Utah Senate advances broad slate of bills on third reading, including county jail reimbursement and juvenile justice changes

The Utah State Senate on day 7 of the 2024 legislative session advanced a large group of bills on third reading, voting to pass measures ranging from county jail reimbursement to revisions in juvenile sentencing and evidence-retention rules.

Senators passed Senate Bill 48, a county correctional facility reimbursement bill presented by Senator Owens. The measure sets county reimbursement at 50% of the state daily rate for each eligible day a state probation or parole inmate spends in a county correctional facility and changes payment to be based on actual days rather than an arbitrary number. The Senate recorded 26 yeas, 0 nays and 3 absentees; the bill will be sent to the House for consideration.

Senate Bill 76, introduced by Senator Harper, was approved to update evidence-retention rules for felony cases. Sponsors said the bill clarifies how long different types of evidence — including biological samples and large physical items — must be retained, the formats for retention, and processes for disposition or return. The Senate passed SB 76 by voice and recorded vote as announced (29 yeas, 0 nays, 0 absent).

Lawmakers also approved a first substitute to Senate Bill 88, described by Senator Pitcher as a clarification of juvenile sentencing and…