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Senate approves transit-security bill amendment, grants limited law‑enforcement authority to UTA officers
Summary
Senators adopted a technical amendment and advanced SB 256 to grant transit security officers law-enforcement powers on transit property and vehicles, with sponsors saying the change responds to operational needs and has broad law-enforcement support.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate moved Senate Bill 256 forward after adopting a technical amendment clarifying cross-references and confirming the limited jurisdiction of transit officers.
Senator Kurt Bramble, sponsor, described SB 256 as a targeted measure to allow Utah Transit Authority security officers to make arrests and transport offenders when criminal or disorderly conduct occurs on transit vehicles or property. "It gives them law enforcement powers in transit vehicles and on transit property so that UTA can arrest perpetrators and transport them to the police station," Bramble said on the floor.
The sponsor said the change is backed by police chiefs and the sheriff's association and that the amendment is technical cleanup to cross-references; he noted the law limits the officers' jurisdiction to transit facilities and vehicles. Senator Stevenson asked whether the authority extended to other UTA-owned properties; the sponsor pointed to statutory sections limiting jurisdiction to transit facilities and vehicles.
The amendment was adopted and the Senate voted to advance SB 256; the roll call recorded 26 aye votes, 0 nay votes and 3 absences. The bill now moves to the third-reading calendar.
Supporters said the change improves response time and public safety on transit; no opposition was recorded on the floor.
