Hello District 6!

With just over a week left in the 2025 Legislative Session, things are moving quickly as we work through key legislation aimed at strengthening our state. I want to share some important updates on bills that are making significant progress.

First, HB105, which strengthens protections for students against predatory behavior by those in positions of trust, has received unanimous approval in both the House and the Senate Committee. It now awaits a final vote on the Senate floor. Ensuring that students can trust their teachers, coaches, and mentors is vital to fostering a safe learning environment where they can thrive.

Another critical piece of legislation, HB87, which increases penalties for fentanyl trafficking, has also advanced and is now awaiting a vote in the Senate. Fentanyl remains a serious public safety threat in Utah, contributing to devastating overdose numbers. This bill will help law enforcement hold traffickers accountable and protect our communities from this dangerous substance.

Additionally, I’m pleased to report that HB82, which addresses due process for law enforcement officers, has passed in the House and is now under review in the Senate. This legislation is an important step in ensuring fairness while maintaining the integrity of public safety efforts.

As we head into the final days of the session, I remain focused on representing the needs of our district and making sure your voices are heard. If you’d like to share your thoughts on the work being done this year, please take a moment to fill out this survey. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the policies that impact our community.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or my team. Thank you for the privilege of serving you, and I’ll be back next week with a final update as the session comes to a close.

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. It now awaits a final vote in 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 has passed both the House and Senate. It is currently awaiting a signature from the Governor.

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. It now awaits a vote on the Senate floor.

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 received a favorable recommendation from 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 has been placed on the Senate Consent Calendar.