This joint resolution amends the Utah Rules of Evidence regarding the admissibility of evidence of crimes and other acts.
This resolution:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Utah's rules of evidence generally prevent prosecutors from introducing evidence of a defendant's past bad acts simply to suggest the person has a bad character, but this resolution expands exceptions to that rule for two categories of cases. In child molestation cases involving victims under 14, prosecutors would be allowed to introduce evidence that the defendant committed other acts of child molestation, as well as evidence of sexual exploitation or aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, to show the defendant's propensity to commit the charged crime, so long as advance notice is given to the defense. The resolution also creates a new provision for sexual assault cases, allowing prosecutors to introduce evidence of a defendant's other acts of sexual assault—including similar offenses committed in other states—for any relevant purpose, including showing propensity to commit the crime charged, provided this evidence is disclosed to the defendant under existing criminal procedure rules. Because this measure amends the Utah Rules of Evidence rather than a standard statute, it requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to take effect.
Current version: SJR001S01 (Substitute)
Introduction
Jan 20
Senate Rules
Senate Committee
Feb 4
Senate 2nd Reading
Feb 20
Senate 3rd Reading
Feb 23
House Rules
Feb 23
House Committee
Feb 25
House Floor Vote
Feb 26
IntroductionJan 20
Senate Rules
Senate CommitteeFeb 4
Senate 2nd ReadingFeb 20
Senate 3rd ReadingFeb 23
House RulesFeb 23
House CommitteeFeb 25
House Floor VoteFeb 26
This joint resolution amends the Utah Rules of Evidence regarding the admissibility of evidence of crimes and other acts.
This resolution:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Utah's rules of evidence generally prevent prosecutors from introducing evidence of a defendant's past bad acts simply to suggest the person has a bad character, but this resolution expands exceptions to that rule for two categories of cases. In child molestation cases involving victims under 14, prosecutors would be allowed to introduce evidence that the defendant committed other acts of child molestation, as well as evidence of sexual exploitation or aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, to show the defendant's propensity to commit the charged crime, so long as advance notice is given to the defense. The resolution also creates a new provision for sexual assault cases, allowing prosecutors to introduce evidence of a defendant's other acts of sexual assault—including similar offenses committed in other states—for any relevant purpose, including showing propensity to commit the crime charged, provided this evidence is disclosed to the defendant under existing criminal procedure rules. Because this measure amends the Utah Rules of Evidence rather than a standard statute, it requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to take effect.
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Senate/ to Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant Governor's office for filing
Senate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
Senate Secretary
Senate/ enrolled bill to Printing
Senate Secretary
Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
Senate Secretary
Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
Legislative Research and General Counsel / Enrolling
Last updated Aug 29, 2026, 5:26 PM