Public Safety

Utah is committed to enhancing public safety and addressing immigration challenges with thoughtful, balanced policies. Legislation focuses on strengthening community safety, supporting law enforcement and ensuring that Utah’s approach to immigration is both humane and effective, prioritizing public welfare and upholding the rule of law. By fostering collaboration between state agencies, local governments and federal partners, Utah aims to create a safer, more secure environment for all residents.

2025 Legislation Highlights

  • S.B. 90 Mandatory Jail Sentence Amendments establishes a mandatory jail sentence for individuals convicted of a crime in the U.S., deported, and returned to Utah who have committed additional offenses. This common-sense measure helps protect Utah communities from repeat offenders engaged in organized crime, closing loopholes and preventing illegal immigrants from cycling in and out of the state.
  • H.B. 87 Drug Trafficking Amendments increases to a first-degree felony the penalties for producing, manufacturing, or distributing fentanyl. The penalties apply to anyone with more than 100 grams of fentanyl or a fentanyl-related substance. This bill ensures those responsible for distributing large quantities of fentanyl face the full weight of the law, sends a clear message that fentanyl trafficking will not be tolerated in Utah, strengthens public safety and helps prevent further loss of life from fentanyl overdoses.
  • H.B. 465 Public Safety Amendments enhances efforts to protect and improve Utah’s capital city by formalizing a partnership between Salt Lake City and the Utah Department of Public Safety to address crime and homelessness. By enhancing coordination, this bill helps to foster a safer, more supportive environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
  • S.B. 55 Unauthorized Use of Residential Real Property Amendments enhances protections for property owners by enabling law enforcement to act swiftly and effectively to remove squatters. The bill increases criminal penalties for squatters who damage property or try to sell or rent properties they do not own, helping to deter crime. Every Utahn deserves the peace of mind that their property is safe when they’re away. By strengthening penalties, we can better protect homeowners, safeguard neighborhoods and ensure that Utah remains a safe and secure place to live.