Hello District 6!

This is Rep. Matthew Gwynn. With only a few weeks left in the 2025 General Session, I am hard at work getting bipartisan legislation passed in the Utah House. The past few weeks have been a rush of committee meetings, floor debates, and collaboration, all focused on ensuring Utah continues to thrive. 

This week, I was able to present HB78, Criminal Offenses Amendments, and HB105, Criminal Code Modifications, before the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee, where they both received a unanimous favorable recommendation. 

I'm also very proud to announce that my bill, HB87, Drug Trafficking Amendments, also passed in the Senate Committee with a unanimous favorable recommendation.

I am looking forward to this bill being passed into law, as I truly believe it will help reduce the number of fentanyl deaths in Utah. The opiate epidemic, in some form or fashion, has disrupted the lives of most Utahns and has contributed to the overdose deaths of hundreds of Utahns over the past few years.

I will continue to work with public defenders, county health departments, and police departments in providing funding and assistance to forensic social work, charge diversion, and other programs that can assist those who are combating addiction.

As the session continues, I remain focused on policies that strengthen our communities and ensure good governance. Your input is invaluable, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or thoughts on the legislation we’re working on.

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. 
• 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 has passed both the House and the Senate unanimously and is now on the Governor's desk to be signed. 

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 received a favorable recommendation from the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee.

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 received a unanimous favorable recommendation from the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee.

HB87 Drug Trafficking Amendments

• Trafficking fentanyl or fentanyl-related substances is classified as a first-degree felony.
• This bill received a favorable recommendation from the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee.

HB105 Criminal Code Modifications

• This bill increases attempted murder penalties, makes it a Class C misdemeanor to deny a public servant lawful use of public property or facilities, a third-degree felony for sexual relations between teachers and adult high school students (regardless of consent), and a misdemeanor to expose another person's undergarments or intimate areas without consent in public spaces.
• This bill received a favorable recommendation from the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee.

HB128 Dangerous Weapon at a School Amendments

• Clarifies the crime of possession of a dangerous weapon on or about school premises.
• This bill has passed the House and is assigned to the Senate Gov Ops and Political Subdivisions Committee.

HB339 Law Enforcement Investigation Modifications

• This bill 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 has passed the House and is assigned to the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee.