Utah 2026 General Session Status: Enacted 2 R cosponsors

HB 539 — Public Safety Modifications

Last action — Governor Signed

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

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 10, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Spencer Cox (Republican) on March 25, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 54% · moderate confidence
  • 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 (2 R).

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

1169 added · 1111 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent changes to Bill HB 539 include new definitions and modifications related to domestic violence, such as a broader definition of what constitutes a domestic violence offense. It also clarifies the rights of individuals concerning bail and outlines how law enforcement should respond to domestic violence incidents. Additionally, the bill ensures that a parent arrested for domestic violence cannot prevent communication with their child under certain conditions, emphasizing the child's well-being. These adjustments aim to enhance public safety and support victims more effectively.

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HB0539S04 compared with HB0539 {Omitted text} shows text that was in HB0539 but was omitted in HB0539S04 inserted text shows text that was not in HB0539 but was inserted into HB0539S04 DISCLAIMER:
Enrolled Copy H.B.
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539 Public Safety Modifications GENERAL SESSION STATE OF UTAH Chief Sponsor:
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Matt MacPherson Senate Sponsor:
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Brady Brammer 3 LONG TITLE General Description:
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This bill amends provisions related to public safety.
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{Criminal Justice } Public Safety Modifications GENERAL SESSION STATE OF UTAH Chief Sponsor:
Matt MacPherson Senate Sponsor:Brady Brammer 3 LONG TITLE General Description:
This bill amends {statutory } provisions related to {criminal justice} public safety.
▸ modifies the requirements for responding to an allegation of a domestic violence offHnse;
▸ modifies the requirements for responding to an allegation of a domestic violence offense;
B ▸ clarifies and amends definitions for protective order statutes, including the defini5ion of cohabitant;
▸ clarifies and amends definitions for protective order statutes, including the definition of cohabitant;
3 HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 ▸ amends the requirements for a workplace violence protective order;
▸ amends the requirements for a workplace violence protective order;
{and} ▸ makes technical and conforming changes{.} ;
▸ makes technical and conforming changes;
and ▸ includes a coordination clause to modify a definition if this bill and H.B.
and H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy ▸ includes a coordination clause to modify a definition if this bill and H.B.
76-1-202 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 291 76-1-402 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 302 76-2-409 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 411 77-20-102 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 526 77-20-201 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 227 77-20-204 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 243 77-36-1 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 173, 208 and 277 77-36-2.2 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 447 77-36-2.6 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 159 78B-7-102 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 212, 332 78B-7-801 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 173, 284 78B-7-802 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Second Special Session, Chapter 4 78B-7-1101 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 170 78B-7-1103 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 170 - 2 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 78B-7-1105 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 170 78B-7-1109 , as enacted by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 170 Utah Code Sections affected by Coordination Clause:
76-1-202, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 291 76-1-402, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 302 76-2-409, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 411 77-20-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 526 77-20-201, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 227 77-20-204, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 243 77-36-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 173, 208 and 277 77-36-2.2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 447 77-36-2.6, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Chapter 159 78B-7-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 212, 332 78B-7-801, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 173, 284 78B-7-802, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2021, Second Special Session, Chapter 4 78B-7-1101, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 170 78B-7-1103, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 170 78B-7-1105, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 170 78B-7-1109, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2023, Chapter 170 Utah Code Sections affected by Coordination Clause:
77-36-1 (05/06/26) , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 173, 208 and 277 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
77-36-1 (05/06/26), as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapters 173, 208 and 277 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
76-1-202.
76-1-202 .
(3) (a) In determining the proper place of trial[, the following provisions shall apply:] for a criminal action, this Subsection (3) shall apply.
- 2 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 (3)(a) In determining the proper place of trial[, the following provisions shall apply:] for a criminal action, this Subsection (3) shall apply.
[(g)] (h) - 3 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (i) [When] If an offense is committed within this state and it cannot be readily determined in which county or judicial district the offense occurred, [the following provisions shall be applicable:] this Subsection (3)(h) shall apply.
[(g)] (h)(i) [When] If an offense is committed within this state and it cannot be readily determined in which county or judicial district the offense occurred, [the following provisions shall be applicable:] this Subsection (3)(h) shall apply.
[(ii)] (iii) [When] If an offense is committed on any body of water bordering on or within this state, the [offender] actor may be tried in any county adjacent to [such] the body of water.[ The words "body of water" shall include but not be limited to any stream, river, lake, or reservoir, whether natural or man-made.] [(iii)] (iv) [A person] An actor who commits theft may be tried in any county in which [he] the actor exerts control over the property affected.
[(ii)] (iii) [When] If an offense is committed on any body of water bordering on or within this state, the [offender] actor may be tried in any county adjacent to [such] the body of water.[ The words "body of water" shall include but not be limited to any stream, river, lake, or reservoir, whether natural or man-made.] [(iii)] (iv) [A person] An actor who commits theft may be tried in any county in which [ he] the actor exerts control over the property affected.
[(iv)] (v) If an offense is committed on or near the boundary of two or more counties, the trial of the offense may be held in any of such counties.
[(iv)] (v) If an offense is committed on or near the boundary of two or more counties, - 3 - H.B.
[(v)] (vi) For any other offense, the trial may be held in the county in which the [defendant] actor resides, or, if [he] the actor has no fixed residence, in the county in which [he] the actor is apprehended or to which [he] the actor is extradited.
539 Enrolled Copy the trial of the offense may be held in any of such counties.
[(v)] (vi) For any other offense, the trial may be held in the county in which the [ defendant] actor resides, or, if [he] the actor has no fixed residence, in the county in which [he] the actor is apprehended or to which [he] the actor is extradited.
(4) - 4 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (4){(a)} A criminal action for multiple offenses may be tried in any county or precinct within a judicial district if:
(4)(a) A criminal action for multiple offenses may be tried in any county or precinct within a judicial district if:
(a)(i) the offenses were committed within the judicial district;
{(b) } {(i) {the prosecution meets the requirements of Section 76-1-402;
or} } (ii) the offenses may be joined in the same information or indictment under Section 77-8a-1;
and (c){(iii)} the prosecuting agencies for the jurisdictions in which any of the offenses were committed consent to the place of trial.
{[(2)] (5)} A criminal action for multiple offenses shall be tried in any county or precinct within a judicial district if:
(ii) the offenses may be joined in the same information or indictment under Section 77-8a-1;
and (iii) the prosecuting agencies for the jurisdictions in which any of the offenses were committed consent to the place of trial.
(b) A criminal action for multiple offenses shall be tried in any county or precinct within a judicial district if:
(i) the offenses were committed within the judicial district;
76-1-402.
76-1-402 .
Separate offenses arising out of single criminal episode -- Included offenses.
Separate offenses arising out of single criminal episode -- Included - 4 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
(1) (a) A defendant may be prosecuted in a single criminal action for all separate offenses arising out of a single criminal episode[;
539 offenses.
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(1)(a) A defendant may be prosecuted in a single criminal action for all separate offenses arising out of a single criminal episode[;
- 5 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (3) (a) A defendant may be convicted of an offense included in the offense charged but may not be convicted of both the offense charged and the included offense.
(3)(a) A defendant may be convicted of an offense included in the offense charged but may not be convicted of both the offense charged and the included offense.
[(a)] (i) [it] the offense is established by proof of the same or less than all of the facts required to establish the commission of the offense charged;[ {[} or] [(b)] (ii) [it] the offense constitutes an attempt, solicitation, conspiracy, or form of preparation to commit the offense charged or an offense otherwise included therein;
[(a)] (i) [it] the offense is established by proof of the same or less than all of the facts required to establish the commission of the offense charged;[ or] [(b)] (ii) [it] the offense constitutes an attempt, solicitation, conspiracy, or form of preparation to commit the offense charged or an offense otherwise included therein;
(5) If the district court on motion after verdict or judgment, or an appellate court on appeal or certiorari, [shall determine] determines that there is insufficient evidence to support a conviction for the offense charged but that there is sufficient evidence to support a conviction for an included offense and the trier of fact necessarily found every fact required for conviction of that included offense, the verdict or judgment of conviction may be set aside or reversed and a judgment of conviction entered for the included offense, without necessity of a new trial, if such relief is sought by the defendant.
(5) If the district court on motion after verdict or judgment, or an appellate court on appeal or certiorari, [shall determine] determines that there is insufficient evidence to support a conviction for the offense charged but that there is sufficient evidence to support a conviction for an included offense and the trier of fact necessarily found every fact - 5 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy required for conviction of that included offense, the verdict or judgment of conviction may be set aside or reversed and a judgment of conviction entered for the included offense, without necessity of a new trial, if such relief is sought by the defendant.
76-2-409.
76-2-409 .
or] [(ii) the relationship of a minor and a natural parent, an adoptive parent, a stepparent, or an individual living with the minor's natural parent as if a stepparent to the minor.] (b) (i) "Cohabitant" means the same as the term is defined in Section 78B-7-102.
or] [(ii) the relationship of a minor and a natural parent, an adoptive parent, a stepparent, or an individual living with the minor's natural parent as if a stepparent to the minor.] (b)(i) "Cohabitant" means the same as the term is defined in Section 78B-7-102.
or - 6 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (B) a parent or stepparent of a minor, or an individual living with a parent of a minor as if a stepparent to the minor, when the minor committed the criminal offense.
or (B) a parent or stepparent of a minor, or an individual living with a parent of a minor as if a stepparent to the minor, when the minor committed the criminal offense.
(2) (a) An individual is entitled to battered person mitigation if:
(2)(a) An individual is entitled to battered person mitigation if:
(3) An individual claiming mitigation under Subsection (2)(a) has the burden of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, each element that would entitle the individual to mitigation under Subsection (2)(a).
- 6 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 (3) An individual claiming mitigation under Subsection (2)(a) has the burden of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, each element that would entitle the individual to mitigation under Subsection (2)(a).
(5) (a) If the trier of fact is a jury, an individual is not entitled to mitigation under Subsection (2)(a) unless the jury:
(5)(a) If the trier of fact is a jury, an individual is not entitled to mitigation under Subsection (2)(a) unless the jury:
- 7 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 Section 4.
Section 4.
77-20-102.
77-20-102 .
[(10)] (11) (a) "Material change in circumstances" includes:
- 7 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy [(10)] (11)(a) "Material change in circumstances" includes:
- 8 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (b) "Material change in circumstances" does not include any fact or consideration that is known at the time that the pretrial status order is issued.
(b) "Material change in circumstances" does not include any fact or consideration that is known at the time that the pretrial status order is issued.
[(12)] (13) "No bail hold" means an order with the restrictions described in Subsection [(18)(c)] (19)(c).
[(12)] (13) "No bail hold" means an order with the restrictions described in Subsection [ (18)(c)] (19)(c).
(a) releases the individual on the individual's own recognizance while the individual awaits trial or other resolution of criminal charges;
(a) releases the individual on the individual's own recognizance while the individual - 8 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 awaits trial or other resolution of criminal charges;
- 9 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (b) sets the terms and conditions of the individual's pretrial release until a pretrial status order is issued;
(b) sets the terms and conditions of the individual's pretrial release until a pretrial status order is issued;
77-20-201.
77-20-201 .
(d) a felony when there is substantial evidence to support the charge and the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the individual violated a material condition of release while previously on bail;
(d) a felony when there is substantial evidence to support the charge and the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the individual violated a material condition of - 9 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy release while previously on bail;
and (ii) the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the individual would constitute a substantial danger to an alleged victim of the domestic violence offenseor to the community after considering available conditions of release that the court may impose if the individual is released on bail;
and (ii) the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the individual would constitute a substantial danger to an alleged victim of the domestic violence offense or to the community after considering available conditions of release that the court may impose if the individual is released on bail;
{(f) a domestic violence offense that is a class A misdemeanor or felony offense if:} {(i) there is substantial evidence to support the charge;
(f) the offense of driving under the influence or driving with a measurable controlled substance in the body if:
and} {(ii) the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the domestic violence offense is committed while:} - 10 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 {(A) the individual is on parole or probation for a conviction of a domestic violence offense;
or } {(B) the individual is on pretrial release on a previous charge for a domestic violence offense;} {[(f){]} {(g)} } the offense of driving under the influence or driving with a measurable controlled substance in the body if:
{[(g){]} {(h)} } a felony violation of Section 76-9-101 if:
(g) a felony violation of Section 76-9-101 if:
or {[(h){]} {(i)} } except as provided in Subsection (4), the offense of driving under the influence or driving with a measurable controlled substance in the body:
or (h) except as provided in Subsection (4), the offense of driving under the influence or driving with a measurable controlled substance in the body:
(a) an individual is a substantial danger to the community under Subsection {[(1)(f)(iii){]} (1)(g)(iii)}:
(a) [ ]an individual is a substantial danger to the community under Subsection (1)(f)(iii):
or [(b)] (ii) if the individual has a measurable amount of controlled substance in the individual's body, the individual is arrested for, or charged with, the offense of driving with a measurable controlled substance in the body and the offense resulted in death or serious bodily injury to an individual[.] ;
or - 10 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 [(b)] (ii) if the individual has a measurable amount of controlled substance in the individual's body, the individual is arrested for, or charged with, the offense of driving with a measurable controlled substance in the body and the offense resulted in death or serious bodily injury to an individual[.] ;
- 11 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (i) the domestic violence offense is a felony or class A misdemeanor offense;
(i) the domestic violence offense is a felony or class A misdemeanor offense;
(4) For purposes of Subsection {[(1)(h){]} (1)(i)}, there is a rebuttable presumption that an individual would not constitute a substantial danger to any other person or the community if:
(4) For purposes of Subsection (1)(h), there is a rebuttable presumption that an individual would not constitute a substantial danger to any other person or the community if:
77-20-204.
77-20-204 .
(c) Section 23A-5-313;
- 11 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy (c) Section 23A-5-313;
- 12 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (k) Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 11, Identity Fraud Act;
(k) Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 11, Identity Fraud Act;
(a) (i) the individual is ineligible to be released on the individual's own recognizance under Section 77-20-203;
(a)(i) the individual is ineligible to be released on the individual's own recognizance under Section 77-20-203;
or (b) (i) the individual is arrested for, or charged with, an eligible felony offense;
or (b)(i) the individual is arrested for, or charged with, an eligible felony offense;
(ii) the individual is not on pretrial release for a separate criminal offense;
- 12 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 (ii) the individual is not on pretrial release for a separate criminal offense;
and - 13 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (vi) law enforcement has not submitted a probable cause statement to a magistrate.
and (vi) law enforcement has not submitted a probable cause statement to a magistrate.
(8) A jail facility may not release an individual subject to a 72-hour hold placed on the individual by the Department of Corrections as described in Section 64-14-205.
- 13 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy (8) A jail facility may not release an individual subject to a 72-hour hold placed on the individual by the Department of Corrections as described in Section 64-14-205.
The following section is affected by a coordination clause at the end of this bill.
77-36-1.
77-36-1 .
- 14 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (1) "Cohabitant" means the same as that term is defined in Section 78B-7-102.
(1) "Cohabitant" means the same as that term is defined in Section 78B-7-102.
[(4) (a) "Domestic violence" or "domestic violence offense" means any criminal offense involving violence or physical harm or threat of violence or physical harm, or any attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit a criminal offense involving violence or physical harm, when committed by one cohabitant against another.] [(b) "Domestic violence" or "domestic violence offense" includes the commission of or attempt to commit, any of the following offenses by one cohabitant against another:] [(i) aggravated assault under Section 76-5-103;] [(ii) aggravated cruelty to an animal under Section 76-13-203, with the intent to harass or threaten the other cohabitant;] [(iii) assault under Section 76-5-102;] [(iv) criminal homicide under Section 76-5-201;] [(v) harassment under Section 76-5-106;] [(vi) electronic communication harassment under Sections 76-12-202, 76-12-203, and 76-12-204;] [(vii) kidnapping, child kidnapping, or aggravated kidnapping under Sections 76-5-301, 76-5-301.1, and 76-5-302;] [(viii) mayhem under Section 76-5-105;] [(ix) propelling a bodily substance or material, as described in Section 76-5-102.9;] [(x) sexual offenses under Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses, and sexual exploitation of a minor and aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, as described in Sections 76-5b-201 and 76-5b-201.1;] [(xi) stalking under Section 76-5-106.5;] [(xii) unlawful detention and unlawful detention of a minor under Section 76-5-304;] [(xiii) violation of a protective order or ex parte protective order under Section 76-5-108;] [(xiv) an offense against property under Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 1, Property Destruction, Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 2, Burglary and Criminal Trespass, or Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 3, Robbery;] - 15 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 [(xv) disorderly conduct under Section 76-9-102, if a conviction or adjudication of disorderly conduct is the result of a plea agreement in which the perpetrator was originally charged with a domestic violence offense otherwise described in this Subsection (4), except that a conviction or adjudication of disorderly conduct as a domestic violence offense, in the manner described in this Subsection (4) (b)(xv), does not constitute a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence under 18 U.S.C.
[(4)(a) "Domestic violence" or "domestic violence offense" means any criminal offense involving violence or physical harm or threat of violence or physical harm, or any attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit a criminal offense involving violence or physical harm, when committed by one cohabitant against another.] [(b) "Domestic violence" or "domestic violence offense" includes the commission of or attempt to commit, any of the following offenses by one cohabitant against another:] [(i) aggravated assault under Section 76-5-103;] [(ii) aggravated cruelty to an animal under Section 76-13-203, with the intent to harass or threaten the other cohabitant;] [(iii) assault under Section 76-5-102;] [(iv) criminal homicide under Section 76-5-201;] [(v) harassment under Section 76-5-106;] [(vi) electronic communication harassment under Sections 76-12-202, 76-12-203, and 76-12-204;] [(vii) kidnapping, child kidnapping, or aggravated kidnapping under Sections 76-5-301, 76-5-301.1, and 76-5-302;] [(viii) mayhem under Section 76-5-105;] [(ix) propelling a bodily substance or material, as described in Section 76-5-102.9;] [(x) sexual offenses under Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses, and sexual exploitation of a minor and aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, as - 14 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 described in Sections 76-5b-201 and 76-5b-201.1;] [(xi) stalking under Section 76-5-106.5;] [(xii) unlawful detention and unlawful detention of a minor under Section 76-5-304;] [(xiii) violation of a protective order or ex parte protective order under Section 76-5-108;] [(xiv) an offense against property under Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 1, Property Destruction, Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 2, Burglary and Criminal Trespass, or Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 3, Robbery;] [(xv) disorderly conduct under Section 76-9-102, if a conviction or adjudication of disorderly conduct is the result of a plea agreement in which the perpetrator was originally charged with a domestic violence offense otherwise described in this Subsection (4), except that a conviction or adjudication of disorderly conduct as a domestic violence offense, in the manner described in this Subsection (4)(b)(xv), does not constitute a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence under 18 U.S.C.
or] [(xxx) an offense under Subsection 78B-7-806(1).] [(c) "Domestic violence" or "domestic violence offense" does not include:] [(i) enticing a minor under Section 76-5-417;] [(ii) lewdness under in Section 76-5-419;
or] [(xxx) an offense under Subsection 78B-7-806(1).] [(c) "Domestic violence" or "domestic violence offense" does not include:] - 15 - H.B.
or] [(iii) lewdness involving a child under Section 76-5-420.] (5) (a) "Domestic violence offense" or "domestic violence" {means} mean:
539 Enrolled Copy [(i) enticing a minor under Section 76-5-417;] [(ii) lewdness under in Section 76-5-419;
or] [(iii) lewdness involving a child under Section 76-5-420.] (5)(a) "Domestic violence offense" or "domestic violence" means:
- 16 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (b) "Domestic violence offense" {includes } or "domestic violence" include the commission of, or an attempt to commit, an offense by one cohabitant against another cohabitant that is:
(b) "Domestic violence offense" or "domestic violence" includes the commission of, or an attempt to commit, an offense by one cohabitant against another cohabitant that is:
(X) Section 76-8-508, tampering with a witness;
- 16 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 (X) Section 76-8-508, tampering with a witness;
(AA) Section 76-9-102, disorderly conduct, if a conviction or adjudication of disorderly conduct is the result of a plea agreement in which the actor was originally charged with an offense otherwise - 17 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 described in this Subsection (5), except that a conviction or adjudication of disorderly conduct as a domestic violence offense, in the manner described in this Subsection (5)(b)(i)(AA), does not constitute a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence under 18 U.S.C.
(AA) Section 76-9-102, disorderly conduct, if a conviction or adjudication of disorderly conduct is the result of a plea agreement in which the actor was originally charged with an offense otherwise described in this Subsection (5), except that a conviction or adjudication of disorderly conduct as a domestic violence offense, in the manner described in this Subsection (5)(b)(i)(AA), does not constitute a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence under 18 U.S.C.
or (ii) a class B or class C misdemeanor offense that isdescribed in:
or (ii) a class B or class C misdemeanor offense that is described in:
(B) Section 76-5-111.3, personal dignity exploitation of a vulnerable adult;
- 17 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy (B) Section 76-5-111.3, personal dignity exploitation of a vulnerable adult;
- 18 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 [(9)] (10) "Not married" means any living arrangement other than married and living together, divorced, or separated.
[(9)] (10) "Not married" means any living arrangement other than married and living together, divorced, or separated.
77-36-2.2.
77-36-2.2 .
(2) (a) In addition to the arrest powers described in Section 77-7-2, when a peace officer responds to a [domestic violence call] call regarding a domestic violence offense and has probable cause to believe that [an act of domestic violence] a domestic violence offense has been committed, the peace officer shall arrest without a warrant, or [shall ]issue a citation to, any [person] individual that the peace officer has probable cause to believe has committed [an act of domestic violence] a domestic violence offense.
(2)(a) In addition to the arrest powers described in Section 77-7-2, when a peace officer - 18 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
(b) - 19 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 [(i)] If the peace officer has probable cause to believe that there will be continued violence against the alleged victim, or if there is evidence that the perpetrator has either recently caused serious bodily injury or used a dangerous weapon in the domestic violence offense, the officer shall:
539 responds to a [domestic violence call] call regarding a domestic violence offense and has probable cause to believe that [an act of domestic violence] a domestic violence offense has been committed, the peace officer shall arrest without a warrant, or [shall ] issue a citation to, any [person] individual that the peace officer has probable cause to believe has committed [an act of domestic violence] a domestic violence offense.
(b)[(i)] If the peace officer has probable cause to believe that there will be continued violence against the alleged victim, or if there is evidence that the perpetrator has either recently caused serious bodily injury or used a dangerous weapon in the domestic violence offense, the officer shall:
(3) (a) If a law enforcement officer receives complaints of domestic violence offenses from two or more opposing persons, the officer shall evaluate each complaint separately to determine who the predominant aggressor was.
(3)(a) If a law enforcement officer receives complaints of domestic violence offenses from two or more opposing persons, the officer shall evaluate each complaint separately to determine who the predominant aggressor was.
(5) (a) A law enforcement officer who does not make an arrest after investigating a complaint of [domestic violence] a domestic violence offense, or who arrests two or more parties, shall submit a detailed, written report specifying the grounds for not arresting any party or for arresting both parties.
(5)(a) A law enforcement officer who does not make an arrest after investigating a complaint of [domestic violence] a domestic violence offense, or who arrests two or more parties, shall submit a detailed, written report specifying the grounds for not - 19 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy arresting any party or for arresting both parties.
- 20 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (6) (a) A law enforcement officer responding to a complaint of [domestic violence] a domestic violence offense shall prepare an incident report that includes:
(6)(a) A law enforcement officer responding to a complaint of [domestic violence] a domestic violence offense shall prepare an incident report that includes:
[(7) The department shall compile the information described in Subsections (6)(b) and (c) into a report and present that report to the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee during the interim, no later than May 31, 2013.] [(8)] (7) (a) Each law enforcement agency shall, as soon as practicable, make a written record and maintain records of all incidents of domestic violence reported to [it, and ] the law enforcement agency.
[(7) The department shall compile the information described in Subsections (6)(b) and (c) into a report and present that report to the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee during the 2013 interim, no later than May 31, 2013.] [(8)] (7)(a) Each law enforcement agency shall, as soon as practicable, make a written record and maintain records of all incidents of domestic violence reported to [it, and ] - 20 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 the law enforcement agency.
77-36-2.6.
77-36-2.6 .
- 21 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (1) An alleged perpetrator who is arrested for [an offense involving domestic violence shall appear in person or by video before the court or a magistrate within one judicial day after the day on which the arrest is made] a domestic violence offense shall be presented without unnecessary delay before a magistrate for the determination of probable cause in accordance with Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 9.
(1) An alleged perpetrator who is arrested for [an offense involving domestic violence shall appear in person or by video before the court or a magistrate within one judicial day after the day on which the arrest is made] a domestic violence offense shall be presented without unnecessary delay before a magistrate for the determination of probable cause in accordance with Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 9.
78B-7-102.
78B-7-102 .
(c) Part 5, Sexual Violence Protective Orders;
- 21 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy (c) Part 5, Sexual Violence Protective Orders;
- 22 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (6) "Civil stalking injunction" means a stalking injunction issued under Part 7, Civil Stalking Injunctions.
(6) "Civil stalking injunction" means a stalking injunction issued under Part 7, Civil Stalking Injunctions.
(7) (a) "Cohabitant" means[ an emancipated individual under Section 15-2-1 or an individual who is 16 years old or older who] :
(7)(a) "Cohabitant" means[ an emancipated individual under Section 15-2-1 or an individual who is 16 years old or older who] :
[(iii)] (C) is related by blood or marriage to the other party as the individual's parent[, grandparent, sibling, or any other individual related to the individual ] or grandparent;
[(iii)] (C) is related by blood or marriage to the other party as the individual's parent[ , grandparent, sibling, or any other individual related to the individual ] or grandparent;
(9) "Criminal protective order" means an order issued under Part 8, Criminal Protective Orders.
- 22 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 (9) "Criminal protective order" means an order issued under Part 8, Criminal Protective Orders.
- 23 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (11) "Court clerk" means a district court clerk.
(11) "Court clerk" means a district court clerk.
(12) (a) "Dating partner" means an individual who:
(12)(a) "Dating partner" means an individual who:
(i) (A) is an emancipated individual under Section 15-2-1 or Title 80, Chapter 7, Emancipation;
(i)(A) is an emancipated individual under Section 15-2-1 or Title 80, Chapter 7, Emancipation;
(13) (a) "Dating relationship" means a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature, or a relationship which has romance or intimacy as a goal by one or both parties, regardless of whether the relationship involves sexual intimacy.
(13)(a) "Dating relationship" means a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature, or a relationship which has romance or intimacy as a goal by one or both parties, regardless of whether the relationship involves sexual intimacy.
(a) a criminal offense involving violence or physical harm, or threat of violence or physical harm, when committed by an individual against a dating partner;
- 23 - H.B.
or - 24 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (b) an attempt, a conspiracy, or a solicitation by an individual to commit a criminal offense involving violence or physical harm against a dating partner of the individual.
539 Enrolled Copy (a) a criminal offense involving violence or physical harm, or threat of violence or physical harm, when committed by an individual against a dating partner;
or (b) an attempt, a conspiracy, or a solicitation by an individual to commit a criminal offense involving violence or physical harm against a dating partner of the individual.
78B-7-801.
78B-7-801 .
Definitions.
Definitions for part.
- 25 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (1) (a) "Jail release agreement" means a written agreement that is entered into by an individual who is arrested or issued a citation, regardless of whether the individual is booked into jail:
- 24 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 (1)(a) "Jail release agreement" means a written agreement that is entered into by an individual who is arrested or issued a citation, regardless of whether the individual is booked into jail:
(b) Section 76-5-109.2, aggravated child abuse;
- 25 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy (b) Section 76-5-109.2, aggravated child abuse;
- 26 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (d) Section 76-5-109.4, child torture;
(d) Section 76-5-109.4, child torture;
(5) (a) "Qualifying offense" means:
(5)(a) "Qualifying offense" means:
78B-7-802.
78B-7-802 .
(2) (a) After [ ]an individual is arrested or issued a citation for a qualifying offense, the individual [ ]may not be released before:
(2)(a) After [ ]an individual is arrested or issued a citation for a qualifying offense, the individual [ ]may not be released before:
- 27 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (b) If an arrested individual is booked into jail, the arresting officer shall ensure that the information presented to the magistrate includes whether the alleged victim has made a waiver described in Subsection (5)(a).
(b) If an arrested individual is booked into jail, the arresting officer shall ensure that the information presented to the magistrate includes whether the alleged victim has made - 26 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 a waiver described in Subsection (5)(a).
(3) (a) If an individual charged with [ ]a qualifying offense [ ]fails to either schedule an initial appearance or to appear at the time scheduled by the magistrate within 96 hours after the time of arrest, the individual shall comply with the release conditions of a jail release agreement or jail release court order until the individual makes an initial appearance.
(3)(a) If an individual charged with [ ]a qualifying offense [ ]fails to either schedule an initial appearance or to appear at the time scheduled by the magistrate within 96 hours after the time of arrest, the individual shall comply with the release conditions of a jail release agreement or jail release court order until the individual makes an initial appearance.
(c) (i) If the [prosecutor] prosecuting attorney determines that there is insufficient evidence to file charges before an initial appearance scheduled under Subsection (3)(a), the [prosecutor] prosecuting attorney shall transmit a notice of declination to either the magistrate who signed the jail release court - 28 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 order or, if the releasing agency obtains a jail release agreement from the released arrestee, to the statewide domestic violence network described in Section 78B-7-113.
(c)(i) If the [prosecutor] prosecuting attorney determines that there is insufficient evidence to file charges before an initial appearance scheduled under Subsection (3)(a), the [prosecutor] prosecuting attorney shall transmit a notice of declination to either the magistrate who signed the jail release court order or, if the releasing - 27 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy agency obtains a jail release agreement from the released arrestee, to the statewide domestic violence network described in Section 78B-7-113.
(5) (a) (i) After an individual is arrested or issued a citation for a qualifying offense, an alleged victim who is not a [minor] child may waive in writing any condition of a jail release agreement by:
(5)(a)(i) After an individual is arrested or issued a citation for a qualifying offense, an alleged victim who is not a [minor] child may waive in writing any condition of a jail release agreement by:
[(iii) Except as provided in Subsection (5)(a)(iv), a parent or guardian may waive any condition of a jail release agreement on behalf of an alleged victim who is a minor in the manner described in Subsections (5)(a)(i) and (ii).] - 29 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (iii) If the alleged victim is a child, and except as provided in Subsection (5)(a)(iv) or (v), the child's parent or guardian may waive any condition of a jail release agreement on behalf of the child in the manner described in Subsections (5)(a)(i) and (ii).
[(iii) Except as provided in Subsection (5)(a)(iv), a parent or guardian may waive any condition of a jail release agreement on behalf of an alleged victim who is a minor in the manner described in Subsections (5)(a)(i) and (ii).] (iii) If the alleged victim is a child, and except as provided in Subsection (5)(a)(iv) or (v), the child's parent or guardian may waive any condition of a jail release agreement on behalf of the child in the manner described in Subsections (5)(a)(i) and (ii).
(iv) A child's parent or guardian may not waive any condition of a jail release agreement on behalf of the child if the parent or guardian is the individual who is arrested or issued a citation for a qualifying offense.
- 28 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 (iv) A child's parent or guardian may not waive any condition of a jail release agreement on behalf of the child if the parent or guardian is the individual who is arrested or issued a citation for a qualifying offense.
(6) (a) When an individual is arrested or issued a citation and subsequently released in accordance with Subsection (2), the releasing agency shall:
(6)(a) When an individual is arrested or issued a citation and subsequently released in accordance with Subsection (2), the releasing agency shall:
(b) (i) When an individual [ ]arrested or issued a citation for domestic violence[ ] is released under this section based on a jail release agreement, the releasing agency shall transmit that information to the statewide domestic violence network described in Section 78B-7-113.
(b)(i) When an individual [ ]arrested or issued a citation for domestic violence[ ] is released under this section based on a jail release agreement, the releasing agency shall transmit that information to the statewide domestic violence network described in Section 78B-7-113.
- 30 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (ii) When an individual [ ]arrested or issued a citation for domestic violence[ ] is released under this section based upon a jail release court order or if a jail release agreement is modified under Subsection (5)(b), the court shall transmit that order to the statewide domestic violence network described in Section 78B-7-113.
(ii) When an individual [ ]arrested or issued a citation for domestic violence[ ] is released under this section based upon a jail release court order or if a jail release agreement is modified under Subsection (5)(b), the court shall transmit that order to the statewide domestic violence network described in Section 78B-7-113.
(c) This Subsection (6) does not create or increase liability of a law enforcement officer or agency, and the good faith immunity provided by Section 77-36-8 is applicable.
- 29 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy (c) This Subsection (6) does not create or increase liability of a law enforcement officer or agency, and the good faith immunity provided by Section 77-36-8 is applicable.
or - 31 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (ii) the magistrate issues a jail release court order;
or (ii) the magistrate issues a jail release court order;
and (d) notification that the alleged perpetrator is to personally appear in court on the next day the court is open for business after the day of the arrest.
and (d) notification that the alleged perpetrator is to personally appear in court on the next - 30 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
(10) (a) A pretrial or sentencing protective order issued under this part supersedes a jail release agreement or jail release court order.
539 day the court is open for business after the day of the arrest.
(10)(a) A pretrial or sentencing protective order issued under this part supersedes a jail release agreement or jail release court order.
(11) (a) This section does not apply if the individual arrested for the qualifying offense is a minor who is under 18 years old, unless the qualifying offense is domestic violence.
(11)(a) This section does not apply if the individual arrested for the qualifying offense is a minor who is under 18 years old, unless the qualifying offense is domestic violence.
78B-7-1101.
78B-7-1101 .
Definitions.
Definitions for part.
- 32 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (4) "Protective order" means:
(4) "Protective order" means:
(i) an employer;[ or] (ii) an employee performing the employee's duties as an employee;
(i) an employer;[ or] - 31 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy (ii) an employee performing the employee's duties as an employee;
and (b) (i) the action would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or harassed;
and (b)(i) the action would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or harassed;
78B-7-1103.
78B-7-1103 .
(2) - 33 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (a) The court may grant the following relief with or without notice or a hearing in a protective order or in a modification to a protective order:
(2)(a) The court may grant the following relief with or without notice or a hearing in a protective order or in a modification to a protective order:
(b) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(a), a protective order may not restrict the respondent's communications.
- 32 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 (b) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(a), a protective order may not restrict the respondent's communications.
(a) (i) is personally served with notice of the hearing, as provided in the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure;
(a)(i) is personally served with notice of the hearing, as provided in the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure;
- 34 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 78B-7-1105.
78B-7-1105 .
or (B) donating services to the employer if the employer is a nonprofit organization and the employee is a volunteer;
or (B) donating services to the employer if the employer is a nonprofit organization - 33 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy and the employee is a volunteer;
(2) (a) Subject to Subsection (2)(b), if a court grants a motion described in Subsection (1)(a), the court shall set a new date on which the workplace violence protective order expires.
(2)(a) Subject to Subsection (2)(b), if a court grants a motion described in Subsection (1)(a), the court shall set a new date on which the workplace violence protective order expires.
78B-7-1109.
78B-7-1109 .
(2) prohibit a person from engaging in constitutionally protected exercise of free speech, including non- threatening speech and speech involving labor disputes concerning organized labor;[ or] (3) prohibit a person from engaging in an activity that is part of a labor dispute[.] ;
(2) prohibit a person from engaging in constitutionally protected exercise of free speech, including non-threatening speech and speech involving labor disputes concerning organized labor;[ or] (3) prohibit a person from engaging in an activity that is part of a labor dispute[.] ;
Effective date.
- 35 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 This bill takes effect on May 6, 2026.
This bill takes effect on May 6, 2026.
(E) Section 76-5-106, harassment;
- 34 - Enrolled Copy H.B.
539 (E) Section 76-5-106, harassment;
- 36 - HB0539 compared with HB0539S04 (Z) Section 76-8-508, tampering with a witness;
(Z) Section 76-8-508, tampering with a witness;
(GG) Title 76, Chapter 12, Part 3, Privacy Offenses;
- 35 - H.B.
539 Enrolled Copy (GG) Title 76, Chapter 12, Part 3, Privacy Offenses;
3-6-26 5:12 PM - 37 -
- 36 -
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Action History

  1. Governor Signed

  2. House/ to Governor

  3. House/ received enrolled bill from Printing

  4. House/ enrolled bill to Printing

  5. Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate

  6. Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared

  7. Bill Received from House for Enrolling

  8. House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling

  9. House/ received from Senate

  10. Senate/ to House

  11. Senate/ signed by President/ returned to House

  12. Senate/ received from House

  13. House/ to Senate

  14. House/ concurs with Senate amendment

  15. House/ placed on Concurrence Calendar

  16. House/ received from Senate

  17. Senate/ to House with amendments

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

  19. Senate/ uncircled

  20. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for HB0539S04

  21. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0539S04

  22. Senate/ circled

  23. Senate/ substituted

  24. Senate/ uncircled

  25. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for HB0539S04

  26. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for HB0539S04

  27. Senate/ circled

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

  29. Senate/ Rules to 2nd Reading Calendar

  30. Senate/ 2nd Reading Calendar to Rules [Senate Rules Committee]

  31. Senate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar

  32. Senate/ committee report favorable [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]

  33. Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]

  34. Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee]

  35. Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

  36. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for HB0539S03

  37. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0539S03

  38. Senate/ received from House

  39. House/ to Senate

  40. House/ passed 3rd reading

  41. House/ substituted

  42. House/ 3rd reading

  43. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for HB0539S03

  44. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for HB0539S03

  45. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for HB0539S02

  46. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0539S02

  47. House/ 2nd reading

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

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

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

  51. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for HB0539S02

  52. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for HB0539S02

  53. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for HB0539S01

  54. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0539S01

  55. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for HB0539S01

  56. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for HB0539S01

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

  58. House/ received fiscal note from Fiscal Analyst

  59. LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for HB0539

  60. LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0539

  61. House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

  62. House/ received bill from Legislative Research

  63. LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for HB0539

  64. LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for HB0539

  65. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed

  66. 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 539?
HB 539 is sponsored by Brady Brammer (Republican) and Matt MacPherson (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 539?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 10, 2026. Enacted.
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