Public Safety

Robust public safety is critical for our flourishing economy, strong communities, and high quality of life. Our growing population and the wave of rising crime nationwide demand an increased focus on public safety. Learn about our efforts to increase investments in law enforcement recruitment and retention, improve safety and security at the state prison, and adopt policies that deter crime, reduce recidivism, and strengthen public safety.

Funding Highlights

  • $125 million for prison capacity expansion

    Increased capacity at the Central Utah Correctional Facility.

  • $22 million for the state prison

    Enhanced staffing and safety.

  • $13 million for firefighter cancer benefits

    Funded a program to screen state firefighters for cancer and helps pay for cancer treatment.

  • $5 million for first responder mental health resources

    Provided mental health resources to law enforcement and other first responders and their families.

Recent Legislation

HB 137

2026

Violent Crime Clearance Rate Amendments

Created a grant program to help local law enforcement agencies solve violent crimes

HB 416

2026

First Responder Health Modifications

Created a firefighter cancer trust fund to provide streamlined benefits to firefighters diagnosed with cancer as a result of their service

HB 87

2025

Drug Trafficking Amendments

Made trafficking fentanyl a first degree felony to crack down on the flood of deadly drugs flowing into the state

HB 465

2025

Public Safety Amendments

Required Salt Lake City to enter into an interagency agreement with the Department of Public Safety to improve public safety in the capital city

HB 38

2025

Criminal Offenses Modifications

Enhanced crimes committed by criminal street gangs and retail theft rings, including recruiting minors to join gangs

HB 65

2025

Firefighter Cancer Amendments

Expanded cancer screenings and access to workers’ compensation benefits for firefighters who develop cancer as a result of their service

HB 312

2025

Criminal Justice Amendments

Limited overcrowding releases by jails to ensure counties develop adequate jail capacity to keep up with growing populations

HB 207

2025

Sexual Offense Revisions

Enhanced penalties for repeat sex offenders, including mandatory prison time

SB 90

2025

Mandatory Jail Sentence Amendments

Imposed mandatory jail sentences for certain crimes committed by illegal immigrants who had previously been removed from the country

HB 69

2024

DUI Testing Amendments

Required testing for both drugs and alcohol when a person is arrested for a DUI

SB 109

2024

Corrections Modifications

Directed the Department of Corrections to establish a reentry division to improve successful reentry of inmates into the community

SB 90

2024

Criminal Justice Modifications

Defined habitual criminal offenders and provides stricter sentencing guidelines and pre-trial release criteria for habitual offenders