The 2025 legislative session in Utah saw a record number of criminal enhancement bills introduced, with Governor Cox calling for a more coordinated approach to criminal justice. Over half of the 86 criminal enhancement bills introduced became law, addressing issues such as immigration, homelessness, and sexual offenses. House lawmakers passed bills enhancing penalties for drug distribution, human trafficking, and sexual assault, among others.
Despite the surge in criminal enhancement bills, lawmakers worked to carefully consider the necessity and effectiveness of each measure. The session also saw reforms to the state’s vote-by-mail system, with a compromise bill requiring voters to include four digits of a state ID on their ballots and return them by 8 p.m. on election night.
Governor Cox praised the election reform bill as “brilliant” and expressed concern about the erosion of trust in elections. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson noted the importance of maintaining access to vote by mail, which is popular and trusted among Utahns.
Overall, Governor Cox highlighted the state’s return to pre-COVID-19 levels of spending and applauded the collaborative efforts of different branches of government. The session also addressed other priorities such as social media data-sharing regulations, app store accountability, and nuclear energy development. Cox emphasized the need for a balanced approach to criminal justice, focusing on both toughness on crime and smart solutions.
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