001150&Signature=m3EYatMuMv~MJLHtmoB4wmwQZ5mW86nLAZgIXKy-PpOPiYoHAGhsMfXbE~w3PCAEE6TjJ6VQEh2ZCAJmRnrNuvlxSGBmI0WIBz5fC3DyW4FX~uHuh-EPa00nxQcIMeW7Q8QKkipRWhutjUUOSoYm433YotB0lSYbpQAnsWndDCJxezmsobkiuWve5DqGSFrG7n1JQEFw~5XZlZ0uIxSP2D8aQJwXxq4TzK3HKoebKdpKI2vDWE~6JIB49C6opVpsIQRpCd7Isglr5d6cojpYz5fOdWrdzSWCHXJxnec~nSWZiebGf-iTYG7K4U3BMbBM9nJ-j1ff5-Prv-OgjgzSkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Watkins introduced House Bill 83, “child welfare modifications,” saying the measure grew out of recent, fatal child-welfare cases and would give DCFS caseworkers a narrowly drawn ability to obtain a warrant to see children when they cannot get eyes on a child after a report. “This bill...gives, the DCFS caseworker the ability to get a warrant,” Watkins said.

The bill, as described by Watkins, would permit a DCFS caseworker to seek a warrant when there has been a report of abuse or severe neglect and the caseworker cannot contact the household, cannot get anyone to answer the door or call, and therefore cannot confirm whether children are safe. Watkins told the committee the tool is intended to be “very narrowly directed” and that caseworkers should work with police when executing any warrant.

Committee members asked how the warrant standard would work in practice. Representative Lou Bey noted the bill’s language requires a “credible threat to the child's health, safety, or welfare” to justify a warrant and said he was unsure what would have to be proved. Watkins replied the trigger is inability to see the child after a report and investigators’ efforts to contact the household — she noted that attempts could span “a week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks” but that the bill does not set a specific clock.

Several members, including Representative Grishius and Representative Thompson, pressed on safeguards and possible misuse. Thompson asked whether any limits exist and whether the proposal applied in only extreme cases; Watkins repeatedly said the bill is limited to situations where DCFS cannot get eyes on the child and that other uses of police-assisted investigations would remain unchanged. Representative Miller asked why police could not always obtain warrants for DCFS; Watkins said police capacity varies across jurisdictions and that the bill is meant to provide an additional tool while still involving law enforcement when warrants are executed.

Public commenters raised due-process concerns. Delaine England, a private citizen, said an accusation does not equal guilt and warned that the bill’s standard seemed too low. A criminal-defense lawyer identified in the record as “Mister Martin” said current law permits law enforcement involvement and probable-cause warrants; he and another speaker worried the bill could lower constitutional standards if caseworkers without law-enforcement training could procure warrants. Jackie Warren, a resident who said the Gavin incident occurred nearby, warned the bill could enable false allegations to produce entry without cause.

After public comment, Representative Thompson moved “that we move on to the next agenda item” — effectively pausing further immediate committee action on HB 83. The motion to move on passed by voice vote; Representative Watkins said she would follow up on related legislation and fiscal issues. No committee recommendation on HB 83 was recorded at this meeting.

Why it matters: supporters said the bill responds to recent child fatalities and aims to shorten delays in urgent cases; critics warned the proposal risks widening government authority to enter homes without clear, uniform procedural safeguards. The committee did not advance the bill at this session and left the core questions about standards and judicial oversight unresolved.

Ending: Representative Watkins said she is sponsoring related legislation on false accusations (HB 33) and will return to the committee with further work; no date for renewed consideration of HB 83 was provided in the hearing.","Representative Watkins introduced House Bill 83, “child welfare modifications,” saying the measure grew out of recent, fatal child-welfare cases and would give DCFS caseworkers a narrowly drawn ability to obtain a warrant to see children when they cannot get eyes on a child after a report.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6328448,"Committee advances recodification of estate-planning statutes with technical changes",204,2017000,2221000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2320107-4f8700a93a4698c9009d61d59385b3bf&start=2017&end=2221","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2320107-4f8700a93a4698c9009d61d59385b3bf/thumbnail_2017000.jpg","/articles/6328448/Utah/Committee-advances-recodification-of-estate-planning-statutes-with-technical-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328448-c3a3a0c9f2d7d13b3eba16a6c9bc6d48/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001150&Signature=dXx5kp1L2XpGoZPZkcQ8Sd2pd5YZZxwr-zFWOZhHkOa2SQZr8n65oqwXAmzsoW2rFBj6FsJWJUNKkjGBPTWJ4y0Zmr83Ys5MRwius06GMuQF-uYFQGHenrD5DZJLq5hyNRt~Ay9DrKAT1dyJqJ94UIls16obCzQ4nGQ27d1eQ9v5NmPjVGIDPQgF90UFanCYkti9Xkj658kgGlji1v~6iyYvfF7vqCQop00MKfEeegLWptd~wcz0TCWNhr6sJ7FJ8h4xdpIFZ7QY4Xm8A3jF4Xa9ZjhcNvAOLd6lKcV6Z2NG6VyHYTAN0AYwb3ahFJGNvLFFdZmPATR8MVRgdTAWeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Weiler introduced first substitute SB 100, a technical recodification of estate-planning statutes. Jacqueline Carlton of the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel said the bill continues a prior recodification effort by moving trust statutes into their own title and harmonizing definitions to reduce inconsistent usage across existing statutes.

Carlton characterized the measure as largely renumbering and definitional coordination rather than substantive policy change. Senator Weiler and several committee members thanked staff for the drafting work; Senator Weiler noted the substitute is shorter than the original draft and described it as a technical recodification.

No public comment was recorded; Representative Grisius moved to favorably recommend the first substitute; the committee adopted the motion by voice vote and sent the bill to the floor with a favorable recommendation.

Why it matters: the recodification reorganizes probate and trust language into clearer statutory titles and aligns definitions to reduce ambiguity in estate planning practice; drafters said most changes are non‑substantive.

Ending: The committee unanimously advanced first substitute SB 100; sponsors said they expect the coordinated definitions to reduce future confusion in probate and trust law.","Senators and legislative counsel presented first substitute SB 100, a technical recodification that moves trust statutes into a separate title and coordinates definitions across estate-planning law; sponsors said the bill is largely renumbering and definitional cleanup and does not create substantive changes.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6328453,"Committee unanimously backs concurrent resolution to authorize updated sentencing and juvenile guidelines",456,1495000,1951000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2320107-4f8700a93a4698c9009d61d59385b3bf&start=1495&end=1951","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2320107-4f8700a93a4698c9009d61d59385b3bf/thumbnail_1495000.jpg","/articles/6328453/Utah/Committee-unanimously-backs-concurrent-resolution-to-authorize-updated-sentencing-and-juvenile-guidelines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328453-06b03e1c903d1c19f6876a402f0e1a26/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001150&Signature=KPn~05gYpP7Td8wZJd-BVWIHdrjrpGFSwh7A-HfcmC2qGxuthDCCF5Hx7DJpleMCuor3wKJjn3lGqmbzYCWrBNyLLo9U10D7EeOZnxleyPrraD4CzFX-IDE-sWDbGH1xgcWRMFs5A-bXbcBFZug686iRaBM~fDLZahVF7geaJ4NwFHookdCuBdQaEN5p09KfDTRPPa32VS2hVck7lYIswT7mJhtQeCWVRt3PEh9KoSndiP53vY7FvvxfNhWjDxf28llOJp4baQ6VMTFYuh4pgC1jQrZt6kkw8lmFWIsHxFa5KXJySmSaw14wIv221Wd4csXaYSIbaVWrxU8LZ19IEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Weiler presented SCR 1, a concurrent resolution authorizing adult sentencing and supervision length guidelines and juvenile disposition guidelines submitted by the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ). Weiler said the resolution is procedural: it authorizes the Commission to continue using the guidelines that were submitted on Nov. 14, 2024.

Two public speakers supported the resolution. Art Brown, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (Utah chapter), praised Commission staff and victims’ input on revisions to sentencing matrices for automobile homicide and injury. Ryan Robinson, SWAP policy director and a prosecutors’ appointee to the Sentencing Commission, described the work behind a new DUI injury-and-death matrix and commended Daniel Strong and the Commission for stakeholder engagement.

Representative Loubay moved to favorably recommend SCR 1; Representative Miller volunteered to be floor sponsor. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. The chair noted the resolution, as a concurrent resolution, goes on consent on the floor.

Why it matters: SCR 1 gives formal legislative concurrence to sentencing matrices developed by CCJJ. Those matrices guide recommended sentence ranges and supervision lengths and are used statewide by judges and other criminal-justice actors.

Ending: The committee advanced the resolution with unanimous support; members thanked Commission staff for stakeholder work.","The committee favorably recommended SCR 1, a concurrent resolution authorizing adult sentencing and supervision length guidelines and juvenile disposition guidelines submitted by the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice. Testimony from victims' representatives and prosecutors praised the collaborative process that produced the matrix.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6328458,"Committee favorably recommends technical changes to School Activity Eligibility Commission",324,1139000,1463000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2320107-4f8700a93a4698c9009d61d59385b3bf&start=1139&end=1463","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2320107-4f8700a93a4698c9009d61d59385b3bf/thumbnail_1139000.jpg","/articles/6328458/Utah/Committee-favorably-recommends-technical-changes-to-School-Activity-Eligibility-Commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328458-96d67342dad6f53a3522850f91d142bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001150&Signature=TEc4DZkghu8OqiLbXWMI-EWqqusb0r6RmUWyej~s-JFgHgWqlO3wrKrOHgfGLIUk7o6l6SAt48f95y29AG9f3RQvo-FOT8wsmfKXYsjgJE4lL3TsLcOewv~9HNdKfwR9dr1eoxyQzQGGrxOLlG1ojwDD9I9LNLND039M8jhmZSKuDTRSi-Yeg7Z3dzC8gO3wWCCpoJX89DLpBW8k5dMAicqzxNsuV5ORqs0fJaXK4KGqLFM8G7tZKMyq30ur8PPXcNF0euDzco0XjLuUTDaoboIGp7xFbA1X37FxJBIQDeH0AxXOFfc6SXEvXeEJ-nUGetwD4YN2685IDVltqUe4cA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Abbott presented House Bill 424 to amend administrative details and definitions governing the School Activity Eligibility Commission. Abbott said the changes are primarily technical: clarifying two appointees’ eligibility, permitting the commission to form a quorum when one position is unfilled, giving flexibility on meeting scheduling, and clarifying that commission decisions last one school year and use a preponderance‑of‑the‑evidence standard.

Representative Miller asked whether the bill was intended to affect gender or participation policies tied to birth-certificate language. Abbott said the measure is not a substantive change but rather a consistency fix, explaining that use of the term “unamended birth certificate” aligns the statute with related areas of law and was intended to make the law clearer, not to change prior policy.

No public commenters appeared in the room or online. The committee chair made a motion to favorably recommend HB 424; the motion passed by voice vote with no opposition.

Why it matters: sponsor and supporters described HB 424 as a technical, clarifying package to reduce ambiguity in commission operations and evidence standards; committee members and the sponsor said it should make commission decisions more administrable.

Ending: The bill was advanced out of committee with a favorable recommendation to the House floor.","Lawmakers unanimously advanced HB 424, which makes administrative and definitional clarifications to the School Activity Eligibility Commission’s procedures and membership rules; sponsor said the bill is technical and not intended to change substantive policy.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee adopts substitute to limit disclosure of victims’ sensitive phone data in criminal cases

Committee debates bill letting DCFS caseworkers seek warrants when they cannot see children

Committee advances recodification of estate-planning statutes with technical changes

Committee unanimously backs concurrent resolution to authorize updated sentencing and juvenile guidelines

Committee favorably recommends technical changes to School Activity Eligibility Commission