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