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Utah Senate unanimously approves dram-shop liability changes meant to aid victims
Summary
Senate Bill 251, sponsored by Sen. Hilliard, raises dram-shop insurance requirements, clarifies recoverable damages in wrongful-death cases, eliminates punitive damages under dram-shop claims, and makes dram-shop liability an additional source for victim recovery. The Senate recorded unanimous support and will send the bill to the House.
Senator Hilliard outlined Senate Bill 251 as a four-part revision to the dram-shop statute: higher insurance thresholds for licensing, expanded measures of recoverable damages in wrongful-death cases, elimination of punitive damages under the dram-shop cause of action, and a clearer structure making dram-shop liability an additional resource for victim recovery up to specified caps.
Hilliard said the revisions respond to a Utah Supreme Court decision and were intended to "protect the victim, give a clear signal to those who choose to serve alcohol, that they have some responsibility" while ensuring victims can be made whole. Senator Howe urged unanimous support, describing the bill as an appropriate response to court direction and a way to send a clear message to establishments that serve alcohol.
After floor roll call and a corrected tally recorded by the clerk, the Senate recorded 29 aye votes (unanimous among those voting) and the bill was sent to the House for consideration.
Next steps: The House will receive the bill; sponsors and committees may provide additional technical language before final enactment.
