Utah’s majority legislators stated that immigration is one of their top priorities and they have recently announced several bills related to immigration.
Here’s how those specific bills could affect immigrants in Utah.
Unlawful Presence Criminal Enhancement Amendments
S.B. 90 upgrades the severity of crimes for individuals unlawfully present in the United States. Class C misdemeanors, such as driving on a suspended license, which are punishable by up to 90 days in jail, would be enhanced to a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. The law would also increase Class A misdemeanors into third-degree felonies.
In conjunction with H.B 226, this would allow individuals found guilty of Class B misdemeanors such as shoplifting to be sentenced to up to 365 days in jail, the minimum time needed for automatic ICE deportation. The standing 364-day sentence limit was established in 2019 under Gov. Gary Herbert.
Criminal Amendments
H.B. 226 would require county sheriffs to report individuals suspected of being undocumented and charged with a felony to federal immigration. It also increases the maximum prison sentence for individuals convicted of Class A misdemeanors such as assault or specific drug crimes to 365 days.
In conjunction with S.B. 90, undocumented individuals convicted of Class B misdemeanors may be sentenced under Class A guidelines, effectively allowing deportation for undocumented individuals convicted of crimes such as vandalism.
Refugee Services Amendments
S.B. 31 would create a Refugee Services Office within the Utah Department of Workforce Services to develop employee assistance programs for refugees.
Funds from the program may be used to provide English language programs and mental health services.
Noncitizen Restricted Person Amendments
H.B. 183 prevents noncitizens with pending asylum or temporary protection applications from owning firearms. The law would extend to asylum seekers the same legal status as convicted violent felons, stalkers and those found in possession of controlled substances such as heroin.
English Learner Amendments
H.B. 42 would provide emergency funding for public schools where the number of students learning English increases by 50% or more above the previous three-year average. The emergency funding would primarily be used to hire and train ESL (English as a second language) instructors.
Next Steps
All bills mentioned except H.B. 42 have been introduced to their respective bodies.
The House Majority Caucus is made up of 61 of Utah’s 75 state representatives, a supermajority.
Utah has the shortest legislative session in America, encouraging lawmakers to introduce, debate, and vote on bills quickly. Depending on their contents, bills may be introduced any time between January and early March.
At the moment, over 300 House bills and over 150 Senate bills have been announced. The Utah House of Representatives website provides ongoing developments on bills.
The 2025 legislative session began on Jan. 21 and will conclude on March 7.
