This bill addresses standards for peace officers and dispatchers.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Utah law currently bars anyone with a past felony-level conviction—even one that has been expunged or dismissed—from becoming a certified peace officer or emergency dispatcher, treating expunged convictions the same as active ones. This bill would create a narrow exception allowing such applicants to enter a certified police academy, sit for the peace officer certification exam, or take the dispatcher certification exam if the conviction has been formally expunged or dismissed, at least 10 years have passed since the conviction with no new offenses (other than minor traffic infractions), the underlying offense was not a violent felony or a sexual offense felony, and the applicant is not otherwise barred from legally possessing firearms. For peace officer applicants specifically, the bill also requires confirmation that the person is not a "restricted person" under state or federal weapons law. All other current requirements for certification, including background checks and good moral character standards, would remain in place.
Current version: HB0455S01 (Substitute)
Introduction
Feb 3
House Rules
House Committee
Feb 13
House Floor Vote
Feb 23
Senate Rules
Mar 4
Senate Committee
Mar 2
Senate 2nd Reading
Mar 2
Senate 3rd Reading
Governor
IntroductionFeb 3
House Rules
House CommitteeFeb 13
House Floor VoteFeb 23
Senate RulesMar 4
Senate CommitteeMar 2
Senate 2nd ReadingMar 2
Senate 3rd Reading
Governor
This bill addresses standards for peace officers and dispatchers.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Utah law currently bars anyone with a past felony-level conviction—even one that has been expunged or dismissed—from becoming a certified peace officer or emergency dispatcher, treating expunged convictions the same as active ones. This bill would create a narrow exception allowing such applicants to enter a certified police academy, sit for the peace officer certification exam, or take the dispatcher certification exam if the conviction has been formally expunged or dismissed, at least 10 years have passed since the conviction with no new offenses (other than minor traffic infractions), the underlying offense was not a violent felony or a sexual offense felony, and the applicant is not otherwise barred from legally possessing firearms. For peace officer applicants specifically, the bill also requires confirmation that the person is not a "restricted person" under state or federal weapons law. All other current requirements for certification, including background checks and good moral character standards, would remain in place.
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
House/ filed
House file for bills not passed
House/ received from Senate
Clerk of the House
Senate/ to House
Clerk of the House
Senate/ strike enacting clause
Senate Secretary
Senate/ 2nd Reading Calendar to Rules
Senate Rules Committee
Last updated Aug 29, 2026, 5:26 PM