Utah 2026 General Session Status: Enacted 1 R cosponsors

SB 27 — Assault or Threat of Violence Amendments

Last action — Governor Signed

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced December 05, 2025. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Spencer Cox (Republican) on March 23, 2026.

Prognosis

Advancing 54% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 2 sponsors

    1 primary, 1 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 R).

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

268 added · 278 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent changes to Bill SB 27 clarify and expand protections for both peace officers and military service members. The bill now distinctly addresses assaults against off-duty peace officers and military members, as well as their family members, recognizing that violence can occur based on their status even when they are not actively on duty. This is important because it enhances the legal protection for these individuals, acknowledging their service and the risks they face, which could help deter potential threats or acts of violence against them and their families.

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SB0027S01 compared with SB0027 {Omitted text} shows text that was in SB0027 but was omitted in SB0027S01 inserted text shows text that was not in SB0027 but was inserted into SB0027S01 DISCLAIMER:
Enrolled Copy S.B.
This document is provided to assist you in your comparison of the two bills.
27 Assault or Threat of Violence Amendments GENERAL SESSION STATE OF UTAH Chief Sponsor:
Sometimes this automated comparison will NOT be completely accurate.
Therefore, you need to read the actual bills.
This automatically generated document could contain inaccuracies caused by:
limitations of the compare program;
bad input data;
or other causes.
Assault or Threat of Violence Amendments GENERAL SESSION STATE OF UTAH Chief Sponsor:
Ipson House Sponsor:Matthew H.
Ipson House Sponsor:
Matthew H.
{or} and ● assaults or threats of violence against family members of a peace officer if the actor committed the offense because of the peace officer's status as a peace officer;
and ● assaults or threats of violence against family members of a peace officer if the actor committed the offense because of the peace officer's status as a peace officer;
{and} S ▸ amends the offense of assault or threat of violence against a military service membeB in uniform by:
▸ amends the offense of assault or threat of violence against a military service member in uniform by:
0 ● renaming the offense to assault or threat of violence against a military service member;
● renaming the offense to assault or threat of violence against a military service member;
SB0027 compared with SB0027S01 ● including assaults or threats of violence against off-duty military service members and military service members not in uniform during the assault or threat of violence if the actor committed the offense because of the military service member's status as a military service member;
● including assaults or threats of violence against off-duty military service members and military service members not in uniform during the assault or threat of violence if the actor committed the offense because of the military service member's status as a military service member;
None Other Special Clauses:
S.B.
27 Enrolled Copy None Other Special Clauses:
76-3-203.3 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 173, 208 76-5-102.4 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 44 76-5-203 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 173, 204, 208, and 284 ENACTS:
76-3-203.3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 173, 208 76-5-102.4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 44 76-5-203, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 173, 204, 208, and 284 ENACTS:
76-5-102.10 , Utah Code Annotated 1953 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
76-5-102.10, Utah Code Annotated 1953 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
76-3-203.3.
76-3-203.3 .
(2) (a) A person who commits any primary offense with the intent to intimidate or terrorize another person or with reason to believe that his action would intimidate or terrorize that person is subject to Subsection (2)(b).
(2)(a) A person who commits any primary offense with the intent to intimidate or terrorize another person or with reason to believe that his action would intimidate or terrorize that person is subject to Subsection (2)(b).
(b) (i) A class C misdemeanor primary offense is a class B misdemeanor;
(b)(i) A class C misdemeanor primary offense is a class B misdemeanor;
and - 2 - SB0027 compared with SB0027S01 (ii) a class B misdemeanor primary offense is a class A misdemeanor.
and (ii) a class B misdemeanor primary offense is a class A misdemeanor.
(e) any offense of obstructing government operations under Sections 76-8-301, 76-8-301.2, 76-8-302, 76-8-305, 76-8-306, 76-8-307, 76-8-308, 76-8-309.2, and 76-8-313;
(e) any offense of obstructing government operations under Sections 76-8-301, - 2 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
27 76-8-301.2, 76-8-302, 76-8-305, 76-8-306, 76-8-307, 76-8-308, 76-8-309.2, and 76-8-313;
76-5-102.4.
76-5-102.4 .
(1) (a) As used in this section:
(1)(a) As used in this section:
- 3 - SB0027 compared with SB0027S01 (i) "Assault" means an offense under Section 76-5-102.
(i) "Assault" means an offense under Section 76-5-102.
(2) [(a)] An actor commits assault or threat of violence against a peace officer or a family member of a peace officer if:
- 3 - S.B.
27 Enrolled Copy (2)[(a)] An actor commits assault or threat of violence against a peace officer or a family member of a peace officer if:
or (iii) against a family member of a peace officer because of the {family member's relation to the peace officer due to the } peace officer's status as a peace officer.
or (iii) against a family member of a peace officer because of the peace officer's status as a peace officer.
[(ii) at the time of the assault or threat of violence, the peace officer was acting within the scope of authority as a peace officer.] [(b) An actor commits an assault or threat of violence against a military service member in uniform if:] - 4 - SB0027 compared with SB0027S01 [(i) the actor commits an assault or threat of violence against a military service member in uniform;
[(ii) at the time of the assault or threat of violence, the peace officer was acting within the scope of authority as a peace officer.] [(b) An actor commits an assault or threat of violence against a military service member in uniform if:] [(i) the actor commits an assault or threat of violence against a military service member in uniform;
and] [(ii) at the time of the assault or threat of violence, the service member was on orders and acting within the scope of authority granted to the military service member in uniform.] (3) (a) [A] Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b) or (c), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor.
and] [(ii) at the time of the assault or threat of violence, the service member was on orders and acting within the scope of authority granted to the military service member in uniform.] (3)(a) [A] Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b) or (c), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor.
or (B) assault or threat of violence against a military service member {in uniform } as described in Section 76-5-102.10;
or (B) assault or threat of violence against a military service member as described in Section 76-5-102.10;
or (ii) other means or force likely to produce death or serious bodily injury.
or - 4 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
27 (ii) other means or force likely to produce death or serious bodily injury.
Section 3 is enacted to read:
Section 76-5-102.10 is enacted to read:
76-5-102.10.
76-5-102.10 .
Assault or threat of violence against a military service member {in uniform} or a family member of a military service member.
Assault or threat of violence against a military service member or a family member of a military service member.
(1) - 5 - SB0027 compared with SB0027S01 (a) As used in this section:
(1)(a) As used in this section:
Show all 69 changed rows (29 more)
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(ii) "Military service member {in uniform} " means:
(ii) "Military service member" means:
(A) a member of any branch of the United States {military who is wearing a uniform as authorized by the member's branch of service} armed forces;
(A) a member of any branch of the United States armed forces;
or (B) a member of the National Guard {serving as provided in Section 39A-3-103} or State Defense Force.
or (B) a member of the National Guard or State Defense Force.
(2) An actor commits assault or threat of violence against a military service member {in uniform } if:
(2) An actor commits assault or threat of violence against a military service member if:
(a) the actor commits an assault or threat of violence against a military service member {in uniform} or a family member of a military service member;
(a) the actor commits an assault or threat of violence against a military service member or a family member of a military service member;
{and} (b) the actor knows that the individual described in Subsection (2)(a) is a military service member or a family member of a military service member;
(b) the actor knows that the individual described in Subsection (2)(a) is a military service member or a family member of a military service member;
(b){(i)} against a military service member at the time {of } the {assault or threat of violence, the } military service member {was on orders and } is acting within the scope of {authority granted to } the military service member's authority as a military service member {in uniform.} ;
(i) against a military service member at the time the military service member is acting within the scope of the military service member's authority as a military service member;
(ii) against a military service member because of the military service member's status as a military service member;
(ii) against a military service member because of the military service member's status - 5 - S.B.
27 Enrolled Copy as a military service member;
(3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b) or (c), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor.
(3)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b) or (c), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor.
- 6 - SB0027 compared with SB0027S01 (c) A violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony if the actor uses:
(c) A violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony if the actor uses:
76-5-203.
76-5-203 .
(1) (a) As used in this section, "predicate offense" means:
(1)(a) As used in this section, "predicate offense" means:
(iv) kidnapping under Section 76-5-301;
- 6 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
27 (iv) kidnapping under Section 76-5-301;
- 7 - SB0027 compared with SB0027S01 (xiv) sexual abuse of a child under Section 76-5-404.1;
(xiv) sexual abuse of a child under Section 76-5-404.1;
(d) (i) the actor is engaged in the commission, attempted commission, or immediate flight from the commission or attempted commission of any predicate offense, or is a party to the predicate offense;
(d)(i) the actor is engaged in the commission, attempted commission, or immediate flight from the commission or attempted commission of any predicate offense, or is a party to the predicate offense;
(ii) an individual other than a party described in Section 76-2-202 is killed in the course of the commission, attempted commission, or immediate flight from the commission or attempted commission of any predicate offense;
- 7 - S.B.
27 Enrolled Copy (ii) an individual other than a party described in Section 76-2-202 is killed in the course of the commission, attempted commission, or immediate flight from the commission or attempted commission of any predicate offense;
- 8 - SB0027 compared with SB0027S01 (ii) interference with a peace officer while making a lawful arrest under Section 76-8-305 if the actor uses force against the peace officer;
(ii) interference with a peace officer while making a lawful arrest under Section 76-8-305 if the actor uses force against the peace officer;
or (iii) an assault against a military service member [in uniform ]under Section [76-5-102.4] 76-5-102.10;
or (iii) an assault against a military service member [in uniform ]under Section [ 76-5-102.4] 76-5-102.10;
(3) (a) (i) A violation of Subsection (2) is a first degree felony.
(3)(a)(i) A violation of Subsection (2) is a first degree felony.
(4) (a) It is an affirmative defense to a charge of murder or attempted murder that the defendant caused the death of another individual or attempted to cause the death of another individual under a reasonable belief that the circumstances provided a legal justification or excuse for the conduct although the conduct was not legally justifiable or excusable under the existing circumstances.
(4)(a) It is an affirmative defense to a charge of murder or attempted murder that the defendant caused the death of another individual or attempted to cause the death of another individual under a reasonable belief that the circumstances provided a legal justification or excuse for the conduct although the conduct was not legally justifiable or excusable under the existing circumstances.
(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a), if the trier of fact finds the elements of murder, or alternatively, attempted murder, as described in this section are proved beyond a reasonable doubt, and also finds the affirmative defense described in this Subsection (4) is not disproven beyond a reasonable doubt, the court shall enter a judgment of conviction as follows:
(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a), if the trier of fact finds the elements of murder, or - 8 - Enrolled Copy S.B.
- 9 - SB0027 compared with SB0027S01 (i) if the trier of fact finds the defendant guilty of murder, the court shall enter a judgment of conviction for manslaughter;
27 alternatively, attempted murder, as described in this section are proved beyond a reasonable doubt, and also finds the affirmative defense described in this Subsection (4) is not disproven beyond a reasonable doubt, the court shall enter a judgment of conviction as follows:
(i) if the trier of fact finds the defendant guilty of murder, the court shall enter a judgment of conviction for manslaughter;
(5) (a) Any predicate offense that constitutes a separate offense does not merge with the crime of murder.
(5)(a) Any predicate offense that constitutes a separate offense does not merge with the crime of murder.
Effective date.
1-22-26 9:06 AM - 10 -
- 9 -
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How this bill changes current law

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Compared against the Utah Code as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies existing laws on assault against peace officers and military service members by separating and expanding the definitions and protections for off-duty officers and service members.

  • Utah Code § 76-5-102.4

    [(ii) "Military service member in uniform" means:] [(A) a member of any branch of the United States military who is wearing a uniform as authorized by the member's branch of service; or] [(B) a member of the National Guard serving as provided in Section 39A-3-103.]

    The definition limiting military service members to those in uniform has been removed.

  • Utah Code § 76-5-102.4

    [(b) An actor commits an assault or threat of violence against a military service member in uniform if:] [(i) the actor commits an assault or threat of violence against a military service member in uniform; and] [(ii) at the time of the assault or threat of violence, the service member was on orders and acting within the scope of authority granted to the military service member in uniform.]

    The section defining the offense against a military service member in uniform is removed, allowing broader protections.

  • Utah Code § 76-5-102.4

    [(2)(a)] → (2) An actor commits assault or threat of violence against a peace officer or a family member of a peace officer if:

    The actor definition now explicitly addresses family members of peace officers in the context of assault or threat.

  • Utah Code § 76-5-102.4

    [(ii)] → (iii)

    The numbering of definitions has been adjusted to accommodate new entries.

  • Utah Code § 76-5-102.4

    [(c) The assault or threat of violence described in Subsection (2)(a) is intentionally committed:]

    The condition regarding the actor's intent is clarified and consolidated.

  • Utah Code § 76-5-102.10

    76-5-102.10. Assault or threat of violence against a military service member or a family member of a military service member.

    A new section is created to specifically address assaults against military service members and their families, broadening the scope of protections.

  • Utah Code § 76-5-102.10

    (2) An actor commits assault or threat of violence against a military service member if:

    The new section specifies how assaults against military service members can occur.

  • Utah Code § 76-5-102.10

    The actor commits an assault or threat of violence against a military service member if the actor knows that the individual described in Subsection (2)(a) is a military service member or a family member of a military service member; and

    Clearer language is established for the understanding of intent regarding military personnel and family members.

  • Utah Code § 76-5-102.10

    is intentionally committed against a military service member at the time the military service member is acting within the scope of the military service member's authority as a military service member;

    Clarifies that the assault can happen when service members are acting in their official capacity.

Action History

  1. Governor Signed

  2. Senate/ to Governor

  3. Senate/ received enrolled bill from Printing

  4. Senate/ enrolled bill to Printing

  5. Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate

  6. Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared

  7. Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling

  8. Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling

  9. Senate/ received from House

  10. House/ to Senate

  11. House/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate

  12. House/ received from Senate

  13. Senate/ to House

  14. Senate/ concurs with House amendment

  15. Senate/ uncircled

  16. Senate/ circled

  17. Senate/ placed on Concurrence Calendar

  18. Senate/ received from House

  19. House/ to Senate

  20. House/ passed 3rd reading

  21. House/ 3rd reading

  22. House/ 2nd reading

  23. House/ comm rpt/ substituted [House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee]

  24. House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee]

  25. House Comm - Substitute Recommendation [House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee]

  26. House/ to standing committee [House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee]

  27. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for SB0027S01

  28. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for SB0027S01

  29. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for SB0027S01

  30. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for SB0027S01

  31. House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

  32. House/ received from Senate

  33. Senate/ to House

  34. Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension

  35. Senate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension

  36. Senate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar

  37. Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

  38. Senate/ received fiscal note from Fiscal Analyst

  39. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for SB0027

  40. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for SB0027

  41. Senate/ received bill from Legislative Research

  42. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for SB0027

  43. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for SB0027

  44. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed

  45. Bill Numbered but not Distributed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 102 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (1)

Not signed on (102)

102 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety veterans
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 27?
SB 27 is sponsored by Don L. Ipson (Republican) and Gwynn, M..
What is the current status of SB 27?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced December 05, 2025. Enacted.
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