House shortens automatic eviction‑expungement window to 120 days in HB321

The Utah House passed House Bill 321 on Feb. 14, shortening the automatic expungement window for dismissed evictions from three years to 120 days.

Representative Sam Judkins, sponsor of the provision, framed HB321 as a follow‑up to Utah's original eviction‑expungement law, saying earlier results demonstrated benefits and that landlords and housing associations proposed the shorter timeframe. “Two years ago, this body passed the first‑ever in the nation eviction expungement bill,” Judkins said, and HB321 would accelerate relief for renters whose evictions were dismissed.

The sponsor said roughly half of eviction filings are dismissed and that the shorter period would help renters re‑obtain housing more quickly. Floor debate was limited and the bill passed by a recorded vote of 44 yes to 24 no. The bill will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.