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Utah House passes bill adding penalties for drug distribution with firearms after heated debate
Summary
The Utah House passed HB 68 on Jan. 23, 2024, adding enhanced penalties for drug distribution when a dangerous weapon is involved. Supporters cited surging fentanyl trafficking and officer safety; opponents warned the measure could limit judicial discretion and expand mandatory minimums. Vote: 58–13.
The Utah House of Representatives passed HB 68, a measure that raises penalties for certain drug-distribution offenses when a dangerous weapon is involved, after extended floor debate and amendments on Jan. 23, 2024.
Representative Stoddard, sponsor of the bill, told colleagues the legislation responds to a marked rise in drug trafficking and to incidents where officers find firearms in vehicles connected to drug distribution. He said the bill includes an opt-out for judges and is “a nuanced approach” intended to improve officer and public safety. "We already know we have a huge drug trafficking problem," Stoddard said, adding the changes were…
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