Hello District 6!

This is Rep. Matthew Gwynn, checking in for Week 3 of the General Legislative Session. This week has been full of committee meetings and working with my colleagues and constituents to ensure that only the best bills are passed. 

The House has been focusing heavily on strengthening our election process by increasing transparency and clarifying vital election laws. I am excited to work to ensure that our elections remain free and fair.

This week, my bill, HB105 Criminal Code Modifications, passed the House unanimously and was then assigned to the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee. This bill is crucial to further protecting our high schoolers from inappropriate and illegal relations/acts from those in positions of trust. As a father, I understand how important it is that our children can go to school and study in a safe and academically friendly environment.

Each week I am here on the Hill, I am constantly reminded how lucky I am to serve House District 6 and Utah as a whole. Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

Thank you,

Matthew Gwynn
Representative, House District 6

HB21 Criminal Code Recodification and Cross References

• This bill rectifies, redefines, and reorders various criminal offenses within the Utah Criminal Code. (Note: This bill is going to be substituted for a more simplified version promptly; I will update again when that occurs)
• This bill has passed the Senate 2nd Reading unanimously and currently awaits its final vote on the Senate floor.

HB22 Prostitution Offense Amendments

• Reorganizes and adjusts provisions and penalties concerning offenses involving prostitution and the ages of those involved.
• This bill was amended in the Senate Judiciary Committee, passed the Senate, and will be returned to the House for a final vote.

HB78 Criminal Offenses Amendments

• Requires prosecutors to explain when seeking a level reduction regarding certain crimes; also increases penalties for the crime of aggravated child abuse.
• This bill passed the House Judiciary Committee unanimously; it now will go to the 3rd Reading Calendar in the House for a final vote before going to the Senate.

HB82 Law Enforcement Modifications

• It requires an officer to be notified if they're going to be a Brady impeachment issue (aka impeached as a witness in a case based on previous acts) and ensures an officer cannot be fired by the agency solely because they're a "Brady problem."
• This bill passed the House Floor with a unanimous vote and has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

HB87 Drug Trafficking Amendments

• Trafficking fentanyl or fentanyl-related substances is classified as a first-degree felony
• This bill passed out of the House floor vote unanimously and is currently awaiting assignment to a Senate Committee.

HB105 Criminal Code Modifications

• Increased attempted murder penalties, Class C misdemeanor to deny a public servant lawful use of public property or facilities, third-degree felony for sexual relations between teachers and adult high school students (regardless of consent), misdemeanor to expose another person's undergarments or intimate areas without consent in public spaces
• This bill passed out of the House floor vote unanimously and has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

HB128 Dangerous Weapon at a School Amendments

• Clarifies the crime of possession of a dangerous weapon on or about school premises
• This bill passed out of the House floor vote unanimously and is now awaiting assignment to a Senate Committee.

HB339 Law Enforcement Investigation Modifications

• Exempts an officer from wearing a body camera if they are assigned to a narcotics unit or task force that is engaged primarily in narcotics investigations
• This bill is in the House Rules Committee and is awaiting an assignment to a Standing House Committee.