Committee backs HB103 to criminalize transporting Utah minors for unlawful out-of-state marriages

Representative Ballard presented HB103 to the committee, explaining three new offenses: unlawfully marrying a minor (actor 18+), transporting a Utah minor out of state to be married in violation of Utah law, and traveling out of state to marry a Utah minor. Ballard said the measures close a loophole used by predators who take minors to jurisdictions with more lenient laws.

Tanner Jensen, chief investigator at the Department of Public Safety, told the committee his office has investigated cases where Utah residents were taken out of state and married; he said the bill would help investigators identify patterns early and codify that such out-of-state marriages may be invalid in Utah unless they meet strict criteria. The bill also extends the statute of limitations so victims may report after turning 18; the sponsor said it would provide up to 15 years after majority for reporting.

The Attorney General's office and statewide prosecutors participated and supported the bill; committee members favorably recommended HB103 to the floor.