Panel unanimously backs bill to codify Loudermill due process for officers

Representative Gwen presented H.B.153, a bill that aims to codify the Loudermill due-process procedures for officer discipline across state and local agencies. Sponsor materials and witnesses said the bill formalizes procedures that local agencies are supposed to follow and addresses concerns that some agencies may not be consistently applying due process.

Supporters included Corey Holdaway of the Utah Public Employees Association, William (law enforcement representative), and Nate Mudder (Law Enforcement Legislative Committee), who said stakeholders had reached consensus in the interim. "We see this bill as a positive," Corey Holdaway said, urging the committee's support.

After public testimony and brief discussion, Senator Harper moved that the committee favorably recommend H.B.153 and the motion passed unanimously.