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Senate extends criminal-code task force and approves juvenile and gang sentencing changes
Summary
The Utah Senate extended the Criminal Code Evaluation Task Force (SB 17) and passed SB 50 (juvenile-offender penalty amendments) and SB 51 (group/gang enhancement amendments); SB 17 passed 25–4, while SB 50 and SB 51 passed unanimously and move to the House.
The Utah Senate advanced several criminal-justice measures on Day 9. Senator Maine explained SB 17, which reenacts and extends the Criminal Code Evaluation Task Force for two years to continue reviewing criminal statutes and consider possible recodification and standardization of the code. The sponsor said the task is intensive, estimated at $10,000, and could take two years (possibly three). After questions clarifying that the extension does not by itself recodify the entire criminal code, the Senate passed SB 17 on a roll call of 25 yeas and 4 nays.
Senator Thatcher presented SB 50, which addresses sentencing where offenses are committed as juveniles but charges are brought after the individual is an adult. The bill allows the adult system to impose penalties consistent with maximums that would have applied at the offender’s age at the time of the offense. The Senate approved SB 50 (29–0) and will send it to the House.
Senator Thatcher also described SB 51, a Sentencing Commission bill modifying group/gang enhancement provisions after interim negotiations; he said the measure represents a compromise among stakeholders. The Senate approved SB 51 (28–0) and transmitted it to the House.
Sponsors said these bills reflect work in interim meetings and committee hearings and will move to the House for further consideration and any amendments.
