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House clears clarification to criminal solicitation law; HB 326 passed 67‑0
Summary
Lawmakers passed HB 326 to clarify that when a solicitation results in a completed offense the solicitor is culpable to the same degree; sponsors said the bill resolves statutory confusion and is supported by the attorney general and prosecutors. The House passed it 67‑0.
The Utah House unanimously passed House Bill 326 to clarify criminal solicitation law so that if someone solicits another to commit a crime and the crime is carried out, the solicitor is guilty to the same degree as the actor in the completed offense.
Sponsor Frank R. Pigueney explained that prior statutory changes had created confusion and that HB 326 'clears that up,' stating the bill’s core provision: when a solicitation results in a successful offense 'you're equally guilty.' He said the measure has the backing of the attorney general’s office, the Statewide Association of Prosecutors, and law enforcement lobby groups.
The sponsor framed the issue around criminal‑law theory: a person who causes another to pull the trigger should be held as culpable as the person who pulled it. No substantive floor opposition was recorded during the debate on the transcript excerpt. Voting closed and the clerk reported 67 yes votes and 0 no votes; the bill passed the House and was referred for further consideration.
The measure’s goal as stated on the floor is statutory clarification of culpability for successful solicitations rather than creating new substantive offenses.
