Learn about the bills we are tracking during the 2023 Utah Legislative Session. Click the plus sign next to each bill for more information and how you can take action. This tracker will be updated regularly throughout the session, which runs January 17 - March 3, 2023.
You can also sign up for our Public Bill Tracker on Fast Democracy... it's free to use, and constantly updated by our Public Affairs team with new bills, details , and insights.
HJR 2 - Joint Resolution Amending Rules of Civil Procedure on Injunctions
Overview: This joint resolution revises a rule that Utah courts apply when deciding whether to temporarily block the enforcement of a law while a legal challenge over constitutionality proceeds. The resolution would narrow the grounds for granting these emergency orders, which are sometimes called temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions. A substitute version of HJR2 approved by the House Judiciary Committee on 1/18/23 allows parties restrained by an injunction (like the state of Utah in the trigger ban lawsuit) to file a "motion to reconsider" to force the court to address whether the injunction is still valid under the new rules created by HJR2.
HJR 02 transparently targets the court order placing SB 174, Utah's abortion trigger ban, on hold. Resolutions to amend Utah’s court rules require a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers, take effect immediately upon passage, and do not require the Governor’s signature.
Planned Parenthood Fact Sheet on HJR 02
Handout: Eight Facts about HJR2
Sponsor: Rep. Brady Brammer
Status: Passed Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee in a 3-1 vote
Location: Senate 2nd Reading Calendar
Overview: Among other provisions, HB 297 requires victims of rape to initiate and confirm an active law enforcement investigation for their sexual assault in order to qualify for an abortion under current state law. This bill also restricts the time period that victims of sexual assault may access emergency contraception in a medical setting.
Position: We oppose HB 297 because of its unnecessary and harmful reporting requirements and health care restrictions on people who are in the midst of trauma. Not only does HB 297 go against best practices for trauma-informed care for victims of rape, but it also restricts their rights and violates their privacy. HB 297 limits the control that victims of sexual assault have of their bodies at the exact time they should be given more agency, not less, over their personal health decisions. In addition, many of the proposed victim services and support elements in HB 297 are already established in current Utah law, codes, and procedures.
Fact sheet: HB 297 Fact Sheet
Sponsor: Rep. Kera Birkeland (R-Morgan)
Status: Assigned to House Rules Committee
Media quote:
"A good rule for lawmakers, as well as for doctors, is to 'first, do no harm,' especially after harm has already occurred. This bill takes the traumatic experience of sexual assault and burdens the victim with more hurdles and new trauma by restricting their personal liberty and privacy and forcing them to file a police report in order to receive essential heath care."
> Karrie Galloway, CEO and Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah
Overview: The final version of this bill (4th Sub.) does the following:
Position: We oppose this bill
Fact sheet: Forthcoming
Sponsor: Sen. Michael Kennedy (R-Alpine)
Status: Signed by Gov. Cox on Jan. 29, 2023. Bill is now law in Utah.
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