Votes at a glance: Utah House sends multiple bills to the Senate, including criminal‑code and housing measures

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House passed a batch of measures on Feb. 1 and transmitted them to the Senate, including major criminal‑code revisions and bills aimed at housing and employment practices.

Criminal-code recodification (HB 27) — Passed 69–1. Representative Matthew H. Gwynn said HB 27 is the substantive part of the recodification work and described changes that include repealing an outdated sabotage‑prevention Title 76 provision, criminalizing indecent exposure, clarifying interference with public servants, and raising the minimum sentence for attempted murder to align with first‑degree felonies.

Criminal-offenses amendments (HB 181) — Passed 74–0. Representative Gwynn explained the bill tightens sentencing parity so that attempted versions of particularly egregious offenses generally lead to prison sentences unless a judge conducts a factfinder inquiry and determines probation or parole is appropriate.

Residential construction amendments (HB 152) — Passed 74–0. Representative Abbott said the bill directs the Department of Professional Licensing to post a sample contract on its website for newly licensed contractors to reduce transactional costs; use of the sample contract is optional.

Employment training requirements (HB 111) — Passed 54–20. Representative Jimenez managed multiple floor amendments to limit the bill’s scope, arguing the measure protects employees from being compelled to profess particular beliefs as a condition of employment while preserving lawful workplace behavior standards.

Penalty for false statement during drug arrest (HB 211) — Passed 73–0. Representative Ivory said HB 211 creates a penalty for persons who falsely claim they ingested drugs during arrest, a practice that imposes costs on law enforcement and medical responders.

Other floor actions included circling (holding) HB 86 for further consideration and the successful uncircling of several bills earlier in the session. Following floor business and a brief series of announcements, the House adjourned until Friday, Feb. 2 at 11 a.m.