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House defeats bill to fund prosecutor focused on crimes in polygamous communities after heated debate
Summary
House rejected HB62, a $200,000 appropriation to add a prosecutor and investigator to pursue crimes occurring 'within polygamous groups.' Lawmakers split over whether the proposal protects victims in closed communities or unfairly singles out a religious/cultural group; amendment to remove the 'polygamous' language failed before the bill lost 28–43.
The Utah House defeated House Bill 62 after an extended and often emotional floor debate over whether a targeted prosecutorial appropriation would protect vulnerable residents in closed communities or improperly single out polygamous groups.
Representative Ron Bigelow, sponsor of HB62, framed the measure as a response to investigative and prosecutorial challenges in isolated, closed communities. The bill would set aside $200,000 (non‑lapsing) for one prosecutor and one investigator in the Attorney General’s Office to focus on crimes that are difficult to…
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