This bill addresses substance use interventions in communities and for criminal justice involved individuals.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Covering several areas of drug policy at once, this bill allows county sheriffs to voluntarily create "recovery housing pods" inside jails — designated units where incarcerated people with substance use disorders can participate in structured treatment programs including job training, peer support, and reentry planning, subject to approval by a local substance abuse authority. It also tightens restrictions on syringe exchange programs by prohibiting them from distributing any drug paraphernalia other than syringes, banning exchanges in public parks and within 100 feet of homeless shelters or permanent supportive housing, and requiring written government authorization before operating on any public property. In addition, it allows justice courts in Utah's larger counties to establish a Structured Treatment and Enforcement Pathway (STEP) Supervision Program — a probation-style alternative for people convicted of drug-related offenses that uses a combination of treatment, regular check-ins, drug testing, and escalating consequences or rewards based on compliance, while excluding anyone with pending violent or sexual offense charges. Finally, it creates a new legal tool called an "off-limits order," allowing courts to bar someone charged with or convicted of a drug offense from returning to the specific public area where the offense occurred for up to one year (with exceptions for health or employment needs), with violations punishable as a Class A misdemeanor and possible contempt of court penalties.
Current version: HB0205S01 (Substitute)
Introduction
Jan 20
House Rules
House Committee
Feb 2
House Floor Vote
Feb 11
Senate Rules
Mar 4
Senate Committee
Feb 26
Senate 2nd Reading
Mar 5
Senate 3rd Reading
Mar 5
House Concurrence
Mar 6
Governor Signed
Mar 18
IntroductionJan 20
House Rules
House CommitteeFeb 2
House Floor VoteFeb 11
Senate RulesMar 4
Senate CommitteeFeb 26
Senate 2nd ReadingMar 5
Senate 3rd ReadingMar 5
House ConcurrenceMar 6
Governor SignedMar 18
This bill addresses substance use interventions in communities and for criminal justice involved individuals.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Covering several areas of drug policy at once, this bill allows county sheriffs to voluntarily create "recovery housing pods" inside jails — designated units where incarcerated people with substance use disorders can participate in structured treatment programs including job training, peer support, and reentry planning, subject to approval by a local substance abuse authority. It also tightens restrictions on syringe exchange programs by prohibiting them from distributing any drug paraphernalia other than syringes, banning exchanges in public parks and within 100 feet of homeless shelters or permanent supportive housing, and requiring written government authorization before operating on any public property. In addition, it allows justice courts in Utah's larger counties to establish a Structured Treatment and Enforcement Pathway (STEP) Supervision Program — a probation-style alternative for people convicted of drug-related offenses that uses a combination of treatment, regular check-ins, drug testing, and escalating consequences or rewards based on compliance, while excluding anyone with pending violent or sexual offense charges. Finally, it creates a new legal tool called an "off-limits order," allowing courts to bar someone charged with or convicted of a drug offense from returning to the specific public area where the offense occurred for up to one year (with exceptions for health or employment needs), with violations punishable as a Class A misdemeanor and possible contempt of court penalties.
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Governor Signed
Lieutenant Governor's office for filing
House/ to Governor
Executive Branch - Governor
House/ received enrolled bill from Printing
Clerk of the House
House/ enrolled bill to Printing
Clerk of the House
Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
Clerk of the House
Last updated Aug 29, 2026, 5:26 PM