You're previewing an early version of the Bill Tracker. We're still ironing out some bugs — thanks for your patience as we build this out.
Public Employee Attorney Fee Recovery Amendments
Introduction
Feb 23
Senate Rules
Senate Committee
Mar 2
Senate 2nd Reading
Mar 2
Senate 3rd Reading
Mar 3
House Rules
Mar 6
House Committee
Skipped
House Floor Vote
Mar 6
Governor
This bill amends a provision of law relating to the recovery of reasonable attorney fees and court costs incurred by an officer or employee of a public entity, under certain circumstances, to defend against criminal charges brought against the officer or employee in relation to the officer's or employee's public employment.
This bill:
AI-generated summary. We recommend consulting the bill text for important decisions.
Under existing Utah law, public employees charged with crimes related to their job duties can recover attorney fees and court costs from their employer if the charges are dismissed or they are acquitted — but not if the prosecutor voluntarily drops the charges. This bill rewrites and clarifies that law, and narrows the prosecutor-dismissal exception for a specific type of criminal charge called an "information" (charges filed directly by a prosecutor, as opposed to charges brought by a grand jury indictment). Under the new rule, if a prosecutor files an information and then voluntarily dismisses the charges within 45 days of the case being formally sent to trial, the public employee still cannot recover legal costs — but if the dismissal happens more than 45 days after that point, the employee can recover their fees.
Introduction
Feb 23
Senate Rules
Senate Committee
Mar 2
Senate 2nd Reading
Mar 2
Senate 3rd Reading
Mar 3
House Rules
Mar 6
House Committee
Skipped
House Floor Vote
Mar 6
Governor
IntroductionFeb 23
Senate Rules
Senate CommitteeMar 2
Senate 2nd ReadingMar 2
Senate 3rd ReadingMar 3
House RulesMar 6
House CommitteeSkipped
House Floor VoteMar 6
Governor
This bill amends a provision of law relating to the recovery of reasonable attorney fees and court costs incurred by an officer or employee of a public entity, under certain circumstances, to defend against criminal charges brought against the officer or employee in relation to the officer's or employee's public employment.
This bill:
AI-generated summary. We recommend consulting the bill text for important decisions.
Under existing Utah law, public employees charged with crimes related to their job duties can recover attorney fees and court costs from their employer if the charges are dismissed or they are acquitted — but not if the prosecutor voluntarily drops the charges. This bill rewrites and clarifies that law, and narrows the prosecutor-dismissal exception for a specific type of criminal charge called an "information" (charges filed directly by a prosecutor, as opposed to charges brought by a grand jury indictment). Under the new rule, if a prosecutor files an information and then voluntarily dismisses the charges within 45 days of the case being formally sent to trial, the public employee still cannot recover legal costs — but if the dismissal happens more than 45 days after that point, the employee can recover their fees.
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Senate/ filed
Senate file for bills not passed
Senate/ received from House
Senate Secretary
House/ to Senate
Senate Secretary
House/ strike enacting clause
Clerk of the House
House/ 3rd Reading Calendar to Rules
House Rules Committee
Last updated Mar 26, 2026, 9:45 PM
