Public Safety

Public safety is foundational to Utah’s strong communities, thriving economy, and exceptional quality of life. As our state continues to grow and communities face evolving public safety challenges, the Utah House of Representatives remains committed to ensuring law enforcement officers have the tools and resources they need to keep Utahns safe.

The Legislature has prioritized investments in law enforcement recruitment and retention, strengthened safety and security at the state prison, and advanced policies that deter crime, reduce recidivism, and support victims. We believe safe communities are built through accountability, strong partnerships, and a justice system that protects the public while creating opportunities for rehabilitation.

We will continue supporting policies that keep violent offenders off our streets, back law enforcement, and preserve the safe communities that make Utah one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.

Funding Highlights

  • $125 million for prison capacity expansion

    Funding allocated to increase 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

  • $11.9 million for emergency shelters

    (2026)

  • $8.8 million for mental and behavioral health

    (2026)

  • $1 million for the Other Side Village

    Funded an expansion of the homeless services center (2026)

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 274

2026

Sentencing Commission Amendments

Modified the membership of the Utah Sentencing Commission and required legislative approval for sentencing guidlines

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 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 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