Committee adopts revised sentencing guidelines to raise low-end jail recommendations for serious felonies

Representative Lisonbee and Dan Strong, director of the Utah Sentencing Commission, presented revisions to adult sentencing‑supervision and juvenile‑disposition guidelines (HCR 2). The commission said it reviewed forms and ranges dating back to 2011 and found the practice of starting jail‑recommendation ranges at 0 had, over time, produced midpoints that did not reflect case gravity. For serious person felonies, the commission moved recommendations closer to pre‑JRI (Justice Reinvestment Initiative) levels, adding realistic low ranges (not zero) and preserving judicial discretion.

Dan Strong said the changes keep ranges for lower‑level offenses but remove the automatic 0‑day floor in many categories, and that courts still retain authority to impose 0 days where appropriate. Supporters including the sentencing commission’s prosecution representative and defense stakeholders said the commission moved quickly to respond to legislative concerns and that the changes reflect collaborative compromise.

The committee adopted the first substitute and favorably recommended HCR 2 to the floor by roll call; stakeholders committed to further work during the interim on any remaining concerns.